It seems that everyone claims to be a storyteller these days, but perhaps we should be mindful of the stories we tell – after all…the planet is listening. The Ray of Light Awards (ROLA) Film Festival has landed in Ibiza, illuminating the path with tales of purpose, integrity and wisdom.
It was a sunny May morning at Salinas. The Earth and the sea on “Gaia Day” were the guiding force and theme at the first edition of the much anticipated Ray of Light Awards, held at its birthplace, the legendary Hostal La Curandera de Salinas. Even at 11.30 am, the heat was intense, with Mother Nature shining her rays of sun, blessing the spirit of Hollywood actor Ray Stevenson (who died in 2023), who was proudly shining his ray of light.
Love, anticipation and excitement tinged with a hint of backstage nerves filled the air – an unmatched frequency that could only be felt at that moment in time. The screening room sign stood boldly in front of us, positioned outside the yurt where Elisabetta Caraccia (Betta), wife to Ray and co-founder of Hostal Salinas usually hosts her women’s weekly meditation circles. Just gazing at the chalk written words was inviting and intriguing – what would unfold next?
After sampling the freshly made watermelon juice, I crept into the back of the yurt to start viewing the exhibition. Before entering, I paused to admire a striking photo gallery “Hollywood Meets Ibiza” a project by photographer Annalisa Flori, portraying artists such as Angelina Jolie and Penelope Cruz, who through their work and fame have decided to take actions for the well-being and growth of humanity. Akin to Betta – Anthropologist, Environmental Activist, member of Ibiza Preservation Fund (and a bit like a walking angel).
ROLA was founded by Betta and Ray Stevenson, who was known for his acting roles in the acclaimed TV series Rome, Ahsoka: Star Wars, the Thor Saga, and drama 1242: Gateway to the West. The couple envisioned bringing a Hollywood film festival to Ibiza, but, it was never about show business, glamour, nor fame and fortune – instead, quite the opposite. The first film was about Afghan refugees and what followed was a poignant narrative of courageous women forced to leave their families due to political destruction and violence. The audience were seated on bundles of hay – far from plastic chairs; Hostal Salinas is super-conscious about sustainability practices and it’s not just marketing – it lives and breathes by it.
Next up was a documentary about a region in India with a crisis that needed attention. Children as young as thirteen were being illegally forced into marriage by their own father. The message was conveyed with such an impact by producers Dena Hysell-Cornejo and Gil Marsden, that they were later revealed as the winners of the “Gaia Award”. Tiptoeing slowly out of the emotion-filled screening room, I felt as though I’d been on a journey to broaden my perspective on life. I was distanced from my own trivial thoughts; saddened by the stories shared, felt gratitude for the peace, love and sense of freedom we have on Ibiza, and a bit in awe of the fearless producers. The power of film is indeed, the most effective medium for teaching and conveying significant messages – just as Ray Stevenson needed to tell us.
With beautiful storytelling, soulful live performances and tribal ceremonies – it was the exclusive inner circle where anyone was welcome. Ray and Betta dreamed of creating not just another general film festival, but one for creators with a positive message for humanity. The winner of the “Ray Of Light Award” would be announced on Saturday 31st May by actor Luke Evans, in tribute to Ray.
We listened and learned from a powerful panel of speakers led by master of ceremonies Jurgis Didziulis, with his chanting and poetic pieces that always resonate a strong emotional response. The talk ranged from the power of femininity, to the challenges faced by artists in the music industry, highlighting how they receive little compensation for even a whopping one million streams on platforms like Spotify.
Catering was provided by “The Foreign Embassy” a firm founded by Lorenzo a good friend of Betta’s from Italy and his English business partner. Amidst the exotic guests from the Amazon Rainforest, they had travelled from Kent, England the quaint region where I grew up before moving to Ibiza, seven years ago. Bringing a smile to my face and a warm feeling of nostalgia, I tasted the delicious buffet accenting ingredients from Ibiza’s Juntos Farm. The amazing regenerative farm won the “Ibiza Award” for initiatives that enhance community life and environmental protection. The food blessing was a heartfelt prayer made by a member of the “Huni Kuin” indigenous tribe who shelter and heal deep inside the Amazon Rainforest.
Later on, guests wandered about admiring the stalls dotted around the garden, with an array of vendors introducing their inspiring offerings. Not just dreamers or talkers they are the local artisans and creators who actively bring their ideas to life. One common thread among them? A genuine care for both people and the planet – they truly illuminate our future. The Safragell Hotel & Spa in San Lorenzo was the perfect location and beautiful grounds for lunch and the final day of the most meaningful 3-day trilogy festival you could ever attend. Award categories were for adults as well as under 25’s for the “Youth & Next Generation Award”.
The concluding “Grand Finale” was staged on Saturday evening at the historic Teatro Pereyra in Ibiza hosted by Nicole Jones, Zahra Harkat and special guest Samantha Vallejo-Nagera, best known for being a judge on Spanish MasterChef. We received a loud and lively welcome from local Chilean band, Beset Collective who got the crowds wildly shaking their hips in the theatre lobby! A vibration that certainly set the tone for a night of celebration.
When actor Luke Evans graced the stage, his presence was memorable, his words about his dear friend and “big brother” were so moving – I doubt I was the only one to shed a few tears.
Everybody felt immense joy for Betta and her sons, the candidates and the entire production team. In memory of Ray Stevenson’s legacy and his unwavering belief in the powerful mediums of art, film and music to inspire and provoke change, it was a night to cherish. The gathering coincided with the 2nd anniversary of Ray’s farewell ceremony on 21st May 2023. All the people involved eagerly await growing this community of kindness for humanity year after year, bringing together essential messages through Ray’s shining light, to raise and shape a better future.
The Ray of Light Award (ROLA) 2025 Award Winners are:
Ray of Light Award (2 winners):
“The Heart Revolution” (Benedikt SP Just) and The Twelve (La Ciel Foundation)
Gaia Award:
“Unmuted: Child Brides” (Dena Hysell-Cornejo, Gil Marsden)
Youth Award:
“Entropy” (Bamdad Aghajani, Arian Navabi)
New Generation Award:
“Parallel” (Majid Farzolahi)
Legacy Award:
“Kogi Tribe” (Sierra Nevada, Colombia) and “Huni Kuin Tribe” (Amazon, Brazil) in the name of all native nations of the world for their ancestral wisdom and harmonising with the planets ecosystem.
Ibiza Award (2 winners):
Christian Jochnick CEO of Ibiza’s Juntos Farm (for his commitment to accelerating the transition to local, regenerative agriculture) and Silverio Marín Guisante from Xerinola Youth Centre of San Josep (for his decades of contribution to the arts, environment, zero waste and up-cycling).
