“What is one practical action you would want audience members to take after seeing your film?”

After a long work day and hearing my inner voice tell me I needed to step out of my way-too-comfortable comfort zone, instead of going to a comedy screening, I attended “Global Consciousness,” a series of six riveting films in 62 minutes. Kudos to the San Diego International Film Festival for a socially impactful, relevant and soul-searching evening.

At the Q&A with the filmmakers following the screening, when I asked that question about a practical step, here’s what they said:

“Awareness. Be aware of what’s going on around the world and share it.” said the writer of the film “Citizen,” about an American born Hispanic female border patrol agent whose pregnant Mexican born younger sister is deported and tries to cross the border so her child will be American. The agent has to decide between protecting her livelihood and young son’s safety and helping her sister who goes into labor as she is detained by another border agent at a desert crossing.

“Read and when you find injustice, speak your truth. Don’t turn away,” from the director of “Ravage,” about China’s illegal organ harvesting and torture of Falun Gong practitioners and political prisoners. Horrific and still going on.

“Compassion. Imagine yourself in the situation of others who are different from you. Look people in the eyes.” This from the director of “The Fare,” about a young Ecuadorian man who works in a sex-trafficking ring and has to decide between saving the life of a teen girl from his home city or saving face and ultimately his own life. Heart-wrenching.

“Love. It really is that simple. See the Oneness in humanity. Everyone goes through hard times. Don’t knock people down, lift people up.” Encouraging words from the directors of “Shine,” an animated film about helping to end homelessness.

Powerful films and powerful words to put into action. My first action post-film: share their words with you and live them best I can. Be aware, speak the truth, turn toward rather than away, look people in the eyes, love on others and lift them up.

Two more days of incredible films and live interviews. You can check out the films and events at http://sdiff.org/ #sdiff