Sept 1
LIFE + DEBT (2002)
“If you come to Jamaica as a tourist, this is what you
will see …” These words are the jumping off point for a film that New York
Times critic, Stephen Holden, says, “ … offers the clearest analysis
of globalization and its negative effect that I’ve ever seen.” This scathing
film is an unapologetic look at the “new world order” from the point of
view of Jamaican workers and farmers, as well as government and policy
officials. Features a dynamic soundtrack and a voice over based on text
by Jamaica Kincaid.
Director: Stephanie Black Running
Time: 86 min.
Sept 8
CONTROL ROOM (2002)
A rare film that is both timely and timeless: timeless
because it explores the ancient and complex relationship between the Western
and Arab worlds, timely because it reveals how satellite television has
changed the way wars are reported – from news providers, driven by the
patriotism of their audiences, to Army information officers, driven by
military objectives. Control Room explores how Truth is gathered, presented,
and ultimately created by those who deliver it. Official Selection
- Sundance
Director: Jehane Noujaim Running
time: 86 min.
Sept 15
GAZA STRIP (2004)
In January of 2001, American director, James Longley traveled
to the Gaza strip, planning to stay for two weeks and film preliminary
material for a documentary on the Palestinian Intifada. As the situation
on the ground rapidly worsened, he threw away his return ticket and filmed
for the next three months, acquiring 75 hours of footage. Gaza Strip is
an extraordinary and painful journey into the lives of ordinary Palestinians
struggling with the day-to-day trials of the Israeli occupation and giving
voice to a population largely ignored by mainstream media.
Director: James Longley Running
time: 74 min.
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*** OUT OF INDIA:
THREE PART FILM SERIES ***
Dr. Said A. Shah will introduce each
of these independent Indian films during this "mini-series". There will
also be a Question and Answer period after each film for thiose who wish
to stay and participate. Dr. Shah is a political economist with a working
experience of over 45 years. He has worked for the United Nations and the
governments of both India and Canada. He has taught and lectured in the
U.S.A., Canada, the U.K., Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Sri lanka, Bangladesh,
India, Thailand and Japan. He currently works as a macro economic strategy
analyst through his company "Society, Science & Technology Group". |
Sept 22 Double Feature:
CHORDS ON THE RICHTER SCALE (2004)
Documentary, Gujrati-Hindi
(English subtitles)
Imagine India at the beginning of the 21st century. The
ruling government is a coalition led by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party),
which is a right-wing political alliance reviving/exacerbating communal
(inter-religious/inter-ethnic) conflict. The Western state of Gujrat is
hit by a massive earthquake (9.7 on the Richter scale), centered in the
Kutch region. The film documents the manner by which discrimination, oppression
and disparity operate in the provision of relief and rehabilitation through
the work of the BJP government and the organizations of the higher caste
Hindus. Specifically the focus is on housing, food, clothing plus other
daily necessities denied to the lower castes, dalits and minorities (read
Muslim). Often humanitarian aid is turned around to become a means of oppression
of the disadvantaged. More recently such oppression is illustrated in the
case of the victims of the Tsunami and the earthquake in Kashmir.
Director: Shyam Rajankar
Running
time: 47 min.
RADIATING LIES (2005)
Documentary, Hindi
(English subtitles & English Commentary)
Energy crisis is a prominent media item – gasoline prices
hovering around $3.00/gallon, so-called shortages of supply, global instability
(especially in major crude oil producing areas), rising energy demand and
continuing wars in several regions of the globe. These conditions have
revived an interest in nuclear energy – military and peaceful. India, since
the 1970’s, has been a nuclear power. In the past decade the government
of India has increased its activity to develop nuclear resources. An important
component of the nuclear revival is mining operations to access/recover
uranium. The media only marginally covers human consequences of the nuclear
industry. ‘Radiating Lies’ is an important contribution covering the consequences
in one region
of East Central India – Jharkand, Orissa and West Bengal.
The consequences being environmental pollution, deadly exposure to radiation
and displacement of the rural population. Through candid interviews, hard-hitting
commentary expert witness depositions the film shows the devastation wrought
among the people of this region of India.
Director: Jujhar Singh Running
time: 45 min. |
Sept 29 THE
TERRORIST (2000)
Docudrama, Tamil
(English subtitles)
Over the past decade, and particularly since 9/11 in the
USA, the politics of terror & terrorism has replaced the Cold War.
Challenges to the NEW Cold War by the disadvantaged and oppressed segments
of the population have developed in several parts of the world.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and the greater Tamil diaspora stretching into India
is one area where insurgent opposition to the State has raged for almost
25 years. Current mainstream newspaper reports note the possibility
of the intensification of the war. Sivan’s film has its focus
on a young, striking looking girl, Malli. Her brother’s death
in combat propels her to join the insurgents. In a sensitive
portrayal of the character of Malli the film shows the complexity of factors
in the making of a terrorist as well as her eventual self-destruction.
Director: Sivanti Ninan
Running
time: 90 min.
Oct 6 LAAL SALAAM (Red Salute)
(2001)
Docudrama (based on true
incidents), Hindi (English subtitles)
Peasant and indigenous peoples’ rebellion have a history
of several centuries in South Asia. The 20th and 21st centuries
are also witness to insurgencies challenging the rule of landlords as well
as the State. Across the central part of India from Maharashtra
in the West to Bengal/Orissa in the East a significant struggle, little
reported outside India in the mainstream media has been evolving over the
past 3 decades. This docudrama, based on actual events, is
a theatrical account of the lives of 6 characters that are engaged in an
effort to mobilize the population
towards an alternative just society. The
film sensitively portrays the hopes, contradictions, betrayals and emotional
attachments of the people.
Director: Gaganvihari Borate
Running
time: 130 min. |
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*** Adirondack Progressive Film
Forum ***
It was certainly rare for a small town's coffehouse
to be able to offer new or newer films but as technology changes so does
the distribution of independent film. These next 5 films are
all premieres in our area of films that are being released at about the
same time as we will be showing them. Be sure to arrive early
as seating is extremely limitted. |
Oct 13 IRAQ FOR SALE
(2006)
Acclaimed director Robert Greenwald (Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low
Price, Outfoxed, and Uncovered) takes you inside the lives of soldiers,
truck drivers, widows and children who have been changed forever as a result
of profiteering in the reconstruction of Iraq. Iraq for Sale
uncovers the connections between private corporations making a killing
in Iraq and the decision makers who allow them to do so.
Director: Robert Greenwald
Running time: 75 min.
Oct 20 IRAQ FOR SALE
(2006) - Repeat
Greenwald being a very popular independent filmmaker and this, a true
premiere, it was decided to show this film twice to allow everyone a chance
to see it.
Director: Robert Greenwald
Running time: 75 min.
Oct 27 SCARED SACRED (2006)
In a world teetering on the edge of self-destruction, award-winning
filmmaker Velcrow Ripper sets out on a unique pilgrimage. Visiting
the 'Ground Zeros' of the planet, he asks if it's possible to find hope
in the darkest moments of human history. ScaredSacred deftly
weaves together stunning footage with haunting memories, inspirational
stories, and an evocative soundscape. An exquisite portrait
of a search for meaning in times of turmoil.
Director: Velcrow Ripper
Running time: 90 min.
Nov 3 WINTER SOLDIER
(1978 newly released on DVD Aug 2006)
In February 1971, one month after the revelations of the My Lai massacre,
an astonishing public inquiry into war crimes committed by American forces
in Vietnam was held at a Howard Johnson motel in Detroit. The
Vietnam Veterans Against the War organized this event called the Winter
Soldier Investigation. More than 125 veterans spoke of atrocities
they had witnessed and committed. Though the event was attended
by press and television news crews, almost nothing was reported to the
American public. Yet, this unprecedented forum marked a turning
point in the anti-war movement. It was a pivotal moment in
the lives of young vets from around the country who participated, including
the young John Kerry. The Winter Soldier Investigation changed
him and his comrades forever. Their courage in testifying,
their desire to prevent further atrocities and to regain their own humanity,
provide a dramatic intensity that makes seeing Winter Soldier an unforgettable
experience.
Director: .
Running time:
approx. 90 min.
Nov 10 SHADOW COMPANY
(2006)
86 min.
This year thousands of private soldiers will be deployed in conflicts
worldwide. These individuals, known as private security contractors,
are changing the face of modern warfare.
But to those at home, their world and influence remains a mystery.
Who are these security contractors? What do they do?
Why do they do it? Shadow Company, by Nick Bicanic and Jason
Bourque, is the groundbreaking feature-length documentary that reveals
the origins and destinations of these modern-day mercenaries.
Directors: Nick Bicanic & Jason Bourque
Running time:
Nov 17 SIR! NO SIR! (2006)
In the 1960’s an anti-war movement emerged that altered the course of
history. This movement didn’t take place on college campuses,
but in barracks and on aircraft carriers. It flourished in
army stockades, navy brigs and in the dingy towns that surround military
bases. It penetrated elite military colleges like West Point.
And it spread throughout the battlefields of Vietnam. It was
a movement no one expected, least of all those in it. Hundreds
went to prison and thousands into exile. And by 1971 it had,
in the words of one colonel, infested the entire armed services.
Yet today few people know about the GI movement against the war in Vietnam.
The Vietnam War has been the subject of hundreds of films, both fiction
and non-fiction, but this story–the story of the rebellion of thousands
of American soldiers against the war–has never been told in film.
Director: David Zeiger
Running time: ?? min
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