Tix are $9 or $7 with $100 or $75 passes available.
This festival by nature documents as much of the tragedy around us as it can; thanks to the profound insanity of our civilization, this means a 4 day festival of film will barely scratch the surface of our culture's death-wish and destructiveness.
The good news is that there are some giant gems to unearth. I've been lucky enough to find a couple already: Taking Root and The Yes Men. I hope the reviews of these and some of the other films to screen next weekend help you find your way to the pot at the end of this changing climate's rainbow. I simply don't believe it is enough to just throw info out at us anymore and many of these films go way beyond, using gorgeous cinematography and even humour to expose the worse and inspire us to get off our duffs and overcome our childhood training....
Wow, I have a new role model: Wangari Maathai. Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai (Friday@ 8:15pm) documents her life and work leading up to becoming the first African woman and first environmentalist to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
The film starts at the beginning, showing what life was like for this indigenous girl. It then allows us to see her grow, leave her people and culture, and then return with strategic skills gained elsewhere. It is so powerful to see an African woman stand true to her ancestors by wearing traditional dress and using her mother tongue in a world overwhelmed by civilization.
I truly see this film and her inspiration as a wake-up call for everyone here: environmentalist, social activist, common citizen. Wangari's brilliance connected the environmental destruction that was killing her people to their colonial past and then when the colonial present tried to stop their remediation work through the Green Belt Movement, she helped empower regular folks to think and stand up for themselves. Her work and commitment literally brought down the Moi dictatorship: who is going to help bring down ours?
Wangari also explains how important our childhoods are and how they make us who we are. If we are connected to the land in childhood, that connection will stay with us for our entire life.
Other women are also portrayed beautifully: one states, "the little, little grassroots people - they can change this world," while another exclaims, "now I have courage to say anything!"
If you only have time to see one film at this festival, see this one. Just be sure to make time to change your world afterwards....
The Yes Men Fix the World (Thursday Opening Gala: doors at 6pm: $45) made me scream out loud with laughter. Not only is it hilarious, it is real and really good. Two white guys try to fix the world by posing as the worst of the worst: corporate spokespeople and US government officials. They try to hoax their way through to the atrophied brains that allow the insanity around us to continue unchallenged: yours and mine. They're not the first to get major headlines with their scams (the Guerrilla Girls quickly come to mind), but they certainly show how it can be done and make big points along the way. Laughing never felt so good! Check out their website for more...
The Night Runners (Coureurs de nuit: plays with The Yes Men) is very short and sweet...unless you're a cop. The simplicity and beauty of the images may mesmerize you so here's the final message in case you miss it: "because running is good for your health!"
Jerusalem is Proud to Present (Sunday@ 1:30pm) could be a fun spy/espionage film if it weren't a documentary about real people's lives. Ironically, all the major religious leaders in Jerusalem come together to oppose the World Pride Celebration and March that was to occur in Jerusalem in 2006. In the lead up, religious fanatics issue death threats and spout intense hatred while organizers forge ahead. When yet another war is created by the Isreali government, it all changes - sort of. The subtitles are quick but the messages are strong: these people (the Pride organizers, not the lunatic religious right) are courageous, committed and truly inspiring.
Sing for Darfur (Saturday@ 8:30pm) takes a novel approach to highlighting a huge humanitarian issue in our world: it shows a few moments in the life of people living or visiting Barcelona that in some way are connected to a concert being held that day to raise awareness about Darfur. I really enjoyed the flow and especially enjoyed the irony of showing how insane our civilization is. But it ends well, coming full circle, so it is uplifting as well as honest about our world. Just don't expect to learn anything about Darfur or to see pop stars belting it out for a good cause...
The Stolen Child (Sunday@ 11am) will break your heart, especially if you are a parent. It's short, so it's bearable, but it documents the Israeli government arresting thousands of children and imprisoning them for years, despite Geneva Conventions that prohibit such barbaric behaviour. Again, the Israelis are unmasked as they use state violence on a scale that dwarfs anything that the Palestinians may have done, like throw stones at armoured tanks on Palestinian territory. The rap by Ramallah Underground ends the film with an uplifting spirit...
Stolen Childhoods (Thursday@ 3pm) is far from uplifting. It does well to document the hundreds of millions of children who are exploited in almost as many ways. This would have been a great film if the basic premise (that children should never be exploited) was applied to all life forms. Sorry, but I just can't buy into the statement that all humans have the right to go to school and get a job. That is what is fucking up the planet (our civilization went past the point of no return long ago), by learning obedience from our parents and teachers and then giving up our lives to make a few rich. No question the lives of so many children are horrendous and that must stop. But advocating a dead-end life within the system that creates this misery is a waste of time. If you don't believe that children are being exploited to make your cigarettes among many other things, see this film and start changing your life at long last....
Enjoy the AIFFest!
PPS. Right after the AIFF, Collapse starts its week-long run at the Vancity Theatre...another friend is trying to get the word out about it because it focuses on the social effects of oil depletion in a way that nothing else has come close to. Here's the film's website for more:
http://www.collapsemovie.com
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Radio 1812 - 2009
Listen to the programs!
VoicesAthens,6 November 2009
Dear friends,
This year, Radio1812 will not wait until International Migrants Day to get started. We have just launched our new site where you will find exciting content which you can use in your programming.The 2009 edition of Radio 1812 will include Voices from the 3rd Global Forum on Migration and Development in Athens in French, Spanish and English.
The GFMD is an “informal, non-binding, voluntary and government-led process that marks the culmination of more than a decade of international dialogue on the growing importance of the links between migration and development.” The Forum was founded following a proposal by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in 2006 and took place for the first time in Belgium in 2007 and in the Philippines last year.
Audio programmes reporting on what happened in Athens are available and can be downloaded and used for re-broadcasting here.
We would also like to inform you that we will release other audio reports in the lead up to International Migrants Day, including:
* “Cartaya: Moroccan women at the centre of a circular migration programme in the European Union”
* “Environmental disruption migration” and
* the coverage of the Forum: "Youth and Migrations: a Human Rights-Based Approach"
Circular Migration
http://www.radio1812.net/en/book/2009/10/circular_migration
http://www.gfmd2009.org/205/section.aspx/262
The young ones children and youth in migration:
http://www.radio1812.net/en/book/2009/10/young_ones_children_and_youth_migration
http://www.lasyouthforum.org/2009en/index.php
Climate change and migration
http://www.radio1812.net/en/book/2009/10/environmental_disruption_and_migration http://unfccc.int/2860.php/
http://www.coalitionclimat.be
Listen to our voices from the GFMD coverage, along with an array of other interesting interwiews recorded at this event.
For any further questions, please contact the Radio 1812 team at radio1812@december18.net
With very best wishes,
Radio 1812/2009 team for December 18
Rue du progrès 323
B-1030 Brussels
Tel: +32 (0)2 274 14 36
Fax: +32 (0)2 274 14 38
info@december18.net
www.december18.net
www.radio1812.net
========
Things to do this week:
November 10, 2009
From New York Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars. Norman Rothstein Theatre (950 W. 41st Ave). www.normanrothsteintheatre.com
November 10 - 13, 2009
The 3rd Annual Serbian Film Fest 2009. The Vancouver Serbian FilmFest is an annual celebration of the best in current film production of Serbia. Every year, a chosen selection of recently produced Serbian movies is shown over the course of four nights. With the attendance of guest actors and filmmakers who, after each movie, engage in Q&A session with the audience, this event has been growing steadily and attracting a loyal following. The festival has outgrown its original home – the Ridge Theatre and, this year, is moving to a new, larger venue - the Hollywood Theatre on West Broadway. www.vsfilmfest.com
November 11, 2009
Rememberance Day Fly at Garry Point Park; British Columbia Kitefliers Association, http://www.bcka.bc.ca/ info@bcka.bc.ca
November 11 - 15, 2009
36th Annual Circle Craft Christmas Market, Vancouver Convention Centre, 604.801-5220.
November 12 - 15, 2009
2009 Amnesty International Film Festival. The Amnesty International Film Festival believes in the power of film to tell important stories about one of the most pressing issues of our time - human rights. For that reason we present film events every year in more than 40 communities across Canada, from Victoria, BC, to St. John's, Newfoundland, and north to Whitehorse and Haines Junction, Yukon. ticketstonight.ticketforce.com
November 13, 2009
Anthony Pagden. Award-winning author Anthony Pagden reads from his mesmerizing new book, Worlds at War, which delves deep into the roots of the 'clash of civilizations' between East and West that has always been a battle over ideas. (Admission is free. Seating is limited). Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca
November 13 - 14, 2009
Kabalarian Craft Fair. A Christmas Craft Fair for men and women! Beautiful gift items, clothing, preserves, baking, entertainment. Come and stay for dinner on Friday. 5912 Oak Street, Vancouver; 604-263-9551.
November 13 -15, 2009
Freedom & Fear: What Buddhism brings to the crisis of cancer”. Dharma teaching by Mark Power, Seattle-based Nalandabodhi teacher & chaplain. Today, few people are untouched by cancer. Yet this distressing situation presents us with an opportunity to explore, moment-by-moment, the Buddhist teaching of “no hope / no fear.” In this weekend program, Mark Power will guide us in considering how the Four Immeasurables – compassion, love, kindness, and peace – can be catalysts for working with the disturbances of cancer. This program is for anyone who feels affected by cancer and connected to Dharma. Maitrivana, 4610 Earles Street, Vancouver; www.vancouver.nalandabodhi.ca
November 14, 2009
WARREN MILLER’S DYNASTY. The 60th annual ski and snowboard film from Warren Miller Entertainment, Warren Miller's Dynasty revels in the past, present, and future of winter sport. It is a film that gathers the generations under one filmic roof, from the Crist Family Patriarch to Glen Plake to Daron Rahlves, and the youth explosion of terrain park talent they've inspired. It's like a family reunion, held in neck deep powder, with mandatory air required for entry. Watch Chris Davenport bring his obsessive mountaineering to Norway's gnarliest peaks, of the Lyngen Alps. Try a young gun invasion of British Columbia's Monashee Mountains by Chris Benchetler and Cody Hawkins. Chris Anthony goes beyond deep into the mountains of central China in search of skiing's roots dating back to 2000 B.C. Meet the guides behind the guys at Cordova, Alaska's Points North Heli Adventures. Reunite with the pride of the midwestern ski community, Luke and Adam Schrab, as they turn Michigan's Timber Ridge into the X Games—with Packers jerseys. Once again hosted by Jonny Moseley, this year's film finds epic snowfall, insane big mountain lines, and huge air in places like Washington's Crystal Mountain, Lake Tahoe's Sierra Nevada mountains, and all across Colorado. It's a one-of-a-kind look at a world you know like your own family. And it leaves no snowball unturned in celebrating everyone who has, does, and will forever be a part of Warren Miller's Dynasty. QE Theatre; 604-280-3311.
November 14 - 15, 2009
THE COMMERCIAL WORKSHOP with Linda Darlow. Linda is one of Vancouver's best actors and in demand teachers. Some of the noted actors Linda has worked with: Toni Collette, James Woods, Drew Barrymore, Nicolette Sheridan and Bib Newhart. She has taught thousands of actors over the years and is a warm, caring instructor with great insight and strixt, high standards. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN? With Linda Darlow's technique you will crack the mysterious code of commercial auditions. Be whip-smart & specific in your choices! This two-day intensive will help you master: Slating, SOC, One-Liners, Spokesperson, Double Improv and Double Dialog techniques. To register call Kirsten @ 604.408.8550 or email info@schoolcreative.com
November 15, 2009
21st CENTURY FLEA MARKET. Boho chic to 50's kitsch, collectibles and memorabilia to vintage kitchenalia, 175 tables of bargains on deluxe 20th century junque! Retro furnishings, books, antiques, dolls & toys, jewelry, country stuff, china & glass, records, mid-century Modern, linens & lace, postcards, garden accessories, lamps & shades, sports items, silverware, paintings & prints, advertising, collectibles & much, much more...Plus Drop-In Appraisals All Day - Call or Visit www.21cpromotions.com for Full Details. Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive at 16th Avenue, Vancouver;
November 15, 2009
26th Annual Fall Classic Run. End your running season on a high note! The New Balance Fall Classic has a reputation for accurate and pretty routes with races that start on time where you get a great garment to remember your experience. Afterwards you can enjoy great food, entertainment and a nice warm dry place to relax with friends after the race. You can even shower while you wait for the awards to begin, which are usually on time too! To register, or for more information, visit the website at http://www.fallclassicrun.com
November 15, 2009
CREME DE LA CREME - The Most Elegant and Luxe Wedding Show of the Year. The fifth annual Creme de la Creme presents Vancouver's most intimate and luxurious wedding show with an unmatched Haute Couture fashion show, a taste of exquisite style and trendsetting designs and a showcase of products and services that are catered directly to the discerning bride. Tickets $35 and $45 (VIP) per person include the True Romance Fashion Show featuring dresses from the 2009 New York Fashion Week, a deluxe gift bag, luxury diamond draw and scrumptious tastings. Fashion Shows at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. www.cremedelacreme.ca
November 15, 2009
New Works presents local dance star Amber Funk Barton and her exciting, brand new contemporary dance company, the response! Designed for a new generation of dancers and audiences, this show will investigate the athleticism, dynamics and energy of urban dance and culture with the fresh, exhilarating and athletic choreography for which Barton is known. Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. www.newworks.ca
November 15, 2009
Christmas Craft Fair at the Newton Recreation Centre, 7120 136 B Street, Surrey; If you would like to have a table- Call 604-501-5045 or email mheinhuis@surrey.ca
November 15, 2009
Stanley Park Seawall Bird Blitz. Join Stanley Park Ecology staff & volunteers as they count every bird they can find along the Stanley Park Seawall. This will be a great experience for people learning to identify birds or people who want to gain practice at conducting birding surveys. All levels are encouraged to attend. Visit www.stanleyparkecology.ca
November 16, 2009
Celebrating the Books that Move You. Join us for an evening of adventure, art and wild beauty and celebrate Fall books that move you. The Heritage Group of Publishers welcomes you to enjoy presentations from travel writer John Lee (Walking Vancouver), adventurers Tori Holmes and Paul Gleeson (Crossing the Swell), art enthusiast Aileen Stalker (Public Art in Vancouver), photographer Al Harvey (Wild Beauty) and bestselling author Des Kennedy (Climbing Patrick's Mountain). (Admission is free. Seating is limited. Co-sponsored by Touchwood Editions). Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca
November 16, 2009
FREE NOON HOUR SERIES: The Joy of Trusting Yourself and Others. Join storyteller, educator and author Richard Van Camp for some creative commentary about the unexpected benefits of a trusting outlook to experience. Richard is a member of the Northwest Territories Dogrib (Tlicho) people who teaches Creative Writing with an Aboriginal Focus in the UBC Creative Writing Department. His published works include The Lesser Blessed, and What's the Most Beautiful Thing You Know About Horses? UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street; 604-822-8585, lifeandcareer@cstudies.ubc.ca
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