Third Thursday Film Club Past Screenings

2012

Thursday, January 19, 2012 - repeat of November screening

Fambul Tok
Directed by: Sara Terry
Documentary | 2011 | 1hr 22m

2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Fambul Tok
Directed by: Sara Terry
Documentary | 2011 | 1hr 22m

About the Film: Victims and perpetrators of Sierra Leone's brutal civil war come together for the first time in an unprecedented program of tradition-based truth-telling and forgiveness ceremonies. Through reviving their ancient practice of fambul tok (family talk), Sierra Leoneans are building sustainalbe peace at the grass-roots level -- succeeding where the international community's post-conflict efforts failed. Filled with lessons for the West, this film explores the depths of a culture that believes that true justice lies in redemption and healing for individuals -- and that forgiveness is the surest path to restoring dignity and building strong communities.  www.fambultok.com/

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Cafeteria Man
Directed by: Richard Chisholm
Documentary | 2011

This feature documentary film chronicles an ambitious effort to ‘green’ the public school diet serving 83,000 students in Baltimore. Leading the charge to replace pre-plated, processed foods with locally-grown, freshly-prepared meals is Tony Geraci, food-service director for the city’s public schools. A charismatic chef from New Orleans, Geraci describes himself as a “little bit lunch lady, a lot P.T. Barnum.” His bold vision includes school vegetable gardens, student-designed meals, meatless Monday’s, and nutrition education in the classroom. His mission is as audacious as it is practical. [Co-sponsored with the Kellyn Foundation, South Side Initiatives, and Broughal Middle School]

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Der Sandman
Directed by:Peter Luisi
Comedy/Drama | 2011 |1hr 27m 30s
Switzerland [auf Deutsch aber mit English subtitles]

View Trailer (English); View Trailer (Original)
About the Film: One fine morning, Benno finds sand in his bed. While he tries to ignore this at first, he soon must realize that he himself is loosing the sand. Day after day the sand increases and soon his time literally starts running short. Finally he is left no choice but to ask Sandra for help, who runs a small coffee shop under his apartment. Although Benno hates her with a passion, he started having dreams of her every night. What could Sandra and the dreams have to do with the sand?

About the Director: Peter Luisi has attracted attention with his feature films “Verflixt Verliebt”, “Love Made Easy” and “The Sandman,” as well as being co-author of Fredi Murer’s “Vitus.” His films have received the Zurich Film Prize, 8 nominations for the Swiss Film Prize in different categories, the Grant Award and Audience Prize at the Max Ophül Film Festival as well as numerous other prizes.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone
Directed by: Christopher Metzler & Lev Anderson
Documentary | 2010 | 1h 47m
California

www.fishbonedocumentary.com
About the Film: From the shifting faultlines of Hollywood fantasies and the economic and racial tensions of Reagan's America, Fishbone rose to become one of the most original bands of the last 25 years. With a blistering combination of punk and funk they demolished the walls of genre and challenged the racial stereotypes and political order of the music industry and the nation. Telling it like it is, the iconic Laurence Fishburne narrates EVERYDAY SUNSHINE, a story about music, history, fear, courage and funking on the one.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

WHAT’S ORGANIC ABOUT “ORGANIC?”

Documentary | Shelley Rogers | Director
USA | 2009 | 60 minutes

WHAT’S ORGANIC ABOUT “ORGANIC?” rings the alarm for the need to develop an ecological consciousness. The film illustrates that the organic food debate extends well beyond personal choice and into the realm of social responsibility.

Each of the film’s characters is intimately connected to the organic world; they’re farmers, activists, and scientists. While many folks can easily endorse “organic,” the characters in the film take the discussion beyond just shopping for another eco-label. As we glimpse into each of their lives, we see how organic agriculture has the potential to solve many of our environmental and health problems. The film will explore how organic farming can be used as a soil and air protection system, a healthy solution to toxic pollution, and an innovative means to combat global warming.

WHAT’S ORGANIC ABOUT “ORGANIC?” delves into the debates that arise when a grassroots agricultural movement evolves into a booming international market. As the film moves from farm fields to government meetings to industry trade shows, we see the hidden costs of conventional agriculture. We also see how our health, the health of our planet, and the agricultural needs of our society are all intimately connected. The film compels us to look forward, towards a new vision for our culture and encourages us to ask, “How can we eat with an ecological consciousness?”

This film is brought to you by the SouthSide Film Institute and the Food and Water Watch. There will be a Q&A session, following the film, conducted by representatives of Food and Water Watch.

As a prelude to our feature presentation, we will screen one of the films that was part of the 2011 Lehigh University Documentary Workshop:

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY - a 5-minute documentary on community gardening in South Bethlehem by Dawn King, Connor Skutches and Bruce Whitehouse.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Filmmaker Nick Poppy first screened at our 2005 Second Annual SouthSide Film Festival. Given recent events in Japan, this is again a timely issue and one that suggests revisiting Nick's film, "Containment: Life After Three Mile Island". By contrast, his "Zombie-American", has always been a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a good, humorous Zombie film!

CONTAINMENT: LIFE AFTER THREE MILE ISLAND
by Nick Poppy & Chris Boebel
Documentary | 60 min | 2003 - SouthSide Film Festival 2005
www.containment.net
Examines the legacy of the 1979 accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant (TMI) from the perspective of the nearby community of Middletown, Pennsylvania. Containment explores the accident´s long-term effects on local residents, including the rise of anti-nuclear activism, psychological consequences and the debate over health effects.

and preceded by...

ZOMBIE-AMERICAN | director/producer/co-writer: Nick Poppy | writer: Ed Helms | New York
Comedy/Horror | 2006 - SouthSide Film Festival 2006

Meet Glen. Glen (Ed Helms of The Daily Show) likes to read, do crosswords, and play basketball. He's on the lookout for a girlfriend. Oh, and one other thing - Glen is a Zombie-American. This educational documentary will help audiences understand the challenges zombies face in our society. As a plea for tolerance, it aims to clear up many of the terrible stereotypes and misconceptions we have about zombies. It is the filmmakers hope that this film will help people understand that zombies are just like everybody else...if everybody else is a walking, talking, rotting corpse.
Website: www.zombie-american.com

Thursday, March 17, 2011

"SECRET OF KELLS"

We are bringing back the award winning 2010 Oscar nominated film “The Secret of Kells,” which was screened during the 2010 Celtic Fest in association with The Eastern PA Arts Alliance and the SouthSide Film Institute. This beautifully animated feature tells the story of Brendan who lives in a remote medieval outpost that is under siege by barbarians. Brendan is swept away on a journey to finish an ancient book that is brimming with secrets and powers. Can Brendan prove that enlightenment can overcome the darkness? Join us to see. This film is rated PG and recommended for children over 8.

Winner of the Dublin International Film Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

"MARDI GRAS: MADE IN CHINA"

Documentary | David Redmon | Director
USA | 2005 | 73 Min

This multiple-award-winning film introduces four teenaged girls who work in the largest bead factory in China. First-time director David Redmon (who went on to direct the documentaries Kamp Katrina and Intimidad) sensitively presents their family situations, living conditions, and work environment during his two-month stay in China. In addition to his goal of chronicling the workers' lives and showing how the beaded necklaces are actually made, he also explores whether or not the girls know anything about the end result of their product (i.e., the debauchery at Mardi Gras celebrations). He shows the workers pictures of drunken revelers to get their reactions.

"MATAMOROS"
Documentary | Steve Mills | 11 min.

Narrated by Edward James Olmos, this brief by revealing look at the small border town of Matamoros, Mexico exposes the environmental and human toll of NAFTA, the "free trade" agreement of the Americas.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

"VISIONEERS"

Comedy | BRANDON and JARED DRAKE | Writer/Director
USA | 2008 | 1HR 34 Min

First time feature filmmaker Jared Drake makes his directorial debut with this quirky black comedy set in the near future, and concerning a curious spike in cases of spontaneous human combustion. The Jeffers Corporation is the largest business in the history of mankind, and they got that way thanks to their strict philosophy of happiness through mindless productivity. But when people begin literally exploding due to unhappiness, Jeffers Corporation Level Three TUNT George Washington Winsterhammerman (Zach Galifianakis) begins to fear that his time will come sooner rather than later.

George lives a comfortable yet completely uneventful life, and when he starts having dreams in which he’s the first President of the United States, his doctor informs him that they could be signs of impending explosion. Later, as the dreams become more frequent and his co-workers continue to detonate, George is prompted to reevaluate his mundane existence. Judy Greer, Missi Pyle, and James LeGros co-star in an existential black comedy featuring music by Tim DeLaughter of the Polyphonic Spree.
~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

2010

November 18, 2010

"CHOPS"

Documentary | Directed by Bruce Broder
USA | 2007 |

CHOPS, directed by Bruce Broder, follows T.J., Owen and other high school jazz students from around the country as they prepare for and perform in Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. CHOPS made its debut at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival and garnered huge accolades for its entertaining storytelling and inspirational message. At film festivals around the country it won numerous awards, including the International Documentary Association's Alan Ett Music Documentary Award, several Audience Favorite Awards and two Grand Prizes.

Featuring the music of Duke Ellington , arguably America's greatest composer, the documentary profiles the relentless dedication and teamwork of young aspiring jazz musicians and their unwavering love of music. As they travel to New York City to compete in what has been called the “Superbowl of high school jazz band competitions," this group--made up of kids from all walks of life--makes the most of their differences and comes to embrace the commitment it takes to be the best. They work together, set goals together and push each other to realize a dream.

Wynton Marsalis , Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, said of CHOPS, “This film is so well made, a labor of love..." while Andre Cole of BET wrote, “I really think younger audiences need to see this movie to appreciate jazz." Andrea Mineo of CNN raved about the film, saying it “...made me laugh, made me tear up, made me feel great. It was fantastic."

September 16

"Red Light"

Documentary | Directed by Guy Jacobson and Adi Ezroni |
USA | 2009 | 72 minutes

Narrated by Lucy Liu, REDLIGHT is a powerful feature documentary about child sexploitation, an epidemic happening in every country around the world.

Filmed over a four year period, REDLIGHT focuses on the personal stories of young Cambodian victims and two remarkable advocates for change: grass-roots activist Somaly Mam and politician Mu Sochua. Both have since been nominated for the Noble Peace Prize. The filmmakers Guy Jacobson and Adi Ezroni won the prestigious Global Hero Award for their work in Cambodia.

Using footage smuggled out of brothels and harrowing testimonials, REDLIGHT follows the plight of several current and former child sex slaves. Some are trying to regain entry into Cambodian society to find some semblance of normality after their horrific experiences. Other stories highlight the plight of victims who are attempting to bring the perpetrators to justice. Their torturous yet ultimately heroic battles to find witnesses and take brothel owners to court are dramatically brought to life in this topical and moving feature documentary.

August 19 - an evening of films by local Filmmakers.

“too soon too late” - directed by Adrianne Finelli
Experimental documentary | 2009 | 12min
About the film:
too soon too late is an experimental documentary that explores the notion of family memory loss, the denial of our own dysfunction and hardship. Hushed stories, hidden letters and forgotten home movies interweave to reveal moments between the smiles. In this work I examine my own family through interviews with my father and his five siblings about the life and struggles of my grandmother. too soon too late reworks found footage from the 1950s-1960s to form a collective memory and poses questions about the causes of mood disorders in women of this era.

“Red Dress” - directed by Adam Romanchick
Experimental | 2009 | 4min 50sec
About the film:
A young girl rides on a train, and finds herself caught in a world where elements of her surroundings and subconscious combine to form a world beyond reality.

“Yo Teach! “
A Documentary, is the first video project by Liberty High School's Broadcast Journalism class. It features many of Liberty's teaching staff, and its wonderful students. This documentary focuses on educators and education. Rookie and veteran teachers share their insight on many subjects ranging from expectations in the classroom, to the sense of community within the school. YO TEACH! is a intimate discussion with Liberty High School's finest staff members.

“Building America in Bethlehem”- directed by Anisa George
Documentary | 2009 | 40 minutes
About the Film:
This short documentary follows the conversion of one of the largest steel factories in America into a casino-entertainment center. A poetic and dystopian exploration of the destruction of American industry and the remnants of the community which was built around it.

Location: Victory Firehouse, 205 Webster Street.

Time: Doors open at 6:45PM. Screening begins at 7:15PM.
Admission: Free

July 15, 2010

| Documentary | Directed by Josh Fox | Run time: 107 min. | U.S.A. | color

"The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a "Saudia Arabia of natural gas" just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. Part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown."

Venue Sponsor: Bethlehem Farmers Market/Lehigh University

May 20, 2010

An Everlasting Piece | Comedy | Rated R
Directed by: Barry Levinson
2000 | 103m | USA -Filming locations, Belfast County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

Colin is a Catholic and George is a poetry-loving Protestant. In Belfast in the 1980s, they could have been enemies, but instead they became business partners. After persuading a mad wig salesman, known as the Scalper, to sell them his leads, the two embark on a series of house calls--always in neighborhoods that are dangerous for one or the other partner. Then they find out they may lose their exclusive wig distributorship to competitors. Through a series of comic twists, the pair are given large orders for wigs by both sides of the Protestant/Catholic conflict. Should they compromise their principles in order to keep their business? Will it destroy their friendship? Could one of their wigs in the hands of the IRA actually put one or both of them in jail or even get them killed?

APRIL 15, 2010
The SouthSide Film Institute, in collaboration with the newly opened Allentown office of the ACLU, presents:

9500 LIBERTY | documentary
Directed by annabel park and eric byler
2007 | 80 min. | usa

Synopsis: "In July of 2007, Prince William County, Virginia became ground zero in America's explosive battle over immigration policy when elected officials adopted a law requiring police officers to question anyone they thought was "probably" undocumented. "9500 Liberty reveals the startling vulnerability of a local government targeted by national anti-immigration networks using the Internet to frighten and intimidate lawmakers and citizens. Alarmed by a climate of fear and racial division, residents form a resistance using YouTube videos and virtual town halls, setting up a real life showdown in the seat of county government. "The devastating social and economic impact of the "Immigration Resolution" is felt in the lives of real people in homes and in local businesses. But the ferocious fight to adopt and then reverse this policy unfolds inside government chambers, on the streets, and on the Internet. 9500 Liberty provides a front row seat to all three battlegrounds."

MARCH 18, 2010
The Wind that Shakes the Barley| Drama History War
Directed by: Ken Loach
2006 | 127m | Ireland

Synopsis:

Ireland, 1920. Damien and Teddy are brothers. But while the latter is already the leader of a guerrilla squad fighting for the independence of his motherland, Damien, a medical graduate of University College, would rather further his training at the London hospital where he has found a place. However, shortly before his departure, he happens to witness atrocities committed by the ferocious Black and Tans and finally decides to join the resistance group led by Teddy. The two brothers fight side by side until a truce is signed. But peace is short-lived and when one faction of the freedom-fighters accepts a treaty with the British that isregarded as unfair by the other faction, a civil war ensues, pitting Irishmen against Irishmen, brothers against brothers.

FEBRUARY 18, 2010

NERDCORE RISING | Documentary

Directed by Negin Farsad

NERDCORE RISING investigates the newest wave of hip-hop, nerdcore, as it follows the godfather of the genre, MC Frontalot, on his first national tour. Beginning in South Carolina and culminating in nerd mecca – the Penny Arcade Gaming Convention in Seattle – masses of fans across the country come out to bask in the Front’s geek glory as he strives to achieve mainstream success.

Throughout the film, music industry notables provide insight into nerdcore. Old school trailblazers like Prince Paul and contemporary hip hop aficionados like J-Live examine the legitimacy of nerdcore as a subgenre of hip hop. Music-nerd celebrities like Weird Al Yankovic and Jello Biafra discuss the origins of nerdcore while gaming-geek celebs Gabe and Tycho expound on the digital revolution that is enabling the nerdcore movement.

JANUARY 21, 2010

Before the Music Dies | Documentary
Directed by: Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen
2006 | 93m | USA

Narrated by Academy Award® Winner Forest Whitaker, BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES is an unsettling and inspiring look at today’s popular music industry featuring interviews and performances by Erykah Badu, Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, Branford Marsalis, Questlove and a wide variety of others. The documentary film has built a passionate following as “the most important film a music fan will ever see” (XM Radio) by providing “a balanced overview of the state of the rock scene of America” (The Wall Street Journal) and adding “passion to the eternal debate about the industry” (The New York Times).

2009

NOVEMBER 19, 2009

American Outrage | Documentary
Directed by: Beth Gage and George Gage
2007 | 56m | USA

Two grandmothers, Carrie Dann and Mary Dann, have been at the forefront of the Western Shoshone Nation's struggle for land rights and sovereignty for nearly forty years. American Outrage documents their fight against the U.S. government's unlawful attempts to take over traditional Shoshone land in Nevada, part of 60 millions acres guaranteed to them in the 1863 Treaty of Ruby Valley. Over the years the Dann sisters have endured steady harassment from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and they have squared off against international gold mining corporations and the nuclear industry. Their courage and perseverance in asserting the rights of indigenous peoples have brought them numerous awards, including the 1993 Alternative Nobel Prize and the International Right Livelihood Award

Devil's Tower | Documentary
Directed by: Christopher McLeod
2001 | 30m | USA

"Across the USA, Native Americans are struggling to protect their sacred places. Religious freedom, so valued in America, is not guaranteed to those who practice land-based religion. Every year, more sacred sites - the land-based equivalent of the world's great cathedrals - are being destroyed. Strip Mining and development cause much of the destruction. But rock climbers, tourists, and New Age religious practitioners are part of the problem, too. The biggest problem is ignorance.
"DEVILS TOWER, part of the IN THE LIGHT OF REVERENCE Classroom Series, tells the story of the Lakota, an indigenous community of the Great Plains, and the land they struggle to protect."

OCTOBER 15, 2009

NIGHTLIFE | Mockumentary
Directed by: Tim Sanderson
2007 | 1h 21m | USA

SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

SEARCHING FOR THE 4TH NAIL (2006)

Searching for the 4th Nail is based in a old legend. The legend of the 4th Nail refers to the one story known to all Gypsies across the world. A long time ago, a blacksmith traveled through a holy land. One night, a Roman soldier came to his door and demanded of him four long nails. The blacksmith agreed, and went to sleep. As he slept, he dreamt of an old man, who cautioned him: “Do not give the soldier four nails. Make four nails, but keep the fourth. Wrap them in cloth, and only give him three.” The next morning when the soldier arrived, the old blacksmith did as the man in his dream had asked, giving the soldier three nails for four, keeping the last nail in his pocket. And so it was, that the four nails were intended for the crucifixion of Christ. The old man in the blacksmith’s dream was God, and the fourth nail had been destined to pierce Christ’s heart. In exchange for sparing Jesus that pain, God granted the blacksmith and all his descendants the right to steal and roam the earth. The blacksmith was a Gypsy.

This legend gives the Gypsies an excuse to live by their own rules. Eli’s journey begins when his two sons ask 'what does it mean to be a Gypsy?' He has no clear answer beyond what he’s learned from movies and TV. Eli and his sons begin a quest for the truth. From the Holocaust Museum to Hollywood, from ancient India to Ellis Island. George and his sons are always fun on screen, although they confront negative stereotypes and uncover a terrible history of persecution, finally realizing that the only way out is the main thing that their Gypsy community avoids: conventional education. The film ends with Eli’s eldest son Alex graduating from elementary school—becoming the first in his community to do so.

Searching For The Fourth Nail is the story of one Romani (Gypsy) filmmaker trying to find the roots of his culture. Personal tales of discrimination, loss and discovery are set against the backdrop of the many major North American cities where I visit my people. “Searching For The Fourth Nail” is a commentary on the intense love and conflicted passions of Romani people today. (George Eli)

TRAIN OF FREEDOM (2008)

Train of Freedom is a documentary directed by Karina Correa and produced by Petrit Pula. It was shot entirely on the railway system of Kosova also known as Kosovo, and it presents voices of the various ethnic communities in the region. The film is seeking to explain the realities that deal with division and reconciliation after the war. Having obtained their independence on February 17th 2008, a strong topic of the negotiations was focused on the ways that the new government would be inclusive of the minority groups who live live in the region, especially the Serbs. The documentary explores the issue of "tolerance" by exposing a program first started by The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and then passed to the country railways. The aim of the program was to give transport a very reduced cost to villagers who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford transportation. The train also would bring the passengers together in a vessel showing in practice that integration and reconciliation is possible when everyone becomes involved.

AUGUST 20, 2009

GYPSY CARAVAN - This film is dedicated to Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005 – 2015 - An initiative of 8 governments, the UN, George Soros & the World Bank joining Roma communities to fight poverty and discrimination, prioritizing education, employment, health & housing. www.RomaDecade.org

Synopsis: Gypsy Caravan is a dazzling display of the musical world of the Roma, juxtaposed to the real world they live in. This rich feature documentary celebrates the luscious music of top international Gypsy performers, captured during the World Music Institute’s Gypsy Caravan tour, and interweaves stirring real life looks at their home life and personal stories. Shot by documentary icon Albert Maysles, the film takes place on tour in Europe and in the USA during the concert tour, and on location in Spain, Macedonia, Romania and India. Directed by Jasmine Dellal whose previous feature, AMERICAN GYPSY, won international acclaim for its portrait of an American Romani family battling a decade of drama.

JULY 16, 2009

RiP! A REMIX MANIFESTO - Filmmaker Brett Gaylor's documentary takes a look at intellectual property laws by profiling controversial musician Girl Talk, called "a lawsuit waiting to happen" by The New York Times Magazine because of his extensive use of mash-up remixes. With numerous voices on both sides of the issue, the dynamic film examines fair use for artists creating sample-based music and other works versus copyright laws protecting the original artists' creations. View Trailer: YouTube

APRIL 16, 2009

THE TOWN THAT WAS
Chris Perkel and Georgie Roland

In 1962, a trash fire ignited a seam of anthracite coal beneath Centralia, Pennsylvania, a once thriving mining town of over 1600 people. By the mid 1980’s, giant plumes of smoke and deadly carbon monoxide gases billowed from fissures in the ground, the local highway cracked and collapsed, trees were bleached white and petrified, as the fire continued to rage unchecked. It wasn’t until a young boy nearly died after falling into a smoldering mine subsidence that the government was pressed into action. After estimating the cost of extinguishing the fire at over a half a billion dollars, the government opted to raze the town and relocate its residents.
Today, 11 die-hards remain.

Filmed over a period of five years with interviews ranging from former residents to Congressmen, The Town That Was is an intimate portrait of John Lokitis, the youngest remaining Centralian, and his quixotic fight to keep alive a hometown that has literally disintegrated under his feet. His unbowed determination and steadfast refusal to acknowledge defeat reveal a man, a town, a region, and a way of life abandoned and for

MARCH 19, 2009

TROUBLE THE WATER
Directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
Documentary 2008; 96 minutes USA

Academy Award Nominee - Best Documentary Feature!

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, this astonishingly powerful documentary is at once horrifying and exhilarating. Directed and produced by Fahrenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine producers Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, Trouble the Water takes you inside Hurricane Katrina in a way never before seen on screen. The film opens the day before the storm makes landfall—just blocks away from the French Quarter but far from the New Orleans that most tourists knew. Kimberly Rivers Roberts, an aspiring rap artist, is turning her new video camera on herself and her 9th Ward neighbors trapped in the city. “It’s going to be a day to remember,” Kim declares. As the hurricane begins to rage and the floodwaters fill their world and the screen, Kim and her husband Scott continue to film their harrowing retreat to higher ground and the dramatic rescues of friends and neighbors. The filmmakers document the couple’s return to New Orleans, the devastation of their neighborhood and the appalling repeated failures of government. Weaving an insider’s view of Katrina with a mix of verité and in-your-face filmmaking, Trouble the Water is a redemptive tale of self-described street hustlers who become heroes—two unforgettable people who survive the storm and then seize a chance for a new beginning.

FEBRUARY 19, 2009

THE BETRAYAL (NERAKHOON)
Directed by Ellen Kuras Co-directed by Thavisouk Phrasavath
Documentary
2008 | 1h 35m | Laos, USA

Brief Synopsis:
Filmed over 23 years, The Betrayal is the directorial debut of renowned cinematographer Ellen Kuras in a remarkable collaboration with the film's subject and co-director Thavisouk Phrasavath. uring the Vietnam War, the United States government waged its own secret war in the neighboring country of Laos. When the U.S. withdrew, thousands of Laotians who fought alongside American forces were left behind to face imprisonment or execution. One family, the Phrasavaths, made the courageous decision to escape to America. Hoping to find safety, they discovered a different kind of war. Epic in scope yet devastatingly intimate, featuring an exquisite score by Academy Award winning composer Howard Shore, The Betrayal is a testament to the resilient bonds of family and an astonishing tale of survival.

JANUARY 15, 2009

2008

OCTOBER 16, 2008

Health, Money and Fear
Dr. Paul Hochfeld • • 47 minutesWatch as Dr. Paul Hochfeld, an experienced emergency room physician, and several other knowledgeable medical professionals diagnose the U.S. health care system as sick, broken and in dire need of repair. These experts reveal the complex contributing factors that have led to a costly system that cares more about profits than efficient, quality health care, and also recommend the prescription for a cure.

Collateral Damage: Bad Medicine in Tennessee
Julie Winokur • • 24 minutes
In an attempt to curb the high costs of healthcare, Governor Phil Bredesen of Tennessee carelessly “reformed” the state’s Medicaid program in 2005, swiftly terminating benefits for over 150,000 individuals. This chilling film reveals the immense suffering that took place as a result, along with the shocking disparities in wealth among the rich and the poor of the United States.

Chickens in the City
Christie Herring • • 2004, 7min 21sec
Somewhere beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, the cable cars and the coffee bars, San Francisco is teeming with chickens. But are they pets or are they food? CHICKENS IN THE CITY is a chicken-level view of two backyard coops in San Francisco. The film playfully explores the ways in which keeping chickens have helped shape the philosophies behind what and how urban chicken-owners eat. They are not vegetarians, but they have confronted the dark side of eating meat and made peace with their poultry. Their chickens have forced them to face the means of modern food production, and they don’t always like what they've found. It's not surprising. After all, when is the last time you looked YOUR dinner in the eye?

SEPTEMBER 18
Considering Democracy (*2006 SSFF Official Selection)
Keya Lea Horiuchi; Documentary, 58 min
What does the rest of the world think of U.S. domestic and foreign policy? While the U.S. is perceived as a beacon of democracy, how does it compare to other democratic nations? American are continually told through their media that freedom and democracy are supported abroad, but is it true?

Shot in ten countries, "Considering Democracy" weaves together seemingly different topics into an interconnected tapestry of information. People from around the world act as a mirror for Americans to see a reflection of political power in the United States.

Reclaiming Commerce (*2006 SSFF Documentary Workshop)
Produced by Elaine Dellande & Vern Walker 5 min
The story behind Home & Planet.

Touchstone - Acts of Love (*2006 SSFF Documentary Workshop)
Produced by Krista Steinke & Tom Nagy 5 min
The story behind Touchstone Theatre.

AUGUST 21
The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Faith Morgan, Documentary, 53 min
Shimmering with life like a cornucopia of colorful vegetables, this vibrant, hopeful film brings to light one of the most important stories of the last two decades – how a small island nation responded to a sudden and dangerous drop in oil supplies. When Cuba’s hefty subsidies of oil, food and other goods ceased after the Soviet Union collapsed and the U.S. tightened its embargo, Cubans suffered terrible hardships. In a ‘peak oil’ crisis similar to one the entire world will soon face, electric power became intermittent, transportation nearly stopped, parts were unavailable, and without fertilizers and tractors, food production declined to precarious levels. But Cuba bounced back. This inspiring film offers us a living model of sustainability, as Cubans tell the remarkable story of their nation’s recovery and its transition to organic agriculture, renewable energy, effective mass transit, lowered consumption, better health, and stronger communities.

Radically Simple
Jan Cannon, Documentary, 35 min
Author, teacher and engineer Jim Merkel is totally committed to reducing his impact on the earth. This delightful, tender film follows Merkel as he demonstrates his radically simple lifestyle, and without judgment, encourages us to take our own steps toward a satisfying and sustainable way of living. This is a film for the mind and heart.

JULY 17
The Parade (*2008 SSFF Official Selection)
Ted Wachtel, illustration & story by Si Lewen 2007, 8 min
Artist Si Lewen, now 89, fled Hitler's Germany for America, then fought the Nazis with the U.S. Army. "The Parade", based on his 1950 series of 55 drawings, tells the story of recurring war as Lewen saw it, watching the parades after World War I lead inexorably to the death marches of World War II. About the book, Albert Einstein wrote Lewen: "Our time needs you and your work." "The Parade" imbues Lewen's images with motion and a haunting soundtrack, expressing the futility and brutality of war.

Reserved to Fight (*2008 SSFF Official Selection)
Chantelle Squires 2007, 1 hr 17 min
"Reserved to Fight" follows four marines for four years after coming home from combat in Iraq as they struggle through social and psychological reintegration. Living amongst loved ones who don't yet understand them, and suffering from a psychological disorder that is difficult to acknowledge, these veterans grapple to find purpose and healing.

MAY 15
Tree in the Forest (*2007 SSFF Official Selection)
Steve Anthopoulos 2007 5 min 45 sec
If a tree falls in forest and no one's around...does it make a sound? A young deaf girl leads the audience through her life, talent and philosophy. Discovering a guitar, she learns to play, questioning the necessity of sound. However, it becomes evident to both herself and to the audience that she must accept her shortcomings to be truly happy.

Including Samuel
Dan Habib 2007 58 min
A documentary that examines the educational and social inclusion of youth with disabilities. The film is built on efforts of Habib and his family to include Samuel, 7, in all facets of school and community. Including Samuel also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with dozens of teachers, young people, parents and disability rights experts.

APRIL 17 - In honor of Earth Day, we will again screen films from our January Third Thursday: The Future of Food and Planting Seeds (see below) together with The Happy Box - Erica Filanc 2006 13 minutes - a brief and informative essay on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). We see farmers and consumers form a beneficial partnership, sharing both the costs and the harvest of a membership farm. [Please scroll down for program details under January 2008.]

MARCH 20 - GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY
Money controls the American political process, and it's not surprising that "we get what we pay for" with policies that serve wealthy corporate donors at the expense of the health, environment and economy of America and other nations. Campaign finance reform has become a pressing national issue and our three films this month tell the inspiring story of individuals and groups that are creating bold change, and rebuilding a true grassroots democracy.

Can Mr. Smith Get To Washington Anymore?
Frank Popper 2006 82 min
A classic political underdog story comes to life in this suspenseful, fast-paced, engrossing documentary. With an obvious nod to the famous 1939 Frank Capra movie, this film tells the deeply absorbing story of Jeff Smith, an unlikely and undaunted young candidate as he runs for the Congressional seat of retiring House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt in the 2004 Missouri Democratic primary.

Granny D Goes To Washington Alidra Solday 2007 27 min
Iron-willed and upbeat, 89 year-old Doris Haddock astonished the nation by walking across the entire continental United States to bring attention to the issue of campaign finance reform, and in her words "to defeat utterly those forces of greed and corruption that have come between us and our self-governance." This inspiring documentary short captures the spirit and impact of this remarkable woman in telling detail as it follows her strenuous journey all the way to the Capitol in Washington D.C. With little money to spend, she made friends along the way, accepted offers of food and shelter, and captured the attention of the nation and the lawmakers in Congress. Still a tireless advocate of clean elections, Granny D truly 'walks her talk' and proves that age is no barrier to acting with courage and vision.

FEBRUARY 21
The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED
Daphne Zuniga and Steven Latham 2007 74 minutes
Host Daphne Zuniga takes us behind the scenes at the legendary TED Conference (Technology, Entertainment, Design), where some of the world's most brilliant innovators share their plans for creating a better world.

Android 207
Paul Whittington 2006 10 minutes
An allegory, or a simple story? Humorous and surprisingly touching, this animated short film follows the struggles of a human-like robot creatively negotiating a threatening maze.

JANUARY 17 - Food, Fear and Fresh Hope - LIFE can now be patented. Without public debate or public vote, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) have been introduced into our food supply, our bodies and our environment. Is this brave new world of manipulated genes one we really want to live in? Do we have a choice?

The Future of Food Deborah Koons Garcia 2004 88 minutes
This eloquent and hard-hitting film investigates the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered crops that have slipped into our food supply and onto our family tables. Filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia (wife of the late Jerry Garcia) reveals the health implications and environmental risks of GM foods and examines the complex web of government policies, corporate power and market forces that are changing what we eat. She gives eloquent voice to farmers whose lives and livelihoods have been negatively impacted by this new technology and explores alternatives to large-scale industrial agriculture, proposing organic and sustainable agriculture as real solutions to the farm crisis both here and abroad.

Fridays at the Farm Richard Power Hoffman 2006 19 minutes
Feeling disconnected from their food, filmmaker Richard Power Hoffman and his family decide to join a community supported organic farm. As Hoffman photographs the growing process, he moves from passive observer to active participant in the planting and harvesting of vegetables. Featuring lush time-lapse and macro photography sequences compiled from nearly 20,000 still images, this personal essay is a filmmaker's meditation on his blossoming family and community, and an inspiring testament to the value of natural foods.

Planting Seeds Jeff Barrie and the City of Santa Monica 1999 8 minutes
An award-winning, innovative School Gardening Program placed an organic vegetable garden onto each campus of the Santa Monica-Malibu School District in California. This delightful short film follows young elementary students as they eagerly tell their garden stories, showing us how they plant, tend, harvest, and yes, even eat, their favorite fruits and veggies. Supported by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers, the students learn where their food really comes from, and in the process develop a deeper connection to the natural world

2007

NOVEMBER 15
Rabbit Hash: Center of the Universe Jude Gerard Prest Documentary 2004 81min (WORLD PREMIERE at the SouthSide Film Institute's first festival in 2004)
El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) James Keeshen Animation 2006 21min (Screened at SSFF 2006)
Family Business Johanna Brams / Sara Brams-Miller 2005 6 min.
(Note: '05 Documentary Filmmaking Workshop film)

OCTOBER 18
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH...
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Breast Cancer Diaries Linda Pattillo 2006 82 minutes
Women With Altitude: Mind Over Mountains Sarah Vaill 2006 18m Bolivia
(Note: "Women With Altitude" was a juried selection that screened at SSFF 2007.)

SEPTEMBER 20
FESTIVALS REVISITED...
Tonight we featured selections from 3 previous Festivals at Goosey Gander. It was fun to revisit seasons past and we were excited to welcome many new attendees to our monthly event.
Film Descriptions...
A Funny Thing Happened at the Quick Mart Dave Yarovesky 2003 10 min Heat Diane/Roger Peskin 2007 5 minutes
Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea Chris Metzler / Jeff Springer 2006 73 minutes (Note: "Plagues..." was a juried selection at SSFF 2006.)

AUGUST 16
SOUTHSIDE SAMPLER
This evening featured a "sampling" of all we offer at SouthSide. We're so proud of all our programming and decided to take a Third Thursday to celebrate. Another great night at "the Goose"...
Film Descriptions...
Love/Rewind Sven Vinge Madsen 2007 10 minutes
Father Jean Donnell & Rachel Sherk 2007 5 minutes
Beyond the Call Adrian Belic 2006 82 minutes

JULY 19
I'm not Mexican: An Exploration of Venezuelan Identity Ligia Carvallo 2005 5 minutes
Zombie Love Yfke van Berckelaer 2007 37 minutes
From Mambo to Hip Hop Henry Chalfant 2005 56 minutes

MAY 17
Blue Vinyl Judith Helfand and Daniel B. Gold 2002 98 minutes
Crude Impact James Jandak Wood 2006 30 minutes

APRIL 19 -
Rank John Hyams 2006 90 min
Deadly Passion: Tragedy in Katmai Stefan Quinth 2004 34 min
Interview w/ Wangari Matthai from "Nobelity" Turk Pipkin 2006 8 min

MARCH 15
This Film Is Not Yet Rated Kirby Dick 2006 98 min

FEBRUARY 15
Black Gold Mark Francis and Nick Francis 2006 78 min
Heroes from Working Man's Death Michael Glawogger 2006 30 min
Fair Trade: The Story Aaron Straight/ Ian Jay 2006 8 minutes

JANUARY 18th
Boys of Baraka Heidi Elwing/ Rachel Grady 2005 84 minutes
Ryan's Well Lalita Krishna 2001 25 minutes

2006

NOVEMBER 16th
Sir! No Sir! David Zeiger 2005 85 minutes
Preacher with an Unknown God Rob VanAlkemade 2005 17 minutes
Night Visions Kathy Huang 2006 7 minutes

OCTOBER - No Screenings due to our Celtic Film Series!

SEPTEMBER 21st - Explore creation and destruction with these eclectic selections
Genesis Documentary; 100 min.
Live from Shiva's Dance Floor 21 min. (directed by Richard Linklater)

AUGUST 17th - Films about crime and punishment:
Shakespeare Behind Bars Documentary; 93 min.
The Wildest Show in the South: The Angola Prison Rodeo Documentary; 30 min.
In the Box Animated short; 6 min.

JULY 20thIronweed & SSFI present films focused on the Israeli/Palestinian struggle:
West Bank Story (20 min)
Private (90 min)

JUNE 15th - SSFF 2007!

MAY 18 Ironweed Film Club Screenings
Street Fight; Battleground Minnesota; No Umbrella: Election Day in the City

APRIL 20 Ironweed Film Club Screenings
The Luckiest Nut in the World * Something Other Than Other *
and Salt of the Earth - the ONLY banned movie in American History!

MARCH 16 Ironweed Film Club Screenings
Seoul Train * North Korea: A Day in the Life * Birthday Boy

JAN. and FEB - End of Suburbia

2005

December - Pandemic: Facing AIDS
November - Walmart: the high cost of low prices