Democracy for New Mexico

Upcoming Films at Guild

This Week at The Guild Cinema in Albuquerque:

March 24 & 25 (Saturday & Sunday)
2007 Israeli Film Festival
Saturday: 8:30 PM* / Sunday: Starting at 11:00 AM
Free admission *Please note new start time for Saturday

March 24 (Saturday)
American Blackout (3:00, 5:00)
A Benefit Screening for SAVE DARFUR

March 26-29 (Monday-Thursday)
An Unreasonable Man - A Documentary About Ralph Nader
(3:30, 6:00, 8:30)

See below for more information on the films.

2007 Israeli Film Festival
Second annual "four-walled" event, sponsored by Hillel at the University of New Mexico. Films provided courtesy of the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest, with a generous grant from Drs. Yehuda and Nurit Patt and support from the Jewish Federation of New Mexico. The screenings are free to the public. Films have English subtitles and are for mature audiences (unless otherwise noted). Films are as follows:

• Saturday, March 24:
  8:30 PM: Turn Left at the End of the World (108m)
• Sunday, March 25:
  11:00 AM: Superboy (95m)
  1:00 PM: Walk on Water (103m)
  3:15 PM: House on Shalosh Street (110m)
  5:15 PM:Yellow Asphalt (87m)
  7:00 PM: Kadosh (110m)

American Blackout: Dir. Ian Inaba - 2006 - 92m
Chronicles the recurring patterns of disenfranchisement witnessed from 2000 to 2004 while following the story of Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, who not only took an active role in investigating these election debacles but also found herself in the middle of one after publicly questioning the Bush Administration about the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Some call Cynthia McKinney a civil rights leader among the ranks of Shirley Chisholm and Malcolm X. Others call her a conspiracy theorist and a 'looney.' American Blackout gains unprecedented access to one of the most controversial and dangerous politicians in America and examines the contemporary tactics used to control our democratic process and silence political dissent. The film features interviews with: US Congressional Representatives, John Lewis, Cynthia McKinney, John Conyers, Bernie Sanders, and Stephanie Tubbs-Jones; former US Civil Rights Commissioner & Dean of UC Berkeley's School of Law, Christopher Edley; BBC journalist Greg Palast; and, Van Jones, Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center.

An Unreasonable Man - A Documentary About Ralph Nader
Dirs. Henriette Mantel, Steve Skrovan - 2006 - 122m
Many things we take for granted including seat belts, airbags, product labeling, no nukes, even the free ticket you get after being bumped from an overbooked flight are largely due to the efforts of Ralph Nader and his citizen groups. Yet today, when most people hear the name “Ralph Nader,” they think of the man who gave the country George W. Bush. As a result, after sustaining his popularity and effectiveness over an unprecedented amount of time, he has become a pariah even among former friends and allies. How did this happen? Is he really to blame for George W. Bush? Who has stuck by him and who has abandoned him? Has our democracy become a consumer fraud? After being so right for so many years, how did he seem to go so wrong? With the help of exciting graphics, rare archival footage and over forty on-camera interviews conducted over the past two years, AN UNREASONABLE MAN traces the life and career of Ralph Nader, one of the most unique, important, and controversial political figures of the past half century.

THE GUILD CINEMA
3405 Central Ave. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
tel. (505)255-1848
fax. (505)232-9385
www.guildcinema.com

Free Screening of An Inconvenient Truth in Tijeras

An Inconvenient Truth: Free Showing
Friday, March 30 at 6:30 PM
Los Vecinos Community Center
478 1/2 Route 66, Tijeras, NM
Everyone welcome. Hosted by the East Mountain Spiritual Progressives. For further info call 286-1228.

First-Ever Online Living Memorial to Iraq Veterans Unveiled Today

(Cick on image on right to select another memorial.)

Brave New Foundation Opens Iraq Veterans Memorial on Fourth Anniversary of Iraq War at https://iraqmemorial.org

LOS ANGELES—On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Iraq War, the Brave New Foundation today unveiled the first-ever online living memorial to fallen servicemen and women. The Iraq Veterans Memorial can be seen online at https://iraqmemorial.org/ and at any one of the hundreds of websites hosting the video memorial via YouTube. (We feature the Memorial above.) The memorial bears witness to our heroes with 60-second video testimonies sent in from around the country by family, friends, co-workers, and the military colleagues of those killed.

Events around the nation will showcase the Memorial, some are listed below. There are also select quotes from the memorial printed below.

"Inspired by the AIDS Quilt, the Vietnam memorial, and The New York Times biographies of the 9/11 victims, we decided to create a living online memorial to U.S. soldiers killed during the Iraq War," said filmmaker Robert Greenwald, who conceived the project, "No matter what you think about the war, the memorial is a place to honor the brave men and women who have been killed in Iraq serving our nation."

Unlike traditional memorials, the Iraq Veterans Memorial will be shared across the world via the internet and added to over time, with those wanting to contribute having the ability to upload testimonials to YouTube. For the past two months, Brave New Foundation has been working with numerous Iraq veterans groups to create the memorial.

Those who participated in the memorial did so to celebrate the lives of those who have been killed.

"I got involved in the Iraq Veterans Memorial because of the community that will build from it and the access people will have to see the humanity behind the numbers of those who were killed in Iraq," said Marc Porterfield, a West Point graduate who participated in the memorial. "My father was killed in Vietnam. His name is on the Wall in DC. With this type of memorial I can access it from anywhere in the world."

Over 500 websites and blogs have signed up to host the Iraq Veterans Memorial, cable stations and community groups will also screen the memorial to mark the fourth anniversary of the war.

Quotes from the Iraq Veterans Memorial:

"My angel was given to me on October 7th, 1980 and he remains my angel to this day. Jamaal was killed March 23rd, 2003 in the Iraq War. He was with the 7th Maintenance Company. He was with Jessica Lynch and the POW's, that was his convoy. He died the fourth day of the war. I just want to tell those that never got the opportunity to know him and know what kind of person that he was, he was definitely an angel and he was a hero. But he was a hero long before he ever got killed in this war."
--Patricia M. Roberts in a testimonial her son, Army Spc. Jamaal Addison, age 22, who was killed in ambush near Nasiriyah, Iraq.

"He was a guy who loved what he did, loved serving our country. It's what he always wanted to do. His goal was to come home and be a Border Patrol Agent."
--Frances Renee Mercado talking about her brother Army Spc. Genaro Acosta of Fair Oaks, CA, who died November 11, 2003 in Taji, Iraq at age 26.

"My son is Sergeant Alex Carbonaro. He is a reconnaissance Marine. He was killed in his second deployment to Iraq in Al-Anbar province. My son, he was my only child. He was very special to us. He was loved by so many … he was an ambassador. He was able to make people get along. He could be the prefect diplomat. He brought a whole variety of friends together. He was the glue that held them all together."
--Gilda Carbonaro in her memorial to her son, Marine Sgt. Alessandro Carbonaro of Bethesda, MD, who died at age 28.

"When he came to me, he said I'm gonna miss you most of all, Scarecrow. Because both of us love the Wizard of Oz. And I didn't really understand that it was the last time I would ever see him or hold him. And finally, he gave me a hug and I turned away and I started to cry. And he spoke to the rest of the family and then he walked back into his barracks and raised his hand as if in a salute to us.

And that night an incredible full moon rose in the sky, the biggest full moon I've ever seen. And I thought it was a sign but I didn't know what kind of sign it was, now whenever I see full moons I always think of Sherwood."
--Celeste Zappala in her video memorial for her son Army Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker of Plymouth, PA, killed in Baghdad, Iraq at age 30.

"This was a child that every parent would be very, very proud of. Every parent should have the relationship that I have with my son. He was my right hand. He was my friend, my son, my confidant. And to lose somebody such as Seth is a tremendous lost to me as a mother. I've lost what I felt was going to be a young man with a phenomenal future that would have everything that he needed or wanted …"
--Sue Niederer talking about her son Army 2nd Lt. Seth J. Dvorin of East Brunswick, NJ, killed in Iskandariyah, Iraq at age 24.

"I'm amazed constantly that he was my child. I thought he was such a gift. And I believe that what most of the people that he served with will always remember about him is his cheerful attitude; his willingness to always jump in and help; and his sense of humor; his love for music and all the arts; and just the way he loved his fellow man."
--Alfred Zappala speaking about his son Army Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker, killed in Baghdad, Iraq at age 30.

"When Paul died I was given his laptop computer. It was a bitter sweet gift. On it was hundreds of photos documenting his time in Iraq. He had documented how him and his buddies, making the best of a difficult situation. I could see his life loving nature come through those pictures. The day I heard the news, his helicopter was shot down, I knew he was on it before the call came. There was an instant void. He died doing what he loved. There is some comfort knowing that. The thing that most people remember about Paul is how much he loved life and his infectious smile. Without Paul in this world, the sun just doesn't shine as bright. He is desperately missed by his family, his friends and most of all his son."
--Dawn Brastad in her video memorial to her brother Army Staff Sgt. Paul M. Neff II of Fort Mill, SC, shot down and killed in Tikrit, Iraq at age 30.

You can host the memorial on your website, download video to play on your iPod or laptop, to burn on a DVD, learn how to project it for showings at events or host a screening or vigil by https://iraqmemorial.org/hosts.php

Win, Al, Win; Run, Al, Run

UPDATE: An Inconvenient Truth won best documentary, and Melissa's song for the film also got an Oscar. Think Progress has video of all the Gore moments from Oscar night.
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I'm pulling for Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth to win the Oscar tonight in the documentary category. The film's director, Davis Guggenheim, has said he'll bring President-In-Exile Al Gore up on stage to say a few words if they win. Melissa Etheridge's song from the movie, I Need to Wake Up (above), is also up for an Oscar in the song category and she'll be performing it tonight at the broadcast. Here's the official website for the 79th Academy Awards, which will be hosted by Ellen DeGeneris this year (6:00 PM Mountain, ABC).

Then there's Jimmy Carter, who endorsed Gore for president today during an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC's This Week:

Carter lavished praise on "(his) favorite Democrat) former Vice President Al Gore. "If Al should decide to run -- which I'm afraid he won't -- I would support Al Gore."

"His burning issue now is global warming and preventing it.  He can do infinitely more to accomplish that goal as in the incumbent in the White House, than he can making even movies that get -- you know, that get Oscars."

... Despite public pressure from Carter and others, the former President does not believe Gore will make a second bid for the White House saying, "I don't think he will.  I've put so much pressure on Al to run that he's almost gotten aggravated with me."

Carter told Stephanopoulos that he had not called Gore "lately" adding, "He almost told me, the last time I talked, 'Don't call me anymore.'"

... "I really have not expressed any public approval or endorsement or preference for any of the Democratic candidates except (Gore)."

If you haven't yet read it, do check out Run, Al, Run by Tim Dickinson in a recent Rolling Stone.

And, if you haven't yet seen An Inconvenient Truth, you can get a free DVD of the film at Share the Truth. If you've already seen it, you can also make a donation there to cover the costs for someone else to see it via the free DVD offer.

You can view a video of the entire slide show put together by Gore, upon which the film is based, by visiting Climate Change Action.

Santa Fe Community Read Schedule of Events

From the City of Santa Fe:
The City of Santa Fe is pleased to announce the official schedule of events for Santa Fe’s first Community Read! In January, Mayor Coss announced the communitywide read of the book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America. The mission of the Community Read is to inspire further discussion on the issue of poverty in Santa Fe and the obstacles to economic security.

Read On Santa Fe! Community Read Schedule of Events: All of the city’s Community Read events are at the New Mexico Film Museum (formerly the Jean Cocteau Cinema)

Saturday, March 3 – Local Film Matinee
Screening of locally-produced films and documentaries about economic struggle. Tickets available beginning at 11:45 a.m. Tickets are free, though donations will be accepted to support the filmmakers and a local youth organization.

FILMS
La Marcha: Working for Economic Justice (Showtime 12:50 p.m.) This is the story of the Santa Fe Living Wage Campaign, which emerged through the efforts of diverse community-based organizations to build a coalition that illustrates core U.S. values of teamwork, fairness, opportunity, responsibility and respect.

Gary and the Angels (Showtime 2 p.m., followed by Q&A with producer Margo Manaraze Wagner) is based on the life of Gallup resident Gary Murphy who struggles with his fetal alcohol syndrome disabilities, alcohol abuse, and homelessness.

Salt of the Earth (Showtime 3:30 p.m.) is based on an actual strike against the Empire Zinc Mine in New Mexico. The film deals with the prejudice against the Mexican-American workers, who struck to attain wage parity with Anglo workers in other mines and to be treated with dignity by their bosses.

Cinderellas of Santa Fe (Showtime 5:30 p.m., followed by Q&A with director Vanessa Vassar) is a documentary film that follows people who are highly educated and/or extremely creative and are recognized in their fields. But, they must still work as cleaning ladies, waitresses and bartenders in order to support their art, their children and their dreams.

American Waitress, new mexico (Showtime 7:40 p.m., followed by Q&A with director Vanessa Vassar and special guests) is a documentary feature film that examines the lives, attitudes, perceptions and experiences of waitresses. More than a film about waitresses, it is a film about life, social structures and human nature.

Tuesday, March 6 – Student and Youth Film Contest
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Screening of short films by local youth and students on the topic of “getting by” in Santa Fe followed by a brief Q&A with the filmmakers. Winning student films will be hosted on www.freenewmexican.com after the showing. The deadline for submissions of films 5 minutes or less is Feb. 28. Call 955-6046 or 955-6629 for more information.

Thursday, March 8 – Panel Discussion
6:30 to 8 p.m.; Reception from 8 to 8:30 p.m.
The Mayor and a panel of community members will discuss the complexities of poverty in Santa Fe in relation to the issues discussed in Barbara Ehrenreich’s book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America.

Sunday, March 11 – Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America

7 p.m. at the Lensic Performing Arts Center
*This is not a city-sponsored event*

For more information on Community Read events, please call 955-6046 or 955-6629.

Please note that the deadline for the Student and Youth Film Contest is fast approaching. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28, 2007. Films could touch on topics such as growing up in Santa Fe, employment, working families, education, food, housing, healthcare or any other issue the filmmaker believes corresponds with the theme. Call Laura Banish at 955-6046 or Special Projects Coordinator Becky Lo Dolce at 955-6629 for more information about the contest or the Community Read.

Guild Cinema Hosts Albuquerque Latino Film Festival

The CineMás Albuquerque Latino Film Festival is New Mexico’s premiere Latina/o Festival showcasing Latina/o filmmakers and films that focus on Latin America’s social and cultural themes.

Critically acclaimed films are shown alongside works of emerging filmmakers, in a variety of genres, from different countries and cultures. Come and see features, short films and documentaries that will showcase the creative diversity of Latino filmmaking. For final schedule and showtimes visit https://www.cinemasfestival.com for complete information. Also featured will be highlights from Los Angeles’ Cine Sin Fin Festival. Some films will be shown at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and a couple other venues. Check schedule.

New Short Film Released via the Internet Reveals Truth about Senator John McCain

From Brave New Films:
Robert Greenwald and Brave New Films released John McCain Vs. John McCain today — a hard hitting short documentary, being distributed for free via TheRealMcCain.com and across the country via You Tube. The three minute short reveals the Senator's flip flopping on key issues such as the Iraq War, Gay Marriage and the Religious Right. The film uses McCain's own words to destroy the myth of the Senator as a "straight talking" politician. John McCain Vs. John McCain shows the Senator as politician prone to frequent contradictions on key issues. The website TheRealMcCain.com is home to the video and a blog about the Senator, as well as other videos focusing on the McCain myths.

"This short illustrates that John McCain is not a 'straight talker' but a double talker. As a filmmaker and concerned American, I felt it was important to reveal this side of John McCain since this aspect of his leadership has not been portrayed in the press" said the film's director Robert Greenwald. The length of the video allows for it to be distributed virally for free across the Internet. Blogs and websites around the world are picking up the video and You Tube users and concerned citizens are forwarding the short to friends.

Cliff Schecter, veteran campaign strategist and political commentator is blogging at TheRealMcCain.com about the how the Arizona Senator's opinions change to suit his political ambitions. Schecter, who is writing a biography of McCain, said the project is important because "many journalists still treat McCain's every utterance as if it came down from on high, while the truth is that there is no policy McCain won't sacrifice, no position he won't change if he thinks it will further his presidential ambitions. The people have a right to this information."

More information is available at TheRealMcCain.com, which is an educational project by Brave New Films and is not authorized by any political candidate. Also see front page LA Times story.

Editor's Note: I also like this recent Newsday story on McCain's falling popularity and credibility. Excerpt:

It's official: Chuck Hagel is the new John McCain, getting the glowing treatment from glam publications such as GQ. And John McCain is the new Bob Dole - and we know what kind of press Dole got.

... Once upon a time - say, five years ago - the liberal media were infatuated with McCain. Yes, the Republican senator from Arizona was a hard-line conservative on most matters, but he was sufficiently unorthodox on a few issues (campaign finance, global warming, tax cuts) to be newsworthy. In addition, McCain was enough of a George W. Bush basher to keep reporters interested in what he might say next ... But the Mainstream Media's affection for the senator has come to an end.

Free Showing and Discussion: The Great Warming

UPCOMING EVENT/GLOBAL WARMING CONVERSATION
The Great Warming: A Free Showing and Discussion
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, 6:30 PM
Lobo Theatre (3013 Central Ave, East of UNM, Albuquerque)

Stonehaven Productions, Montreal and Swiss Re, the world’s largest reinsurer, collaborate using scientist Lydia Dotto’s book "Storm Warning—Gambling with the Climate of our Planet" as a basis. Shot on location around the world from the high Canadian Arctic to the Altiplano of Peru to Inner Mongolia to Bangladesh, to downtown New York City, the film explores realistic solutions, technologies and actions to reduce the impact of climate change. The Great Warming also showcases initiatives aimed at reversing the trend toward permanent damage to our planet, as well as scenes documenting the emerging voice of America’s faith community urging action on climate change.

Narrated by Alanis Morissette and Keanu Reeves. Producers hope the film moves people to action. Click for the film's official website with reviews, additional information, photos, videos, suggestions on how you can get involved.

A short discussion and specific suggestions for action in New Mexico will follow the one and one-half hour film screening. All are welcome. Questions? Call 266-6966

Co-hosted by: Partnership for Earth Spirituality, The City on a Hill, Albuquerque Mennonite, Unitarian Universalists of Santa Fe, NM Interfaith Power and Light. The Great Warming has been endorsed by the National Council of Churches, Evangelical Environmental Network and the Coalition on Environment and Jewish Life.

Free Online Video of 'An Inconvenient Truth' Now Available

You can now watch Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth online, for free, courtesy of Climate Change Action. It's broken into nine parts. Another reason why we should ask all or friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc. to see it. Now. Also consider this.

Organize or Attend a Screening of "An Inconvenient Truth"

From Terry Riley:
MoveOn is working to help educate people on environmental issues. They are holding screenings of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. Please go to this URL to find a screening near you or organize one yourself. Bring a friend. The more people who know what is really happening, the better our chances of changing our world.

Also, if you can, why don't you e-mail your Senator's and Representative's offices and invite a member of their local staff to attend.  THIS is where change really starts. Congress.org makes it easy.