Democracy for New Mexico

Native Cinema Showcase at CCA in Santa Fe 8/17-20

From the Center for Contemporary Arts:
Now in its sixth year, this celebration of indigenous media arts features groundbreaking films and videos by and about Native people. From classics to the best new works, these films celebrate innovation, challenging the persistent pop-culture misrepresentations of indigenous peoples. offers filmmakers a venue during the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market, the world’s largest exhibit for indigenous artists, and provides an opportu-nity to advance dialogue about the essential issues facing Native communities. Tickets and passes are on sale at the CCA and at 505-982-1338.

The showcase is produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) Cinematheque in cooperation with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the Institute of American Indian Arts, the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, and the Gary Farmer Gallery of Contemporary Art. Click for and a of the screenings.

The War Tapes at Guild Thru Thursday

From Terry Riley. "The War Tapes," a film recorded by U.S. troops in Iraq, is being shown at
the Guild Cinema in Albuquerque thru Thursday, August 10th, at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 PM. An article in today's Albuquerque Tribune describes the film and the appearance of Mike Moriarty, one of the soldiers who shot the movie at Monday's screening. Well worth a read. Excerpt:

The movie stirred viewers Monday evening. Keif Henley, who runs the Guild, said, "In my 11 years at this place, I can't remember a time when I've seen people walking out of a movie - even before it's over - in tears like that."

One woman, having walked out of the screening, sat in the lobby's lone chair, her head in her hands, nearly inconsolable. When asked if any one scene in particular upset her, she said, "No. All of it."

From the carnage to the civilian contractors' greed to the Lebanese soldier "fighting against his own people," she said, the film overwhelmed her. She declined to give her name.

... With an unflinching eye, "The War Tapes" runs from the mundane lives of infantrymen - intercut with scenes from their family lives back home in New England - to brutal and graphic images. Dead bodies are shown. There are bloody close-ups, with running commentary from the soldiers often comparing body parts to cuts of meat you'd find in a butcher shop.

Footage like that and the shaky camera work mean the film is not for the squeamish. One scene shows a convoy zipping along at 50 mph when Moriarty's vehicle clips an Iraqi woman, who quickly gets run over repeatedly by U.S. military vehicles and killed. Moriarty's camera whirs as what's left of her is rolled up into a body bag.

Special Preview Screening of New Documentary on Free Speech at Rio Rancho High

According to SWOPblogger the documentary Word: Committing Poetry in Time of War will be shown one time only, at The Guild Cinema in Albuquerque at Noon, Saturday, July 15, 2006.

This film depicts a well known story about free speech, poetry and war that took place at Rio Rancho High School. It is an important story in today's cultural and political climate. Here's a post by Bill Nevins that describes what happened and how he lost his teaching job at Rio Rancho High School over free speech issues around the time of the start of the Iraq war. Bill Nevins is definitely one of the heroes in an era of almost unprecedented threats to our First Amendement rights.

From a bio produced in connection with an event held by the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Jouranlism: Bill Nevins teaches journalism, writing and literature at Horizon Academy Northwest in Albuquerque. Nevins is an editor and publishing journalist who has helped start newspapers, journalism and performance poetry programs at Horizon Academy, Nuestros Valores, Rio Rancho and other New Mexico schools. He is a graduate of Iona College and the University of Connecticut, with additional graduate work at the University of New Mexico.

In 2004, he was nominated for the PEN International Freedom to Write Award and he received the Courageous Resister Award from the Artists Network of Refuse and Resist. His work defending educational freedom of expression is the focus of the forthcoming documentary film, Word: Committing Poetry in Time of War. His recent publications include a profile of This Revolution filmmaker Stephen Marshall, and articles on contemporary rock music. A proud grandfather, Nevins enjoys traveling, hiking, poetry slams and Ozomatli.

Check Out Robert Greenwald's Film on DeLay This Weekend in ABQ

From Terry Riley:
Robert Greenwald has produced a movie about Tom DeLay and his campaign practices called The Big Buy: Tom DeLay's Stolen Congress. This is going to be presented on Sunday in Albuquerque at the Guild at 2 PM. The director, Mark Birnbaum, will also attend and enter into a discussion with the audience. I am also holding a showing at 7:30 PM for those who cannot attend the 2 PM showing. Use whichever URL below serves your needs to RSVP. The movie is about election manipulation and how badly we need election reform. Please come to one of the showings:

Guild at 2 PM, Sunday June 25
https://bigbuy.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/5436

My Home at 7:30 PM, Sunday June 25
https://bigbuy.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/5263

A Private Home in the NE Heights at 7 PM on June 28
https://bigbuy.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/5414

Excerpt from the :

In a stunning 1994 interview, shortly after the now infamous Republican revolution, Tom DeLay sat down and laid out his vision for America: to destroy the Department of Education, HUD, OSHA, the NEH, the NEA, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. His self-stated goal was to "completely redesign government."

The Big Buy: Tom DeLay's Stolen Congress is the story of how he did just that. It's the story of one of the most blatant power grabs in American history, and how a District Attorney in Texas turned out to be the biggest threat to the national DeLay Machine. The film is a warning about how easy it is for American democracy to be hijacked by a combination of relentless ambition and corporate millions. It makes the case that DeLay built a "custom-made Congress" that is still providing votes for his agenda.

Red State Road Trip to Screen Thursday at Peace & Justice Center

Filmmaker Chris Hume in Crawford, TX

People before Profit Film/Lecture Series presents Red State Road Trip, advertised on Democracy Now - the movie you've been waiting for! America 2005: A nation bitterly divided. In the aftermath of the presidential election, and the deepening crisis in Iraq, it seemed like a good time for a road trip. So on Inauguration Day, filmmaker Chris Hume (TRUTHOUT.org) set out on a 6,000 mile journey in search of America's soul. He interviewed hundreds of regular citizens in the forgotten corners of the country to find out how they felt about America. This is their story. Guest speakers: representatives from Democracy for New Mexico (Mary Ellen and I will be speaking before the film.)

Thursday, May 18, 7:00 PM
Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice
202 Harvard SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Free

UPDATE: Salt of the Earth Screenings

As reported in an earlier post, the historic film 'Salt of the Earth' will be showing at Albuquerque's Guild Cinema from May 1st to 4th. There will be 7:00 PM screenings each of those days, with a panel discussions afterwards. Due to popular demand, additional 5:00 PM showings have been added for May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Most of the tickets for the May 1st screening have already been purchased by union members, so those interested in seeing the film should purchase tickets for the other showings. (Thanks to Michelle for the heads up.)

An Historic Event: Salt of the Earth at Guild Cinema

The seldom seen and controversial independent film, Salt of the Earth, will be screened at Albuquerque's Guild Cinema on May 1-4, accompanied by panel discussions and more. If you've never seen this movie, you've missed an important, powerful film. If you have, this is a good chance to see it again in the company of other good people.

Filmed in New Mexico in 1953-54, during the height of Senator McCarthy's witch hunt, Salt of the Earth is an earthy and factual look at union action in the face of a mining company's brutal treatment of its Hispanic workers. Rare for its time, the movie takes a pro-feminist tack in highlighting the courage of women on the picket lines. It's based on actual events at a 1951 miners' strike against Empire Zinc that took place in Bayard, near Silver City, NM. Many strike participants acted in various roles in the film.

Much has been written about this compelling and rare film that was, in essence, banned during the era in which it was produced. Here are some resources that discuss its controversial elements, the tenor of the times during the 1950s when it was made, and much more:

• A detailed and scholarly analysis of the film appeared a few years ago in the Wisconsin Magazine of History, including many photos and historical nuggets.
• Wikipedia provides all kinds of background info on many aspects of the movie.

  Photo credit WCFTR.

Here's more event info from the Central New Mexico Labor Council:

May 1 --­ 4: An Historic Event
SALT OF THE EARTH
By: Jon Thomas-Weger, President, Central New Mexico Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Since its release in 1953, the movie Salt of the Earth was only shown at a few  movie theaters before, due to political pressure, it was essentially banned. Rarely to be seen again, except in 16 millimeter showings at small gatherings in union halls and on college campuses.

Filmed in New Mexico in 1952 and 1953, written by blacklisted film writers, directed by a blacklisted director, crewed by a blacklisted crew, and starring the blacklisted actor Will Geer, Salt of the Earth had little choice but to turn to the communities of Silver City and environs in order to make this movie a success. While never successful financially, Salt of the Earth has been successful in inspiring generations of unionists, and community activists to become involved to achieve a better future.

That is what the Salt of the Earth strikers and their families did. They built a strong union that protected their rights, protected their heritage and eventually brought about an end to official discrimination against the Mexican-American/Chicano community in Bayard, Silver City, Tyrone and other small towns in Southwest New Mexico, and Arizona as well.

Because of Local 890's determination and their parent union's opposition to the Cold War, many strikers, especially the leadership, were tarred with the communist brush. If these folks were communists, then the only thing to say is we wish there were more people like them. They helped change and improve the legal and political status, as well as the standard of living for thousands of miners in New Mexico and Arizona.

Beginning May 1, the Central New Mexico Labor Council will be sponsoring our First Annual Labor Film Festival. And, of course, the featured film will be New Mexico¹s own Salt of the Earth. To our knowledge, this is the first time that Salt of the Earth has ever been shown in a commercial movie theater in New Mexico. For that matter, it has rarely been shown in a commercial theater anywhere in the country.

So far many local unions have purchased bulk tickets. There will be a reception sponsored by IATSE 480, on the first night. Following every showing there will be a panel discussion on the significance of the Salt of the Earth strike and the making of the movie.

This is not only an historic event, but it will also be educational and informative and a time for unionists and their families to come out and learn more about the Trade Union Movement in New Mexico.

Rapping: The Council has asked local rapper Jeremy Giannini to write and perform a rap song about Salt of the Earth. He will be performing every evening. There will be something for everybody. Bring your family!

Panels: Panels following the movie have yet to be finalized. But the panels will feature family members of strike leaders, activists in Mine, Mill and Smelter Local 890, lawyers who have represented workers against Phelps Dodge; people who participated in the strike and the movie,  and others. The event will end by 9:30 PM every night.

Please support this effort as much as possible. Bulk tickets of ten or more are available for $3 each (call Jon Thomas-Weger at 505-306-4870 or Greg Chávez at 505-301-4519). Tickets will be $6 at the door. This can be more than an historic event. It is time that we all come together. Remember our history. And, work for a better future. As we all know, unionism is a key part of a better future for everybody.

'House Made of Dawn' Screening Saturday

HOUSE MADE OF DAWN: Film Adaptation from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by N. Scott Momaday Returns to New Mexico! Saturday, April 8, 1:00 PM – Albuquerque - In Person — Lead actor Larry Littlebird and director Richardson Morse present a long-lost 1972 classic! Southwest Film Center, UNM; UNM Student Union Building — Theater (South-side, Plaza Level, next to Popejoy Hall) Film: $15 / Film & Reception: $25

“Native Foods” Reception follows the screening at Fremont’s Fine Foods, 1100 San Mateo (Courtyard at Lomas & San Mateo, lower level ) Featuring Larry Littlebird – “A Voice in the Land”: living words, stories and songs for restoration of First Nations people. RSVP: WHITE DAWN HOUSE   505.899.6028

Adapted from N. Scott Momaday’s 1969 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and shot in New Mexico, HOUSE MADE OF DAWN tells the story of a Native war veteran (played by Larry Littlebird, Laguna/Santo Domingo Pueblo, actor, artist and storyteller) who crosses between his vast, slow-to-change Southwest reservation and a gritty, fast-paced urban Los Angeles, emerging from an intense inner struggle to reclaim his Pueblo Indian identity.

For more information about the film, visit the Smithsonian NMAI website. All proceeds benefit WHITE DAWN HOUSE, a Native non-profit organization, dedicated to healing historical wounds and restoration for First Nations people. For more info: wdh@myexcel.com

Evocative Trudell Movie Opens at Guild Friday

The film 'Trudell' will open at the Guild Cinema in Albuquerque this coming Friday, and will run through March 23rd. Check out the movie's terrific website that includes music/poetry and video from the film. The movie follows the life work of legendary Native American poet and activist John Trudell. You can also download a PDF press kit that provides more info on the film and on the life of Trudell.

Filmmaker Heather Rae has spent more than a decade chronicling his travels, spoken word and politics, combining archival, concert and interview footage with abstract imagery mirroring the coyote nature of Trudell himself. The documentary begins in the late 1960s when John Trudell and a community group, Indians of All Tribes, occupied Alcatraz Island for 21 months, creating international recognition of the American Indian cause and birthing the contemporary Indian people’s movement, and giving Trudell what he referred to as his “birth”.

From Alcatraz we follow John’s political journey as the National Spokesman of the American Indian Movement (AIM), this work making him one of the most highly volatile political ‘subversives’ of the 1970’s with one of the longest FBI files in history (over 17,000 pages). But in 1979, a tragic (and suspicious) fire would spark a new creative direction for Trudell, and in 1983 he began to put his words to music with the help of Kiowa guitar legend, the late Jesse Ed Davis, and Jackson Browne.

Even his early recordings reflect an articulate sensibility and eloquence about the state of the world, moving him into the realm of social theorist and philosopher. Trudell does not adhere to a dogma or school of thought but has created his own diatribe based in experience, having lived through and taken part in some of the most turbulent American political events of the past century.

In an interview with Native actor, Gary Farmer (DEAD MAN), he referred to Trudell as “the Native people’s prophet of these times, our Socrates.” Trudell’s musical and film careers have led him to work with the likes of Robert Redford (INCIDENT AT OGLALA), Sam Shepard and Val Kilmer (THUNDERHEART), Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Amy Ray and more recently Angelina Jolie, who produced his current album, Bone Days.

TRUDELL is intended to be a film that steps outside of traditional forms, even for Native films, and explores a figure of our contemporary history in a way that fairly represents the evocative nature of his work and significance.

“I'm not looking to overthrow the American government... the corporate state already has.” -John Trudell

One Earth : One Mother : We Are The Seventh Generation...

Get the music

Feingold to Introduce Censure of Bush

UPDATE: Here's a PDF of Sen. Feingold's censure resolution as introduced in the Senate on 3/13/06.

The courageous and patriotic Senator Russ Feingold announced this morning on ABC's This Week that he will be introducing a resolution Monday to censure President Bush for his illegal conduct in authorizing a domestic NSA surveillance program. Is there a Democrat with more backbone than Feingold these days? The Senator said President Bush’s actions were “right in the strike zone of the concept of high crimes and misdemeanors.” Click for video and a transcript of Feingold's appearance, courtesy of Think Progress. Excerpt:

FEINGOLD: You know, we’ve had a chance here for three months to look at whether there’s any legal basis for this, and they’re using shifting legal justifications. First they try to argue that somehow, under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, they can do this. It’s pretty clear that they can’t. Then there’s the argument that somehow the military authorization for Afghanistan allowed this. This has basically been laughed out of the room in the Congress. So the last resort is to somehow say that the President has inherent authority to ignore the law of the United States of America, and that has the consequence that the President could even order the assassination of American citizens if that’s the law. So there is no sort of independent inherent authority that allows the president to override the laws passed by the Congress of the United States.

STEPHANOPOULOS: So if you’re so convinced that the President has broken the law, why not file an article of impeachment?

FEINGOLD: Well, you know, that’s an option we could look at, if somebody thought that was a really good idea. There are other options out there. In fact, this conduct is right in the strike zone — even though the Founding Fathers didn’t have strike zones, they didn’t have baseball — but it is right in the strike zone of the concept of high crimes and misdemeanors. We have to consider, is it best for the country to start impeachment proceedings? Is it best for the country to consider removing the President? We’re not mandated to impeach a president who has broken the law, but I think we are required to do our job, to live up to our oath of office, and say, wait a minute, there has to be — at least as a first step — some accountability. Proper accountability is a censuring of the President, to say, “Mr. President, acknowledge you broke the law, return to the law, return to our system of government.” That’s what I think we should do.

Senator Feingold lays out his reasoning for censuring Bush at his Senate website. And here's an ABC News story about it.

Now we need to start contacting our Senators to go on the record in support of Feingold's resolution. Are you ready, activists? Contact info here.

So will the 2008 Dem ticket be Gore-Feingold or Feingold-Gore?