Why I love Social Cinema (and why I think you would too!)
I am a movie junkie. I go to the biggest blockbusters and await the summer releases and Oscar nominations each year with bated breath. I also like more educational films and am a card-carrying member of the Coolidge Corner theatre in . I seek out the new and different. I saw March of the Penguins on opening day last year long before everyone else was so enamored with penguins. I’ve seen Israeli films, Spanish films, obscure indies and still hold a special place in my heart for Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. I say all this to give you context.
You need not be a movie junkie like me to appreciate Boston Cares’ social cinema program, which is a co-sponsored effort along with Hostelling International, IVTS, and WGBH. You need only be interested in the world around you, in learning something new, and in enjoying a free film with a “smart component” afterwards! What’s not to love?
So far this year, the series has included The World According to Sesame Street which explored the making of The Children’s Television Workshop’s international versions of the famous show. The film chronicles the making of a Bangladesh, Kosovo, and South Africa’s versions. After the film, the panel included a woman who works at The CTW in NYC. For anyone who has ever loved and for those also concerned about how an American television show’s curriculum works in foreign markets, this film really answered some questions and left us inspired.
Another film, Shadya,
showed several years in the life of Shadya, and Israeli-Arab girl who happens
to be a world karate champion, which, as she gets older and reaches the age of
marriage, seems further and further from her cultural grasp. The struggles of
Israeli-Arabs in Israel,
gender issues, and family issues all come into play as we are treated to candid
visits with Shadya. The panel afterwards included two college professors versed in
Israeli Arab culture and issues and two members of that community.
Twisted, which was
made by a woman living with the disease it deals with, dystonia, opens up the
world of those suffering from this neurological disorder. Either genetic or
brought on by trauma, this largely unknown disease causes folks' muscles to
contract uncontrollably and does not allow control of the body. After the film,
the panel included someone living with this disorder.
Upcoming are a number of other films that will surely be as
interesting and compelling as those in the fall. Don’t miss these free films.
Dates and times will be determined closer to dates. Click here for the listing
and a link to ITVS with descriptions of films:
January Beyond Beats and Rhymes about Hip Hop Culture
Tuesday, January 23,
2007, 7:00PM-9:00PM – Democracy Center, Harvard Square
Thursday, February 01, 2007, 6:00PM-8:00PM – Emmanuel College Library Auditorium
February Race to Execution about death row inmates
March Black Gold about fair trade coffee industry
April Sentenced Home about Cambodian-refugee-Americans
May Knocking about Jehovah’s Witnesses
