[antiwar-van] FOR IMM RLS: Vancouver's 5th Annual MAWO Antiwar Film Festival Hits the Screen this Weekend!

[Kira Koshelanyk]

Mobilization Against War & Occupation – MAWO
info at mawovancouver.org | 604-322-1764 |
www.mawovancouver.org


-NEWS ITEM-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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VANCOUVER’S 5TH ANNUAL ANTIWAR FILM FESTIVAL
“THE BATTLE OF IDEAS”
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SATURDAY Dec.15th - 10am – 9:30pm
>>“The New Era of War and Occupation”
SUNDAY Dec.16th – 10am – 9pm
>>“A New World is Possible: Films from Cuba”
Britannia Community Center Auditorium – 1661 Napier
Street

Press Contacts: Janine Solanki (604-812-2964) and
Shakeel Lochan (604-719-7410)
Full Program Guide at:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071215-16-filmfest.html

“The Battle of Ideas” Antiwar Film Festival is
presenting the cultural reflection of the struggle
against war and occupation, celebrating the medium of
film as the narrative of countless stories of human
challenges and gains. The first day’s theme of “The
New Era of War and Occupation” will be showing the
front of destruction being carried out by the US,
Canada and their allies. Day two’s theme of “A New
World is Possible: Films from Cuba” will contrast the
first day with examples of humanity from a country
that faces aggressive campaigns by the US, including
a 45 year old total blockade.

This festival reaches out to encompass all of
Vancouver with over 45 community and media sponsors,
including partnership with the Britannia Community
Services Center.

With over 25 films, highlights include the film “The
Short Life of José Antonio Gutierrez” about a
Guatemalan immigrant to the U.S. who was the first
soldier to die in Iraq, fighting on the promise of a
US Green-Card. Special guest speaker Fernando Suarez
will be opening this film, as a Mexican immigrant who
is the father of yet another soldier sent to Iraq
hoping to gain a Green Card and was one of the first
killed.

Day one’s theme will hit closer to home with the
world premier of “Antiwar & Social Justice Activists
Under Attack: The Case of Alison Bodine” produced by
Korean documentary filmmaker Mario Lee, member of the
Korea Independent Film and Video Association. This
film will chronicle the ongoing struggle of
politically targeted antiwar activist Alison Bodine -
A graduate of UBC with a Physics degree, U.S.
citizen, and Co-Chair of Mobilization Against War &
Occupation who is fighting a 2 year ban from Canada.

Day two will feature a Western Canada premiere of “I
Am My Sister’s and Brother’s Keeper: Cuba & Southern
African Liberation” from director Isaac Saney,
currently a Dalhousie University Professor and author
of recently the published book “Cuba: A Revolution in
Motion.” This film documents Cuba’s decisive role in
the struggle to end racist rule in South Africa and
achieving the independence on Namibia.

In its 5th year, the festival has entrenched itself
as a Vancouver tradition of culture and resistance
via the big screen, and isn’t to be missed! Guest
speakers will be available for interviews.

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