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

[Kira Koshelanyk]

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

-NEWS ITEM-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
VANCOUVER’S 5TH ANNUAL ANTIWAR FILM FESTIVAL
“THE BATTLE OF IDEAS”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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)
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, day one’s 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 two will feature a Western Canada premiere of “I
Am My Sister’s and Brother’s Keeper: Cuba & Southern
African Liberation” with an introduction from
director Isaac Saney, via telephone from Trinidad &
Tobago. Currently he is 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.

Also highlighting day two will be special guest
Gloria La Riva, who is a filmmaker, coordinator of
the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five, and
organizer with the US national antiwar coalition
ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War & Racism). She has
spoken internationally on the case of the five Cuban
political prisoners held in US jails, and will be
introducing the new film, "The Trial" on the case of
the Cuban Five and US-sponsored terrorism against
Cuba.

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.

- 30 -

_________________________________________________________________
Introducing the City @ Live! Take a tour!
http://getyourliveid.ca/?icid=LIVEIDENCA006