News & Views

World attention has been focused for some time on the Bilin community in the West Bank whose farmland was being walled off from them by the building of what they have called the "racial segregation wall" but that Israel calls a "security fence".  Ordered to redraw the line by the courts, the Israeli government has yet to do so.  Now, attention is increasing and fast as those opposed to the wall, Palestinians, Israelis, and others, have been painting themselves blue and drawing references to their plight from the blockbuster hit Avatar.

Read more Na'vi and Goliath

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Mark your calender and plan to join us in the Lounge on Friday December 4, 2009 to watch the last movie in our Fall Film Fest (or WHIFF - West Hill International Film Festival).

The movie is: The Life of Brian - by Monty Python. Seen it? Come and have a laugh again.

Never have seen it - well, here's a bit of the plot: 

 Brian is born on the original Christmas, in the stable next door. He spends his life being mistaken for a messiah. ... Sound familiar?

Let's get ready for the Season!

Again that's Friday December 4, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lounge. Refreshments and Popcorn are supplied - as is good conversation and fellowship! See you there!

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Date: October 23rd
Time: 7pm
Place: WHUC Upper Lounge

The West Hill Film Festival presents: The 2005 International Film Water directed by Deepa Mehta:

 In 1938, Chuyia (Sarala) a child bride whose husband dies before their union is consummated is relegated to life in an ashram in Varanasi (Benares) for other "unwanted" widows. Their life is ruled over by a venal old woman, Madhumati (Manorama) She prostitutes the young widows out to wealthy Brahmin gentlemen, whose attentions are considered by society to be a blessing. Another young widow, Kalyani (Lisa Ray) runs away to marry a young lawyer, a devotee of Ghandi (Mohan Jhangiani), until she discovers that his father has been her "client/benefactor."

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MAYWORKS is the largest and oldest festival honouring workers and the arts and it is happening THIS week in Toronto.

Choosing to connect with the more radicalized May Day labour celebrations around the world, the festival brings together visual, theatre, music, and film artists who lift the challenges facing working people through their particular medium.

From the website: "There has never been a movement for social change without the arts being central to its impact. It is through art that one can build upon the power of creation and expression to encourage new ways of thinking - sparking commitment, promoting ideals, and eliciting action. "

See what you might have time to catch: MAYWORKS.  It's worth supporting!

 

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There was a special screening on March 22/09 of the documentary "Blue Gold World Water Wars" at U of T to celebrate World Water Day.    An article appeared in The Toronto Star - "Film examines growing conflict over water".   Hopefully, this film will appear soon in local theatres and be available to a much larger audience.

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Walt Disney Studios has a new nature documentary titled "Earth" which will debut in local theatres today.  Happy Earth Day!

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Humans have rights.  Corporations have rights.  But what if I were a River?  What would my rights be?

What if I were being polluted?  What if I were being dammed?  What if I were being drained?  What if I would dry up and die?  Who speaks for the River?   Worldwide, what would my rights be, if I were a River?

Celebrate World Water Day - Sunday, March 22/09, with a 3:00 afternoon matinee:

"Blue Gold World Water Wars" -  $5.00 (free popcorn).

A film by Sam Bozzo based on the book "Blue Gold" by Maude Barlow (Council of Canadians - water is a right that shouldn't be sold for profit)  and Tony Clark. 

Innis Town Hall Theatre, 2 Sussex Ave., University of Toronto.

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"Iron Jawed Angels" is an enthralling movie (Hilary Swank) about the fight for women's equality and voting rights, and very appropriate for International Women's Day.   Not new - been on the shelves for quite a while.  If I had known this story early on, maybe I would have appreciated so much more all that the women in a earlier time (U.S.) had struggled through.

These were the Suffragettes who demonstrated, were arrested, spent time in prison - so that they, and their sisters, would be allowed (even that phrase sticks in the throat!) to cast their votes.

I watched this movie in awe of these women.  Would I have been willing to upset my whole life applecart to stand up like they did,  do what they did, endure what they did?  I feel a little twinge thinking about that.

Check it out.  Would many among us have been so brave?!?

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 "Milk"  is an impactful docudrama, in the theatres now, that offers insight into the LGBT community.  Very timely.  Harvey Milk was the first openly gay person to run for public office in the 70's, in a time when it was not accepted to be other than.   Sean Penn's starring role in the movie won him an Oscar.  Four of us went to see it, four of us were very moved, four of us thought - where the heck were we when all this was happening!?!  http://www.youtube.com.  Search Milk Trailer 2008.

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