NYC: Films of Struggle Fundraisers

Films of Struggle, Fundraiser for Peoples Video Network and FIST

 Summer 2011 (tentative schedule)

$10 donation. No one turned away for lack of funds. Light refreshments

Sat, 6/18           Salt of the Earth

Based on an actual strike against the Empire Zinc Mine in New Mexico, the film deals with the prejudice against the Mexican-American workers, who struck to attain wage parity with Anglo workers in other mines and to be treated with dignity by the bosses. The film is an early treatment of feminism, because the wives of the miners play a pivotal role in the strike, against their husbands’ wishes. The greatest victory for the workers and their families is the realization that in order to win their struggle they need unity. This film was written, directed and produced by members of the original "Hollywood Ten," who were jailed and ostracized for refusing to testify in the witch hunt against Communists in the ‘50’s.

Fri, 7/8              South of the Border

Oliver Stone takes a road trip across five countries to explore the social and political movements as well as the mainstream media's misconception of South America while interviewing seven of its elected presidents, including HugoChávez and Evo Morales.

Fri, 7/22           Lion of the Desert 

This movie tells the story of Omar Mukhtar, an Arab Muslim rebel who fought against the Italian conquest of Libya in WWI. It gives western viewers a glimpse into this little-known region and chapter of history, and exposes the savage means by which the conquering army attempted to subdue the indigenous population.

Fri, 8/5              Nuclear Lunacy

Anti-War feature documentary uncovering America’s support of Hitler and the role of big business in the development of the Atomic Bomb, the Cold War and nuclear power.

Fri, 8/18           Burn! (aka Queimada)

In the Nineteenth Century, the cynical and pragmatic British agent William Walker (Marlon Brando) arrives in Queimada, a Portuguese colony in the Antilles, to promote a revolution to benefit the sugar trade with England. He sees in the water/luggage bearer, José Dolores, the necessary potential to become the leader of the slave revolt. Dolores succeeds in expelling the Portuguese troops from the island; but then the provisional government of President Teddy Sanchez assumes power over Quemada with the support of the British government. Ten years later William Walker is hired again, but now by the Royal Company that is exploiting the sugar cane plantations and the Queimada government to chase José Dolores who is disturbing the sugar cane interests of England with his army of rebels. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Place: Solidarity Center, 55 W. 17th Street, 5th floor

Time: Salt of the Earth will be screened at 3 PM on Saturday, 6/18; All other screenings are on Friday night at 7:00 PM. 

For more information, call 212 633-6646 or email peoplesvideo@gmail.com