Tokyo Spring Film and Discussion

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Tokyo Spring Film and Discussion

PAST DISCUSSSIONS

Go here for later information

http://www.tokyospring.org/filmanddiscussion.html

Film and Discussion for August 2007

On Sunday 12th August at 4pm at our usual venue we will be screening a special surprise feature which we are sure will prove to be very popular! Those people on the SPRING mailing list will be given a clue as to the title, and extensive word of mouth networking has begun. It should prove to be a healthy event!

Film and Discussion July 2007

On Sunday 8th July we screened "Reel Bad Arabs" ( See synopsis below ) and another good turnout saw over twenty people enjoying a film which generated a lively discussion afterwards. After giving their initial impressions of the film the discussion broadened out into a discussion of how stereotypes are cultivated and used as political tools for dividing and ruling people. As well as this other questions raised were about parliamentary democracy and autocracy with regard to the character of western and Arab states and other questions regarding the motivation of Arab actors portraying negative stereoytpes of their own people.All in all it was another good evening!

"Reel Bad Arabs"

This groundbreaking documentary dissects a slanderous aspect of cinematic history that has run virtually unchallenged form the earliest days of silent film to today's biggest Hollywood blockbusters. Featuring acclaimed author Dr. Jack Shaheen, the film explores a long line of degrading images of Arabs--from Bedouin bandits and submissive maidens to sinister sheikhs and gun-wielding "terrorists"--along the way offering devastating insights into the origin of these stereotypic images, their development at key points in US history, and why they matter so much today. Shaheen shows how the persistence of these images over time has served to naturalize prejudicial attitudes toward Arabs and Arab culture, in the process reinforcing a narrow view of individual Arabs and the effects of specific US domestic and internationl policies on their lives. By inspiring critical thinking about the social, political, and basic human consequences of leaving these Hollywood caricatures unexamined, the film challenges viewers to recognize the urgent need for counter-narratives that do justice to the diversity and humanity of Arab people and the reality and richness of Arab history and culture.

"Bring a Friend and an open Mind!"

Hashimoto Spring

On Sunday 1st July the Hashimoto crew screened Michael Collins, about the Irish freedom fighter and enjoyed a good turnout, with twenty people staying for the after screening discussion. The aim of showing such an old film was to expose members of the japanese public to something they have learnt very little about through the education system and news media here in Japan.The participants asked a variety of questions and learnt about the troubles in Ireland and the UK from two Irish guest speakers. Those who knew nothing or little about the history of Ireland and British imperialism benefitted from the session and made the connection with what the British have done in Ireland and what is going on in Iraq right now, discussing the similarities. The session was held in Japanese, with minimal interpreting for English speakers. Japan's contribution in Iraq and its rekindled military/imperial ambitions were discussed, as was the importance of building an effective Japanese and international opposition to what is still a big issue in the world today:imperialism.

Film and Discussion June 2007

Last month we screened Llaguno Bridge Keys to a Massacre on June 10th.

This documentary features images, testimonies and facts by Venezuelan filmmaker Angel Palacios relating to the Venezuelan coup d'etat of April 2002. The film unmasks the conspiracies and plots leading up to the so-called massacre at the Llaguno Bridge. Palacios explores how the Venezuelan media twisted facts and news reality to blame the massacre on President Ch�vez. This work also shows how the people defended themselves against the Caracas Metropolitan Police who helped execute the attempted coup d'etat.

The film runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes and uses never before seen techniques to place the events of April 11, 2002 in their true chronological order.It follows on from last months' ”The revolution will not be Televised" and may finish our Venezuela series depending on opinion within the group.

Please note that anyone is welcome to attend our film and Discussion events regardless of their political persuasion, except for fascists and those who espouse racist views.If you'd like to come along, events are usually on the 2nd Sunday of the month at the same location in Shimokitazawa.

Usually, a short introduction to the group is given to newcomers and then a brief introduction to the film follows. After the film there is a 10-15 minute break after which open democratic discussions follow once a chair has been appointed. Everyone gets the chance to speak and to learn from one another.Participants are from a variety of backgrounds with different political viewpoints and differing degrees of knowledge and experience. If you're interested in social,economic and political issues in general or want to become an activist of some sort, then this is a good place to meet people-
everyone is friendly and welcoming!

Posted by paularenson to Alternative News
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