Never Stand Still' explores why dance matters as it transports the viewer into a world of non-stop dance, the daring artists who dedicate their lives to it, and the extraordinary place where it all happens. Directed by Ron Honsa, narrated by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones, and filmed on location at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Never Stand Still features thrilling performances, revelatory conversations with world renowned choreographers and dancers, backstage access, and rare archival footage while chronicling the remarkable story of how an abandoned farm, in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, evolved into a nexus for dance throughout the world, today considered "the dance center of the nation"(The New York Times). Intimate interviews with legendary dance artists include Judith Jamison, Paul Taylor, Mark Morris, Suzanne Farrell, and Frederic Franklin, as well as one of the last interviews with the iconic Merce Cunningham. Broadway stars Bill Irwin and Rasta Thomas share their personal stories and ideas about art alongside international artists Shantala Shivalingappa, Gideon Obarzanek, Jomar Mesquita and Nikolaj Hübbe. Above all, the artists share with us their passion for the most ephemeral, physically demanding, and challenging art form, dance. Judith Jamison explains, "You have to touch the human spirit, don't you? What's the point otherwise? And as Mark Morris aptly puts it, "I like to say that my work --- it's not for everyone, it's for anyone." Never Stand Still is an inspiring film that will appeal to anyone.
Deep in what was once considered the darkest heart of Africa, on one of the world's largest and most pristine lakes, the MV Liemba doggedly perseveres, ferrying passengers and cargo up and down the remote eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. For nearly one hundred years, the ship has served as the primary means of travel, and a critical avenue of commerce, for soldiers, traders, missionaries and migrants on Lake Tanganyika - the geographical link between east, central and southern Africa. The MV Liemba is many things: a physical relic of European colonialism; a vital lifeline for otherwise isolated communities; the principle means of transport for cargo and people traveling from Francophone Central Africa to Anglophone Southern Africa; a meeting place where Africans from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds come together -- a floating microcosm of Africa. The history of the Liemba, together with the present day story of her weekly odyssey from Northern Tanzania to Zambia and the testimonies of the individuals whose livelihoods depend on her, serve as a platform for discussion of the history of colonial exploitation and the legacy of this history in 21st century Africa. These intertwined narratives are told with majestic mountains as a backdrop and the shimmering turquoise waters of an awesome inland sea as the central setting. The compelling dramatic content, breathtaking visual footage and upbeat locally recorded music combine, allowing the audience to experience and understand a corner of their world that would otherwise remain unknown to them.
The 40 musicians of the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen make up what is perhaps Germany's most unusual orchestra. Together with artistic director Paavo Jaervi, this extraordinary ensemble has taken on the challenge of playing all nine Beethoven symphonies in four days at the Beethovenfest Bonn. They are not only world-class musicians but also shareholders in the company that runs the orchestra, so they bear the financial risk of all their projects. And they see their work as extending well beyond the final applause: they take their social responsibilities seriously, for instance by passing on their passion for music to students at a local school.The film focuses on star conductor Paavo Jaervi and several members of the orchestra. They convey their enthusiasm for music, and they deliver insights into the internal life of the orchestra. The film crew accompanied them closely in Bremen, Tallinn and Bonn, in rehearsals, concerts and behind the scenes. How was this former youth orchestra able to reach the very top of the classical music world? How do conductor and instrumentalists see Beethoven's masterpieces? How did the orchestra develop its unique sound? What is the message of Beethoven's music in the 21st century? How is the orchestra able to perform all nine symphonies at a consistently high level over four days? The music documentary 'The Beethoven Project' answers these questions - and many others - in 90 minutes. A conductor, an orchestra, Beethoven and his music.
For ZERO PERCENT, we were given rare access within the walls of the notoriousSing Sing Correctional facility to follow the lives of several of society'sforgotten men as they experience the transformative power of education whilegoing through a rigorous college program called Hudson Link-- with astoundingstatistical results. We follow men on the inside as well as those who have finished the program and now have returned to society. Those men who have come home, feel a strong desire to serve the communities that they were formerly hurting.
A year in the life of CEO, NAACP Ambassador, Duke University Professor, Husband, Father, Son and GRAMMY award winning producer 9th Wonder.
In 1964, after spending a one year protracted legal battle, co-club owners, Howard and Elly Solomon were finally granted a 'unique' cabaret license and the Cafe Au Go Go opened its doors on February 7. Six weeks later with mounting legal bills and depleting funds the couple were quickly going out of business. With few options, Howard and Elly made a desperate, late minute attempt to keep the club open and reached out to popular comedian, Lenny Bruce. Two days into Lenny's performance he was arrested and booked for obscenity charges, alone with Howard and Elly. That historic arrest, and the international press it garnered would put the Cafe Au Go Go on the entertainment world map.From 1964 to 1969 the Cafe Au Go Go was a Beacon in the night for many a disenfranchised performer. A few obscure and relatively unknown musicians and comics like Jimi Hendrix, Steven Stills, The Grateful Dead, The Cream, Jefferson's Airplane, Blood Sweat and Tears, Mothers of Invention, George Carlin, Richard Prior, Lily Tomlin, would all get their start down at the legendary Cafe Au Go Go at 152 Bleeker Street. Many of those artists would influence a whole generation of hip, New York teenagers. In turn, those teenagers would inspire a grass roots movement to help transform the socio-political landscape and consciousness of an entire "hippie"nation during the turbulent 60's.
On November 4, 2008 the voters of California passed Proposition 8 revoking marriage rights for same sex couples.The next day a movement was born.INSPIRED: the Voices Against Prop 8 is a documentary film chronicling several people's lives in the wake of the passage of Prop 8. Arresting live footage follows people from all walks of life, inspired to action in ways they never dreamed. Experience the passionate rallies and defiant marches of the new gay rights movement as it swept through Los Angeles and blazed across the United States. Intimate interviews reveal all the ways the movement comes together, and the subtle and not-so-subtle ways it can be pulled apart from within.Shot in early 2009, our cast is anxiously awaiting for the California Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of Prop 8. But once they know the decision, and their planning comes to fruition, what will happen after the 'Day of Decision?' Where will these new activists go after they meet their goal? INSPIRED: THE VOICES AGAINST PROP 8 goes behind the headlines and propaganda to explore the real people who make up a movement.
Stage Left: a story of theater in San Francisco is a celebration of a unique theater community. Inspired by a Western history of risk taking and exploration, a climate of political and social activism, a particular multicultural mix, and a geography that is seismically unstable, San Francisco theater artists focused on pushing the boundaries of the form. Their interest in redefining performance'where it takes place, how it is staged, and what it encompasses'has had a lasting influence on theater in the United States and around the world. The film traces the evolution of contemporary theater in the Bay Area including: The San Francisco Actor's Workshop, which premiered and staged works by the most avant-garde playwrights of its day; the SF Mime Troupe with its long history of political engagement; the Magic Theatre's relationship with Sam Shepard, one of America's most important playwrights; the Cockettes and Theater Rhinoceros, who reveled in alternative and gay culture; the groundbreaking experimentation in the 70's and 80's of George Coates, Soon 3, Snake Theater, The Blake Street Hawkeyes and Antenna Theater; and the world premiere of Angels in America at the Eureka Theater in 1991. The third largest theater community in the United States continues to flourish; creating rich and distinctive multi-disciplinary theater that inspires artists and audiences alike. 68 interviews. Directed by Austin Forbord. Produced by Rapt Productions. Narrated by Marga Gomez. Commissioned by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation.
Peace Through Education: Stealing the Light tells of Dr. Mohammad Khan Kharoti's struggle to give the gifts of literacy and educational opportunity to the next generation of Afghan children. In 2001, his hard work was realized â€" he opened a school on family property in his home village of Shin Kalay, in the war-torn Helmand Province of Afghanistan. 16 Students attended that first year, both boys and girls. Success followed success and by 2008 the student body swelled to over 1200 students attending daily, over 400 of them female. And the school had grown physically, too, into a safe, walled compound with classroom facilities for boys and girls, a library and computer lab, dormitories for the staff, a well and generators. Dr. Mohammad Khan Kharoti's Green Village School became a welcomed focus for the entire community. Sadly, tragedy struck mid-October 2008; an unidentified group entered the village and at gunpoint looted the institution, bulldozed it, and destroyed everything, leaving the school a heap of rubble on the ground. Through the words of former students, teachers and local officials, Mohammad and his family, we learn of the importance of the school to students and the entire village, we witness its loss and the devastating aftermath, and follow Mohammad's emotional journey to rebuild. Stealing the Light seeks to answer the question of whether and how literacy and education promote peace and opportunity in conflict affected countries.
The untouchables in India are the most oppressed social group in the planet. A Spanish Jesuit arrived in the poorest district of the country almost fifty years ago and completely changed their lives and minds through The Silent Revolution. Through their most intimate confessions, the untouchables of this part of India invite us to witness how to eradicate poverty and its consequences. It´s a spiritual and magical journey that can restore our faith in our fellow man and in the power of our own actions.
Does each gesture really make a difference? Can music and dance be weapons of peace? In 2003, on the eve of the Iraq war, director Iara Lee embarked on a journey to better understand a world increasingly embroiled in conflict and, as she saw it, heading for self-destruction. After several years, traveling over five continents, Iara encountered growing numbers of people who committed their lives to promote change. This is their story. From IRAN, where the graffiti and rap became tools in fighting back the regime, to BURMA, where monks acting in the tradition of Gandhi take on a dictatorship, moving on to BRAZIL, where musicians reach out to slum kids and transform guns into guitars, and ending in PALESTINIAN refugee camps in LEBANON, where photography, music, and film have given a voice to those rarely heard, CULTURES OF RESISTANCE explores how art and creativity can be the ammunition in the battle for peace and justice.Featuring: MedellÃn poets for peace, Capoeira masters from Brazil, Niger Delta militants, Iranian graffiti artists, women's movement leaders in Rwanda, Lebanon's refugee filmmakers, U.S. political pranksters, indigenous Kayapó activists from the Xingu River, Israeli dissidents, hip-hop artists from Palestine, and many more...
Adham Tobail is a social assistant who works in the only mental health institution existent in Gaza. His daily work leads us to Hakim, a nine year old kid who suffers post-traumatic stress due to an Israeli attack upon his neighborhood. Or to Midhat, a family man hunted by phobias that won't let him have a normal life as he unleashes his frustrations upon his wife and kids. We also meet Ashraf, a schizophrenic who can't have regular access to medicine due to the Israel's economic blockade for civilians goods. Or Taami, a deeply depressed elderly man who's only means to survival is the support of his family. And Misho, a kid severely wounded after an attack of the Israeli troops who fights to recover in a rehab center, completing the portrait of these five characters.This documentary was shot between March and June 2008, just a few months before the Israeli Army launched an unprecedented attack on Gaza which caused 1,400 casualties 400 of which were children.
Tourists quest to Key West in search of Hemingway's home and Buffett's haunts, a laid back vibe and breathtaking sunsets. But when the sun goes down on paradise, some swear ghosts and ghouls come out to play. Leading the poltergeist pack are high-spirited, flesh and-blood characters, who are larger than life... and death. Polterguys is the hilarious documentary that takes an inside look at Key West's most popular ghost tour company. Meet the cloaked men and women who make a living telling haunted tales on shadowy streets, ghost-busting by lantern light.
Mexican Suitcase tells the story of three lost boxes, found at the bottom of a closet in Mexico City in 2007. Small boxes: red, green and manila, that disappeared in the chaos of Europe at the beginning of World War II. Contained in the Suitcase were 4,500 unique negatives, the work of three friends, who met in Paris between 1936 and 1937, who would become some of the finest photojournalists of their time; exiled from their respective countries, Germany, Poland and Hungary. They were radicals who understood the dangers of fascism. They traveled to Spain together to fight fascism with their cameras. Robert Capa (23) David "Chim"Seymour (28) and Gerda Taro. Throughout the film we learn through their images the story of the war and the exile. The suitcase, a metaphor, takes us through the narrative with the voices and memories of survivors and of the next generation of exiles. This is a film about images taken in the past (1937 to 1939) recovered in our present (2007) that also looks at how a new generation in Spain is beginning to reconcile itself with its own history. Our film looks at the power of memory and asks, who owns our memories? Where do our memories live? Who has power over our narratives and how do we claim our stories and our pasts.
