Alternative Documentaries: Cinema Politica

Victoria Gives Room for Thought

by CP Victoria

Camosun has hit on a winning combination – a carefully selected and thought-provoking documentary, followed by a motivating facilitator-led discussion. So often, portrayal of world political and social issues can immobilize the viewer. Not so with Cinema Politica Victoria.

“Not only are the films engaging and informative, but the discussion afterwards generates passions,” says Stan Chung, Dean of Camosun’s  School of Arts and Science.

“There is a huge surge in interest in documentary film,” says Jeanne Iribarne, English instructor at Camosun. “Documentaries satisfy our hunger for legitimate information about real issues facing real people all over the globe, and for conversation that moves beyond a sound-bite." 

El Contrato follows poverty-driven Mexican migrants to southern Ontario, where the opportunity to exploit workers is as ripe as the fruit they pick. Discussion facilitated by members of the Justice for Migrant Workers collective. 7pm, Thursday January 27.

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai celebrates the inspiring story of the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy. Discussion facilitated by Dr. Francis Adu-Febiri, sociology instructor and member of Camosun’s  African Awareness Community. 7pm, Wednesday February 16.

Living Downstream follows one woman’s discovery of cancer, prevalent through her family, but as an adoptee, not part of her DNA. The film offers a powerful reminder of the intimate connection between the health of our bodies and the health of our air, land and water. Discussion facilitator TBA. 7pm, Wednesday March 30.

Budrus is “this year’s must-see documentary” according to the New York Times. “Budrus is a riveting window into what might be possible if Palestinians adopted civil disobedience on a huge scale.” Discussion facilitated by Dr. Larry Hannant, history instructor at Camosun. 7pm, Thursday April 28.

Ayamye and other short films about bicycling. Just in time for Bike to Work Week! Discussion facilitator TBA. 7pm, Friday May 27.

Admission is by donation. The films are shown in the Gibson Auditorium, room 216, Young building, Lansdowne campus, 3100 Foul Bay Road. Find more details about the films online at www.cinemapolitica.org/victoria.

Cinema Politica is co-sponsored by Camosun's School of Arts and Science, Students for a Democratic Society, and other student groups on campus.