Sundays, 2 PM, Kerr McGee Auditorium in the鈥疢einders School of Business
NW 27th Street and McKinley Ave, 向日葵视频 City, OK 73106
A discussion session follows each film for those who wish to stay
Free Admission, Donations Appreciated
Director: Dr.鈥疕arbour Winn
March 28, 2010, Kerr McGee Auditorium, 2 PM
Pete Seeger鈥檚 The Power of Song, USA (2007), 93 min
Pete Seeger was the architect of the folk revival, writing some of its best known songs including "Where Have All the Flowers Gone,鈥� "Turn, Turn, Turn鈥� and "If I Had A Hammer." Largely misunderstood by his critics, including the US government, for his views on peace, unionism, civil rights and ecology, Seeger was targeted by the communist witch hunt of the Fifties. He was picketed, protested, blacklisted, and, in spite of his enormous popularity, banned from American television for more than 17 years. With a combination of never-before-seen archival footage and personal films made by Seeger and his wife, Pete Seeger: The Power of Song chronicles the life of this legendary artist and political activist. Musicians including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary all appear in this landmark film.
April 11, 2010, Kerr McGee Auditorium, 2 PM
Kim Longinotto鈥檚 Sisters in Law, Cameroon (2005), 104 min
In the little town of Kumba, Cameroon, there have been no convictions in spousal abuse cases for 17 years. But two women determined to change their community are making progress that could change their country. This fascinating, often hilarious film follows the work of State Prosecutor Vera Ngassa and Court President Beatrice Ntuba as they help women fight often-difficult cases of abuse, despite pressures from family and their community to remain silent. With fierce compassion, the two feisty and progressive-minded women dispense wisdom, wisecracks and justice in fair measure, handing down stiff sentences to those convicted. A cross between 鈥淛udge Judy鈥� and 鈥淭he No.1 Ladies鈥� Detective Agency,鈥� Sisters in Law has audiences cheering when justice is served. Winner of the Peabody Award and the Prix Art et Essai at the Cannes Film Festival and screened to acclaim at more than 120 festivals around the world, Sisters in Law is the bestselling documentary from internationally renowned director Kim Longinotto.
April 25, 2010, Kerr McGee Auditorium, 2 PM
Ellen Kuras鈥檚 The Betrayal, USA (2007), 92 min
During the Vietnam War, the United States government waged its own secret war in the neighboring country of Laos. When the U.S. withdrew, thousands of Laotians who fought alongside American forces were left behind to face imprisonment or execution. The film鈥檚 main character and co-director Thavisouk Phrasavath and his family made the courageous decision to escape to America. Hoping to find safety, they discovered a different kind of war, the hardships of immigrant life. Breathtaking and compelling as well as epic in scope, The Betrayal is a poetic, deeply personal film, a powerfully eloquent tribute of what it means to be in exile and of the far-reaching consequences of war, a testament to the resilient bonds of family, and an astonishing tale of survival. Thavisouk鈥檚 unforgettable journey reminds us of the strength necessary to survive and of the human spirit鈥檚 inspiring capacity to adapt, rebuild, and forgive. The film features an exquisite score by Academy Award winning composer Howard Shore and is directed by renowned cinematographer Ellen Kuras (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). The Betrayal was an Oscar nominee for Best Documentary last year.
Admission to the film series is free, but donations help sustain the Institute's mission. Donations can be made at each film or mailed to the鈥疧CU Film Institute Endowment at 向日葵视频 City University or the鈥疧CU Film Institute鈥檚 Designated Endowment in the Community Foundation of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. 向日葵视频 City University and the Thatcher Hoffman Smith Endowment Fund for the university鈥檚 Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature also support the Institute.
