A Collaboration between Roger Williams University and the Rhode Island International Film Festival April 22-25, 2010
Thursday, April 22nd:
Upper Commons, Dining Hall
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Shorts at the Commons
Featuring international short films from the archives of FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival.
Global Heritage Hall, 01
6:30 p.m.
WELCOMING COMMENTS BY RWU PRESIDENT ROY J. NIRSCHEL
Earth Day Celebration & 40 Years of Save the Bay
CREATING AWARENESS: The Power of the Global Media
Panel discussion & Opening Night Reception
Hosted by Prof. Michael Scully, Dept. ofCommunication
John Martin from Save the Bay
Veronica Pesak from RWU Eco-Reps
The Road Ahead: The First Green Long March
Directed by: Ryan Wong
52 min. China, 2008
The 2008 'Green' Olympics in Beijing gave Chinese environmentalists a chance to be heard. A year before the event, 2,000 college students from across the nation came together to make a powerful statement. Forming 10 survey teams, they traveled by train, car and foot, to see China's environmental challenges up close and spread their passion for conservation. Told from the students' perspective,The Road Ahead: The First Green Long March is a hopeful story that proves a few small sparks can ignite a movement.
Special Interests: Chinese, Biology, Asian Studies, Environmental Science
Greenlit
Directed by: Miranda Bailey
50 min. USA, 2009
Indie film producer, Miranda Bailey, documents a film crew's attempts to make a feature film 'green.' In the process she investigates the effect Hollywood has had on the environment and its recent efforts to be environmentally responsible. Just as Kermit says, 'it ain't easy being green.'
Special Interests: Environmental Science, Anthropology, Biology
9:00 p.m.
Fresh
Directed by: Ana Joanes
90 min. USA, 2008
Really Delicious celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture into an industrial model and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources and morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, these entrepreneurs and visionaries offer a practical vision for the future of our food and our planet.
Special Interests: Environmental Science Anthropology, Chemistry
Friday, April 23rd:
Barrington Public Library
Barrington, RI
2:00 p.m.
Flat Love
Directed by Andres Sanz
15 min. Spain/USA, 2009
A man, convinced that the world is actually flat, falls in love with a two-dimensional woman at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. From the writer/director of the award-winning "Bedford", FLAT LOVE is a unique, funny tale of love and obsession narrated by acclaimed actress Isabella Rossellini.
Special Interests: Art, Communications, Psychology, Core 103 Human Behavior, Graphic Design, Visual Arts
Magellan
Directed by Sebastian Davis
19 min. USA, 2009
"Magellan" is a coming-of-age tale about the perils of adolescence, set against the stark industrial backdrop of old-downtown Atlanta. Our hero, Magellan, is a scrawny compulsive liar and the outcast of 7th grade. He lives with his moody father in an old factory smokestack that's been renovated to loft space and painted a garish aquamarine. Rather than get ridiculed when the bus drops him off at this monstrosity, Magellan chooses to walk to and from middle school everyday. Tiana, a beautiful and popular African-American girl in the same grade, shares his walking route. Though Tiana would never be caught dead hanging out with Magellan at school, they develop an unlikely friendship during their daily commute together. Completely infatuated with her, Magellan eventually works up the foolhardy courage to ask her to the upcoming Spring Dance....
Special Interests: Core 103 Human Behavior, African-American Studies, Sociology
L'Artigiano Glaciale (The Ice Sculptor)
Directed by Alberto Meroni
40 min. Switzerland, 2010
The glacier is dying. Like so many others throughout the world, seventy years has seen it lose a third of its majesty. A death throe lasting millenia which wipes away an entire world drop by drop, and leaves a new one in its place. These drops have been carving out the world which surrounds us since time began. They created the Alps, and all the mountain ranges on the planet. They gave us the waterfalls and the caves. They are the springs of life which provide our most essential resource: water. But they are also a source of death and destruction. Their power causes landslides of uncontrollable force.
Ely Riva is a photographer from Italian Switzerland, who has spent years documenting man's relationship with nature, sets off on a solitary journey to discover this new world created by the ice sculptor. The protagonist is the Basodino glacier which, at 3272 metres (10738 feet) above sea level, dominates the Alpine foothills. A week-long trek of discovery and sensation, immersed in the unpredictability of nature.
Special Interests: Environmental Science, Photography, Biology
Upper Commons, Dining Hall
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Shorts at the Commons
Featuring international short films from the archives of FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival.
RWU Law School, Room 283
6:00 p.m.
The Creative Artist and the Law in a Digital Age
Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Hosted by Michael Drywa, Esq.
VICKtory to the Underdog
Directed by: Brandon Bond
105 min. USA, 2009
'Vicktory To The Underdog' takes an in depth look at world renowned tattoost 'Brandon Bond' and dog rescue efforts - rescuing the infamous Vick fighting dogs. The movie sheds light on solutions leading to 'Vicktory' for all the underdogs in the movie - tattoo people, pitbulls, parolees and all the other people in this world that society has turned their back on through ignorance and racism. The movie also examines the life of Brandon Bond and his struggle with balancing fame, fortune and the Rock-N-Roll tattoo lifestyle with more fulfilling life that focuses on the betterment of both animals and society as a whole. Featuring celebrities like Danny Trejo, Michael Berryman, Pixie Acia, the movie takes you on an incredible journey you will never forget!
Special Interests: Core103 Human Behavior, Criminal Justice, Sports, Psychology
Marine & Natural Sciences Building (MNS) 200
7:00 p.m.
CULTURE SHOCKS IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY
Hosted by Dr. Kamille Gentles-Peart, Assistant Professor of Communication
Toute Ma Vie (All My Life)
Directed by: PIERRE FERRIERE
5 min. FRANCE, 2009
Alessandra is walking in the city when she is hailed by a man she doesn't recognize. even though he keeps telling her about important moments of her life, his face remains totally unknown to her.
Dans la rue, Alessandra est interpellée par un homme qu'elle ne reconnaît pas. Il a beau lui remémorer les moments importants de sa vie, son visage lui demeure totalement inconnu…
Special Interests: French, Psychology, Core103 Human Behavior
For the Love of Shakespeare
Directed by Zhu Chunguang
52 min, 2009, China, 2009
In China, beginning education of children starts from reciting classic pieces of Confucius. Nowadays, more and more Chinese children start to learn English. Some one used the ancient study method. Reciting the poems of Shakespeare for English learning. Guo xin. Six-year-old girl. Her parents are trying to train her to become an international talent with all their hearts. In order to help Guo xin improving her English and to win the first place at the “Young Shakespeare” contest one year after, they send Guo xin to a village school which is located at the countryside of Chengde, Hebei. Mr. Tong. Owner of the village school. Nearly 20 children, including Guo xin and other 5 children who formed a Shakespeare recite class, are using this study method which was used to recite Confucius pieces to learn Shakespeare’s works. What ways will Mr. Tong, who knows not a word of English, use to teach Guo xin? What experiences will these children have? Will Guoxin win at the “Young Shakespeare” contest?
Special Interests: Chinese, International Studies, Psychology, Education, Core103 Human Behavior
Blau Jeans
Directed by: Meaghan Kimball
51 min. Germany, U S A, 2009
Blau Jeans is a rare look at the impact of American pop culture in Berlin & Germany's love-hate with America. Featured interviews include German luminaries 2raumwohnung, Sven Regener, & The NY Times journalist Richard Bernstein accompanied with a stunning soundtrack from 2raumwohung, and Albrecht Mayer and Berlin Philharmonic orchestra.
Special Interests: Political Science, History, German, International Relations
9:15 p.m.
Red, White and the Green
Directed by: Nader Davoodi
57 min. Iran, 2009
Hosted by Dr. June Speakman, Political Science
Last June, the world was shaken by the 10th Iranian presidential election. The events following the election received great media attention. In what were the most violent days since the Islamic revolution, over 65 people were killed, and the world began to wonder just what could cause such widespread anger against the government.
'Red, White and the Green' is a documentary which takes place during the last three weeks leading up to the June 22nd Election. It features over 55 minutes of never before seen footage in the Iranian capital. The most moving aspect of the movie is the great optimism, which most people show towards the upcoming election, not knowing the great horror that is around the corner for most of them.
During the film, the director interviews various prominent figures, several of whom have been imprisoned since the election. The list includes dissident journalist Isa Saharkhiz and renounced director Jafar Panahi.
Special Interests: Political Science, History, International Relations
Mask Changing Directed by Pan Jun
52 min, China, 2009
People have already forgotten the political storm which was caused from the documentary, "China" produced by the film master Michelangelo Antonioni in 1972. Today, when we pursue the tracks in China that the film master had visited 30 years ago, we cannot restrain the temptation to ask a series of questions. If still alive, would Antonioni marvel about China's rapid and mystical change like "Mask Changing"? China's appearance flows back and forward between the frame of Antonioni's documentary and the current one. Pleasantly, history and presence encountered in such contrast between the contemporary and the past scenes. Furthermore, people and the street incidents he captured from Tiananmen, Wangfujing, the town god's temple, the cotton manufactory and "the Red Flag ditch" are not just changed, but experiences more than 'change'. It is not only the modification on the facial expression, environments or materials, but, most importantly, their evolutional visions and perceptions. In the "Mask Changing" drama, it will demonstrate how difficultly but decisively, China and her people have learned to confront the world and, on the other hand, be treated by the world.
Special Interests: Political Science, History, Chinese, International Relations
Global Heritage Hall, 01
9:00 p.m.
RI INTERNATIONAL HORROR FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Nightmares in Red, White, and Blue
Directed by: Andrew Monument
98 min. USA, 2008
'Nightmares in Red, White and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film' is a feature-length documentary based on the book of the same name by Joseph Maddrey. It examines the idea that horror films reflect the times and places in which they are made - illustrating how classic monster movies exploited the anxieties of war-time generations, and how more savage madern horror films stem from the psychic fallout of America's countercoulture movement and the subsequent rise of increasingly political forces.At the same time, the documentary explores the timeless, universal appeal of horror movies by examining the pervasive theme of The Outsider. From the silent films of Lon Chaney to the box office reign of Hannibal Lector and his peers, the history of the horror film is a story of the individual at odds with any orginization that threatens his life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. In depth interviews with many of the nation's greatest horror filmmakers reveal that the appeal of the genre is rooted not only in timely fears but in the spirit of rebellion - a spirit that consistently defines American life, as well as many of its best horror filmmakers.'Nightmares in Red, White and Blue' is narrated by horror genre icon Lance Henriksen, and features exclusive interviews with legendary auteurs like John Carpenter, George A. Romero, Joe Dante, Larry Cohen, and Roger Corman, as well as film historian John Kenneth Muir, 'Fangoria' editor Tony Timpone and others.
Special Interests: American Studies, Psychology, Political Science, History, International Relations
11:30 p.m.
Hotel Chelsea
Directed by Jorge Valdés-Iga
74 min. Japan, 2009
A Japanese couple honeymoon at the Chelsea Hotel in New York. That night the wife finds her husband's dead body and a video tape of the brutal murder. A NYPD Detective, first at the murder scene, attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery of the murder in the locked room.
Special Interests: Japanese, Forensic Psychology
Saturday, April 24th:
Global Heritage Hall 001
1:00 p.m.
Creativity Unplugged: Animation On the Edge
Cutting edge new work hosted by Hollywood Producer, Ron Tippe. Discussion.
Flat Love
Directed by Andres Sanz
15 min. Spain/USA, 2009
A man, convinced that the world is actually flat, falls in love with a two-dimensional woman at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. From the writer/director of the award-winning "Bedford", FLAT LOVE is a unique, funny tale of love and obsession narrated by acclaimed actress Isabella Rossellini.
Special Interests: Art, Communications, Psychology, Core 103 Behavior
Leonardo
Directed by: Jim Capobianco
10 min. USA, 2009
Follow Leonardo as he concocts his flying machine, gets ready for flight and finally...well you just have to see where the maestro's creativity takes him. Leonardo is about the journey of the creative spirit, through much failure, pain, perseverance, success and ruin. A journey that often does not end where the artist thought it would.
Special Interests: Physics, Engineering
Hazed
Directed by: Jacquie Rushlow
2 min. Canada, 2009
When cute little dead birds start dropping out of a smoggy sky, a naive smoke-spewing factory discovers the toxic side effects of his own existence. Can the factory conquer his guilt in time to save the world?
Special Interests: Biology, Environmental Science
The Mouse That Soared
Directed by: Kyle Bell
5 min. USA, 2009
A famous flying circus mouse reflects on his humble beginnings in this high-altitude adventure in aerodynamics.
Special Interests: Art, Communications, Media, Graphic Design, Visual Arts
QUA
Directed by: Andres Vidal
9 min. Spain, 2009
At the beginning of time, our world was a desert illuminated by two suns where mankind barely could keep alive.
Special Interests: Spanish, Philosophy, Graphic Design, Visual Arts
Big Dreams
Directed by: Robyn von Arx
3 min. USA, 2007
Hand-drawn in a simple retro 80s style, the story is a satire of breaking into the Hollywood system.
The Seed
Directed by: Johnny Kelly
2 min. United Kingdom, 2008
A beautiful short animation of the journey taken by a humble apple seed through the natural cycle of life.
Special Interests: Communication, Graphic Design
The Incident at Tower 37
Directed by: Chris Perry
11 min. USA, 2009
In the middle of a dry, desolate landscape stands Tower 37: a shimmering water processing station, siphoning every last drop of water from a once pristine lake. Day in and day out the station's lone steward monitors the tower's activities, never realizing that Tower 37 is slowly destroying an entire ecosystem. But when two unexpected guests arrive, the tower's operator learns the high cost of his ignorance.
Special Interests: Biology, Environmental Science
Marine & Natural Sciences Building (MNS) 200
7:00 p.m.
TILL YOU´RE TOLD TO STOP
Directed by: Ruth Somalo
80 min. Austria, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, U S A, United Kingdom, Macedonia, 2009
Till You´re Told To Stop is a unique independent film that follows the career of singer British songwriter James Blunt. We witness the steps the singer took to start in the music industry in 2004 after resigning from his post in the army, through to his enormous worldwide success with his debut album “Back To Bedlam”.
What happens between the summer of 2004 and the summer of 2007 (publishing deal, the early gigs, release, promotion, tour and success in the UK and the US of the album “Back to Bedlam”) constitutes one of the most amazing musical journeys in decades.
Special Interests: Music, Communications
9:15 p.m.
Rock Prophecies
Directed by: John Chester
80 min. USA, 2009
Imagine seeing bands like Led Zeppelin or the Rolling Stones long before they became famous. Legendary Rock photographer Robert Knight did just that, and has the photos to prove it. ROCK PROPHECIES explores Robert’s amazing career and follows him on his quest to help the bands of today become the Rock legends of tomorrow, whether promoting Panic at the Disco before anybody has heard of them, or convincing Aussie band Sick Puppies to sell everything and move to the United States. When Robert stumbles upon Tyler Dow Bryant – a 16-year old guitar phenom from Texas -he’s convinced he may have found the next Stevie Ray Vaughan. Robert risks his reputation and career and takes a chance on Tyler. The two then set off on an unbelievable journey to take their own shot at making history.
Special Interests: Music
FIELD HOUSE COURTYARD
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WQRI 88.3FM & Roving Eye Concert
Featuring Four Year Strong, Dan Mills and The Life I Lead.
DETAILS: FREE to RWU Students;
General Admission Pre-Sale; $5.00;
General Admission Day of Show; $10.00
Upper Commons, Dining Hall
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Shorts at the Commons
Featuring international short films from the archives of FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival.
RWU Law School, Room 283
6:00 p.m.
Burned: Life In and Out of Texas Youth Prisons
Directed by: Emily Pyle
69 min. USA, 2009
'Burned' follows a year in the life of two boys committed to maximum security youth facilities in Texas. When Joseph is released after five years of incarceration, he struggles to adjust to life at home with his family. Justin stands trial for an escape attempt he made after a prison psychologist told him he would spend the rest of his life locked up. Through these tense, personal narratives, the film examines the troubled Texas juvenile justice system, which sees 50-75% of it's 'graduates' go on to serve prison time as adults.
Special Interests: Sociology, Anthropology, Writing, Core103 Behavior
No Tomorrow
Directed by: Roger Weisberg and Vanessa Roth
79 min. USA, 2009
NO TOMORROW investigates the murder of Risa Bejarano, the principle subject of our recent film about teenagers leaving foster care. NO TOMORROW explores how our film about Risa’s last year of life unexpectedly became the centerpiece of a chilling death penalty trial. We filmed the trial’s most dramatic moments in Judge Lance Ito’s courtroom, including a heated debate over the prosecutor’s use of our film to persuade the jury to impose the death penalty. While our trial coverage focused on whether Juan Chavez deserves to die, several leading death penalty experts addressed the broader question of whether the state deserves to kill. Ultimately, the unique film-within-a-film perspective of NO TOMORROW takes viewers inside a suspenseful death penalty trial and challenges their beliefs about capital punishment.
Special Interests: Core103 Human Behavior, Psychology, Criminal Justice
Global Heritage Hall, 01
6:30 p.m.
Brownstones to Red Dirt
Directed by: Dave LaMattina and Chad Walker
85 min. Sierra Leone, U S A, 2009
The film uses interviews and letters to show the factors that have shaped the children’s lives are remarkably similar, despite the differences of their experiences. Four pairs of pen pals show how these two “lost” groups will help one another find their way through an increasingly complex and confusing world. Each pair of pen pals highlights a major issue faced by kids across the world. Isaiah and Abdul teach us about family. Isaiah’s father left him as a baby while the rebel commander that killed Abdul's parents then adopted him. Malik and Balla use their art, not vengeance, to heal. Augusta may live miles away in Sierra Leone, but her lesson of what it means to be a friend reaches Destiny in Brooklyn. Fred and Emmanuel, both victims of damning stereotypes attached to being a young black male from the inner city and a war orphan struggling in a third world country, defy expectations to improve the world around them. As their friendship grows, so does their sense of responsibility. The students in Brooklyn decide to have a fundraiser barbecue, a block party of sorts, which raised enough money to buy school supplies and mattresses for their friends. And, in one final surprise, they watched as the kids in Sierra Leone—orphans once living in a leaky tin shack—were actually placed in an apartment paid for by their hard work. In the end, the lesson they learned—and taught—were simple: friendship knows no border.
Special Interests: Anthropology, Sociology, Communications, Core103
9:00 p.m.
Remnants of a War
Directed by: Jawad Metni
76 min. Israel/Lebanon, 2009
Hosted by Prof. Joseph W. Roberts, Political Science
In the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, one million cluster bomb munitions rained down upon the fields, orchards and villages of South Lebanon. An estimated 30% failed to detonate. Three years later, teams of locally recruited and trained deminers race to clear the land before more civilians are injured or killed.
Remnants of a War is a feature documentary, photographed in beautiful high definition, that takes an intimate look into the lives of these brave Muslims and Christians, Sunni and Shia, women and men. They work to make their land safe again, while their country endures the worst political and economic crisis in 15 years.
Special Interests: Core102 History in the Modern World, History, Arabic
In Their Boots: Broken Promise
Directed by: Abe Greenwald
27 min. USA, 2009
Broken Promise, the story of 3 Iraq War veterans who fell through the cracks of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Northern California program that saved them.
Special Interests: Core103 Human Behavior, Middle-East Studies, History, Psychology
Wounded Healers
Directed by: Mark Stendal
39 min. USA, 2009
Wounded Healers - How Do You Forgive the Unforgivable? The documentary film Wounded Healers chronicles the extraordinary personal stories of five Rwandans and their post-genocide journey through the stages of extreme hurt, hate, and healing. The central characters of the film are faced with the dilemma of what to do when the genocide killers of their families are released from prison and move back into their neighborhood. Tense face-to-face meetings between survivors and killers eventually lay the foundation for forgiveness and a new future. In the process, viewers come to understand that forgiveness - however improbable - is truly possible.
Special Interests: Core103 Human Behavior, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology
Sunday, April 25th
Marine & Natural Sciences Building (MNS) 200
2:00 p.m.
Deliver Us
Directed by: Kathryn Tayo Hall
27 min. USA, 2009
HIV/AIDS a disease that has virtually disappeared from the headlines continues to spread at alarming and disproportionate rates in communities of color across the United States. In Deliver Us we learn that not even Massachusetts, home to over 500 academic institutions, biotech companies and hospitals, a state known for its excellence in research and medical care, is immune to the problem. African Americans in Massachusetts are 11 times more likely than Caucasians to be infected by HIV. Similarly, Latino Americans are 9 times more likely to be infected. Deliver Us challenges the pervasive secrecy and denial by taking a look at the faces behind the statistics and examining the impact of unprotected “down low” sex between men, injection drugs and the revolving door to prison.
Special Interests: Anthropology, Sociology, Biology
Pedaço de Papel
(Piece of Paper)
Directed by: Cesar Raphael
17 min. Brazil, 2009
Greed, power, innocence, tragedy. Following the path of a money bill, since its printing until its final destination, the audience is introduced to the extremes our society is made of. How far would you go for a piece of paper?
Special Interests: Core103 Human Behavior, Lain-American Studies, Portuguese, Psychology
Beauty of the Fight
Directed by: John Urbano
68 min. Panama/USA, 2008
The documentary Beauty of the Fight explores, with both intimate and exhilarating imagery, the effects of historic realities on two Panama barrios. Barraza and El Chorrillo suffered heavy losses when US forces invaded in 1989 in order to capture General Manuel Noriega. With deft footage—and under military police protection while entering Barraza’s dangerous “red zone”—filmmaker John Urbano captures in Beauty of the Fight not only the daily struggle but also the dignity, joy, and heightened awareness of its residents, even as this “interim” shantytown nears extinction due to recent outside private and commercial development. Boxers, cock fighters, gang bangers, street urchins, small business owners, family members, community leaders, and visionaries detail the day to day plight to hold on to homes and endure the loss of loved ones due to street conflicts while they also express the inevitable hopes of all peoples who fall victim to unconscious political and economic forces. The film also explores the vagaries of documenting a place and people destined to slip into the past.
Special Interests: Spanish, Criminal Justice, Core103 Human Behavior, Political Science, History
4:30 p.m.
Do no harm
Directed by: Rebecca Schanberg
58 min. USA, 2009
Do No Harm tells the story of two reluctant whistleblowers in a small Georgia town who endure relentless attacks as they struggle to draw national attention to hospital corruption and the plight of the uninsured.
In 2003, Dr. John Bagnato and accountant Charles Rehberg stumble upon evidence that non-profit Phoebe Putney Hospital is overcharging uninsured and indigent patients, has stashed millions of dollars in offshore bank accounts controls lucrative for-profit businesses. As Bagnato and Rehberg dig deeper, they find these practices not only at Phoebe, but also at non-profit hospitals around the country. And shockingly – this is all entirely legal.
When these discoveries become public, Bagnato and Rehberg become the targets of threats and intimidation, and are eventually prosecuted by local authorities for blowing the whistle on the hospital’s practices. With their reputations and livelihoods on the line, Bagnato and Rehberg must confront what they’re willing to sacrifice to bring about justice.
Special Interests: Sociology, Legal Studies, Business
Return to Mexico City
Directed by: Joie Walls, Maura Mandt 2009
49 min. USA, 2009
At the 1968 Summer Olympic Games, against a backdrop of a world in chaos, U.S. Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos stunned the world after winning gold and bronze medals, by bowing their heads and raising their black-gloved fists toward the sky as the national anthem played – an action the two men said represented not only the American struggle for racial equality but the universal struggle for basic human rights - and the world has never forgotten. ESPN Films & Maggie Vision Productions present, Return to Mexico City, a one-hour documentary, on Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos and their actions four decades ago at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City. The film premiered on ESPN Classic's Black History Month programming. The special, narrated by Kiefer Sutherland, focuses on their dramatic actions and the aftermath of their struggles over the ensuing 40 years. In October 2008 as part of a 40th anniversary reunion event, Smith and Carlos returned to Mexico City together for the first time since their controversial dismissal from the 1968 Summer Games. The special also features original interviews with Tom Brokaw and President Barack Obama.
Special Interests: Spanish, History, Anthropology, Political Science, Core, International Relations
Upper Commons, Dining Hall
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Shorts at the Commons
L'Artigiano Glaciale (The Ice Sculpture)
Directed by Alberto Meroni
40 min. Switzerland, 2010
The glacier is dying. Like so many others throughout the world, seventy years has seen it lose a third of its majesty. A death throe lasting millenia which wipes away an entire world drop by drop, and leaves a new one in its place. These drops have been carving out the world which surrounds us since time began. They created the Alps, and all the mountain ranges on the planet. They gave us the waterfalls and the caves. They are the springs of life which provide our most essential resource: water. But they are also a source of death and destruction. Their power causes landslides of uncontrollable force.
Ely Riva is a photographer from Italian Switzerland, who has spent years documenting man's relationship with nature, sets off on a solitary journey to discover this new world created by the ice sculptor. The protagonist is the Basodino glacier which, at 3272 metres (10738 feet) above sea level, dominates the Alpine foothills.
Special Interests: Environmental Science, Photography, Biology
Global Heritage Hall, 01
12:00 Noon: (Patio of the Global Heritage Hall)
The Society for Creative Anachronism: Demonstration
The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes & workshops, and more.
Local members will provide a demonstration of some of the many activities practiced by the SCA, including both heavy and light armored combat.
1:00 p.m.
International Focus
The Enchanted Island
20 min. Ireland, 2009
Off the south-west coast of Ireland lies a small sheltered island with a mysterious ancient garden on it. People say it is a magical place and stories of mermaids living in the surrounding waters have often been told. No one live on the island except for a solitary gardener Brian. And every night he is left alone on this small enchanted island. Or is he?
Special Interests: History, Core 104 Lit/Phil, Philosophy
El encargado
(The One in Charge)
8 min. Spain, 2008
Martin (9), is put in charge of his class during the teacher's absence. He must write on the blackboard the names of those who speak. An easy job... until the class bully starts talking.
Special Interests: Spanish, Anthropology, Sociology, Core103 Human Behavior, Elementary Education, Psychology
The Happiness Salesman
Directed by: Krishnendu Majumdar
14 min. United Kingdom, 2009
Karen (Archie Panjabi) is resigned to a life in suburbia, the dreams of her youth a distant memory. On an autumn afternoon as she struggles to get her baby to sleep she is disturbed by a door-to-door Salesman (Christopher Eccleston). Desperate for adult companionship she engages with the enigmatic stranger. He claims that he can sell her something that will radically change her life; he offers Karen, an opportunity to fulfill her long forgotten ambitions.
Special Interests: Psychology
Budrus
Directed by: Julia Bacha
76 min. Israel, 2010
Ayed Morrar took leave of his comfortable job at the Palestinian Authority upon hearing that the Israeli government was planning to build a separation barrier through Budrus, his small agricultural village. He convened a town-hall meeting, invited Israeli civilians, and formed a movement whose motto resonates with community organizers worldwide. “We Can Do It” was sung by Israelis and Palestinians alike for 10 months of strategic, Gandhian-style protests. To everyone’s surprise, Ayed became the leader of the first unarmed movement to successfully protect and even expand Palestinian territory—a feat never before accomplished through violent or nonviolent means. In a 70-minute, action-filled documentary featuring exclusive footage of this movement from its infancy, Budrus will inspire, charm and challenge audiences worldwide.
As the story unfolds, we meet Ayed’s daughter, Iltezam, who at the rebellious age of 15 challenges her father by launching a women’s contingent that quickly moves to the front lines. Iltezam breaks through a wall of soldiers and throws herself in front of a bulldozer uprooting olive trees to make room for the Separation Barrier, stopping the bulldozers for the first time.
Other characters include: Kobi Snitz, an Israeli mathematics professor who begins as a reluctant bystander and soon transforms into an activist and friend to Ayed; Yasmine Levi, the only female officer on duty who confronts the Palestinian women, at times using brute force; and Ahmed Awwad, a Hamas leader who speaks about the importance of the people, including Israelis, coming together without arms.
3:00 p.m.
DOCUMENTARY FILM: THE ART OF CREATIVE STORYTELLING
FEATURING: “Behind the Hedgerow” a First Look & Panel discussion.
Created by David Bettencort and G. Wayne Miller; Host: Prof. Edward Delaney
BEHIND THE HEDGEROW will take viewers inside the private world of aristocratic Newport, Rhode Island –– a world of privilege that began with the Gilded Age, when Vanderbilts and Astors reigned. The story will be told through the focus of Eileen Gillespie Slocum, descendant of Browns (as in Brown University) and friend to all of the 20th century Newport (and New York and Philadelphia) elite. When Slocum died on July 27, 2008, at the age of 92, a storied period of American history ended, as The New York Times and other publications noted in her obituary. Slocum was the last of the Newport grand dames –– and one of the last grand dames anywhere. She left no successor. America had changed, and so had the world. A new moneyed class now ruled.
This is an exclusive, inside look at a vanishing society, placed in historical context and providing a deeper understanding of what F. Scott Fitzgerald meant when he observed: “Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.”
Because of Eileen Slocum’s stature, her relationships with virtually everyone in the world of old money, her long life, and her intelligence and candor, BEHIND THE HEDEGEROW will definitely be the most unique film you will see this year.
Special Interests: Journalism
5:00 p.m.
Closing Night Party & Reception
Open Screen: Celebration of Local & Student Filmmakers
(Bring & screen your film work; up to 5 mins, per filmmaker. Register at the door).
Hip, Hot & Short:
Natural Selection
Directed by: Brett Foraker
20 min. United Kingdom, 2010
NATURAL SELECTION is a philosophical thriller starring Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and James D'Arcy (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World). When atheist professor Ted Gwyndon returns home from a book tour, little does he know that an intruder awaits. But John Henry Wilson isn't just a religious fanatic, he's a man with a plan. As Gwyndon and John Henry struggle to gain the upper hand, secrets are revealed about each that call in to question the nature of belief, memory and compassion. Superbly acted drama with a killer twist.
Special Interests: Philosophy, Psychology
The Happiness Salesman
Directed by: Krishnendu Majumdar
14 min. United Kingdom, 2009
Karen (Archie Panjabi) is resigned to a life in suburbia, the dreams of her youth a distant memory. On an autumn afternoon as she struggles to get her baby to sleep she is disturbed by a door-to-door Salesman (Christopher Eccleston). Desperate for adult companionship she engages with the enigmatic stranger. He claims that he can sell her something that will radically change her life; he offers Karen, an opportunity to fulfill her long forgotten ambitions.
Special Interests: Psychology
Flat Love
Directed by Andres Sanz
15 min. Spain/USA, 2009
A man, convinced that the world is actually flat, falls in love with a two-dimensional woman at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. From the writer/director of the award-winning "Bedford", FLAT LOVE is a unique, funny tale of love and obsession narrated by acclaimed actress Isabella Rossellini.
Special Interests: Art, Communications, Psychology, Core 103 Human Behavior, Graphic Design, Visual Arts
Magellan
Directed by Sebastian Davis
19 min. USA, 2009
"Magellan" is a coming-of-age tale about the perils of adolescence, set against the stark industrial backdrop of old-downtown Atlanta. Our hero, Magellan, is a scrawny compulsive liar and the outcast of 7th grade. He lives with his moody father in an old factory smokestack that's been renovated to loft space and painted a garish aquamarine. Rather than get ridiculed when the bus drops him off at this monstrosity, Magellan chooses to walk to and from middle school everyday. Tiana, a beautiful and popular African-American girl in the same grade, shares his walking route. Though Tiana would never be caught dead hanging out with Magellan at school, they develop an unlikely friendship during their daily commute together. Completely infatuated with her, Magellan eventually works up the foolhardy courage to ask her to the upcoming Spring Dance....
Special Interests: Core 103 Human Behavior, African-American Studies, Sociology
More to be announced shortly ...
For more information about films, dates, and venues
for the Roving Eye Film Festival™,
please call 401-861-4445, email adams@film-festival.org
RWU PARKING INFORMATION:From Providence: Take Routes 136 South or 114 S passing campus on the left. Take a left at the traffic light just before the Mount Hope Bridge, onto Old Ferry Road. Take the first right into the parking lot.
From Newport: Take 114N over the Mount Hope Bridge and take the first right off the bridge onto Old Ferry Road. Take the first right into the parking lot.
Guests should enter through the main entrance at the fountain. they will be able to obtain a guest parking pass. Lot 24a will be blocked off for guests of the festival. Proceed through the main entrance through to the lot 24a on left. Events will take place in the Global Heritage Hall, Law School and MNS (Marine & Natural Sciences Building).
