Social Justice Awards for Docs

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A Rundown on The Fund for Santa Barbara’s Annual Social Justice Award

By Sheyla Molho

Every year, a special documentary film wins the Social Justice Award for Documentary Film, presented by The Fund for Santa Barbara. This prestigious award is given each year to a film that sheds light on social issues and contributes to the advancement of justice. This year, 11 different films will be screened and judged for the award. And the nominees are:

Ayamye (2006, USA, 66min, BetaSP, DigiBeta, Directed by Eric Matthies and Tricia Todd) This is about the life of a West African village that is keenly awaiting a shipment of bicycles from the United States. Part of a greater project called the Village Bicycle Project, which provides donated bicycles with tools and repair training; this documentary introduces us to a group of individuals who show us the perils of life which include a lack of adequate transportation. Visit ayamye.org to view a short clip and find more information on the film. Friday, Jan. 26, 1:45 p.m. Metro 4 Theater Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7:00 p.m. Center Stage Theater

Recycled Life (2006, USA, 38 min, BetaSP, Directed by Leslie Iwerks) This documentary gives us a closer look into the lives of several families who live and work by Guatemala’s most toxic landfill. The narration is by Edward James Olmos. Friday, Jan. 26, 1:45 p.m. Metro 4 Theater Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7:00 p.m. Center Stage Theater

Beyond the Call (2006, USA, 82 min, BetaSP, DigiBeta, Directed by Adrian Belic) Following three middle-aged men, Ed Artis, Jim Laws, and Walt Ratterman, Adrian Belic takes us around the world to the most dangerous places on earth. Their organization “Knightsbridge” appropriately named after these three modern day knights, delivers humanitarian aid throughout the world. Visit their organization knightsbridge.org for more information on their efforts. Saturday, Feb. 3, 1:30 p.m. Marjorie Luke Theatre

Blood of the Yingzhou District (2006, USA/China, 39 min, BetaSP, DigiBeta, Directed by Ruby Yang) Living as an outcast from his community in China, a young boy infected with AIDS due to unsafe medical practices serves as a symbol of the hidden AIDS epidemic which has hit China. Thursday, Feb. 1, 1:30 p.m., - Lobero Theatre

Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? (2006, USA, 82 min, 35mm, Directed by Frank Popper) Following Missouri’s political candidate Jeff Smith, a 29-year-old who is running to replace U.S. Senator Richard Gephardt, Frank Popper takes us through a political journey and gives us a glimpse into the system of democracy in America. V isit mrsmithmovie.com for more information. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m. Arlington Theatre Thursday, Feb. 1, 11:15 a.m. Metro 4 Theater

Crude Impact (2006, USA, 98 min, BetaSP, DigiBeta, Directed by James Wood) The documentary demonstrates the chain of events which occur as a result of the U.S.’s over-demand for oil. Visit the website for more interesting information on the film crudeimpact.com. Sunday, Jan. 28, 7:00 p.m. Centerstage Theater Tuesday, Jan. 30, 10:00 p.m. Victoria Street Theater

In the Pit (2006, Mexico, 75 min, 35mm, Directed by Juan Carlos Rulfo) A documentary chronicling the lives of the builders of Mexico City’s second deck of the Periferico freeway. Sunday, Jan 28, 4:00 p.m. Metro 4 Theater Tuesday, Jan. 30, 10:45 a.m. Metro 4 Theater

Super Amigos (2006, Canada/Mexico, 82 min, DigiBeta, Directed by Arturo Perez Torres) Five heroes are followed through Mexico City with their fight for human rights and social justice as the forefront of their lives. Saturday, Feb. 3, 9:00 p.m. Victoria Street Theater Sunday, Feb. 4, 1:45 p.m Metro 4 Theater

Taking Guns from Boys (2006, Liberia/USA, 57 min, DigiBeta, Directed by Jessie Deeter) While wrecked and torn by civil war in Liberia, United Nations Force Commander Daniel Opande makes an attempt to bring an end to the violence which captivates the country. Visit the official website takinggunsfromboys.com for more information on the film. Sunday, Jan. 28, 10:30 a.m. Center Stage Theater Wednesday, Jan. 31, 7:00 p.m. Center Stage Theater

The Ground Truth (2006, USA, 78 min, Directed by Petricia Foulkrod) Hitting close to home, this documentary follows the full process in which young Americans are called to military duty in Iraq, from their recruitment, training, combat, and homecoming to the impact on their lives when returning home from war. To view a clip, visit here. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 9:00 p.m. Arlington Theatre Thursday, Feb. 1, 1:45 p.m. Metro Theater

View from a Grain of Sand 2006, USA, 80 min, BetaSP, DigiBeta Directed by Dan Katzir Through their accomplishments and losses of rights, the slow but sure defeat of women’s rights in Afghanistan is portrayed. Visit the film’s official site for a detailed description of the film viewgrainofsand.com. Thursday, Feb. 1, 12:30 p.m. Victoria Street Theater Friday, Feb. 2, 11:15 a.m. Metro 4 Theater

The Details: The Fund for Santa Barbara will hold a reception with the nominees on Sunday, January 28, from 4-6:30pm. The cost is $25. Call 962-9164 for reservations. The award winner will be announced on Closing Night, Sunday, February 4. See sbfilmfestival.org for tickets.

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