Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

October 12, 2005

Documentaries Highlight U of G Film Series

A free film series showcasing a variety of topical and controversial documentaries begins tonight. Hosted by the McLaughlin Library and the Central Student Association, “Docurama” opens with screenings of The Take at 7 and 9 p.m. in Room 1307 of the Thornbrough Building.

Directed by Avi Lewis and written by Naomi Klein, The Take chronicles the experiences of 30 unemployed Argentinian auto workers living in Buenos Aires during the nation’s economic collapse in 2001. Surrounded by abandoned factories and mass unemployment, the workers refuse to leave the auto plant. What follows is a story of workers reclaiming their work, their dignity and their democracy.

“This film has been selected to open the series because of its powerful message and popularity,” said organizer Krys Mooney. “We’ve selected documentaries that speak to the sides of life we don’t normally bear witness to and films that will leave viewers with an altered world view.”

Born Into Brothels will be shown Oct. 19 and Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. The widely acclaimed film by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman has won several awards, including this year’s Academy Award for best documentary feature. The film chronicles the lives of the children of prostitutes living in the red-light district of Calcutta, India, using images and footage shot, in part, by the children themselves.

On Oct. 26 at 7 p.m., the series presents Made in Secret: The Story of the East Van Porn Collective, a thought-provoking and genre-bending look behind the scenes of what might be the world’s only do-it-yourself anarcho-feminist porn collective.

“Docurama” continues with Scared Sacred Nov 2 at 7 p.m., Invisible Children Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price Nov. 18 at 7 and 9 p.m. and The Yes Men Nov. 23 at 7:15 p.m.

More information on "Docurama"