WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg’s Chair in German-Canadian Studies invites you to explore the state of contemporary democracy as seen through the lens of ten one-hour films from five continents. The filmmakers have the courage to ask tough questions and take a wide-range and in-depth look at the world. The film series is free and open to the public with screenings in Room 2B22 Bryce (515 Portage Avenue). (check below for schedule) or visit http://germancanadian.uwinnipeg.ca
Independent award-winning filmmakers are from China, India, Japan, Liberia, USA, Bolivia, Denmark, Egypt, Pakistan and Russia with subjects ranging from US torture methods to the election of a class monitor in a Chinese primary school, to the Danish cartoons scandal.
The films are produced by the Why Democracy? project to encourage discussion, awareness and a greater understanding concerning both the conditions of governance facing people in different societies and cultures, as well as a broader understanding of democracy. To find out more about the project launched in October 2007.
Film Schedule:
Bloody Cartoons (Karsten Kjaer)
Thursday, September 23 at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
Freedom of expression is a democratic principle: does this mean “limitless freedom”? The film explores the Danish cartoon controversy.
Iron Ladies of Liberia (S. Johnson/D. Junge)
Thursday, October 7 at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first ever freely elected female head of state in Africa. How does she lead Liberia?
Taxi to the Dark Side (Alex Gibney)
Thursday, October 21 at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
This film asks difficult questions about the kind of future American-style democracy will bring.
Please Vote for Me (Weijun Chen)
Thursday, November 4 at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
In a school in Wuhan in central China, 8-year old children compete for the position of Class Monitor. A Chinese experiment with democracy.
Dinner with the President (S. Sumar/S. Sathananthan)
Thursday, November 18 at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
What does democracy mean in Pakistan – where its main promoter is the Chief of the Army, and where society often works according to tribal rules for political and social life.
For God, Tsar and the Fatherland (Nino Kirtadze)
Thursday, January 20, at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
Sixteen years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the phrase “managed democracy” describes the state of Russian politics. What does a post-democratic Russia look like?
Egypt: We Are Watching You (J. Noujaim/S. Elkatsha)
Thursday, February 3, at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
The film follows three women activists in their quest to expose the truth about Egypt’s new democracy.
Looking for the Revolution (Rodrigo Vazquez)
Thursday, February 17, at 12:00 Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)L
Ché Guevara died in Bolivia trying to bring revolution to South America. President Evo Morales promises to continue Che’s unfinished revolution. Will he be able to do it?
Campaign! The Kawasaki Candidate (Kazuhiro Soda)
Thursday, March 3 at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
A first-time reluctant candidate gets to grips with what it takes to win an election for the Japanese Prime Minister’s Liberal Democratic Party.
In Search of Gandhi (Lalit Vachani)
Thursday, March 17 at 12:00, Room 2B22 (Bryce Building)
This road-movie style documentary explores the significance of the Gandhian legacy of peace and non-violence for democratic movements in India in the twenty-first century.
