Overseas Democrat

May, 2006

Film Events as Catalysts for Change

rom knowledge and experience comes understanding. From understanding and concern emerges passion. And as passion deepens, activism often naturally results. No one going through this process remains the same; growth is always continual. For any organization or political group to survive over the long termremaining responsive and relevantrepeat customers are vital. Whether we sell products, services or ideology, getting people to want to come back determines how deeply theyll participate as well as the long-term effectiveness of the group itself.
French filmmaker Jean Cocteau[1] once remarked that films are fountains of thought. And theyre also windows into others viewpoints & worlds, not to mention mirrors of ourselves. Illuminating our understanding and expanding our horizons, in a format wellsuited for groups or individuals, how better to bring people together and energize the sleeping activist within than through engaging and thoughtprovoking films? Since July 2004, in the wild run-up to the November elections, the western (Kansai) chapter of DA Japan has been holding monthly movie nights in Osaka to enable DA members and nonmembers alike to explore a variety of relevant, critical topics: from the fate of our civil liberties, the effects of globalization & out-of-control corporations, and examples of Americas failed leaders, to war in the Middle East, the rise of fundamentalism in American & other societies, and increasingly critical energy & environmental issues. Our Tokyo chapter also holds occasional film events; Kyoto just started monthly movie nights last March; and our Nagoya chapter in central Japan will soon begin regular screenings. Unless coupled with another event, admission for our movie nights is always free, though we do seek donations (from U.S. citizens only, thanks to the McCain-Feingold Act). Any money collected is critically important so we remain relatively self-sustaining. In Osaka and Kyoto, our events are at small Irish pubs that provide a congenial atmosphere and pretty good food & drink, a proven combination for attracting activists and the merely inquisitive alike. We announce our events in local English-language media catering to the expat community, as well as on the DAJ website[2]. We send e-mail announcements to DAJ members and to interested non-members. And I also write a short article about each months film for DA Japans monthly WebNews newsletter[3]. To enable Japanese people to participate, bilingual versions of films are always preferred, but usually hard to find or nonexistent. Its also important that we dont simply preach to ourselves or show only films dealing with the U.S. As John Muir said, Tug on anything at all and youll find it connected to everything else in the universe. Movie nights are a great way to bridge these connections. Because our screenings are held publicly, screening permissions are necessary for the films we show; currently we have permission for almost 30 films. We routinely contact filmmakers, distributors and/or producers, often successfully getting a blanket permission for all our chapters. The process is often easy but challenging, namely in finding whos the right one to ask. Thankfully, outright refusals and exorbitant screening fees have been rare. Though somewhat time-consuming, getting permissions is something we all need and should doneed, to remain within U.S. copyright law[4], and should, because the eventual networking can help spread awareness of DA to filmmakers & distributors. Many of these are progressive, creative folks good to have on our side, in spirit if not more. Screenings can also be held at members homes or as private events, where, as long as the number attending is reasonably small, permissions arent necessary. Many great films are out there waiting to be screened, waiting to be watched, along with a wealth of experience to be tapped among DA members and other Dems. One way to share experiences, ideas and info with others in DA about films and screenings is to join the IdeaExchange_Film[5] Yahoo Groups list, set up last year by Carole Bell in DAUK that specifically focuses on everything dealing with putting on
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film events. To help reinvigorate discussion & ideas, in the lists Files section, members can download a Quick Guide for Film Events that includes an evergrowing summary of recommended films, and lots of helpful links for finding, reviewing and understanding films. For those who arent list members but would still like a copy of the Quick Guide, e-mail me at kansai-movies@ demsjapan.jp and Ill be happy to send you one. American filmmaker Stanley Kubrick[6] once said that films should be like music. And so they can be, as long as the music doesnt lull us to sleep. The films we screen should be melodiously probing and inquiring, a sometimes discordant but hopefully ever-engaging chorus of new ideas and insights that challenge and inspire us. As the maxim accurately says, democracy is not a spectator sport. Encouraging people to be fully engaged in society rather than merely entertained is our ultimate aim. As we all strive to make America and the world more sane, sustainable and livable, hosting film events can be one small step toward these goals. Is the popcorn ready? Ron Andrews DA-Japan [1] Jean Cocteau Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Cocteau [2] DAJ website http://www.demsjapan.jp/event/2006 [3] WebNews newsletter http://dajwebnews.blogspot.com/2006/03/ cinema-notes-wal-mart-pro-and-con. html [4] U.S. copyright law http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1. html [5] IdeaExchange_Film http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ IdeaExchange_Film/ [6] Stanley Kubrick http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Stanley_Kubrick