EPCOR CENTRE and the Tri-Media Alliance (CJSW, NUTV and the Gauntlet) present
Movies that Matter (MTM)
In collaboration with the University of Calgary's independent media organizations, NUTV, CJSW and the Gauntlet.
Screenings take place in EPCOR CENTRE's Engineered Air Theatre with encore presentations at the University of Calgary.
 are accepted.
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Tickets at the door:
$5 for students/seniors
$10 adults
Movies that Matter strives to program the most recent and award winning documentaries that are
currently on the film festival circuit or in theatrical release. In bringing Calgary the best feature
length documentaries on offer, we secure film titles only a few weeks before our screening date.
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June 8, 2009 - "William Kunstler: DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE"
William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe
Monday, June 8, 2009 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
Directed by Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler
2009, 90 mins.
Contains Adult Content.
disturbingtheuniverse.com
The late civil rights attorney William Kunstler was one of the most famous and controversial lawyers of the 20th century. He represented civil rights and anti-war activists, as well as accused terrorists and murderers. In William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe, filmmakers Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler explore their father’s life, from middle-class family man, to movement lawyer, to the most hated lawyer in America.
Throw Down Your Heart
Monday, May 11, 2009 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
Directed by Sascha Paladino
2008, 97 minutes.
Contains Adult Content.
throwdownyourheart.com
“Throw Down Your Heart”follows American banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck on his journey to Africa to explore the little known African roots of the banjo and record an album. It’s a boundary-breaking musical adventure that celebrates the beauty and complexity of Africa – an Africa that is very different from what is often seen in the media today. This feature documentary follows Béla’s musical adventures through four African countries: Uganda, Tanzania, The Gambia, and Mali. Along the way, he works with a wide array of musicians – from local villagers who play a twelve-foot xylophone, to a family that makes and plays the akonting (thought by many to be the original banjo), to international superstars such as the Malian diva Oumou Sangare.
El Olvido (Oblivion)
Monday, April 6, 2009 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
A Film by Heddy Honigmann
93 minutes, 2009
Contains Adult Content.
heddy-honigmann.nl
The latest documentary from Heddy Honigmann (Forever, Metal and Melancholy, O Amor Natural) focuses on Peru's capital city of Lima, revealing its startling contrasts of wealth and poverty, and how many of its poorest citizens have survived decades of economic crisis, terrorism and government violence, denial of workers' rights, and political corruption.
Demonstrating anew Honigmann's extraordinary talent as one of the most empathetic documentary filmmakers at work today, 'Oblivion' (El Olvido) provides intimate and moving portraits of street musicians, singers, vendors, shoeshine boys, and the gymnasts (some mere children) and jugglers who perform at traffic stops. The film also visits with small business owners, from a leather-goods repairman and a presidential sash manufacturer to a frog-juice vendor, and contrasts the work and home environments of bartenders, waiters and waitresses employed at Lima's finest restaurants and hotels but who live in slums in the city's surrounding hillsides.
Encore presentation at the University of Calgary. Thursday, April 16, 2009 @ 7pm in the Education Block Theatre - EDC 179
View campus map >
Crips and Bloods: Made In America
Monday, March 9, 2009 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
Directed by Stacy Peralta
Produced by NBA superstar Baron Davis
Narrated by Academy Award winning actor, Forest Whitaker.
2008, 93 mins.
Contains Adult Content.
cripsandbloodsmovie.com
In Crips and Bloods: Made In America, renowned documentarian Stacy Peralta (Dogtown and Z Boys, Riding Giants) examines the story of South Los Angeles and the gangs that inhabit it. Blending gripping archival footage and photos with in-depth interviews of current and former gang members, educators, historians, family members and experts, Peralta brings his trademark dynamic visual style and story-telling ability to this often-ignored chapter of America's history. Hard - hitting, yet ultimately hopeful, Crips and Bloods: Made In America not only documents the emergence of the Bloods and the Crips and their growth beyond the borders of South Central, but also offers insight as to how this ongoing tragedy might be resolved.
Encore presentation at the University of Calgary. Thursday, March 19, 2009 @ 7pm in the Education Block Theatre - EDC 179
View campus map >
IN A DREAM
Monday, February 16, 2009 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
A Film by Jeremiah Zagar
Produced by Jeremy Yaches
Executive produced by Ross Kauffman,
Geralyn White Dreyfous & Pamela Tanner Boll
2008, 78 mins.
Contains Adult Content.
inadreammovie.com
In the vibrant, bohemian neighborhood of South Philadelphia, 50,000-square feet of concrete are covered with tile and mirrors—mosaics that were created by Isaiah Zagar, an eccentric, tormented artist.
IN A DREAM, is a fascinating portrait of love and betrayal, family bonds, and the intimacy of dysfunction.
[ WINNER ~ Emerging Visions Audience Award - SXSW FILM FESTIVAL ]
[ WINNER ~ Best Documentary - WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL ]
[ WINNER ~ James Lyons Best Editing Award - WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL ]
[ WINNER ~ Best First Film - PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL ]
[ WINNER ~ Guggenheim Emerging Artist Award - FULL FRAME FILM FESTIVAL ]
[ WINNER ~ Audience Award Best Feature - SAN FRANCISCO INT'L DOCUMENTATRY FESTIVAL ]
KASSIM THE DREAM
Monday, January 19, 2009 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
A Film by Kief Davidson
Executive produced by Forest Whitaker
2008, 86 mins.
Contains Adult Content.
kassimthedream.com
KASSIM THE DREAM, is the story of World Champion Boxer, Kassim "The Dream" Ouma - born in Uganda, kidnapped
by the rebel army and trained to be a child soldier at the age of 6. When the rebels took over the
government, Kassim became an army soldier who was forced to commit many horrific atrocities,
making him both a victim and perpetrator. He soon discovered the army’s boxing team and realized the
sport was his ticket to freedom. After 12 years of warfare, Kassim defected from Africa and arrived in
the United States. Homeless and culture shocked, he quickly rose through the boxing ranks and became
Junior Middleweight Champion of the World.
[ OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2008 Tribeca Film Festival ]
PATTI SMITH, DREAM OF LIFE
Monday, December 1, 2008 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
Directed by Steven Sebring
2008 / USA
Contains Adult Content.
dreamoflifethemovie.com
DREAM OF LIFE, is a plunge into the philosophy and artistry of cult rocker Patti Smith. This portrait of the legendary singer, artist and poet explores themes of spirituality, history and self expression. Known as the godmother of punk, she emerged in the 1970’s, galvanizing the music scene with her unique style of poetic rage, music and trademark swagger.
We follow this multitalented and private artist over 11 years of international travel, through her spoken words, performances, lyrics, interviews, paintings, and photographs.
Dream of Life reveals a complicated, charismatic personality. Patti Smith who narrates the film, wrestles with life’s many paradoxes. She defines the human experience as an overwhelming contradiction. She pulls the strings of her guitar and simply makes music.
"Awarded [EXCELLENCE IN CINEMATOGRAPHY DOCUMENTARY 2008 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL]"
Special Presentation of "CHILDREN OF THE AMAZON"
Monday, November 10, 2008 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
Directed by Denise Zmekhol
2008
Contains Adult Content.
childrenoftheamazon.com
CHILDREN OF THE AMAZON, follows Brazilian filmmaker Denise Zmekhol as she travels a modern highway deep into the Amazon in search of the Indigenous Surui and Negarote children she photographed fifteen years ago. Part road movie, part time travel, her journey tells the story of what happened to life in the largest forest on Earth when a road was built straight through its heart.
"Awarded the The Accolade Film Awards[Best Show:Feature Documentary][Award of Excellence:Cinematography][Honorable Mention:Original Score/song][Honorable Mention:Viewer Impact: Content/Message]"
SECRECY
Monday, Ocotber 20, 2008 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
Directed by Peter Galison & Robb Moss
2008, 81 min.
Contains Adult Content.
secrecyfilm.com
SECRECY, explores the hidden world of national security and its relation to who we are -- as individuals and as citizens. Combining stark animation, artworld instalations, a mesmerizing score, and riveting interviews, the film takes us inside the hermetic universe of government secrecy as we share the experiences of lawyers, intelligence workers, critics, and ordinary people for whom shadowed reality is a matter of life and death.
"As always, the (Sundance) documentary competition offers the most reliably involving films...and the best of these include Secrecy, the question of how much we should rely on methods inconsistent with our values is intelligently and elegantly handled".
- Kenneth Turan, The Los Angeles Times
1000 JOURNALS
Monday, September 22, 2008 - 7:00PM
EPCOR CENTRE's, Engineered Air Theatre
Directed by Andrea Kreuzhage
2008, andrea-k productions, Inc.
88 min.
Contains Adult Content.
1000journalsfilm.com
This is the premiere film for the 2008-09 season.
1000 Journals is directed by Andrea Kreuzhage (kroytz-hawg), and explores connectivity and art within society. A San Francisco artist named “Someguy,” distributed 1000 journals
in random public places with a simple message inside each book: "This is an experiment and you are part of it. Add anything you like, then pass it on."
This documentary is the story of these journals: the destinations they visit, the hands they inspire— and the wounds they heal.
Official Selection-AFI FEST
OFFICIAL SELECTION & BERLINALE SPECIAL - International Filmfestspiele Berlin
THE ART STAR AND THE SUDANESE TWINS
Monday, June 9, 2008 - 7:00PM
Directed by Pietra Brettkelly
New Zealand, 2007
109 min
Contains Adult Content.
www.theartstarandthesudanesetwins.com
This is the last film for the 2007-08 season - there will be no University encore screening for this film. Please stay tuned during the summer for the 2008-09 season schedule!
The Art Star and the Sudanese Twins explores an artist's aspirations to adopt twins from a developing country. Filmmaker Pietra Brettkelly follows Vanessa Beecroft during a 16-month journey to Sudan. As the complexities of the international adoption become apparent, so do the risks to Beecroft's marriage and her career.
WINNER, World Cinema Documentary Film Editing Award
- Sundance Film Festival 2008
NOMINEE, Grand Jury Prize, World Cinema Documentary
- Sundance Film Festival 2008
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Hot Docs Film Festival 2008
CONSTANTINE'S SWORD
Monday, May 5, 2008 - 7:00PM
Directed by Oren Jacoby
USA, 2007
95 min
Contains Adult Content.
www.constantinessword.com
Constantine’s Sword is the story of James Carroll; a former Catholic priest on a journey to confront his past and uncover the roots of religiously inspired violence and war. His search also reveals a growing scandal involving religious infiltration of the U.S. military and the terrible consequences of religion’s influence on America's foreign policy.
Carroll focuses on Christian antisemitism as the model for all religious hatred, exposing the cross as a symbol of a long history of violence against Jews (and, most recently, Moslems). The film brings the history of religious intolerance to life, tracing it as a source of the fanaticism that threatens the world today. At its core, Constantine's Sword is a compelling personal narrative — a kind of detective story — as one man uncovers the dark areas of his own past, searching for a better future.
"Endlessly Fascinating." - Errol Morris
"Documentary at its best." - Alberta Maysles
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE: STORIES FROM KOSOVO (ENCORE SCREENING)
Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 7:00PM
This is an ENCORE screening at Craigie Hall 119F, University of Calgary (please note location change for this screening)
Directed by John Ealer & Laura Bialis
USA, 2007
105 min
Contains Adult Content.
www.kosovomovie.com/
The first documentary feature about post-war Kosovo. Confused with the earlier Balkan conflicts and overshadowed by Afghanistan and Iraq, Kosovo's story may hold the most compelling lessons of all.
The bridge in the town of Mitrovica has become a flashpoint in the continuing conflict between Muslims, Christians and Roma (Gypsies). Through riveting first-person accounts the dreams and nightmare of Kosovars unfold. Muslims who love America, Christians who despise it. Roma (Gypsies) dying of lead poisoning. Orphans of war, wives of the missing, parents of the murdered. Families who just want to go home. Their vivid stories reveal powerful insights into the religious and ethnic conflicts raging around the world today.
Sometimes hopeful, sometimes tragic, the struggle to make peace in Kosovo exposes the human cost of the politics of hate, and reminds us that the ultimate responsibility for peace lies within us all.
us and ethnic conflicts that plague the world today.
OFFICIAL SELECTION: Slamdance Film Festival 2008
AUTISM: THE MUSICAL (ENCORE SCREENING)
Thursday, March 20, 2008 - 7:00PM
This is an ENCORE screening at Murray Fraser Hall 160, University of Calgary
In 1980, autism was a relatively rare
disorder, diagnosed in one in 10,000
children in the United States. Now it is one
in 150.
Autism: The Musical counters today's
bleak statistics with one woman's optimistic
pledge to lead a group of autistic children
in defying diagnosed expectations by
writing, rehearsing and performing their
own full-length musical.
Following five Los Angeles children over the
course of six months, director Tricia Regan
captures the struggles and triumphs of their
family lives and observes how this musical
production gives these performers a
comfort zone in which they can explore
their creative sides.
Both on and off stage, Autism: The Musical is a call-to-arms, bringing
attention to a modern-day epidemic, all
the while celebrating the way the human
spirit can overcome any challenge.
"A marvelous new documentary." NY Times, 6/07
"A TRIUMPH… a revelatory character study, with all the joy and heartbreak you'd expect from a Hollywood tearjerker, but AUTISM: THE MUSICAL is anything but maudlin…it's a film
that everyone should see." Seattle Times, 9/07
WINNER, Audience Awards: Newport International Film Festival & Mill Valley Film Festival.
OFFICIAL SELECTION: Tribeca Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Pusan International Film Festival, Margaret Mead Film Festival, Anchorage International Film Festival, The Virginia Film Festival, and Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival.
THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN
Monday, February 11, 2008 - 7:00PM
Documentary by Director Abby Epstein & Executive Producer Ricki Lake
USA, 2007
87 min
Contains Adult Content
www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/
Birth: it’s a miracle. A rite of passage. A natural part of life. But more than anything, birth is a business.
Ricki Lake recruits Director Abby Epstein to examine today's American hospital system after her own disappointing birthing experience with her first child. She discovers that hospitals are making decisions based on monetary factors and not based on what is best for mother and child. When Epstein joined forces with Lake she could have never predicted what an intimate event producing the Business of Being Born would be. Part way through filming, Epstein discovers she is pregnant making the journey much more personal.
The Business of Being Born interlaces stories of women caught in the cycle of the American maternity care system. Astounding historical, political and scientific insights are revealed, as well as shocking statistics about how giving birth has turned into a billion dollar business.
Epstein and Lake expose the 'naked truth' surrounding birthing issues. They reinforce the idea of birth as a natural rite of passage and raise important questions about the operations of the American maternity care system which is stripping women of their right to give birth naturally.
"…this film is so persuasive that, if enough women see it, there's likely to be a serious boom in the midwifery trade." - The Los Angeles Times
THE PRICE OF SUGAR
Monday, January 14, 2008 - 7:00PM
Directed by Bill Haney
USA/Dominican Republic, 2007
90 min
Language: English/Spanish
Contains Adult Content
www.thepriceofsugar.com/
Just a few miles inland from the tourist-filled beaches of the Dominican Republic, thousands of dispossessed Haitians toil under armed-guard harvesting sugarcane, much of which ends up in our kitchens. They work grueling hours and frequently lack decent housing, clean water, electricity, education and healthcare.
The Price of Sugar filmmaker Bill Haney charts the heartbreaking plight of Haitian immigrants trapped in a modern form of indentured servitude and follows Father Christopher Hartley, a charismatic Spanish priest, as he organizes some of this hemisphere's poorest people, challenging powerful interests profiting from their work.
The Price of Sugar raises key questions about where the products we consume originate, at what cost they are produced and ultimately, where our responsibility lies.
"Haney has taken a story of outrage and injustice and made a film that's as much an inspiring story of spiritual awakening as it is a call to action." - Washington Post.
WINNER, Audience Award (SXSW Film Fest)
HONORABLE MENTION (Witness Award), OFFICIAL SELECTION (Docuweek, Silverdocs, Nantucket, Seattle International and Provincetown Film Festivals)
SPECIAL SCREENING! Movies That Matter is proud to present Manufacturing Dissent: Uncovering Michael Moore as part of the 2007 Tri-Media Conference. PLEASE NOTE the different venue, date and ticket prices for this particular event.
MANUFACTURING DISSENT: UNCOVERING MICHAEL MOORE
Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 - 7:00PM
Directed by Debbie Melnyk & Rick Caine
Old Mac Hall Ballroom, University of Calgary
Open to the public FREE of charge!
www.manufacturingdissentmovie.com/
On Nov. 2-3, 2007, the TriMedia association at the University of Calgary -- consisting of the Gauntlet student newspaper, CJSW radio and New University Television (NUTV) -- will be hosting a journalism conference titled "The New Media: Thriving in a Digital Age." This conference will be an opportunity for participants to critically examine how the digital revolution has impacted print, radio and television in both the independent and corporate media spheres.
As part of the conference, Movies That Matter is pleased to program a free screening of the feature length documentary Manufacturing Dissent: Uncovering Michael Moore. The screening, open to conference participants and the public, will be followed by a panel discussion with director Rick Caine in attendance. The panel will discuss the legitimacy of Michael Moore's documentary approaches, the concept of truth in journalism and bias in the media.
For more information on the conference and available workshops or registration details visit www.ucalgary.ca/trimedia or e-mail Sara at sara@gauntlet.ucalgary.ca.
JOIN US
Monday, November 12, 2007 - 7:00PM
Directed by Ondi Timoner
USA, 2007
100 minutes
Contains Adult Content
www.joinusthemovie.com/
There are thousands of cults in America, this is the story of one.
Follow four families as they leave a controlling and abusive church in South Carolina and come to realize that they have been members of a cult. Join Us documents them intimately as they enter the only accredited live-in cult treatment facility in the world, where they learn how they were brainwashed to give up control of their lives to the Pastor and his wife, allowing their children to undergo severe abuse to make heaven. As they emerge from the safety of the treatment facility, the ex-cult members return home to bring the Pastor to justice and struggle to build 'normal' lives.
THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK
Monday, October 15, 2007 - 7:00PM
Directed by Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern
USA, 2007
85 minutes
Contains Adult Content
www.thedevilcameonhorseback.com
A witness to evil. A force for peace. An unbelievable true story.
Using exclusive photographs and first hand testimony of former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle, The Devil Came on Horseback takes the viewer on an emotionally charged journey into the heart of Darfur, Sudan where an Arab run government is systematically executing a plan to rid the province of its black African citizens. As an official military observer, Steidle had access to parts of the country that no journalist could penetrate. He was unprepared for what he would witness and experience, including being fired upon, taken hostage and being unable to intervene to save the lives of young children.
Armed with a pen, paper and a camera, Brian's only defence was to document the evidence and capture proof. Ultimately frustrated by the inaction of the international community, Steidle resigned and returned to the U.S. to expose the images and stories behind this ongoing genocide, with the hope of compelling international intervention.
"A remarkably emotional adventure" - Variety Magazine
WINNER, Seeds of War Award (Full Frame Documentary Film Festival)
OFFICIAL SELECTION, Sundance, Cinevegas, Tribeca (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
UNSETTLED
Monday, September 10, 2007 - 7:00PM
Directed by Adam Hootnick
USA, 2007
83 minutes
Contains Adult Content
www.unsettledmovie.com
Welcome to "Palm Beach" - with sun, surf, sand and machine guns. The region could be anywhere in the world, but it is smack in the centre of the volatile Gaza Strip.
Unsettled examines the beginnings of Israeli withdrawal from the region in 2005 through the eyes of six youths; an intense struggle among religions and state, where surfers clash with soldiers. In this emotional story, three youths are evicted from their homes, two young soldiers battle with their conflicting feelings about their eviction orders and one young activist tries to help her country avoid war. Unsettled shows an angle that CNN couldn't capture, challenges the meaning of home and makes the audience question what they thought they knew. Unsettled brings the audience directly inside a conflict with no enemy, through the eyes of a generation that will be shaped by the outcome.
Unsettled won the Grand Jury Best Documentary award at the Slamdance 2007 film festival, and is the debut film from director Adam Hootnick. The movie features music from reggae superstar Matisayhu that punctuates the struggles of Gaza youth with powerful lyrics.
"Remarkable for its balance of its compassion, and for the range of youthful intelligence it reveals on both sides of a heartbreaking issue. An extraordinary film." - Kurt Loder, MTV
WINNER, Grand Jury Prize (Slamdance Film Festival 2007)
WINNER, Audience Award for Best Documentary (Florida Film Festival 2007)
