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Showing posts from January, 2012

Worldwide Community Film Screenings

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The International Community Film Festival (ICFF) has announced its intention to branch out in 2012 with selected screenings of the best films to be made available through key partners worldwide. 2012 will be the Fourth Festival organized by Dr Ian McCormick. If you're interested in looking at the work of ICFF in the recent past, click here . Are you able to help? How can you participate in free ICFF film screenings in your part of the world ? 1. Please send me an email or message if you are interested in screening a selection of the best films from ICFF 2012 in your home town or city during September-October 2012. (You will be able to set your own specific date) 2. You will need access to a free cinema space, or to a school, college, community centre, public building, or university space that is equipped with a suitable DVD player/laptop , projector, and a screen. 3. Ideally, you will want to organise your own events and speakers around the screening and - crucial

In Praise of the Brave People of Syria and their Poets

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Adonis - Poet of Syria [It's three years since I wrote this blog and the situation continues to deteriorate in Syria] Every day we hear about more atrocities committed in Syria in the name of a Tyrant against his long-suffering people. The Arab League inspectors appear unable to support the will of the Syrian people and their  democratic right to freedom from oppression. One commentator has declared that their mission is a farce. My thoughts turned to the great Syrian poet Ali Ahmad Said Esber (called Adonis), who was born in 1930. His life has been one of exile, but his words resonate with beauty, spirit, nobility, suffering and elegance. Decades later his words are inspiring and resonant for all oppressed peoples seeking a decent life, basic rights, and self-expression. In tribute to the true and brave people of Syria; the imprisoned Syrians and the exiled Syrians; may I quote from Adonis's 1957 poem "The Banished": Stay here, our hearts, do not leave u