Nelson Mandela once said that the film Cry Freedom had done more to tell the world about apartheid in South Africa than all his years in prison. This week sees Scotland’s Take One Action Film Festival Tour continue that theme as it brings the best international cinema that celebrates “the people and movies that are changing the world” to Shetland.
Take One Action’s screenings are followed by audience discussion with local enthusiasts on subjects ranging from climate change to the Middle East conflict, crucially touching on what ordinary Shetlanders can do to make a difference.
In support of Take One Action, Shetland Film Club and Shetland Arts will host a screening Budrus at the Shetland Museum and Archives on Friday 4th March at 7.30pm, and No Impact Man on Saturday 5th March at 7.30pm.
Described by the New York Times as “the must-see documentary of the year”, Budrus describes the work of Ayed Morrar, an unlikely community organiser, who unites Palestinians and Israelis in an unarmed struggle to save the olive groves of his village from an Israeli security, or separation, fence. Victory seems improbable until his 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam, launches a women’s contingent that quickly moves to the front lines. In the process, they unleash an inspiring yet little-known movement in the West Bank that is still gaining ground today. The film carries a PG certificate.
No Impact Man (cert 15), described by the Los Angeles Times as “terrifically entertaining, compelling and extremely funny”, invites you to imagine going a year without toilet paper, TV, coffee, a refrigerator and many other creature comforts we take for granted. In 2008, guilty Manhattanite Colin Beavan, wife Michele, their 2-year-old daughter and their dog embark on a year-long crusade to drastically reduce their carbon foot and paw prints. Hilarity, compromise and hard lessons ensue...But which way do the real solutions lie?
Festival patrons Ken Loach and Glasgow-based screenwriter Paul Laverty said “"These are fantastic films, and Take One Action's focus on empowering local audiences to engage with global and environmental issues through them is unique in the UK."
Festival director, Simon Bateson, who will be in attendance, said “Films really can change the world, but only when audiences share ideas for action together and decide to become part of the story. That’s what Take One Action is all about.”
So if you want a different kind of cinema this March, Shetland is the place to be.
Shetland Film Club gratefully acknowledges the support of Shetland Arts, the Shetland Arts Fund and UNISON (Local Government) for this project. Tickets, which cost £6 and £4 (concessions), are available on the door and from Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, 01595 745555 or online at www.shetlandboxoffice.org.
Notes to editors
1. Tickets will be available at www.shetlandboxoffice.org or on the door. For more information on the programme, visit www.takeoneaction.org.uk or www.facebook.com/takeoneaction
2. The tour is supported by Regional Screen Scotland, The Co-operative, and ethical film distributor Dogwoof. Locally the tour is supported by Shetland Film Club and Shetland Arts. 3. There are a number of free tickets available to Co-operative Members who email their preferred film, venue and membership number to [email protected]
