Tipping Point Film Fund was created as a result of its co-founders’ previous support for Black Gold, during their time at international development agency Christian Aid. The film broke new ground for film-led social action campaigning in the UK.
Author Archives: TPNS
TPFF FILM CLUB: We Went to War
We Went to War – Michael Grigsby and Rebekah Tolley (77 mins) Tuesday 25th Sept, 8.30pm
To mark UN Peace Day (21st Sept) Tipping Point Film Fund hosts a screening of the newly released and highly acclaimed film by Michael Grigsby and Rebekah Tolley – We Went to War.
In 1970, a young British director Michael Grigsby made one of the first films about veterans returning home from the Vietnam war – the critically acclaimed and award winning, I Was a Soldier. The film focused on Dennis, David and Lamar (three young soldiers recently returned from combat), as they tried to re-adjust to life back home in the heartlands of Texas, after a year on the frontline. WE WENT TO WAR sees filmmakers Michael Grigsby & Rebekah Tolley return to the stories of those once young Americans, now aged and scarred by lives lived far too brutally, far too young and finds a shared sense of understanding with so many of those returning from the frontline today, poignantly echoed in the experiences of soldiers in the aftermath of Iraq and the war in Afghanistan.
Film Trailer Here:
‘Grigsby treats reality with the imagination of an artist.” (The Times)
“One of Britain’s finest documentarists” (Time Out)
Post-Film Discussion with Michael and Rebekah
We’re delighted that both Michael and Rebekah can join us for a post film discussion and Q&A.
With a filmography spanning over five decades and 30 films, Michael Grigsby occupies a unique position in British documentary filmmaking, having witnessed and commented on many of the dramatic changes in British society (and beyond) from the late 1950s through to the 21st Century. As a critic recently noted, “…from Grigsby back to Grierson runs an unbroken tradition in British documentary-making; a passionate commitment to the poetry of everyday life.”
Rebekah Tolley is a creative producer, award winning digital artist and photographer. In recent years she worked as Executive Producer/Director on high profile projects for the BBC and the United Nations, amongst others. Additional projects have included BAFTA Los Angeles Heritage Archive project, where she worked alongside veteran Hollywood producer Paul Heller (Enter the Dragon, Dirty Harry, Withnail & I, My Left Foot). In 2005 she worked with Michael Grigsby on his film Rehearsals, the third of a trilogy of films he made, set against the troubles in Northern Ireland. She now works with Grigsby as producer and co-author.
Info: Lexi Cinema. Tickets £7
Book here or call the box office 0871 704 2069 (£1 Booking Fee).
Tickets are free to TPFF regular givers and annual donors of £60 or more
Email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com
Getting There
The Lexi Cinema is located at 194 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU. It is around 7 minutes walk from Kensal Rise over-ground station and a good bus service runs from central London. The 52 (from Victoria) and the 6 (from Oxford Circus) stop directly outside the cinema. To map your route by public transport click here, and for a streetmap click here.
TPFF at Greenbelt 2012
TPFF Programme at Greenbelt 25,26,27 August
“Greenbelt ranks alongside Glastonbury as my favourite festival gig of the summer.” Mark Thomas.
Another great Greenbelt line-up for 2012 and TPFF also has a more expanded programme this year. The Road to Bethlehem will preview with a special Q&A with Leila Sansour and Jeremy Hardy; we host the TPFF regular three day documentary programme; and we’ll also be hosting a film programme in the Christian Aid tent. We are delighted to be partnering with Christian Aid on film-related activity at Greenbelt 2012.
TPFF PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM PREVIEW + Q&A WITH LEILA SANSOUR AND JEREMY HARDY
Saturday 25 August ~ 9pm ~ the FILM Venue
We are delighted to be hosting a pre-release preview of Leila Sansour’s film at Greenbelt. Tipping Point Film Fund’s Deborah Burton will introduce the evening’s event which will include a post film discussion with Leila Sansour and Jeremy Hardy. Tipping Point Film Fund is The Road to Bethlehem’s lead partner in the UK and previously screened Leila’s first film at Greenbelt: ‘Jeremy Hardy vs The Israeli Army’.
On Sunday the 26th of August at 12:30PM Leila Sansour, Jeremy Hardy and the Road to Bethlehem team invite all Greenbelt visitors to a special Bethlehem passport granting ceremony. The event will be captured on camera for inclusion in the film when it goes on national release in the UK and the US. A key component of the film’s OPEN BETHLEHEM campaign is the honorary Bethlehem Passport granted to anyone wishing to become an ambassador of the city and to make their own journey to Bethlehem.
THE FILM VENUE ~ TPFF DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMME
Saturday 25 August ~ In Prison My Whole Life ~ 2-5pm
As part of Greenbelt’s Criminal Justice campaign focus TPFF is showing the highly acclaimed film by Will Francome and Marc Evans.
This incisive documentary unfolds through the eyes of Will Francome, who was born on the same day as African American Mumia Abu Jamal’s arrest for a crime many argue he did not commit. A death row sentence has now been commuted to life. Will came to Mumia’s story as a young boy through his American mother, who had followed Mumia’s arrest and subsequent campaign. Made in 2007, the film remains current and has gone on to raise a lot more attention about Mumia’s case.
Q&A with Will Francome (writer and co-director) & Martin Glynn. Martin Glynn is a criminologist, ethnographer and lecturer whose areas of expertise cover a wide spectrum and include race and crime and critical race theory. He combines years of experience of working at ‘street level’, including many years in prison residencies, with his academic career, making him one of the most authoritative voices on these issues in the UK.
Sunday 26 August ~ The Four Horsemen ~ 2-5pm
Rather than condemning bankers, politicians or the media, the ‘Four Horsemen’ (of the apocalypse) feature documentary puts the whole system up for discussion. Many leading ‘insider’ economists as well as more radical commentators share their observations and conclusions on how capitalism has failed and what it must do if it is to ‘redeem’ itself.
This thought provoking film has been a hit with audiences around the world since its release in spring 2012.
Q&A with the film’s director Ross Ashcroft, who will explore the many issues covered in this broad-sweeping film. Ross is also co-founder of the website ‘Renegade Economist’ and the company ‘Motherlode’, where he co-ordinates campaigns for clients and directs film.
To explore some of the issues raised in the film, we will also be joined by former Christian Aid tax policy expert David McNair.
Monday 27 August ~ The Future of Hope, The Iceland Film ~ 1-4pm
As part of the Festival’s theme this year – Saving Paradise – this film speaks strongly to this hope…
Henry Bateman’s film takes us from the origins of the Icelandic financial crash, through to the present day, exploring the consequences and the solutions. His engaging cast of characters explain the levels of indebtedness upon which the Icelandic economy grew to depend; the impact on the entire population when the bubble burst; and the urgent need for new thinking if they – and by extension, us – are to create a more equitable, sustainable economy for all.
Q&A with Future of Hope producer Amy Nelson. Amy specialises in the funding and distribution of documentary projects at Spier. Prior to joining Spier Amy was Head of Programming at TVF International, a leading factual distributor. We’ll explore what lessons can be applied from the Icelandic solutions we see in the film, to the UK. Also joining us will be Christian Aid climate campaigner Clare Fussel who will share some of her thoughts on the climate change concerns of the developing world and how some of the concerns of the film resonate for her work.
CHRISTIAN AID TENT
In these days of the Arab Spring, Occupy and the 99% movement, there is a growing sense that the global public is acquiring a deeper understanding of how those who hold power operate and therefore how to take effective action to bring about change as well as accountability. To illustrate this, we are screening two revealing and inspiring films. Screenings and post film discussions hosted by TPFF co-founder Kevin McCullough.
‘Just Do It’: Emily James’ film Just Do It tells the inspiring story of some amazing men and women who can show you how to make a difference, no matter how BIG the issue! TPFF is proud to have been a supporter of Emily James’s new film. “smart, funny, adrenalised portrait of 21st-century activism” which “bristles with energy.” The Guardian
The End of Poverty? Narrated by Martin Sheen, director Phillipe Diaz takes us on a historical journey right up to the present day, linking European nations and the USA to Latin America, Asia and Africa, in order to explain better how and why such widespread poverty exists today in the global south and how we in the north are implicated, through the centuries.
We hope to see you there!
Deb, Jen and Kev will be attending – so do come by and say hello if you’re Greenbelting this year!
Leila Sansour Bethlehem Article for Haaretz
PALESTINIAN INHIBITION IN THE WALLED CITY OF BETHLEHEM
Leila Sansour writes about her and her family’s experience of life growing up under Israeli occupation. Reflecting on the past 45 years, she wonders how the future will unfold – not least for the younger generation who have known nothing but life under occupation.
‘As a child growing up in Bethlehem, I was entrusted with burning all the political books in my father’s library whenever there was an Israeli raid. Now my city is surrounded by walls and ring-fenced by more than forty Israeli settlements built on Palestinian land.’
http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/palestinian-inhibition-in-the-walled-city-of-bethlehem-1.435911
More reading:
In September 2011, as Palestine prepared for its bid for UN recognition, Leila writes about this hugely significant step.
‘The Palestinian UN bid – an uncharted territory. Is the risk going to the UN? Or is the greater risk doing it half- heartedly? Read it here.
TPFF Easter Update
Dear Friends, Colleagues and Supporters,
Are we the only ones who were thinking ‘it’s great to have 70 degrees in March, but surely, this can’t be right?!…
As summer and Easter collide, here’s a quick update on TPFF activity!
FILM CLUB
Our next event will be on Tuesday 24th April – at the Lexi – for a screening of Ross Ashcroft’s direct and thought-provoking film, followed by a Q&A with Ross. More info and how to book
Rather than condemning bankers, politicians or the media, the ‘Four Horsemen’ (of the apocalypse) feature documentary puts the whole system up for discussion. Many leading ‘insider’ economists as well as more radical commentators share their observations and conclusions on how capitalism has failed and what it must do if it is to ‘redeem’ itself.
We are also talking to other NGO partners about more screenings of the film, so watch this space!
PROJECTS
WE ARE MANY
Following on from an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign, Amir Amirani’s film is now in production with the USA filming now completed. More funding good news has also come in and we have now secured match funding of the Kickstarter funding, so the film’s production budget is well on the way to being 100% secured. If you haven’t watched the ‘teaser’ then see it here. Or if you marched, tell us your story here.
And finally, our partner War on Want is hosting a Just Giving campaign for the film – you can support the film by donating via Just Giving.
“The global protest against the Iraq War on 15 February 2003 was a pivotal moment in recent history, the consequences of which have gone unreported. Amir Amirani’s We Are Many chronicles the struggle to shift power from the old establishment to the new superpower that is global public opinion, through the prism of one historic day. I urge you to support this film in whatever way you can.” Oliver Stone
THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM
Leila Sansour recently returned from a highly successful and encouraging trip to the USA where she met with leading faith leaders to explore and discuss how The Road to Bethlehem can become a focal point for that part of their work that addresses Palestine and how they in turn, can support the film’s release across the USA. We are looking forward to a late autumn UK release and a release in the USA in 2013. If you would like to donate to support the film’s release and outreach please read more here (scroll to Donations to The Road to Bethlehem).
DRUG WAR (formerly Prohibition: A Modern Addiction)
As the debate around the legalisation of drugs seems to be getting more attention – not least from some of the Central and Latin American governments whose peoples have borne the brunt of the so-called ‘War on Drugs’, Shane Ward’s film seems more and more timely and much needed. Read more about this global ‘piecing together of the jigsaw puzzle’ that is the drug war. One that has cost hundreds of billions of dollars to worse than no effect.
As we seek to raise funds for development, we are delighted to have Mike Leigh lend his support along with others who argue that the public must know more about this issue that affects us all, in one way or another. See what the film’s supporters have to say here.
If you would like to know more about how you can help support the film email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com
ONES TO WATCH OUT FOR
PABLO NAVARETTE’s last film ‘Inside the Revolution’ was a beautifully made fascinating insight into Chavez’s Venezuela. Pablo’s next film is looking at Venezuela’s Hip Hop Revolutionaries. Learn more about how you can help the film here.
UK PREMIERE OF AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY “FORDSON”
Thursday 19th April, 6pm, Apollo Cinema Piccadilly.
TPFF friends at Radical Middle Way are presenting Fordson: Faith, Fasting, Football and the American Dream.
“Powerful… Intelligent… Moving. I want everyone… to watch this film!” Michael Moore.
The film follows a predominately Muslim and Arab high school football team from a working-class Detroit suburb as they practice for their big cross-town rivalry game during the last ten days of Ramadan, revealing a community holding onto its Islamic faith while they struggle, under the dark clouds of growing anti-Muslim hatred, for acceptance in post 9/11 America. There are a limited number of free tickets for friends of the Tipping Point Film Fund. Additional tickets are also available for ONLY £5. Book here.
Also attending will be Director Rashid Ghazi, Coach Fouad “Walker” Zaban, Former Principal of Fordson High School Imad Fadlallah and the stars of the Fordson Tractors Football squad Ali Baidoun, Bilal Abu-Omarah, Baquer Sayed, Hassan Houssaiky.
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL
..is an amazing event in the festival calendar. One to watch out for, if you are attending, is a short doc having a special screening on Sunday 6th May. ‘The Killing Fields’ by Carlo Nero asks How does our taxation system affect our ecosystem? Can we save the environment and prevent the decimation of species by creating a seismic shift in how we run our economy? A panel discussion will be introduced by Vanessa Redgrave and will include Prof. Sir Richard Jolly Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex; Polly Higgins environmental lawyer and author of Eradicating Ecocide and Fred Harrison economist and author.
http://brightonfestival.org/event/477/the_killing_fields/
CAMPAIGNS to watch out for…
Amnesty Disarm Dictators campaign for a ‘bulletproof’ arms trade treaty.
In July, world leaders will meet in New York to draw up an historic document: the first ever international Arms Trade Treaty. Get it wrong and we may never get another chance to put it right.
38 Degrees ongoing campaigns: Save the NHS; and Tax Dodging Campaign
That’s all for now! As always, thanks to all our supporters and if you’d like to know more about how you can join them and support TPFF’s backing of great ‘call to action’ films, read more here.
Happy Easter Holidays!
Deb, Kev, Fran, Jen and all at TPFF
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TPFF FILM CLUB: Four Horsemen
Four Horsemen by Ross Ashcroft (90 mins) Tuesday 24th April, 8pm
Four Horsemen is the debut feature from director Ross Ashcroft which reveals the fundamental flaws in the economic system which have brought our civilization to the brink of disaster.
23 leading thinkers – frustrated at the failure of their respective disciplines – break their silence to explain how the world really works.
The film pulls no punches in describing the consequences of continued inaction – but its message is one of hope. If more people can equip themselves with a better understanding of how the world really works, then the systems and structures that condemn billions to poverty or chronic insecurity can at last be overturned. Solutions to the multiple crises facing humanity have never been more urgent, but equally, the conditions for change have never been more favourable.
“The refreshing thing about this film is that Ross Ashcroft also takes the viewer on a broader journey, linking in terrorism, global warming and poverty along with world finances to present a troubling picture of the world today.”
– Mark Adams, Chief Film Critic Screen International
From Joseph Stiglitz to maverick US commentator on RT, Max Keiser; from the FT’s Gillian Tett to economist Ha Joon Chang (23 things they don’t tell you about capitalism) this film takes a step back to put the financial crisis into a much wider context, framed as it is within the metaphor of Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. A festival hit, the film has just been released in the UK to great critical reviews.
Watch the trailer.
Post-Film Discussion with Ross Ashcroft
We’re delighted that the director Ross Ashcroft can join us for a post film discussion and Q&A to explore the many interconnected themes in the film
Info: Lexi Cinema, 8pm. Tickets £6.50
Or call the box office 0871 704 2069 (£1 Booking Fee).
Tickets are free to TPFF regular givers and annual donors of £60 or more
Email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com
Getting There
The Lexi Cinema is located at 194 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU. It is around 7 minutes walk from Kensal Rise over-ground station and a good bus service runs from central London. The 52 (from Victoria) and the 6 (from Oxford Circus) stop directly outside the cinema. To map your route by public transport click here, and for a streetmap click here.
TPFF Film Club: Future of Hope
Future of Hope by Henry Bateman (75 mins)
Mon 6th Feb at 8.30pm
How can we shift a society’s values and vision after a banking collapse while simultaneously advocating a global green economy? Join us for the first London screening of Henry Bateson’s beautiful new ‘Iceland’ film and post-film discussion with author and Green Party candidate Dr.Shahrar Ali and Rajesh Makwana, Director of Share the World’s Resources, an advocacy NGO with UN consultative status.
‘…the general consensus among those interviewed is that it (the financial crash) presents an opportunity to transform an entire society. The philosophy of sustainable living has to underpin everything we do, economics included.’ Cristina Galvin, Irish Times
The Film
Henry Bateman’s film takes us from the origins of the Icelandic financial crash, through to the present day, exploring the consequences and the solutions. His engaging cast of characters explain the levels of indebtedness upon which the Icelandic economy grew to depend; the impact on the entire population when the bubble burst; and the urgent need for new thinking if they – and by extension, us – are to create a more equitable, sustainable economy for all.
Watch the trailer
Cinematically stunning, the film captures the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of Iceland – from the midnight sun to dark winters lit only by the snow, from geysers to volcanoes, and it features a specially commissioned soundtrack comprising brand new compositions from artists such as Damien Rice. Future of Hope is journey of struggle, determination and most importantly, as the title says, hope as it clearly explains the country’s past, explores its present, and predicts a progressive future for a new and sustainable Iceland
Post Film Discussion
Joining us to explore the various themes in the film, not least how to turn the financial crisis into an opportunity and how to extend equitable solutions on a global scale will be:
Dr Shahrar Ali – officer of London Green Party and their former Policy Coordinator 2004-09. His PhD in Philosophy from UCL looked at lying and deception, with specific reference to public life. He entered Green politics after working as a researcher in the European Parliament on the risks of GM food. He has lived in Brent for ten years, has campaigned for sustainable solutions, such as transition towns; is the author of the bestseller Why Vote Green; and is a candidate in the 2012 London Assembly election.
And
Rajesh Makwana, director of Share The World’s Resources (STWR), a London-based organisation campaigning for international economic sharing – a more equitable distribution of financial and natural resources within and between nations. He has written articles on key development issues such as poverty, inequality and climate change, and previously worked in the private sector before formally establishing STWR as an advocacy organisation with consultative status at the United Nations.
Booking
Lexi Cinema. Tickets £5 . Book here.
Or call the box office 0871 704 2069 (£1 Booking Fee).
Tickets are free to TPFF regular givers and annual donors of £60 or more.
Email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com
Getting There
The Lexi Cinema is located at 194 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU. It is around 7 minutes walk from Kensal Rise over-ground station and a good bus service runs from central London. The 52 (from Victoria) and the 6 (from Oxford Circus) stop directly outside the cinema. To map your route by public transport click here, and for a streetmap click here.
TPFF Festive Greetings
TPFF Festive Greetings!
So, another year is about to come to an end – does anyone out there have a trick to share about how we can slow down time? It passes way too fast!!
It’s been a year of unbelievable upheaval and turmoil, but one of people protest too. We here are optimistic that the so-called 99% will see a more just set of solutions come out of the chaos we have witnessed this past year because there are so many fantastic networks and organisations out there who are taking the ‘1%‘ on. And support for them will grow next year, for sure!
On that note, we continue to be amazed at the Just Do It team – the film is now truly on its international journey. If you have any doubt about the power of protest and non-violent direct action, this film will put it to bed! TPFF remains a very proud supporter of Emily and her team.
We Are Many
And to continue the ‘protest’ theme, there’s been great news on Amir Amirani’s film, ‘We Are Many’. Our recent Kickstarter online funding campaign raised $92k –significantly exceeding our target of $70k! This means the film can begin production in early 2012. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED – a special thanks to project partner War on Want for their help with the campaign.
TPFF is supporting the film with funding, fundraising and campaign development. Tim Robbins, Jemima Khan, Mark Rylance and Terry Jones are a few of the latest individuals to come on board; Oliver Stone has given his endorsement and no less than Stephen Fry has tweeted the film!
And were you one of the millions who marched on February 15th, 2003, to stop the Iraq Invasion? If so, tell us your story here.
The Road to Bethlehem
Leila took time out this year due to illness, but we are delighted she is back on form and picking up her work on the film again. ‘The Road to Bethlehem’ will be ready for a UK/Ireland release, along with campaign outreach, in mid-2012 and a USA/Canada release Christmas 2012. This comes as we see Palestine move for recognition at the UN, so we expect the timing of the film and its campaign to resonate across the USA as well as UK/Europe. We recently received a $15,000 private donation for the film to go towards this next stage and are in the process of seeking partners for the release of the film in the UK. If you would like to know how to support the film email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com.
If you live in the Richmond, Surrey area join us for an evening hosted by the Palestine Solidarity Committee. Leila will show excerpts from the film, share what it meant to document five momentous years in the life of Bethlehem and explain why she believes that Bethlehem has a crucial role to play in bringing about change in the Middle East.
Sunday 8th January 2012 at 8pm (Admission free, doors open at 7.30pm)
St Mary Magdalene, Church Walk off Paradise Road, Richmond TW9 1SN
Hosted by St Mary Magdalene & Richmond & Kingston PSC www.richkingpsc.org.uk
Prohibition: A Modern Addiction
TPFF is working with Australian director Shane Ward to help progress the development of his film ‘Prohibition: A Modern Addiction’ addressing the failure of the global war on drugs – a war that has cost hundreds of billions of dollars; that is abjectly failing those poorer nations affected by drugs; criminalising generation after generation of poor, often black, young people; while at the same time enriching cartels, the US private prison system and many others along the way.
Yet there is a growing recognition of the reality which is – this ‘war’ is making matters worse, not better. So what are the ways forward? What does the evidence tell us and do we have the courage to rethink the approach, the discourse, on prohibition?
Shane has spent two years researching the issue and has the support of many of the world’s leading drug policy experts – from policy and campaign groups to law-makers and enforcers. We are now at the stage of raising funds to move to the next stage of development and pulling together the all-essential fundraising trailer. If you would like to know more about the film’s campaign partners please find out more at:
If you would like to help us raise funds for the film, please email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com for more information.
TPFF Film Club
Thanks to all our Film Club supporters for another great year of film screenings and a very big thanks to ALL our great panellists and directors who always make our Q&A’s so good! Highlights were Inside Job, The End of Poverty?, The Take, Just Do It, Iraq: War Love God Madness; When China Met Africa and An African Election.
As ever, thanks to the Bernie Grant Arts Centre and the lovely Lexi Cinema team for being such great partners! Thanks to Dogwoof for being our festival partners; and a special shout out to the team at Humanfilm – Mohammed, Isabelle, Danny and Kathryn – keep up the amazing work and we urge everyone to check out Humanfilm – their films and campaigns. Thanks for Greenbelt 2011!
And a Big Thank You to…
And finally, we end this year as last year, with a BIG THANK YOU to The Co-operative, without whom there would be no TPFF and to our donors, one off and regular givers, whose support to the Fund we hugely appreciate.
We send you all our best wishes for the festive season and wish you a peaceful New Year.
Deb, Kev, Fran, Jen and all at TPFF
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November Film Club: An African Election
An African Election by Jarreth Merz (89 mins)
We’re delighted to be showing Jarreth Merz’s new film ‘An African Election’, as part of its UK DOGWOOF release in November. “A suspenseful, well-edited documentary by Swiss film-maker Jarreth Merz filled with big personalities, colourful speech-making and high-stakes intrigue” – Screen Daily
In 2008, while the world turned its gaze to the first presidential race in the United States in which an African American was running for president, the African nation of Ghana was also making history. ‘An African Election’ takes an in-depth look at the 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa.
Watch the trailer
The 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa, serve as a backdrop for this feature documentary that looks behind-the-scenes at the complex, political machinery of a developing world democracy struggling to legitimize itself to its first world contemporaries. At stake in this race are the fates of two political parties that will do almost anything to win.
Director Jarreth Merz follows the key players for almost three months to provide an unprecedented insider’s view of the political, economic and social forces at work in Ghana. He builds suspense by taking the viewer down the back roads of the nation to capture each unexpected twist and turn in a contest that is always exciting and never predictable. Throughout the film, Merz depicts the pride and humanity of the larger-than-life politicians, party operatives and citizens who battle for the soul of their country.
Swiss born, Jarreth Merz grew up in Ghana. This film sees him return after a 28-year absence.
Post Film Discussion
Join us for a post-film discussion about the film and the many issues it raises such as how to hold governments to election promises; the legacy of Nkrumah post independence; and the close ties that connect Ghana’s political life and the British Ghanaian diaspora. We will be joined by a number of speakers, including Adjoa Andoh, actor, campaigner and TPFF board member. Bristol born, Adjoa is dual heritage British Ghanaian. Her theatre career includes lead roles in the West End as well as the National Theatre; she starred in Clint Eastwood’s ‘Invictus’; her TV roles included Casualty; and her campaigning commitments have included Fair Trade and the Trade Justice Movement.
Booking Information
Bernie Grant Arts Centre, 7.30pm, £6/£4 . Book here.
Getting There
http://www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk/p295.html
Underground
Seven Sisters (Victoria Line) – take Tottenham High Road exit, five mins walk from the station. Exit from exit 1, Tesco should be on your right hand side. Walk straight up the road and past CONEL, which will be on the left, and turn left. Bernie Grant Arts Centre is just past the town hall and before the leisure centre and Marcus Garvey Library.
Buses
149, 259, 243, 476, 230, 123, 41, 341
Trains
Seven Sisters, Tottenham Hale.
Kickstarter campaign We Are Many
Nov 7th sees the launch of a Kickstarter campaign for Amir Amirani’s film ‘We Are Many’. The film definitively tells the story of the 30 million worldwide who marched against the Iraq invasion and how it was globally co-ordinated while, at the same time, the few determined to take us to war made their preparation for it.
While the marches didn’t stop the invasion, they did trigger something unexpected. As the Feb 15th global movement (USA, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Asia) co-ordinated itself, it was giving birth to a whole new global online activist movement – one that created networks and global co-ordinated actions we now take for granted. This legacy reaches as far into the present-day such as the Arab Spring, where stories of activists in Cairo, on seeing the London 2003 Hyde Park marchers, said ‘one day we will have our own Hyde Park’. In 2011, they did.
See trailer here:
Do visit the film’s page on Kickstarter where you can donate online – help us reach the $70k target so that production can begin!
If you need more information about the project, please email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com.
If you donate to the Kickstarter campaign, thank you – and drop us a note so we can keep you up to date on the project.
October Film Club ‘When China Met Africa’
Dates for your diary, project news and more films and campaigns to watch out for
TPFF FILM CLUB –‘WHEN CHINA MET AFRICA’ by Marc and Nick Francis
To mark Black History Month we are hosting three October screenings of the latest film from Marc and Nick Francis (Black Gold). ‘When China Met Africa’, is currently on a limited theatrical release.
All screenings have post film discussions with the directors.
- Monday 17th October Lexi Cinema, 8.15pm, £5, Book here
- Tuesday 18th October, Greenwich Picturehouse, 8.30pm, £8.50, Book here
- Thursday 27th October, Bernie Grant Arts Centre, 7.30pm, £6/£4. Book here
Tickets are free to TPFF regular givers and annual donors of £60 or more. Email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com
Trailer:
Film:
An extraordinary moment in time is captured in this enlightening new film, which follows three characters working on the frontline of China’s foray into Africa. ‘When China Met Africa’ takes us to the grass-roots of globalisation to reveal the expanding footprint of a rising global power. This captivating portrait from award-winning filmmakers Marc Francis and Nick Francis (Black Gold), points to a radically different future, not just for Africa, but also for the world.
‘A rare grass roots view into one of the most important economic challenges of our age’ – The Times
FILM PROJECT NEWS
We Are Many
Amir Amirani’s trailer will be screened in Trafalgar Square as part of the mass rally on Saturday 8th October to mark ‘Afghanistan 10 Years On. For more Information: http://stopwar.org.uk/
The film has also just secured a production grant from the Clark family through Soul Rebel Films, based in London. The Clark family have longstanding peace movement links and we are delighted to have support from them. This comes as we embark on a public funding appeal, mid October – watch this space…
Recent interviews secured for the film include Danny Glover, Harry Belafonte and Ricken Patel of Avaaz. If you would like to know how to support the film, please email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com
MORE ONES TO WATCH
Just Do It
TPFF has been proud to have supported Just Do It, Emily James’s truly inspiring film film about environmental activists . It’s received great reviews and has had a successful UK-wide cinema release…and the DVD is released on October 17th – buy it!
Blood in the Mobile – Frank Paulsen
We love our cell phones and the selection between different models has never been bigger. But the production of phones has a dark, bloody side as the main part of minerals used to produce cell phones are coming from the mines in conflict-ridden Eastern DR Congo. UK wide screenings.
CAMPAIGN NEWS AND EVENTS
October 8th – Stop the War Coalition rally, Trafalgar Square. Afghanistan 10 years on. Join John Pilger, Jemima Khan, Lowkey, Tony Benn, Billy Bragg and many others.More information: http://stopwar.org.uk/
October 18th – Food Sovereignty Day. The global food system is in crisis and War on Want and others are building the movement to reclaim our food system. Learn more and find out how you can get more involved at this all-day event at the Houses of Parliament – http://www.waronwant.org/news/events/events/upcoming-events/17340-food-sovereignty-day
October 31st 2011 sees the launch of the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives. 800 million around the world are involved with the co-operative movement.
“Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility.” – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Check out http://social.un.org/coopsyear/
Film Club Screening – Monday 19th September, Lexi Cinema 8pm
To mark UN Peace Day (21st September) Tipping Point’s next film club night at the Lexi Cinema in London will screen Mohamed Al Daradji’s Iraq, War, Love, God, Madness followed by a Q&A with the film’s co-producer and editor Danny Evans.
Truth is stranger than fiction, as seen in this personal journey into war-torn Iraq. Exiled Iraqi director Mohamed Al-Daradji returned to Baghdad in 2004 with the idea of shooting a feature film (Ahlaam) in the midst of war and violence.
The horrific toll on cast and crew during the making of Iraqi feature “Ahlaam” is told by its helmer, Mohamed Al-Daradji, in “War, Love, God & Madness. “More than merely a companion piece to the 2005 drama, (the) docu provides a disturbing look at the situation in occupied Baghdad, when safety was illusory and kidnapping and torture became not merely a hypothetical fear but a reality.” Jay Weissberg,Variety
Clip
The Film
Undeterred by the volatile situation and very real dangers, Mohamed visits his Baghdad home that he fled years previously. He realises the Iraq of his memories is long gone as he witnesses the effects of 35 years of dictatorship, 3 wars and the toll of occupation. Finding the once-vibrant streets filled with unemployment, poverty and madness, he strives to make his film as planned. He is challenged by unimaginable risk and reverses as his camera reveals, instead, a world unravelling around him. As Mohamed rediscovers his homeland we see through his eyes the real Iraqi people and their spirit to survive.
The powerful title refers to the fact that, in Arabic, there is only one letter’s difference among the words war, love, god and madness.
“An amazing and uplifting documentary, which shows precisely how dangerous shooting in Iraq can be.” – Mark Kermode, BBC
The film has screened at many festivals amongst which it was voted one of the top 10 Best Films at the Tribeca International Film Festival (2008); won the Grand Jury Prize at the Ismailia International Film Festival (Egypt); Jury Special Mention at the Moqavemat International Film Festival (Iran) 2010.
Post-film discussion and Q&A with Danny Evans
Danny Evans, a core member of the Humanfilm team, has in-depth knowledge of Iraq and the Middle East. He went to Iraq at the start of filming for their latest award winning film SON OF BABYLON and has spoken at many events including a panel with Michael Moore on the situation in Iraq. Humanfilm is currently leading Iraq’s Missing Campaign – an effort to bring attention and funding to the campaign to help families find and identify their missing relatives.
Tickets
Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased through The Lexi Cinema website or by calling the box office on 0871 704 2069 (£1 Booking Fee). Tickets are free to TPFF regular givers and annual donors of more than £60.
Getting there
The Lexi Cinema is located at 194 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU. It is around 7 minutes walk from Kensal Rise over-ground station and a good bus service runs from central London. The 52 (from Victoria) and the 6 (from Oxford Circus) stop directly outside the cinema. To map your route by public transport click here, and for a streetmap click here.
TPFF films at Greenbelt 27-29 August
It’s Greenbelt time again! Find out more about the amazing Greenbelt Arts Festival, 26-29th August here – line up includes Billy Bragg, The Unthanks, Kate Rusby, Don Letts, and the legendary Mavis Staples.
Once more, Tipping Point Film Fund is looking forward to hosting a documentary film strand as part of Greenbelt’s film programme this year. The films reflect the theme for this year’s festival – ‘Dreams of Home’ – and will screen at the same time, 2.30pm, over the three days. Each in their own way, tell stories of struggle and hope in the face of extreme adversity.
Budrus and Son of Babylon are screened in association with Dogwoof – our partner for these events.
All films are screened at the FILM venue.
TPFF’S GREENBELT DOCUMENTARY FILM PROGRAMME
Saturday 27th August 2.30-5pm. Iraq: War Love God & Madness – by Mohamed Al Daradji
Truth is stranger than fiction as we are led on a personal journey into Iraq, by director Mohamed Al-Daradji and his crew as, in 2004, they attempt to shoot a feature film encircled by war and senseless violence. Undaunted by the volatile dangers this is an extraordinary feature documentary.
We are delighted to have producer Isabelle Stead join us for the post film discussion/Q&A.
More info and clip here: http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/festival/contributors/84660
Sunday 28th August 2.30-5pm. Budrus – by Julia Bacha
A multi-award winning, action-packed documentary about a Palestinian community organizer, Ayed Morrar, who unites local Fatah and Hamas members along with Israeli supporters in an unarmed movement to save his village of Budrus from destruction by Israel’s Separation Barrier.
We are delighted to have Linda Ramsden, the UK Director of ICAHD UK, join us for the post film discussion. She has recently visited Budrus and will share her recent experiences with us in light of the film, as well as explain more about her extraordinary work with ICAHD UK (Israeli Committee against house demolitions).
More info and clip here: http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/festival/contributors/84659
With special thanks to Dogwoof for their support of this event
Monday 29th August 2.30pm. Our Generation – by Sinem Saban and Damien Curtis.
Our Generation is a rollercoaster journey into the heart of the struggle between Australia’s Indigenous peoples and the Austrialian government – a story most certainly not just about the past, but the present-day. A hidden shame that is pushing the world’s oldest living culture to the edge, reveals the shocking policies being pursued by the Australian government to remove them from their homelands.
More info and clip here: http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/festival/contributors/84661
Saturday 27th August 5pm – Son of Bablyon
We are also screening Son of Babylon by Mohamed Al Daradji, which is the latest, highly acclaimed fiction film by this prolific director, also produced by Isabelle Stead.
The film will be followed by Q&A with Isabelle Stead, who will also tell us more about the campaign that the film has created: Iraq’s Missing – http://www.iraqsmissing.org/
More info and clip here: http://sonofbabylon.co.uk/
With thanks to Dogwoof for their support of this event
‘Just Do It’ – see it now! Released 15th July
See Emily James’ film Just Do It and be inspired by some amazing men and women who can show you how to make a difference, no matter how BIG the issue! TPFF is proud to have been a supporter of Emily James’s new film.
According to the Guardian, it’s a “smart, funny, adrenalised portrait of 21st-century activism” which “bristles with energy.”
With unprecedented access, Just Do It will take you on an astonishing journey behind the scenes of a community of people who refuse to sit back and allow the destruction of their world. Torpedoing the tired cliches of the environmental movement, Just Do It introduces you to a powerful cast of mischievous and inspiring characters who put their bodies in the way; they super-glue themselves to bank trading floors, blockade factories and attack coal power stations en-masse, despite the very real threat of arrest. Their adventures will entertain, illuminate and inspire.
Check out screening dates here – as well as how to get the film to your nearest city/town …
Screening of ‘Just Do It’ – Monday 4th July – The Lexi Cinema, 8pm
Tipping Point’s next film club night at the Lexi Cinema in London will screen Emily James’s Just Do It – a tale of modern-day outlaws. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Emily James.
The inside story of some of the UK’s biggest troublemakers, Just Do It is a feature documentary about environmental direct action. Crowd funded and released this summer, Just Do It follows some fantastically inspiring women and men who most definitely got off their derrieres and did something – and made a difference. What more can you ask for?!
‘Seriously topical but never so serious that it gets caught up in polemic, it’s a terrific story packed with characters and told with passion’. David Hughes, Empire Magazine
The Film:
The world of direct action has remained a secretive one, until now. With unprecedented access, Just Do It takes you on an astonishing journey behind the scenes of a community of people who refuse to sit back and allow the destruction of their world. Torpedoing the tired clichés of the environmental movement, Just Do It introduces you to a powerful cast of mischievous and inspiring characters who put their bodies in the way; they super-glue themselves to bank trading floors, blockade factories and attack coal power stations en-masse, despite the very real threat of arrest. Their adventures will entertain, illuminate and inform.
Read Empire’s 4* review in full here: http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=137258
See a clip here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2011/jun/08/sheffield-doc-fest-emily-james
Trailer
Post-film discussion and Q&A with director, Emily James
Emily James is an award winning documentary director and producer of one-off films and series, which has included trade justice campaign film The Luckiest Nut; Don’t Worry, a four part series for C4 which the Observer described as “A brilliant satire of the trend towards consumer affairs as entertainment”; Dallas Campbell’s Guide to the Impossible, for Discovery US and was an executive producer on Age of Stupid.
TPFF is proud to have supported Just Do It.
Tickets:
Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased through The Lexi Cinema website or by calling the box office on 0871 704 2069 (£1 Booking Fee).
Tickets are free to TPFF regular givers and annual donors of more than £60.
Getting there:
The Lexi Cinema is located at 194 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU. It is around 7 minutes walk from Kensal Rise over-ground station and a good bus service runs from central London. The 52 (from Victoria) and the 6 (from Oxford Circus) stop directly outside the cinema. To map your route by public transport click here, and for a streetmap click here.
Naomi Klein’s ‘The Take’ – 22nd June – 7.30pm FREE EVENT
True to form, Naomi Klein gets to the heart of a complex story and reveals the human impact of the effects of globalization, with her film made in Argentina at the time of the country’s banking and economic collapse.
It is 2005 and Latin America’s most prosperous middle class finds itself facing ghost towns with abandoned factories and mass unemployment. Klein follows one story – thirty unemployed car workers in Buenos Aires who occupy their idle factory and refuse to leave. All they want is to restart the machines… the result is a real-life political thriller that pits ordinary workers against the local ruling elite – factory owners, politicians and judges.
This film coincides with the start of the UK’s groundbreaking Co-operatives Fortnight – June 25th to July 9th – promoting the work and value of co-operation in the UK and abroad.
‘Fierce and Inspiring’ – Washington Post
… ‘A suspenseful, cautionary tale universal in its implications’ – LA Times
… ‘A cross between Michael Moore and Ken Loach’…. – International Herald Tribune
The Take (87 mins), the winner of several festival prizes, is directed by journalist Avi Lewis, written by Naomi Klein (No Logo) and is 87 mins duration.
Admission
This will be a FREE event! 7.30pm on Wednesday 22nd June.
Come and join us for a pre-mid summers day drink/screening/social gathering
No RSVPS – max 80 capacity, so come on time if you want a seat!
Getting there
Venue: The Chapel Bar, Islington (29a Penton Street, N1 9PX – nearest tube is Angel)
Map: http://www.thechapelbar.co.uk/contact.html
Directions: 5 mins walk from Angel Tube. Cross to White Lion Street, walk to the top where it meets Penton Street, Chapel Bar is on the opposite corner.
June Newsletter
Save the dates; project news; campaigns to support!
Dear Colleagues, Supporters and Friends,
Below is our summer calendar of events plus some project news as well as campaigns in the news.
We hope to see you at one or more of our events!
Save the Dates
Wednesday 15th June – find out more about what we do!
– for those (London based) who want to know more about what we do, how to get involved and how to support our work. Deb, Kev, Fran and Jen would love to meet you!
The Chapel Bar, Islington – 6.30pm
Venue: The Chapel Bar, (29a Penton Street, N1 9PX), 5 mins walk from Angel Tube (Cross to White Lion Street, walk to the top where it meets Penton Road, Chapel Bar is on the opposite corner. See a map here.)
TPFF is working with film-makers to raise production and campaign outreach – find out more here. And how you can get more involved.
Thursday 16 June – ‘Latin America Rising’ – film, panel, performance. Free Event
TPFF & Movimentos supported screening of Pablo Navarette’s ‘Inside the Revolution’ + panel discussion, followed by rap and beatbox performances from Lowkey, Rebel Diaz.
“Inside the Revolution…a rare film about Venezuela, a country in extraordinary transition. Watch this film because it is honest and fair and respectful of those who want to be told the truth about an epic attempt, flaws and all, to claim back the humanity of ordinary people.” – John Pilger (Journalist, author and documentary filmmaker).
5.30-6.45pm film; 7-9pm panel + performance
Venue: Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way, London, W1T 5DL More information – clips, event details
Event organised by Alborada and Beat Knowledge.
Wednesday 22nd June TPFF Film Club – ‘The Take’ by Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis
Free Screening 7.30pm Chapel Bar, Islington
Award-winning film about the collapse of Argentina’s economy and the response of ordinary working people as they break all the rules to save their factories, their jobs – and their dignity – as they take on the local ruling elites, recapture their factories and make them succeed – as worker owned co-operatives. This film coincides with the start of the UK’s groundbreaking Co-operatives Fortnight – promoting the work and value of co-operation in the UK and abroad.
‘Fierce and Inspiring’ – Washington Post … ‘A suspenseful, cautionary tale universal in its implications’ LA Times…. ‘A cross between Michael Moore and Ken Loach’…. International Herald Tribune
This will be a FREE event – come and join us for a pre-mid summers day drink/screening/social gathering. No RSVPS – max 80 capacity, so come on time if you want a seat!
Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcostesK0Ik
For more information visit the website.
Venue: The Chapel Bar, (29a Penton Street, N1 9PX), 5 mins walk from Angel Tube (Cross to White Lion Street, walk to the top where it meets Penton Road, Chapel Bar is on the opposite corner. See a map here.)
Monday 4th July TPFF Film Club – ‘Just Do It’ – PRESS PREVIEW screening + Q&A with Director Emily James
Venue: The Lexi Cinema
Time: 8pm film, 9.30pm Q&A with Emily James
Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased through The Lexi Cinema website or by calling the box office on 0871 704 2069 (£1 Booking Fee).
Tickets are free to TPFF regular givers and annual donors of more than £60.
Read Empire’s review in full here: http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=137258
“Seriously topical but never so serious that it gets caught up in polemic, it’s a terrific story packed with characters and told with passion’. David Hughes, Empire Magazine
The inside story of some of the UK’s biggest troublemakers – a feature documentary about environmental direct action. Crowd funded and released this summer, Just Do It follows some fantastically inspiring women and men who most definitely got off their derrieres and did something – and made a difference. What more can you ask for?!
TPFF is proud to have supported Just Do It.
Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM8iAK58-G4&feature=player_embedded
More info: http://just-do-it.org.uk/
August Bank Holiday – TPFF Film Programme – Greenbelt Festival (27-29th August)
TPFF returns to Greenbelt with a Tipping Point Film Programme over 3 days.
We team up with Dogwoof to present Mohamed Al-Daradji’s highly acclaimed new film‘Son of Babylon’ (Sat 27th) and award-winning film ‘Budrus’ (Sun 28th). Plus Al-Daradji’s documentary ‘Iraq: War, Love, God, Madness’ (Sat 27th) and ‘Our Generation’ by Sinem Saban & Damien Curtis (Mon 29th).
FILM PROJECTS
We Are Many – will mark the 10th anniversary of the global anti-Iraq invasion marches in 2013 and is a film about a single day and its aftermath – revealing both the power and potential of ordinary people, as well as the dark underbelly of the war machine.
We are currently planning a one-off high profile fundraising event to kickstart the production funding effort – if you would like to know more about how you can help, email deborah@tippingpointfilmfund.com.
We’re delighted that US actor and activist Danny Glover has recently come on to support the film and joins a first-class list of endorsees including Ahdaf Soueif, Michael Mansfield QC, Brian Eno, Ken Loach, Janet Suzman, Bianca Jagger, Tariq Ali and Arundhati Roy – some of whom will appear in the film. Rachel Portman, Oscar winning composer is on board and ITVS in the US have expressed an interest in acquiring the film on completion.
Watch the new trailer here:- http://www.tippingpointfilmfund.com/projects/we-are-many/
If you would like to know more/support the film, email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com
CAMPAIGN NEWS
Food Speculation
Lots of news recently about food speculation – food is now a financial commodity, to be traded and bet against just like any other, such as copper and oil. How can this be stopped?
See below for some campaign actions…
Recent Christian Aid Week report.War on Want – Trade and the Food Crisis
WDM – Stop bankers betting on food: campaign to limit commodity speculation
Royal Bank of Scotland and Tar Sands
WDM – one last bank story + campaign action.
Co-operatives Fortnight – 25th June-9th July
Do you want to narrow the gap between rich and poor? Here’s how Co-operative Fortnight thinks you can – through action to share ownership and wealth in a co-operative way.
Join us at The Chapel Bar, Islington on June 15th
Find out more about TPFF and how to get involved.
Come along to an informal introduction to TPFF – who we are, what we do and how you can get more involved!
Date: Wednesday June 15thTime: 6.30pm
Location: The Chapel Bar, Islington (29a Penton Street, N1 9PX – nearest tube is Angel). We will be upstairs at the small bar.
Map: http://www.thechapelbar.co.uk/contact.html
Join us for a short presentation on our work and why we need your support! Then relax, chat, ask questions over a drink (pay bar).
TPFF Spring Newsletter
| Dear colleagues, supporters and friends,
Here’s a quick round-up of TPFF news – dates for your diary, project news, more films and campaigns to watch out for and, most importantly, read to the end to find out how you can get more involved with what we do! FILM PROJECT NEWSWe Are Many We are delighted to say we are working with director Amir Amirani to help raise funds and provide campaign outreach support for his film We Are Many, which will be released in 2013 to mark the 10th anniversary of the global anti-Iraq invasion marches. ‘We Are Many’ is a film about a single day and its aftermath – an untold chapter in the history of people power. By turns uplifting and chilling, it reveals both the power and potential of ordinary people, as well as the dark underbelly of the war machine. Imagine This (working title) As we witness the outcome of unfettered greed in the markets and financial systems, TPFF is leading on the development of a film that will take us on a journey to show how you can combine ethics and commercial success. Some are arguing that the ‘unselfish gene’ is embedded in many areas of human economic activity – we just don’t seem to make much noise about it . Taking an international look at this subject, the first stage research has been completed. Read here for more. The Road to Bethlehem Following from a very successful presentation at the Dubai International Film Festival, and as distribution plans for its release for Christmas get underway, we are embarking on the task of fundraising for the film’s outreach campaign to accompany the film’s release. As part of this, there will be a fundraiser held at Amnesty International’s Human Rights Action Centre on May 16th, with a screening of Jeremy Hardy vs The Israeli Army, with a Q&A with Jeremy and Leila. If you would like to book for this event or find out more about how you can help, email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com. More ones to watch… Just Do It – TPFF is part of the funding community supporting Emily James’s film about environmental activists, due for release this summer. Our Generation – Sinem Saban & Damien Curtis’s shocking new documentary about present day Australia’s abuse of Aboriginal people’s rights – land, culture and freedoms. New Dogwoof Release on June 21st – Countdown to Zero “The horror film to end all horror films.” – Peter Bradshaw, Guardian “Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by accident, or miscalculation, or by madness.” – President John F. Kennedy Nine nations possess nuclear weapons capabilities with others racing to join them. The world is now held in a delicate balance that could be shattered by an act of terrorism, failed diplomacy, or a simple accident. Written and directed by Academy Award® nominated documentarian Lucy Walker (Waste Land, The Devil’s Playground, Blindsight), Countdown to Zero traces the history of the atomic bomb from its origins to the present state of global affairs. It makes a compelling case for worldwide nuclear disarmament and features an array of important international statesmen, including Jimmy Carter, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Pervez Musharraf. The film’s UK distributor, Dogwoof (The Age of Stupid), have announced Demand Zero Day on Tuesday 21 June. The film will screen simultaneously across the UK and Ireland before venues link up live to London’s BAFTA for a high-profile panel discussion starring Queen Noor of Jordan, Valerie Plame and Tarantino’s producer, Lawrence Bender. Audiences will also be encouraged to join the discussion and text in their questions. Not screening near you? You can bring the premiere to your community by hosting your very own. Dogwoof’s Ambassadors programme allows individuals to make a big social impact while generating funds for both themselves and the filmmakers. Find out where the Countdown to Zero is playing and bring the movement to your area with Ambassadors. Watch the trailer here. CAMPAIGN NEWSTPFF is a member of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition and this Spring, SCC are driving The Big Climate Re-Connection – find out how you can make sure your MP pushes the government to deliver the best possible Climate Act. We are also members of the wonderful Tax Justice Network – who worked closely with author Nicholas Shaxson to produce a new book, Treasure Islands – the truth about tax havens. Check it out. Join a revolution – courtesy of The Co-operative! The Co-op Group are encouraging its customers to Join The Revolution as it announces the most radical sustainability programme in UK corporate history that will spearhead its membership drive and help build a more sustainable economy. Get involved! Britdoc’s excellent Case Study on End of the Line was recently published and aims to illustrate just how and why film matters and makes a tangible impact that is auditable. TPFF FILM CLUB & Save the Dates…April 18th, May 16th, Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre TPFF held recent events at the Lexi Cinema – End of Poverty (to mark Fairtrade Fortnight) and Academy Award winner Inside Job. Both played to full houses, followed by great post-film discussions with great panellists – so watch this space for our next Lexi screenings! We are now exploring taking TPFF film club to other London venues as well as other cities around the UK… Meantime, on April 18th, we are partnering with Jubilee Debt Campaign and Pambazuka News to co-host a film + panel discussion to mark 50 years since the death of DRC’s first independent leader – Patrice Lumumba, assassinated just 10 weeks after his election. The event will ask: 50 years on, what future for the Congo? 7pm, admission free, on a first come first serve basis on the night. Read here for more. May 16th – join TPFF, Jeremy Hardy and Leila Sansour for a fundraising event for The Road to Bethlehem outreach campaign at Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre. Tickets on sale soon – watch this space. Meantime, if you would like to know more email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com. GROWING THE FUND…TPFF raises funds for projects from various sources – individuals, charities, NGOs. More and more, people are asking us ‘how can we help?’ or ‘how can we get more involved?’ – so here is how! Fundamentally, we need supporters to back the fund and spread the word. The more the fund grows, the more projects we can support. Find out more – or email info@tippingpointfilmfund.com if you would like to talk to one of us at TPFF about how you can get more involved. Looking forward to hearing from you! |
18th April – Film & Panel – Patrice Lumumba 50 Years On
The assassination of Patrice Lumumba: 50 years on, what future for the Congo?
“Africa will write its own history, and it will be, to the north and to the south of the Sahara, a history of glory and dignity.”
Jubilee Debt Campaign, Pambazuka News & Tipping Point Film Fund
Join us for a short documentary film, ‘Assassination: Colonial Style – Patrice Lumumba, an African Tragedy’, followed by a discussion with Firoze Manji from Pambazuka News and Vava Tampa from Save the Congo.
When? Monday 18th April, 7 – 9.30pm
Where? Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EA
Admission? Free on the night – first come, first serve
50 years ago Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, was assassinated as part of Belgian and US plots only 10 weeks after he took power. The event has been described as “the most important assassination of the 20th century”.
Lumumba was a freedom fighter who overturned decades of brutal Belgian rule in the Congo and fought to give the Congolese people control over their own resources. His assassins handed DRC to the kleptocratic Mobutu regime which stole from and indebted the country, turning what should be amongst the richest countries in the world into one of the poorest.
Today, after one of the most horrific wars in modern history cost the lives of 4 million people, we assess the legacy of Patrice Lumumba and look at the hopes and prospects for DRC in the twenty-first century.
Entry is free.
More information is available from Jubilee Debt Campaign: 020 7324 4722 or info@jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk
Tipping Point North South 