Previous programmes from 2013

Sunday 8th September 10.20 for 11am.

THE HAPPY LANDS

Robert Rae, UK 2012 [12A], 108 mins

A Theatre Workshop Scotland Production supported by the National lottery through Creative Scotland in association with BBC Scotland.

This drama, set within a Fife mining community during the general strike of 1926, documents the harsh conditions and solidarity of people in their fight for respect and Justice. The Stringency measures, linked to the national debt and imposed by the then Conservative-Liberal politicians, bear an uncanny resemblance to the austerity measures imposed by today’s government.

Official selection Glasgow Film Festival 2013.

Discussion led by Robert Rae, with Bill Gilby, Board member, Theatre Workshop Scotland, and former UNISON Director of Executive Office & Programmes, and Jack Dunleavy, writer and contributor to Left Futures.

Sunday 14th April 2013

WILL THE REAL TERRORIST PLEASE STAND UP

Saul Landau, Cuba/ USA 2012 (12A) English/ Spanish with EST, 65min

This documentary charts the fifty years of hostility towards Cuba and the attempts to overthrow the revolution and destabilise the government with sweeping and stringent economic sanctions. The director narrates this through the case of the Miami Five, the intelligence agents sent to infiltrate the right-wing Cuban exile terrorist groups in Miami who were given long sentences by the Miami court. Using historical footage and interviews with CIA and intelligence officers, the director questions and suggests answers to the persistent psychological war waged against Cuba and its people.

DEFENCE OF MADRID

Ivor Montagu, UK 1936 (Advised 12A), 34min, 16mm, English

Norman McLaren and Ivor Montagu travelled to Madrid to document the siege of the city by Franco’s army during the Spanish Civil War. The proceeds of screenings were used in fundraising for the Republican cause. Low budget, political, independent films were the mark of Ivor Montagu who established the London Film Society to show art/independent films.

Discussion led by Bernard Regan National Secretary, Cuba Solidarity Campaign, Ros Cranston, BFI National Archive Curator, Non- Fiction and Jim Jump, Secretary, International Brigade Memorial Trust.

Sunday 12th May 2013

MAN: ONE FAMILY
Ivor Montagu, GB 1946, 17 mins, 35mm

This film from the BFI archive was made as an exposure of the fallacy of race myths. Nazi and Japanese theories about pure blood and master races are contrasted with scientific facts of mixed origins to prove that no nation or race can be considered inferior or superior.  Scientific advisers:  Prof. J.B.S. Haldane and Dr Julian Huxley.

FIRE IN BABYLON

Steven Riley, UK 2010 (12A), 83 min

This film charts the rise of the iconic West Indies cricket team to dominate the world in Test Match cricket. Set against the background of colonisation and slavery, apartheid in South Africa, civil unrest in the Caribean and race riots in England, the cricketers become a mouthpiece for a generation opposing the worldwide prejudices of Babylon. 

Interviews and dynamic filming bring their skills to life, illustrating the spread of consciousness and inspiring creative cultures across the Caribbean.

Official selection: London Film Festival, Glasgow Film Festival.

Discussion led by Luke Daniels, President, Caribbean Labour Solidarity, Tony Dykes. Director; Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) and Dan Carrier, film critic of the Camden New  Journal.