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Freedom Series Program printing made possible through the generous support of A1 Printing Service.

6 pm Thursday, SEPT. 9
at the National Civil Rights Museum

Hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum

'What is Freedom? Money Talks'

What does it mean to be Free? Politicians talk about "Freedom" all the time, from left to right all sides try to claim it as their own. But what does it mean to ordinary people? From the 'What Is Freedom?' series (directed by James Price of Field Studies UK), examining the meaning of freedom to various residents of the United States. In "Money Talks," Crystal, the manager of a car rental firm in the wild hinterlands of New York State, is convinced that "freedom is money, that's what it is in a nutshell". When asked who the freest person she knows is, she points to Corky, her boss, a retired cop who, in her eyes, just seems to work for fun, he's got all the cash he needs. But Corky has other ideas about what it means to be Free.

'What is Freedom? A Constant Struggle'

In "A Constant Struggle," Henry was a young lecturer at Kent State University, Ohio in 1970 when he witnessed an anti-Vietnam protest go horribly wrong on campus. Four of his students were killed by their own country's troops as the state government sent in the National Guard to break up the protests. As such, Henry has a strong sense of the vulnerability of "Freedom", and recognizes its defense is a constant struggle. Claudia, a young pianist and student of music in Portland, Maine, has another story of political freedom to tell. She moved from Eastern Europe to the USA as a teenager, and tells of her memories of another student protest, far away in Romania, which led to the downfall of Ceauşescu's dictatorial brand of Communism. Claudia asks how far one should look to political systems to offer "Freedom".

'Change Comes Knocking'

'Change Comes Knocking' (directed by Rebecca Cerese of NCFund.org) is the tumultuous story of a bi-racial anti-poverty organization called the North Carolina Fund (NCF) that boldly confronted the explosive issues of race, class and politics during the turbulent 1960s. In 1963, progressive Democratic governor Terry Sanford took an audacious step to attack the entrenched poverty he found throughout his state. The Fund directly empowered poor people, including African Americans, so they could themselves ruffle the feathers of the establishment, all too comfortable with the racial divisions that were the foundations of the economic status quo. Add to that a charismatic Fund employee named Howard Fuller, who spoke of Black Power and urged a more confrontational approach, and the backlash came swiftly. The tensions that built in North Carolina around issues of economic inequality were mirrored across the country, as riots broke out in Watts, Newark and Detroit. The story of the North Carolina Fund unfolds in this context, and presents a case study of what happened in one southern state during this period, and the impact that continues to be felt there today. As the cycle of poverty continues to be a grim reality of American rural and urban life, exploring the victories and the defeats of the North Carolina Fund's 1960s war on poverty can help to create a new battlefront.

3 pm Sunday, OCT. 10
at East High School (3206 Poplar Avenue)

Hosted by BRIDGES and the Memphis Jewish Federation
with special thanks to the members of Give365 and the Greater East High Foundation

'Heart of Stone'

An intimate and multi-faceted look at one schools changing social landscape, the struggling students, the supportive alumni, and a principal who made a difference.

** The event will begin with a few words from Nika Jackson, the manager of the City of Memphis' Office of Multicultural and Religious Affairs.

6 pm Thursday, OCT. 14
at the National Civil Rights Museum

Hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum

'I Think I Was An Alcoholic'

In 'I Think I Was an Alcoholic' (directed by John Callahan, Kelley Baker and Laura Di Trapani), cartoonist John Callahan charts the darker moments in his life. Simple black-and-white line drawings, caricatured figures, and the filmmaker's voice-over convey an alcoholic's road from comical drunken antics to tragic accident to permanent disability to recovery.

'Truth Movements'

'Truth Movements,' from Chris Allen's 'True Fictions' -- a stunning collage of music and live cinema which explores the themes of truth and myth through a multitude of American and Native American voices, that fuses documentary filmmaking, music, animation and motion graphics with cutting edge digital performance tools -- weaves a tangled web of conspiracies theories, divergent views and public oratory, from the 5th anniversary of 911 together into a escalating argument about truth. Contrasting two points of view: the protesters or "truthers" who want to re-investigate 911 and those who oppose their intervention outside the memorial on this national day of morning. The conversation flits from person to person as the exchanges of opinions become increasingly passionate and emotional. A group of US marines berate a crowd who proclaim that 911 was an "inside job." Their heated exchanges reveal how this defining event is still being fought over and will continue to be manipulated for different political motives.

** Warning: Contains Strong Language. **

'The Life & Times of Rosie the Riveter'

Domestic. Shop girl. Waitress. Cook... Those were the jobs for women in the 1930's -- when they could get work. Suddenly the U.S. entry into World War II created an unprecedented demand for new workers. Notions of what was proper work for women changed overnight. Thousands of posters and billboards appeared calling on women to "Do the Job He Left Behind." Rosie the Riveter was born -- the symbol of working women during World War II. After whirlwind training, women found themselves doing "men's work" and they did it so well that production levels rose despite the military call-up of millions of male workers. They discovered a new sense of pride and dignity in their work. Their earnings leapt upwards. Many joined unions and found substantial new benefits from labor representation. And for the first time in history, black women gained entry into major industrial plants. When the war was over, Rosie wanted to stay. But neither the structure of the American economy nor the dominant view of women's place in society sustained such hopes. The story is told by the women themselves--five former "Rosies" who movingly recall their histories working in Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco during the war. In 'The Life * Times of Rosie the Riveter,' (directed by Connie Field of Clarity Films), their testimony is interwoven with rare archival recruitment films, stills, posters, ads and music from the period which contrast their experiences with the popular legend and mythology of Rosie the Riveter.

** British Academy Award Nominee, Best Documentary Feature; National Film Registry of the Library of Congress; 15 international awards for Best Documentary **

3 pm Sunday, OCT. 24
at the National Civil Rights Museum

Hosted by the Gandhi-King Conference for Peacemaking

'I Am a Man'
Screening with 'From Helen Suzman's Story' and 'Banished: Nelson Mandela'

3 pm Sunday, AUG. 1
at the University of Memphis Fogelman Executive Center

Hosted by Muslims in Memphis

The Master of Ceremonies for this event will be global community activist Ceylon Mooney. We are honored to present as speakers and moderators of the post-film community conversation, Sheikh Nabil Bayakly of Muslims in Memphis, and Dr. Pete Gathje of Memphis Theological Seminary.

'What is Freedom? A State of Mind'

From the 'What Is Freedom?' series (directed by James Price of Field Studies UK), examining the meaning of freedom to various residents of the United States. Michelle has found her kind of freedom by pushing her body and mind to the limits. She competes in the Ironman triathlons. When asked who is the freest person she knows, she points in a surprising direction: to Jon, a 49 year old triathlete with down syndrome. What is it about Jon that makes him free? And who will Jon choose as the freest person he knows?

'Stand Up For Justice: The Ralph Lazo Story'

Directed by John Esaki, this short film is based on the true story of 16 year-old Mexican/Irish-American Ralph Lazo who chose to go to the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II with his Japanese-American friends. Set on location at the original site in Manzanar, California the film has a beautiful physical backdrop of mountains, while sharing the social backdrop of fear-induced racism and phobia during wartime. This film is a perfect lead in for the "Who's Democracy?" exhibition at the National Civil Rights Museum, and the next Freedom Series program, which includes the short film "The Nisei Farmer."

'Talking Through Walls: How the Struggle to Build a Mosque United a Community'

Directed by Michale Wolfe & Alex Kronemer of the Unity Productions Foundation, 'Talking Through Walls,' is a coming-together story of humanitarian solidarity. The story takes place in New Jersey where Zia Rahman's efforts to build a Mosque are met with unexpected public resistance due to the high fear post-9/11 environment. Support comes from an unexpected source, a multi-faith community of Buddhists, Christians, and Jews. Working together with the mosque project, they began meeting, looking for common ground, and seeking a greater understanding. The film raises issues of religious freedom, fears and prejudices, and the importance of protecting one's own rights by also, and especially, protecting the rights of others.

6 pm Thursday, AUG. 12
at the National Civil Rights Museum

Hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum

'What is Freedom? Doing This'

What does it mean to be Free? Politicians talk about "Freedom" all the time, from left to right all sides try to claim it as their own. But what does it mean to ordinary people? From the 'What Is Freedom?' series (directed by James Price of Field Studies UK), examining the meaning of freedom to various residents of the United States. In "Doing This," Randall is a workshop technician at a university in upstate New York, but lives for hunting deer and turkey in the forested rolling hills of the state. That's when he feels free, taking part in an activity that brings him closer to nature.

'The Nisei Farmer'

When the U.S. government makes reparations for the injustices suffered by the Japanese Americans during World War II, memories of a stolen youth haunt a Nisei (second-generation Japanese American) farmer in northern California. The film explores how the incarceration of the Japanese Americans affected one man's life, and held him emotionally captive long after the war ended. 'The Nisei Farmer' (directed by Dean Yamada) honors the filmmaker's late father, who spent three years of his childhood in an internment camp.

** Grand Prize Winner for Best Short Film at the 2003 Rhode Island International Film Festival. **

'Have You Heard From Johannesburg:
The Bottom Line'

'Have You Heard From Johannesburg' is seven-part documentary series, produced and directed by Connie Field, chronicling the history of the global anti-apartheid movement that took on South Africa's entrenched apartheid regime and its international supporters who considered South Africa an ally in the Cold War. 'The Bottom Line' is the story of the first-ever international grassroots campaign to successfully use economic pressure to help bring down a government. Recognizing the apartheid regime's dependence on its financial connections to the West, citizens all over the world, from employees of Polaroid to a General Motors director, from student account-holders in Barclay's Bank to consumers who boycott Shell gas, all refuse to let business with South Africa go on as usual. Boycotts and divestment campaigns bring the anti-apartheid movement into the lives and communities of people around the world, helping everyday people understand and challenge Western economic support for apartheid. Faced with attacks at home and growing chaos in South Africa, international companies pull out in a mass exodus, causing a financial crisis in the now-isolated South Africa and making it clear that the days of the apartheid regime are numbered.

3 pm Sunday, JULY 18
@ the National Civil Rights Museum

Hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum

'From Helen Suzman's Story'
Political Freedom, Human Rights, Civil Liberties, Restorative Justice

A special selection from Carolyn Projansky's soon-to-be-released documentary "Breaking the Rules." Helen Suzman was instrumental in Nelson Mandela's release and is currently highlighted at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Selections from 'Voices From Robben Island'
Political Freedom, Human Rights, Civil Liberties, Restorative Justice

3 pm Saturday, JULY 17
at Abundant Grace

Hosted by Abundant Grace Fellowship

'A .45 to 50th'
Political Freedom, Civil Liberties

In 'A .45 to 50th', acclaimed actor James Cromwell relives one of the central events that would influence his worldview for the rest of his life. Under threat of assassination by the CIA, Elbert 'Big Man' Howard traveled to New York in hopes of mending a rift forming between factions of the Black Panther Party. James Was entrusted with finding a safe house for Howard and his people. Fortunately, his father and mother were out of town, freeing up their upper west side apartment for the service of social revolution. The events following Big Man's arrival would ultimately teach James powerful lessons about the nature of social justice. The short documentary illuminates Cromwell's involvement with the Committee to Defend the Panthers and speaks to his personal views of justice and politics with the United States.

'Getwell'
Human Rights, Healthcare, Civil Liberties, Equal Opportunity

'Getwell' is the story of the Church Health Center, the nation's largest faith-based health clinic and its inspirational leader G. Scott Morris, M.D., M.Div. as they face the increasingly difficult task of providing health care for the working poor in Memphis, TN. The story begins on August 1, 2005 when Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen announces that 320,000 Tennesseans will lose their state-provided healthcare. Twenty-seven days later Hurricane Katrina adds 10,000 new potential patients to their rolls, compounding the effects of the national healthcare crisis. Rallying the Churches, Hospitals, Doctors, Nurses, Corporations, Donors and Volunteers, Dr. Morris works to continue uniting the city around the Biblical Mandate to care for the poor who are sick. With a broad-based focus on primary care, prevention, body and spirit and political activism, the Church Health Center has become the model for the rest of the nation, affecting real change for the increasing numbers of uninsured Americans across the country - and miraculously doing it one person at a time.

7 pm Friday, JULY 16
@ Latino Memphis Community Center

Hosted by Latino Memphis with the support of Christian Brothers University Graduate & Professional Studies & Center for Financial Planning

'La Voz de los Sin Voz'
(The Voice of the Voiceless)
Human Rights, Civil Liberties, Political Freedom

In 1994 a group of rebels, mainly indigenous, poor farmers from the Mayan lands of Chiapas, swept into the State's highland capital, declaring their autonomy from the Mexican Government and the legacy of Spanish colonialism. The Zapatistas became known world-wide for what is perhaps a new brand of revolutionary politics, which combines leftist notions of communal ownership with a traditional Mayan approach of collective decision making and duties towards one's community. 'La Voz de los Sin Voz' covers the establishment of the Zapatista's radio station, autonomous like the communities it serves - the voice of the voiceless.

'Intimidad'
The Right to 'home' and the pursuit of Happiness, Human Rights, Civil Liberties

'Intimidad' is an original Mexican love story about family relationships and the meaning of "home." Cecy and Camilo - ages 21 - recently moved to the border, Reynosa, Mexico, from Santa Maria, Puebla with a dream to save money, buy land, and build a home. A year later they return to their rural hometown to reunite with their two year-old daughter Loida. What seems like a satisfying reunion turns into a confusing dilemma that transforms the course of their marriage. For this cinema vert style documentary, the films lead family and the directors collected digital, super 8, and 16mm footage over the course of 5 years, lending the story to an incredibly intimate, dream-like impression.

* From the filmmakers behind 'Invisible Girlfriend,' the 2009 Indie Memphis Film Festival award-winner for Best Documentary

* Bilingual Event in Spanish and English

7 pm Thursday, JULY 15
@ Malco Studio On The Square

Hosted by Indie Memphis

** Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Studio on the Square with live music and wine tasting from 5 - 7pm!

'The Veiled Commodity'
Human Rights, Civil Liberties

'The Veiled Commodity' is a short film that deals with slavery, past and present. The film employs various design and animation techniques to tell a concise history of slavery and the problems of its present day counterpart; the trafficking and objectification of people around the world.

'Complaints Choir'
Freedom of Speech

* Co-producers Frank & Lisa Mauceri are scheduled to attend

* The Memphis Complaints Choir is scheduled to perform after the program

'Complaints Choir' follows the worldwide Complaints Choir art project by the Finnish/German artist couple Tellervo & Oliver Kalleinen in Chicago, Singapore and beyond. The artists travel the world collecting complaints, transforming the works into a song sung by the complainers themselves. All goes well until the couple reach Singapore where the government refuses to grant a performance permit, setting off debate in the country and attention from the US State Department. 'Complaints Choir' investigates the phenomena of complaining that seems to be binding us all together. Why do so many people spend so much energy on complaining? Is it bad for your mind or is it really a basic manner of communication serving the purpose of emotional relief? And ultimately, what happens if a society is not at all allowed to speak its mind and complain?