CINEMA POLITICA is a Montreal-based media arts, nonprofit network of community and campus locals that screen independent political film and video by Canadian and international artists throughout Canada and abroad.
The main idea of CINEMA POLITICA is to educate through documentary screenings with FREE ENTRANCE. All the screenings will be followed by discussions with directors and special guests.
FINITE: THE CLIMATE OF CHANGE
UK, 2022, 100 min, color, documentary
director Rich Felgate
In Germany, concerned citizens step forward to save an ancient forest from one of Europe’s biggest coal mines. They form an unlikely alliance with a frustrated community in rural England who are forced into action to protect their homes from a new opencast coal mine. „Finite: The Climate of Change“ is an insider’s view of the world of direct action; a raw, authentic and emotional insight into the David and Goliath battle between frontline communities, activists and fossil fuel corporations.
The screening is on March 27, 7:00 PM
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SOMEONE LIVES HERE
Canada, 2023, 75 min, color, documentary
director Zack Russell
Throughout the COVID pandemic, Toronto has seen a catastrophic increase in homelessness. Sick of seeing his city unable to care for its unhoused people, Khaleel Seivwright quit his job as a full-time carpenter and dedicated himself to building insulated shelters – called “tiny shelters.” Innovatively using body temperature for heating, Khaleel’s efforts garnered international media attention, leading Toronto to propose a possible partnership – only to reverse its decision a week later.
The screening is on March 28, 5:30 PM
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THREE PROMISES
Palestine-Lebanon-USA, 2023, 61 min, color, documentary
director Yousef Srouji
At the turn of the millennium, as the Israeli army retaliates against the Second Intifada in the West Bank, Suha, a Palestinian mother, films her family’s daily life. Time spent sheltering in the basement at night and her two young children’s fear of the shelling are recurring elements. The scenes also have something commonplace about them, apparent in the family members who are not used to the ever-present camera, as well as the fact that the children still head off to school each morning.
In 2017, Suha’s son Yousef, the director of this documentary, discovered the videos. Together with his mother, he explores why she chose to film her family’s life in wartime. And why she waited to flee the country—several times Suha broke a promise she made to God that she would leave.
The screening is on March 28, 7:30 PM
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LABOR
Sweden, 2023, 95 min, color, documentary
director Tove Pils
Hanna wants to explore herself and her sexuality beyond the possibilities of her small Swedish hometown. She leaves her girlfriend Emma behind to go to San Francisco with its lively and tolerant queer community. At a party, she meets Chloe and Cyd. One is a dominatrix, the other a transman, both experienced sex workers who dream of stable lives in the growing West Coast city. And with their help, Hanna begins to explore the parts of her sexuality she has only dared to fantasize about.
The screening is on April 3, 7:00 PM
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LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
Norway-Palestine-Qatar, 2023, 93 min, color, documentary
Director Mohamed Jabaly
The young Palestinian director Mohamed Jabaly is visiting a film festival in Tromsø in 2014, when the borders to Gaza close. He finds himself stuck in the arctic winter. Little does he know that it will be seven years before he can see his family again. While waiting for the situation to change, Mohamed’s friends back home tell him to seek asylum or get married to stay in Norway. But Mohamed refuses to give up his Palestinian identity and insists on being recognized for his work. After being denied a work permit after several appeals, despite his film Ambulance gaining international success, he decides to take his case to court.
The screening is on April 5, 7:00 PM
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We are waiting for you at the #CINEMA!
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