It won't be screened, either
I would love to comment on this film but I was denied the chance.
I was volunteering at the PC the night this film was to be shown at the AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, where they issued a typed letter to all fest-goers that they were pulling the film due to political pressure.
Can you fucking believe that? AMNESTY of all organizations, giving in to political pressure!
Here's the most annoying part: They wouldn't say who the pressure was from. This really irritated me and scores of people who like to know what's going on around them. No explanation was given, and the director of the festival refused to give any straight answers about why it was pulled.
Needless to say, the cinematheque had protesters outside the doors for almost a week. The whole episode soured me on supporting Amnesty International-this went against everything they stand for.
The protesters, however, rallied forces to show the film in one of their members GARAGES (I couldn't attend) and went on all of Vancouver's media outlets to express their anger.
So if anyone has seen this heavy-duty film let me know what I missed.
Empty Words International
Quote:
Originally posted by Johann
I used to think Amnesty was the most important group on earth.
If I was on vacation in Botswana and I got arrested unjustly for some reason and tortured or held against my will I would be glad Amnesty was out there and held the power to get me free.
I used to feel the same way, J. But after I gave that girl that came to my door my phone number so she could have someone call me and fill me in on their 'no cash donation' policy, I got to thinkin'. When they called back, I asked a little more about their organization and opperation. I found out that Amnesty is a lobby group and nothing more. They can put pressure on political leaders and governments through publicity, but not much more. Your white ass would probably rot in a Botswanan jail cell before Amnesty could do anything about it. Likely, they'd print something about it in their newsletter that goes to all kinds of people who also understand that you've been wrongfully imprisioned, but can't do much about it.
On the flip side, at least they're trying. It's worthless to throw our hands up and say: Ah, fuck it. Ain't no justice and there never will be. It's noble of them to take on what seems to be an impossible task.
One key to the dominance of the Global Oligarchy is their ability to imprison anyone at any time. This phenomenan is manefesting itself in America right now through the PATRIOT ACT. I hope that one day Amnesty gets their shit together, realizes where their supporters are and starts to affect positive change.