 |
 |
          |
The fifth annual MountainTop Film Festival celebrates the life and
work of Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of films dealing
with the hopes and struggles of democracy Documentaries have an unrivaled power to use human stories to make us think about broader issues. The 2008 MountiainTop Film Festival's 13 films do just that, with filmmakers across the world taking us into the heart of countries to explore the complex questions of modern democracy. In the fifth year of featuring social and politically relevant films the festival continues its effort to provoke critical thinking, start conversations, and encourage action. 13 films, a democracy fair with direct action groups, and public forums with special guests such as Amy Goodman (Democracy Now!), Jehane Noujaime (Control Room) and Robert Jensen (Author/Journalist) will make up a versatile, action driven program this year. Part of this year's program is the BBC produced and Oscar shortlisted "Why Democracy?" project. The series of films have produced some exceptional, challenging, and inspiring stories. The films are unconventional documentaries in two senses. Firstly democracy - an idea - is their primary focus above any specific country or event. Secondly, they are not overtly prescriptive. These films hope to illuminate the idea called democracy as it exists today, not as we wish it to be. The special event on Saturday from 4-6 is the Vermont Democracy Fair. Organizations working towards a more democratic society will provide our community an opportunity to take ACTION. The MountainTop Film Festival strives to bring decision making and awareness back to people by promoting dialogue, gaining greater participation in decision-making, increasing community direct action, and sharing information. This fair will further strengthen the excellent initiatives taken by citizens and civil society organizations. Democracy cannot be trickled down from the top. It has to be generated from within.The cafe will be serving democracy fare. They do not provide packaged answers, but illuminate the contradictions, challenges and hopes and disappointments of democracy in the 21st century, speaking a language that everyone understands. It is meant to be a unique effort to grow a global conversation about the biggest political idea of our time – using documentary film to initiate the debate. The MountainTop Film Festival 2008 will run from January 9-13 at the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield VT. For more information call 802.496.8994 or go to www.mountaintopfilmfestival.com * TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW CONTACT: For tickets and information, call 802.496.8994 or visit www.mountaintopfilmfestival.com Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students
and seniors. For further information contact the following: Website: www.mountaintopfilmfestival.com |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
