
5th Annual MOUNTAINTOP FILM FESTIVAL
at the BIG PICTURE THEATER, Waitsfield, VT
January 9-13, 2008
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
across the globe.
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:
Kimberly Ead at 802-777-8444 or email
For tickets and information, call 802.496.8994 or
visit www.mountaintopfilmfestival.com
Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students
and seniors.
Festival passes and 6-packs will be available for a discount
rate.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office.
For further information contact the following:
Reservations,
Information & Voice
Mail: (802) 496.8994
Claudia Becker: Festival Director
(802) 496-9913 or email
Website: www.mountaintopfilmfestival.com |