The Free Thinking Film Society Presents:

When China Met Africa (Film)
China in Canada (Panel Discussion)

May 28, 2012, 7 PM
Library & Archives Canada
395 Wellington
Ottawa
Admission: $15 ($10 for students)

Tickets are now available at Compact Music (785 Bank, 190 Bank), Collected Works (1242 Wellington), and Ottawa Festivals (47 William). Tickets will also be available at the door.

"This documentary explores the burgeoning economic relationship between China and Zambia. It's shot with an acute eye for the discomfort of discordant cultures co-existing. What's interesting here is that you feel this story is only just beginning."
The Times of London

"A dark, quiet, damning documentary looking at China's determined expansion into Africa (here Zambia) through the lives of a Chinese farmer, a road builder, and the Zambian trade minister. When in 1999 China announced its "go global" policy it had Africa very much in mind, and specifically the raw materials that go into the construction of our electrical equipment. A creeping, alarming account of exploitation as well as a study into the psychology of colonialism."
Financial Times

After the film, we will have a panel...More >>

On this Canada Day, fellow Propagandist and Free Thinking Film Society founder Fred Litwin hails the opportunity for Canada to take a leading role on the world stage:

On the international stage, the Americans are not only pulling back, they seem to be abdicating their preeminent role. They're taken a back seat in Libya and have been conspicuously silent on Syria and Bahrain. Obama is not only withdrawing troops from Afghanistan but is actually talking about reconciliation with the Taliban. Iran seems to be able to act with impunity. And, even among Republicans, there seems to be a growing isolationism. Say what you want, this is not the sort of leadership the world needs.

Canada faces none of this. Our budgetary deficit is coming down faster than anticipated, and in any case, it was never of the magnitude of Europe and the US. People forget that before the economic crisis, the biggest problem we had was our low estimates of the surplus! If oil prices continue to stay high, and if the world economy stays relatively healthy, then Canada will again face rising surpluses.

If there ever was a time to jettison our reticence...More >>

The Free Thinking Film Society's Fred Litwin has an update on the screening of Iranium, apparently shut down by Iranian official (and less diplomatic) efforts. The film, exposing the Iranian drive for nuclear weapons, will be shown in Ottawa on February 6. Here is his message:

I want to express my extreme disappointment that Iranium was not shown in Ottawa this week.  We are committed to ensuring this film is shown in the capital of Canada - and that our cultural policies are not dictated by the Khomeinist thugs of Iran.

So, I am happy to announce that Iranium will now be shown on Sunday, February 6th at 7:00 PM at the Library and Archives Canada.  Clare Lopez will also be flying in to talk at the event.  Tickets are $15.00 (Students/Seniors - $8.00) and will be available, in advance, at the following locations:

Compact Music, 785 1/2 Bank Street
Compact Music, 190 Bank Street
Ottawa Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank Street
Ottawa Festivals, 47 William Street

Tickets will also...More >>

The Ottawa screening of Iranium was canceled, perhaps (though facts are thin on the ground right now) due to a threat from the Iranian government. BCF has the scoop:

“It’s like the Iranians have set something in motion and they’re able to shut down a film in the capital of Canada,” said Fred Litwin. "It's frightening to think that the Iranian embassy could complain and a film could be cancelled in the capital of Canada," Litwin said.

"They obviously thought they could push around some people and they were right." 

More >>