NEW World Cinema - Sept 28 & 29: El Violin

Francisco Vargas’s highly acclaimed film EL VIOLIN (The Violin), which will be screened this Sunday & Monday, September 28 & 29, 2008. Please note the change in the show time. We are back to our usual show time 7:00 PM.

The Violin (Mexico 2007)
(Winner of 24 international awards and 7 nominations)
Director: Francisco Vargas
Drama - Not Rated
September 28 & 29, 2008
7:00 PM
Fox Cinema, 400 3rd Street, Menasha - Ticket $5

The film is set in rural Mexico during the peasant revolution of 1970. While the government is fighting the insurgency with torture, assault, rape, and murder, Don Plutarco, an elderly farmer and the aged patriarch of a musical family has fashioned an ingenious way of smuggling ammunition beneath the noses of government troops.

Reviews…
“The old saying that music can soothe the savage beast is both celebrated and challenged in "The Violin," the finely crafted writing-directing debut of Mexican filmmaker Francisco Vargas.” - Justin Chang (Variety)

"A stunning film that dazzles with its deceptive simplicity." - Belinda Acosta, (Austin Chronicle)

“Finally, on the very crest of the much-discussed Mexican new wave, Francisco Vargas outplays all first-time peers with his magnificent The Violin.” - Jeffrey M. Anderson (San Francisco Bay Chronicle)

“Brutal military repression looks the same everywhere and Francisco Vargas' striking and poetic film “The Violin” offers a plaintive cry on behalf of the oppressed. Vargas' screenplay includes some memorable lines that speak to the struggle of the poor and the power of their oppressors. Tavira brings gravitas and humor to the role of an ancient who knows the struggle is eternal.” - Ray Bennett (The Hollywood Reporter)

Coffee fundraiser

If you’re a coffee drinker and believe in fair trade policies, please consider purchasing from Globally Sound. They moved recently to 604 W College Ave. We (Toward Community) will get a $1 for every bag purchased; just mention Toward Community when buying coffee.

Globally Sound Fair Trade Imports
604 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI 54911-5804
920.993.9989
genelle@globallysound.com

Hours
Mon thru Fri: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Video from WFRV news follows short commercial message -- note new address above...

Immigration issues - film & discussion

Crossing Arizona - Documentary about the influx of migrants and issues of human rights, culture, labor, and national security. Facilitated by Nicole Lemke, Intercultural Relations Coordinator, City of Appleton - Thu, Sep 11, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Appleton Public Library

Celebrate Diversity Picnic - Sunday, July 20

The annual Toward Community Celebrate Diversity Picnic will be held this Sunday, July 20, 12:30-3:30 at Schaefer Park, 610 S. Buchanan St in Appleton (several blocks south of College Ave.) This event is free and open to the public. T.C. will provide

• burgers
• hotdogs
• Hmong egg roles
• beverages.
  

Activities will include

• face painting
• pinatas
• music
• children's activities
• and FUN!

Bring a dish to pass and lawn chairs if you have them. Looking forward to seeing you all there. No RSVP necessary. Please join us for a celebration fo the rich diversity of the Valley!

- T.C. Executive Board

NEW World Cinema in the Post Crescent

Foreign film series brings the world to Menasha theater | Postcrescent.com | Appleton Post-Crescent

Source: www.postcrescent.com

NEW World Cinema, the Fox Cities' foreign language film series, celebrates two years on screen this summer.

Multicultural Center sponsors China conversation

From Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center:

Our first Current Community Conversation event will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 5:00 PM at Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center.

The topic is China: A Developing Country or an Emerging Power?

Our featured Panelists are

• NEWCA (Northeast Wisconsin China Association) --Dr. Xie is a professor and Co-Chair of the Department of Chemistry at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will be representing NEWCA.
• Appleton Boychoir - Shana Shallue, Executive Director of Appleton Boychoir and the families, who visited China would share first hand details about the preparation for 2008 Olympics.
  

There will be time for Q&A.

This event is open to the public and is free. Please share this information with your family, friends, and colleagues.

If you have any questions, e-mail Kamal Varma, Education & Outreach Committee at kvarma@new.rr.com

Post Crescent Silver Pen letter: Hard work ahead, yet change is already here

Published in the Post-Crescent, June 15, 2008

June 3 was a historic day in the history of our nation. I listened to the speeches of (senators) John McCain, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama. They promised to bring changes in the country, and they all defined their perception of the change.

For me, the change is already here. It has happened. When I heard Barack Obama, a young African-American, declaring that he was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party for 2008, change was already there.

When Hillary Clinton, a very strong woman, stood on the stage and said that she was our presidential candidate, this was the change we have been waiting for.

I came to this country several years ago with an image of America, an America with equal opportunity for everyone, an America where everyone would be accepted.

Today, I feel we have taken several steps toward completing that image. I see an America where one could achieve one's dreams irrespective of the color of skin or gender. I see an America where the next generation would be colorblind. We would only see a human being.

I'm thinking of all those leaders who made many sacrifices and gave their lives to bring us to this day.

Finally, their dream has been fulfilled. Every individual who has worked hard to educate and celebrate diversity and equality, every community that has worked hard to accept each and every human being with open arms should be very proud.

It's their victory and it's their vision that has brought this history-making day to this nation, which we all are very proud of.

However, we aren't quite there. We have to continue the hard work and keep moving toward the path that's right in front of us.

Kamlesh Varma
Appleton