Featured political films!
THE CYCLE (AMERICA DIVIDED)
http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/festival2017/details.php?id=37427
“This is our America. And it isn’t what we promised.” For generations, the daily life of minority citizens has been in a state of crisis. Adapted from the EPIX docu-series and guided by such high-profile correspondents as Norman Lear, Jesse Williams, Common, and Zack Galifianakis, The Cycleexamines the pervasive and longstanding structures of racial discrimination in America, reinforced by a political system that disenfranchises poor people and people of color. To their outrage and incredulity, they witness the damages of systemic inequality in housing, education, criminal justice, and politics, all the while highlighting individuals who’ve dedicated themselves to battling these issues. The Cycleintones that we are living in a pivotal moment — one in which we must decide how to combat corrupted systems that have long plagued our nation. Provocative and illuminating, this documentary raises the voices of those who seek to stamp out the fires of segregation as it endures today.
AGAINST ALL ODDS: THE FIGHT FOR A BLACK MIDDLE CLASS WITH BOB HERBERT
http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/festival2017/details.php?id=36524
A disappearing middle class is one of the hot button political issues of the day, but middle class black Americans are the hardest hit. Celebrated veteran journalist Bob Herbert takes us on an illuminating journey through American history, relating the past to the present through rare archival footage and in-depth interviews with some of the most influential thinkers of our time, effectively making the point that the American Dream, through its very design, is systematically and deliberately kept out of reach of black families. Precise, affecting and eye opening, “Against All Odds: The Fight for a Black Middle Class with Bob Herbert” drives the point home that we still have a long way to go before true economic equality is realized, while shedding light on our socioeconomic system that is disproportionately working against black Americans. However, as Bob Herbert says, “There are no barriers that can’t be overcome. When dreams remain unrealized, it simply means the fight goes on”.
NAT BATES FOR MAYOR
http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/festival2017/details.php?id=37245
Nat Bates For Mayor documents the outrageous 2014 Richmond mayor’s race, home to the second largest California refinery. In a brazen move, Chevron spent over $3 million to back 83-year-old African-American stalwart Nat Bates. Bates makes a Faustian bargain with the corporate behemoth to preserve the waning power of Richmond’s African-American working class community, whose rich history dates back to World War Two. It’s black against white; pro-development against eco-friendly; David versus Goliath. Is Bates the savior or stooge? A wacky ride with some entertaining and offbeat political personalities, the guerilla-style documentary follows the candidates as they lock horns in a battle for mayor and the future of the Bay Area oil town. With cameos by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and legendary civil rights leader Andrew Young, the film is a potent mix of corporate influence, race, gentrification, homophobia, political self-determination, and humor – all told through the stories of bigger-than-life small-town characters.
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