The ACLU-MN Greater Minnesota Racial Justice Project sponsored the 3rd Annual Independent Film Festival in Bemidji, MN during the week of March 10 through 15. The Film Fest was organized by our intern, Brenna Sater, a Bemidji State University Social Work student, along with the help of community volunteers and donations. The films included "Uncounted" (a documentary on the election fraud of 2004 and 2006), "Tough Guise" (educational video examining the masculine images of popular culture), "Oil On Ice" (fate of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge regarding U.S. energy policy), "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" (examination of prisoner abuse scandal), and "No Volveran" (Hands Off Venezuelan documentary on Hugo Chavez's presidency). These films were shown in an intimate setting at The Cantabria Coffee Co. Friday and Saturday the Festival moved to the Mask and Rose Theatre located in the historic Masonic Temple building. Collaborating sponsors were White Earth Land Recovery Project, Indigenous Environmental Network, and Bemidji Indian Center. Friday began with an evening reception followed by a presentation by guest speaker Winona LaDuke, who shared information about the ongoing environmental and sustainable community projects administrated by The White Earth Land Recovery Project. Friday night's feature film was "Homeland", profiling Native American activists who are fighting to protect Indian lands. Saturday was reserved for showing locally and regionally created short films. This year's film fest was moderately attended due to coinciding with university student's spring break. Next year's planning will include changes, with the hope of being more successful.
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