The Latvian version of Philip Ruff’s new book, A Towering Flame: The Life & Times of ‘Peter the Painter’, will be launched on the 16th August at Dienas Gramata. Phil’s book is the basis for Spectacle’s English/Latvian co-production project. ‘Siege‘
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You get the justice you can afford…
According to the media, the City of London’s reputation has been severely damaged by HSBC’s money laundering scandal. What rubbish. It’s favourable services offered to the drug dealing and terrorist communities is precisely what gives the City its “competitive edge.” However, the City of London’s competitors may be a little more squeamish (or tightly regulated) to profit from such rich pickings.
So what happens to those caught red handed abetting Al Qaeda and drug dealing organisations? They resign, say sorry and promise not to do it again.
HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA)’s head of group compliance, David Bagley, was faced with charges that HSBC gave terrorists, drug cartels and criminals access to the U.S. financial system by failing to guard against money laundering. The result; Bagley stated at a Senate hearing that he will step down. He has also been told to release a formal apology.
Compare this to how people like Shaker Aamer are treated. Shaker, a completely innocent man cleared for release but, even today, still stuck in Guantanamo in a nightmare limbo. He had been extraordinarily rendered from Afganistan, tortured and imprisoned for more than 10 years without trial or access to his family.
You can watch Spectacles new film on Shaker Aamer’s story here and sign the petition here.
You could also compare it to how ‘rioters’ were treated following the London riots in August 2011. Mother-of-two Ursula Nevin, was jailed for five months for receiving a pair of shorts that had been looted from a city centre store, and Nicholas Robinson was jailed for six months for stealing a case of water worth £3.50.
So when the media talk about restoring the “City’s reputation” what they mean is restoring the cosy myth of decent trustworthy pinstripped chaps simply being better at “invisible exports” than their counterparts in Paris, Amsterdam, New York or Frankfurt. The big mistake, as was the case for Ursula Nevin and Nicolas Robinson, was being caught. The real loss of reputation is among the drug cartels and terrorists. Can they really trust the City of London to keep their operational secrets?
One wonders what the reaction might be if the bank and bankers in question were Islamic, or from say Iran or Gaddaffi’s Libya. Would it be a completely different story…?
Spectacle has made a short film about Shaker Aamer to mark the 10th anniversary of his incarceration. Watch Spectacle’s new video on Shaker Aamer and please sign the petition @ www.freeshaker.com. Get him out of Guantanamo!
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Mark Saunders is taking part today between 1-3pm in a live Q&A with a panel of filmmakers to answer questions about working as an independent filmmaker on @GuardianCareers.
Follow the link to ask your questions.
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5 Days to go! Please support the documentary Bookchin on Bookchin.
Anarchist, urbanist, utopian, social ecologist
Our supporters comments:
“Looking forward to an important film. We are sure it will inspire radical movements and contribute to social change.”
“Murray’s ideas are very important in the current world climate.”
“Murray Bookchin’s ideas are very inspiring for today’s world!”
Please help get it made now by donating as little as a dollar, or pre buy a copy for $50 or get a copy and an end credit for $250. See site for other perk details.
Thanks
Mark
http://www.indiegogo.com/Bookchin
Visit here for next dates and more details:
Digital Video Production for Visual Anthropologists and Researchers
About the course
Short, Sharp, Affordable. This is a practical hands-on weekend course aimed at visual anthropologists who want a fast way to acquire detailed and concise digital video filming skills.
There is an emphasis on bringing together the theory and practice of visual anthropological film making:
The short, condensed and effective course will give all participants a solid foundation of practical knowledge and a working understanding of digital cameras, sound recording, interview techniques, filming on location and industry language.
You will also get the confidence to use a wide range of equipment and learn the “future proof” principles of film making that remain constant despite the changes in technology and formats.
We allow a maximum of three people per camera set up (camera, sound, interviewer), giving everyone extensive hands-on experience.
– Preparing a shoot
– How to use a digital camera (focus, white balance, aperture, formats etc.)
– How to use microphones
– Framing, types of shots, camera movements, cutaways and other techniques and tips
– How to conduct and shoot an interview
– Shooting on location
– The principles of lighting, both natural and artificial
– Filming to edit
– Legal issues, permissions and copyrights
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Mark Saunders is an award-winning independent film-maker, media activist and writer. His expertise in the field spans over two decades.
He is currently running Spectacle Productions, a company which he founded in 1990. Clients include Amnesty International, Channel 4, the Rowntree Foundation, the Howard League for Penal Reform and many others.
His films have been broadcast internationally and exhibited at galleries, including Tate Britain, the National Film Theatre, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Musee des Beaux-Arts, the National Media Museum and the Photographers Gallery.
Alongside production work, Mark has also been teaching for over 15 years, and he has been a visiting lecturer at a number of institutions, including London School of Economics, the Royal College of Art, the London College of Communications, Bournemouth, Florence and Coventry Universities. He is currently teaching at Birkbeck College.
Chloe Evans has written for several social science and Anthropology journals, predominantly on her work based on the Philippine Diaspora. She has also contributed photography and video materials to several University projects. Chloe Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology from the L.S.E and a MSc in Visual Anthropology from the University of Oxford.
Spectacle is a member of the Moving Image Training Alliance (MITA).
Where
Spectacle
No. 25
99 – 109 Lavender Hill
London SW11 5QL
Price
£200.00 + VAT = £240
Concs.: £100.00 + VAT = £120
Group bookings
– Bookings for three to five people: 10% discount
– Bookings for six people or more: 20% discount
Multiple bookings
You will receive a 15% discount if you book a place on our Final Cut Pro editing course (dates to be announced).
Please visit the How to Book page to reserve a place on this workshop.
Also, please ensure you read our Terms and Conditions before reserving a place on one of Spectacle’s training courses.
If you have any queries please contact training@spectacle.co.uk
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The concept of having a song in your head, completely changes the moment you are forced to listen to it over and over again. Could you imagine what a damage a sweet, innocent, childish, television show can bring in times of war? And how music can drive you crazy? Al-Jazeera produced a shocking documentary about the use of music to torture prisoners. In the documentary, the composer of Sesame Street songs, Christopher Cerf, is investigating the use of his songs in for example Guantanamo Bay. He is confused that his creations are being used to torture people for hours and hours.
Torture through music is used to make prisoners speak during interrogations and to make them alienated and unable to think. The documentary is also touching upon the fact that Sesame Street music was used before as a torture technique in 2003 to prisoners from Iraq. The film includes an in-depth interview with Moazzam Begg, also interviewed in Shaker: A Decade of Injustice, about his time in Guantanamo and the use of torture and music.
Worth watching.
Watch the whole documentary here.
Interested in more about Guantanamo Bay?
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Spectacle is pleased to announce that the official Shaker: A Decade of Injustice Trailer is online. Spread the word and get Shaker Aamer out of Guantanamo!
Watch the full film here:Shaker: A Decade of Injustice Film
February 2012 marked the tenth anniversary of the last British resident, Shaker Aamer’s capture, extraordinary rendition and incarceration in the notorious prison Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The controversial detention camp is universally known for its systematic use of torture and indefinite detention. Having never been charged with a single crime Shaker Aamer has been cleared for release twice by both the Bush and Obama administrations in 2004 and 2009, and yet the reason why he is still imprisoned remains unclear. After years in solitary confinement, Shaker Aamer’s physical and mental state is rapidly deteriorating.
Saudi-born Shaker Aamer lived in Battersea, South West London with his wife and four children. He was captured shortly after 9/11in Afghanistan while he was voluntarily helping to build a school. During this time the United States were offering $5000 per suspect given to them. The alleged original reasons for his capture, his supposed ties with Al-Quaeda, have been dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Shaker Aamer: A Decade of Injustice recounts the story of his unlawful imprisonment, of the torture he has endured and the campaign that is being fought for his freedom. It outlines the possible reason why he hasn’t been released, these include his status in Guantanamo Bay as a leader and spokesperson for the other prisoners, his allegations of the UK governments complicity in his torture, and what he may have witnessed the night of the multiple “Guantanamo suicides”.
This short film (17 minutes) includes interviews with former Guantanamo Bay detainees (Moazzam Begg, Omar Deghayes, Martin Mubanga), his American lawyer Clive Stafford Smith (director of Reprieve), his local MP Jane Ellison, amongst other campaigners, journalists and human rights lawyers. It also features exclusive footage of the ongoing fight for his return taking place in London.
Shaker Aamer: A Decade of Injustice was filmed over the past three years documenting the story of the campaign to free him, their struggle, and the wider political implications of his incarceration. As years went on and nothing changed, the necessity to make the film became more urgent.
Spectacle is engaged in making investigative, community-led documentary films touching on issues such as urbanism, racism and radical philosophy. Outside the Law: Stories from Guantanamo, The Truth Lies In Rostock and The Battle of Trafalgar are some of the titles Spectacle has released since it started in the ’90s.
Order Spectacle’s DVD Outside The Law: Stories from Guantánamo
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BOOKCHIN ON BOOKCHIN is an independent feature-length documentary about the life and times of American political thinker Murray Bookchin, who made history as the founder of the social ecology movement.
Our aim is to make a film that deeply explores the influences and experiences that have helped shape one of the most unique and distinctive voices in modern political thinking. The documentary will explore the development of Murray’s politics through his personal experiences.
We have been granted unparalleled access to Bookchin, including exclusive interview footage.
We are in the process of making the film, but need your help in order to complete it.
Please help us make this film with a donation, no matter how small. We need a lot of people who share our belief in the importance of Murray’s ideas to make a small contribution to make this well overdue film happen.
Please help make it happen and visit the INDIEGOGO site.
Thanks for visiting our page and we hope you enjoy what you find!
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BOOKCHIN ON BOOKCHIN is een onafhankelijke documentaire over het leven en de tijd waarin de Amerikaanse politiek denker Murray Bookchin leefde. Hij heeft geschiedenis geschreven als de grondlegger van de sociale ecologische beweging. Ons doel is om een film te maken dat in de diepte onderzoekt welke invloeden en ervaringen hebben geholpen om een van de meest unieke en onderscheidende denkbeelden in de modern politiek te vormen.
De documentaire zal de ontwikkelingen op het gebied van Murray’s politiek denken onderzoeken die zijn gevormd door zijn persoonlijke ervaringen. Al zijn ideeën zijn vast gelegd op uren van film, een paar jaar voordat hij stierf, door film maker Mark Saunders. Wij hebben toegang tot onschatbare informatie dat ondermeer bestaat uit exclusieve interviews die zijn gefilmd in zijn huis in Vermont en zijn laatste openbare optreden in Montreal. Murray was terughouden in deelname aan alles dat met persoonlijkheid verheerlijking te maken had, maar zijn biografie dekt cruciale momenten in de ontwikkelingen van radicale politieke activiteiten en plaatst de latere ontwikkelingen in zijn leven en de stroming ‘Sociale Ecologie’ in context.
Wij zijn bezig met het maken van de film, maar hebben uw hulp nodig om het af te maken. Hartelijk dank voor het bezoeken van onze pagina en we hopen dat u het interessant vindt wat u vindt. Mocht u het net als ons een waardevol project vinden, uw donatie wordt zeer op prijs gesteld en brengt ons einddoel een stukje dichterbij. Dank u wel!
Mark Saunder is een prijswinnende onafhankelijke film maker, media activist en schrijver. Zijn expertise dekt ruim twee decennia. Momenteel is hij eigenaar van Spectacle Productions. Spectacle Productions is een onafhankelijk media productie bedrijf gevestigd in London. Wij zijn begaan met maatschappelijke problemen en ontwikkelingen en onze films zijn bestaan uit een uiteenlopend aantal onderwerpen. Kijk voor meer informatie op onze website.
Klanten van Spectacle zijn onder andere: Amnesty International, Channel 4, the Rowntree Foundation, the Howard League for Penal Reform en vele anderen.
Het Spectacle Team.
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From Guantanamo detainee to his lawyer (Ramzi Kassem law Professor at City University of New York) addressed to the Guantanamo Governor, President Obama and the US Government.
” I, the signatory below, in Camp 5E (Five Echo) announce the start of a peaceful protest/hunger strike for the reasons enumerated below.
1) The opening and continuing operation of this unjust detention facility for the 9th year of my continuing and indefinite detention in the absence of any real accusation or crimes committed. Therefore I am hostage.
2) The inhumane treatment and deprivation of some of the items we are truly in need of, most importantly of which, are the family calls since they are the most crucial to our families, especially to those experiencing special circumstances.
Therefore I want these calls to take place on a continuing basis and recur once every 15 days. These family calls ought to last no less than 2 hours with further consideration given to those experiencing special circumstances. I also speak for the regular mail to be made more efficient and provide us with email.
3) The inhumane treatment is taking place at the hospital among other areas especially affecting the sick and those who are on strike and our deprivation of real treatment, health, diet and appropriate clothing which are not provided for us nor are we allowed to provide them for ourselves.
4) Not upholding the promise that both your President and Government gave on 01/21/2009 concerning the closing of Guantanamo detention facility, very few people have left ever since, although many here have been deemed to not represent any danger for the United States. Therefore, I ask you to establish justice and remove the injustice that has befallen us and our brothers in all detention centers.
By submitting these demands, I affirm our right to life. We want our freedom and the right to return to our homes since I am innocent of the charges (if there were any) you have levied against us. I ask that you establish justice that you claim to be a foundation of your country.
After these years of hardship we have spent here – and which I manage to do only through the grace of God, otherwise I would have lost my sanity – I want you to consider my case as soon as possible and give me the right to a just and public trial or set me free without conditions.
Shaker Aamer ISN 329″
Following this letter, Shaker Aamer was instrumental in organising a peaceful hunger strike and protest in Guantanamo on the tenth anniversary of the opening of the prison on January 11th 2012
Spectacle has made a short film about Shaker Aamer to mark the 10th anniversary of his incarceration. Watch Spectacle’s new video on Shaker Aamer and please sign the petition @ www.freeshaker.com. Get him out of Guantanamo!
Order Spectacle’s DVD Outside The Law: Stories from Guantánamo
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