FILM

HCC Northwest presents The REEL Culture Film & Speaker Series at the Spring Branch Campus. This series headlines with prominent speakers and intriguing films meant to inform and motivate people to think more critically about their surroundings.

All programs are on Wednesday and begin at 12:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Faculty members will introduce films and lead critical evaluation/discussion. Guest speakers will be available for questions and answers following presentations. Book-signing opportunities are provided as appropriate.

Fall 2010 REEL Schedule:
September 15th – November 17th
12:30 p.m.
In the Eagle Room @ Spring Branch Campus
HCC Northwest College 1010 West Sam Houston Parkway North 77043

Week 1: September 15th Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. (film)
Amreeka (96 minutes) 2009

“Told with heartfelt humor, Amreeka profiles the universal journey of a family of immigrants and their children, first-generation teenagers caught, between their heritage and the new world in which they now live. The film features Muna, a single mother who leaves the West Bank with her son, Fadi, for a better future in a small town in Illinois.”

Introduction/ Discussion with Officers from the NWC International Student Organization.

http://www.amreeka.com/.

Weeks 2 and 3: September 22nd & September 29th Wednesdays (film)
The End of Poverty (104 minutes) 2009 (Film in 2 Parts)

Award-winning filmmaker, Philippe Diaz, argues that poverty is not an accident. Beginning in the 16th Century with military conquest, slavery and colonization, the seizure of land and minerals and forced labor, it continues today because of unfair debt, trade and tax policies — in other words, ongoing unjust and unsustainable global policies that favor those that “have” wealth and power.

Part I – (9/22) 12:30 p.m. Film (1st half)
Discussion/ Faculty Panel organized by Dr. Gisela Ables, NWC History Chair

Part II – (9/29) 12:30 p.m. Film (2nd half)
Discussion/ Student Panel organized by Professor Maryiln Douglas-Jones and the North West College International Students Organization.

http://www.theendofpoverty.com/.

Week 4: October 6th, Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. (film)
Temple Grandin (103 minutes) 2010.

This film biography is about the author of several books, including Thinking in Pictures. The film provides insight into the problems Temple Grandin experienced growing up with autism, problems sometimes generated by the inconsistent, illogical, exasperating way in which “normal” individuals conduct themselves”.

Introduction/ Discussion with NWC Professor Helen Jones.

http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2006-Ei-La/Grandin-Temple.html.

Week 5: October 13th Wednesday (workshop-speaker)
12:30 – 2: 30 p.m.
The Language of Life: Empowered and Connected Communication
Bren Hardt, Center for Nonviolent Communication Certified Trainer

A workshop to introduce faculty, staff & students to the process known around the world as “Non-Violent Communication”.

Introduction by Dr. Zachary Hodges, NWC President.

“Nonviolent Communication can change the quality of your life with your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your co-workers and everyone else you interact with. –

JACK CANFIELD, Chicken Soup for the Soul Series. http://www.houstonnvc.org/.

Register for this workshop by email: ann.bragdon@hccs.edu  or 713-718-5642.

Week 6:  October 20th, Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. (speaker)
Voyages of Monsoons and Gold – The Indian Ocean Trade, a Maritime Silk Route
Dr. Derek Kennet, Archaeologist
University of Durham and the Department of Antiquities & Museums of Ras al-Khaimah, UAE

Professor Kennet will trace the ancient trade routes across the Indian Ocean from China to India to Arabia, all possible due to the pattern of monsoon winds. Fabulous silks, spices, incense, pearls, ivory, and gem stones are some of the material goods identified by scholars that demonstrate the beginning of a truly global economy. These trade routes also brought about shifts in ideas, technology, and beliefs, from the Roman period to the medieval period and more modern times.

Week 7: October 27th – Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.  (film)
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (92 min) 2009

This documentary profiles a struggle involving America’s newspapers, its president and Supreme Court set in motion by Daniel Ellsberg’s decision to release classified documents about the war in Vietnam. This is the story of a high-level Pentagon official and Vietnam War strategist, who ultimately leaked 7,000 pages of top-secret documents to The New York Times.

Introduction/ Discussion with NWC Philosophy Professor Dr. Nathan Smith.

http://www.mostdangerousman.org/.

Week 8: November 3rd – Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. (film)
Nineteen Eighty-Four (113 minutes) 1984

A British film, released in 1984, based upon George Orwell‘s novel of the same name, following the life of Winston Smith in Oceania, a country run by a totalitarian government.

Introduction/ Discussion with NWC English Professor Suna Purser.