documentary

Muslim gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma has gone where the silence is loudest with a daring feature documentary exploring the complex global intersections between Islam and homosexuality. The film was created with great risk and secrecy in nine languages and twelve countries where government permission was not an option. Parvez works from within the faith, depicting Islam with the same respect that the film's characters show for it.

Filmmaker Parvez Sharma will be on hand for a discussion after the film.

Watch the trailer for A Jihad for Love on YouTube.

I NEED THAT RECORD! with filmmaker Brendan Toller
Saturday, December 6 7pm
Suggested donation ($10 / $5 students)

Tomas Young, 25 years old, was paralyzed by a bullet to his spine after serving in Iraq less than a week. Body of War follows Tomas as he comes to terms with his disability and finds his own unique and passionate voice against the war.

Both June 14 (Saturday night) screenings of SITTIN' ON A MILLION -- the much-anticipated independent documentary about Mame Faye, Troy's most famous madam -- have sold out.

A matinee screening has been added for Sunday June 15 at 1pm. Admission to this event is by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low income/senior citizen).

Advance reservations are not needed.

There will be no live music, but the filmmakers will be present for a Q&A.

For more information, visit www.MameFaye.com or call (518) 331-2831.

Internationally-celebrated filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will speak at a screening of her new film "The Lost Generation" at The Sanctuary for Independent Media (3361 6th Avenue in north Troy) on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 7 PM. Admission is by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low income). Call (518) 272-2390, email info@MediaSanctuary.org, or visit www.MediaSanctuary.org for directions and more information.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is the first non-American journalist to be awarded the prestigious Livingston Award and the youngest recipient of the One World Media broadcast journalist of the year award in the United Kingdom.

As seen through the eyes of grandmother and community organizer Gladys Bolivar, the documentary "Venezuela Rising" follows her and her compatriots five days before it is to be decided by popular referendum whether Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will continue in office or step down. The entire nation has been mobilized–will it be SI–yes he will be recalled, or NO–he will remain in office. Most in Venezuela feel that no less than the entire future of their country is at stake.

Issues of democracy and politics are addressed–what consitutes a free and fair election–and is that enough to ensure citizen participation? How are elections the ultimate measure of a thriving democracy?

THIS SCREENING IS SOLD OUT! A MATINEE HAS BEEN ADDED ON SUNDAY 6/15 at 1 PM.

The much anticipated world premiere of Sittin' on a Million, an independent documentary made by local filmmakers Penny Lane and Annmarie Lanesey which uncovers the hidden history of Mame Faye, Troy's most famous madam.

NOTE: to meet anticipated demand, we are holding two screenings, one at 7pm and one at 8:45pm.

We recommend you reserve your seats ASAP as we anticipate selling out both screenings. To make reservations email amlanesey@gmail.com with your name, a phone number, the number of your party and the time you plan to come (7:00pm or 8:45pm).

Georgie Wonders Orchestra will also be playing Big Band music, so bring your dancing shoes!

Film website: www.mamefaye.com

The Sanctuary for Independent Media's annual African Film Festival begins in Troy on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, presenting four feature films (including, on the opening night of the festival, Bling: A Planet Rock director Raquel Cepeda), four short subjects and an evening of African music with Grammy Award-nominated kora master Mamadou Diabate and his quartet.

Because the Sanctuary has been shut down by the City of Troy in an action currently under investigation by the New York Civil Liberties Union, historic A.M.E. Zion Church at 189 Fifth Avenue (corner of 103rd Street in north Troy) has offered sanctuary to the Sanctuary. Admission to films is by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low income).

Admission to the music is $10, children $5. For directions and more information, visit www.MediaSanctuary.org, email info@MediaSanctuary.org, or call (518) 272-2390.

“From Egypt to South Africa, veteran filmmakers are using film to address the issues changing the face of the African continent today,” said Mahen Bonetti, founder and executive director of the AFF. “Additionally, technology is empowering emerging filmmakers to add their voices to those telling Africa’s stories.”

Leonard Retel Helmrich is an internationally-renowned, award-winning Indonesian filmmaker. Come early for a 6 PM potluck with the artist!

NEW LOCATION: Christ Church, 35 State Street. Directions here.

A evening with director Pamela Yates featuring a screening of her award-winning film, State of Fear--bringing a new level of documentary storytelling to an epic tale of one nation’s journey through a war on terror.

How can an open society balance demands for security with democracy? State of Fear dramatizes the human and societal costs a democracy faces when it embarks on a "war" against terror, a "war" potentially without end, all too easily exploited by unscrupulous leaders seeking personal political gain. The film follows events in Peru, yet it serves as a cautionary tale for a nation like the United States.