Rating: NNN
THE SECOND ANNUAL PLANET IN FOCUS FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL showcases 47 environmentally themed works and serves as the most political of all the city’s film festivals. The program is laden with powerful documentaries exposing social and environmental injustices and pays tribute to the earth’s sacred places as well. The opening-night films (Friday, September 28, 8 pm) include The Great Dance, which places us alongside three hunters from South Africa’s San people who spend their days chasing prey across a parched landscape. Squeamish viewers beware: you’ll see animals skinned, cooked and eaten by people who are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their traditions alive. Also kicking off the festival is Secrets Of Silicon Valley, which exposes the hypocrisy of Silicon Valley computer companies that preach the glory of the “new economy” while treating their temp workers like industrial-age slaves. This festival encourages debate, so think about staying after the films to participate in the discussions. NNN (September 28-30 see listings, this page, for complete schedule.)
