Latin American Film Festival

GC is going to the Latin American Film Festival at Boardman's Art Theatre. Friday at 6:45 we are going to see The Violin. Talk to your RA if you are interested in going. If you want to see the full schedule of the festival, visit http://www.boardmansarttheatre.com/

The Violin (Mexico)

Director Francisco Vargas, 98 min., 2006

Don Plutarco, his son Genaro, and his grandson Lucio live a double life: musicians and humble farmers, they also support the campesina peasant guerilla movement's armed efforts against the oppressive government.

When the military seizes the village, the rebels flee to the sierra hills, forced to leave behind their stock of ammunition. While the guerillas organize a counter-attack, old Plutarco executes his own plan. He plays up his appearance as a harmless violin player, and makes it back into the military-occupied village to recuperate the ammunition hidden in his cornfield.

His violin playing charms the army captain, who orders Plutarco to come back daily. Plutarco has music, but he needs ammunition. The captain wants to stifle the rebellion, but he loves music. Arms and music play cat-and mouse and result in painful betrayal.

Cannes 2006, Best Actor
Huelva Latin American Film Festival 2006, Best Film and Best Cinematography

Web site (trailer included): http://www.filmmovement.com/filmcatalog/index.asp?MerchandiseID=106&gclid=CNLfs6rB9pECFQt8PAodnnKpxA&

Film times: April 4 at 7:30 pm, April 6 at 8:50 pm, April 9 at 6:30 pm

Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is at once very controversial and compelling. It is one of the most important issues in world politics and will most likely continue to play a critical role in the future of the world.

GC and UIUC had a wonderful opportunity to experience the human aspect of this conflict last night. Though some of the tactics used by the IPCT may have been upsetting, controversial, or even painful to hear, it is important to remember what their goal was. They wanted to portray Israeli-Palestinian relations from an individual point of view. We got to see humanity on the stage through their stand-up routines. What they expressed were their views as individuals; these views do not apply to all people and should not be used to generalize either view. What I thought of when I saw their routine was that it was conducted in the same manner as other stand-up comedy shows. It was crude at times, controversial at others, but it was meant to be funny, and most of the time it was. If instead of "Israeli-Palestinian" relations it had been "black-white" relations like Chris Rock focuses on, it would have been much less controversial. It is the sensitive nature of the IP issue that made it shocking.

The Israeli-Palestinian issue is undeniably very serious and grave. However, going along with the ideals of the IPCT, a lot can be learned through humor.

These are my impressions of what we saw last night. They are by no means the last word. I don't want them to be. So sound off, let everyone else hear your point of view. Because this is a serious and important issue and deserves serious discussion.

Sunday Series March 9, 4:00pm

What: Sunday Series
When: Sunday, March 9th, 4-6pm
Where: Saunders Lounge

Details:

This Sunday, Dr. Alejandro Lugo of the Anthropology Department will be presenting on the Latin American image of the United States. Come for this engaging lecture, the second part of Global Crossroads' three part series on "Constructing the American Image". A dinner will be included after the lecture.

Spring Break Housing

Just a note for everyone:

If you're planning on staying in GC for the break, you need to fill out a break housing contract at the front desk. It is, as usual, completely free for GC residents. I would make sure to submit the form by the end of the week too.

Have a good break!

Co-Rec Soccer Team

GC SOCCER PLAYERS!!!

Its that time of year again! We can taste spring right around the corner, and with that comes soccer season! GC is going to have a soccer team again this semester, but this time its CO-REC. That means we need a lot of guys and girls to come out for the team. If you're interested in playing, send an email to Yui or Jim and let them know the best days for you to play. We are really excited to play again, and we'll be making another playoff run. Championships here we come!

International Photo Contest

We had many fantastic entries this year in the GC International Photo Contest. The pictures residents collected from around the world truly show off the international flavor of GC. The pictures were on display last Thursday at the GC Birthday Party and are still up. Everyone can still go to the 3rd floor open lounge, look at all the photos, and vote for your favorites. Use the ballots in the lounge to pick your three favorite photos. Then give the ballots to Jim or Yui, and the top three winners will get a prize.