Socio-Political Feature Films

Feature films are an excellent way to highlight current and historical social and political issues so as to inform and arouse a broad public. This workshop aims to stimulate thought and discussion through such films. We will view the films together, giving the opportunity for immediacy of reaction to the issues. Before viewing, one participant will briefly introduce the film, its director, actors, making of the film, etc. After viewing, a second participant will address issues the film raises. Both presenters will suggest discussion questions. All films will be subtitled to assist hearing.

Facilitators:

Chris Gort, cgort768@gmail.com, is a retired engineer and member of the Academy for the past four years. He co-facilitated the Socio-Political Feature films workshop last year and looks forward to another year of films and engaging discussions.

Clare Mian, claremian@gmail.com, is a retired teacher (History and French) and administrator at both the elementary and secondary level, and has had a lifelong interest in African and Middle Eastern studies. She is now taking courses at the University of Toronto, and is writing on these topics for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Morton Ritts, (Ph.D.), mortonritts@rogers.com, has had several careers: high school teacher of English; college professor of 20th century communism and nazism; and many years as a freelance journalist, author and screenwriter. Film has been an abiding interest, particularly those dealing with social and political themes in various societies both present and past.