tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68721108886230688612024-03-12T23:29:01.308-07:00Defensora The Film Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-50133082483216451202013-11-01T15:51:00.000-07:002018-05-17T08:39:02.697-07:00<br />
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<b>Defensora is a documentary about a Mayan Q'eqchi' resistance against mining in Guatemala. The story is set along the shores of Lake Izabal in the community of El Estor where a nickel mining company has operated for over 50 years. Tensions run high against a backdrop of pro and anti-mining camps, violence and forced evictions. The film takes audiences into the lives of defenders in the resistance who struggle to reclaim their ancestral lands and seek justice in Canadian courts for alleged human rights violations. </b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-36613900054276452482013-10-10T08:51:00.000-07:002013-11-05T00:26:55.668-08:00Defensora Press Release<br />
For Immediate Release<br />
October 10, 2013<br />
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“DEFENSORA” PREMIERES ACROSS CANADA<br />
Screening Dates Are Announced<br />
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TORONTO, ON — 6kidsProductions and Girl Edge Films, in partnership with Rights Action, announces the lineup of premiere screenings of Defensora in Ontario, the Maritimes and British Columbia, October 26 - November 1/2013.<br />
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Defensora documents the historic and on-going land and community defense struggles of Mayan Q’eqchi communities in eastern Guatemala, and their struggle for justice and remedy in Canadian courts against the nickel mining company Hudbay Minerals.<br />
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Winner of the International John Basham Award, at the 2013 Columbia Gorge International Film Festival, Defensora follows the story of sisters Maria and Angelica Choc, who lead a Mayan Q’eqchi resistance in Guatemala to reclaim ancestral lands and seek justice in Canada for the murder of Angelica’s husband, the shooting-paralyzing of German Choc Chub and the gang rapes of 11 Mayan women.<br />
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Set along the shores of Lake Izabal, where tensions run high against a backdrop and history of violence, intimidation and forced evictions, the stakes are high for the Mayan Q'eqchi people who risk their lives to protect their lands, speak the truth and seek justice in Canadian courts, and for Hudbay Minerals that continues to deny their allegations.<br />
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“Defensora is a timely documentary that provides candid insights into the brave struggles of Angélica, German and other Maya Q'eqchi' women and men in El Estor, Guatemala who, faced with the grave harm that Canadian mining operations have brought about, are on the frontline of the battle for justice in Canadian courts.” (Jen Moore, MiningWatch Canada)<br />
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SCREENINGS – WHERE AND WHEN.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>October 26 in Toronto, Defensora premieres at OISE Auditorium at 7 pm. Sponsored by: Rights Action and Science for Peace. A panel presentation hosted by Rights Action will follow. Guests include Angelica Choc, Producer/Director Rachel Schmidt, Executive Producer Lee K. Toepfer, Klippensteins Barristers and Solicitors, and actress and activist Tantoo Cardinal.<br />
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In the Maritimes, screenings are sponsored by the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network and will feature special guest Angelica Choc.<br />
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Dates and locations include:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>October 27 in Halifax, Dalhousie Law School at 7 pm<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>October 28 in Antigonish, Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre at 7 pm<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>October 30 in Tatamagouche, Tatamagouche Centre at 7 pm<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>November 1 in Fredericton, Cinema Politica, Conserver House at 7 pm<br />
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In British Columbia screening dates and locations include:<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>October 27 in Vancouver, at Fletcher Challenge Canada Theatre, Rm. 1900 SFU Harbour Centre at 7 pm. Sponsored by: Mining Justice Alliance, Media Democracy - CounterCulture, and SFU Institute for the Humanities. Features a Q&A session with Producer/Director Rachel Schmidt and Grahame Russell, Rights Action.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>October 28 in Prince George, at the Canfor Theatre, Rm 6-213 University of Northern British Columbia at 7 pm. Sponsored by: UNBC Geography Program, Prince George Development and Peace, UNBC Guatemala Research Group, and UNBC Department of First Nations Studies. Features a Q&A session with Producer/Director Rachel Schmidt, Grahame Russell, Rights Action and Dr. Catherine Nolin, Associate Professor of Geography UNBC.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>October 30 in Victoria, at University of Victoria, David Strong Building, Rm C103 at 7 pm. Sponsored by: UVic Social Justice Studies (SJS) and Mining Justice Action Committee (MJAC). Features a Q&A session with Producer/Director Rachel Schmidt and Grahame Russell, Rights Action.<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>November 1 in Castlegar, at Brilliant Cultural Centre at 7 pm. Sponsored by: Kootenay Region of the United Nations Branch (KRUNA), Sustainable Mining Alliance of the Kootenays (SMAK), Nelson Amnesty International, Nelson Development and Peace, Nelson Chapter of the Council of Canadians and CMAW Carpenters Local 2300. Features a Q&A session with Producer/Director Rachel Schmidt, Grahame Russell, Rights Action and local activists.<br />
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CONTACT INFORMATION<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For Defensora media interviews and info on the screening in Castlegar contact: Producer/Director - Rachel Schmidt, 250.608.0753, wulf@telus.net, www.defensorathefilm.com, www.facebook.com/Defensora<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Toronto, contact: Rights Action, Grahame Russell, info@rightsaction.org, www.rightsaction.org, www.facebook.com/rightsaction<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maritimes, contact: Breaking the Silence Network, Jackie McVicar, btsguatemala@gmail.com<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vancouver, contact: Mining Justice Alliance, Kate Murray, write.kate.murray@gmail.com<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Victoria, contact: Mining Justice Action Committee, Heather Tufts, htufts@shaw.ca<br />
•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prince George, contact: University of Northern British Columbia, Catherine Nolin,<br />
Catherine.Nolin@unbc.ca, https://www.facebook.com/events/241019572718885/?notif_t=plan_user_invited<br />
###Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-29423875882465751542013-06-19T18:53:00.002-07:002013-11-14T03:25:59.111-08:00BUILDING A CENTRAL AMERICAN AUDIENCE <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gp30NO9zMWA7DncBgxl7jCkBKvHuypuEelaRDAuNZjTUt3U_KN5e7l9-_XaetoSk92DAsICJhZAVlO42riMyHXUfQus-l7kadmJGBb5oBAEJ0_ilspfM-dqJLeq_3BlOoDoB_drXdvTi/s1600/DEFENSORA2.3.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gp30NO9zMWA7DncBgxl7jCkBKvHuypuEelaRDAuNZjTUt3U_KN5e7l9-_XaetoSk92DAsICJhZAVlO42riMyHXUfQus-l7kadmJGBb5oBAEJ0_ilspfM-dqJLeq_3BlOoDoB_drXdvTi/s400/DEFENSORA2.3.2.jpg" width="255" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;"><h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></h4>
We have recently launched a fundraising campaign with Rights Action </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">for distribution in Central America. Over the years the film industry has changed drastically, opening up possibilities to promote films as independently as they were produced. Having completed our production and post-production budget, we are currently raising money to help fund production of a full Spanish language version for distribution in Central America.</span></span></span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are now asking our fans and supporters to make one last push with us to help the film become available in Central America. We want to return the stories in the film to the Mayan Q'eqchi people and to groups in Central America who need an inspiring tool and story that can shine a spotlight on unjust and harmful mining policies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your much appreciated and generous donation will go towards:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Editing/Translation Services for Spanish Language Version</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DVD Educational Booklet in English/Spanish</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DVD & Booklet Duplication</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Premiere Screening in Guatemala City & El Estor</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please consider joining our team and helping us raise awareness about Canadian mining related harms.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rachel Schmidt - Producer/Director</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lee K. Toepfer - Ex. Producer</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Judi Evans - Associate Producer</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adele Hinkley - Photographer</span>Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-36496643129551467392013-03-01T12:59:00.001-08:002013-03-01T12:59:04.675-08:00Breakthrough Regarding Legal Liability of Canadian Mining Corporations for Abuses Overseas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><b>Mayan plaintiffs head to court for first hearing after Hudbay concedes that lawsuits regarding alleged rapes and murder at its former mining project in </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><b>Guatemala can be heard in Ontario</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">Toronto, Ontario - On March 4 and 5, 2013 an Ontario court judge will hear arguments regarding the preliminary legal issue of whether a Canadian mining company’s head office can be held legally accountable for human rights abuse committed at its subsidiary’s on-the-ground operations.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">This is the first court hearing in the cases after Hudbay abruptly dropped its argument that the lawsuits should be heard in Guatemala. Angelica Choc, the widow of murdered community leader Adolfo Ich Choc, has traveled from Guatemala to attend in person.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">Hudbay continues to deny all responsibility for the rapes and shootings allegedly committed at its former mining project. In this hearing, Hudbay is arguing that its head office simply does not owe a “duty of care” to Mayan families and subsistence farming communities harmed by its mining operations.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">“After repeatedly assuring the Canadian public that it respects human rights at its mine in Guatemala, Hudbay is now hiding behind its corporate structure to deny any possible responsibility” said Murray Klippenstein, lawyer for the Mayan Plaintiffs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">“If these rapes and shootings happened at Hudbay’s mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba, I can’t imagine that Hudbay would say it simply wasn’t head office’s problem. Canadians would never stand for it. And they shouldn’t stand for it here.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">Amnesty International Canada has been granted intervener status as a “friend of the court” and will be arguing that Canadian companies are under an obligation to respect human rights wherever they operate, particularly where the business is operating in a conflict-affected or high risk area, and where the Indigenous peoples’ lives and livelihoods are at risk. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.amnesty.ca/news/public-statements/amnesty-international-canada-intervenor-in-important-corporate-accountability">See Amnesty International’s public statement</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">The hearing will be heard by the Superior Court of Justice in a courtroom in downtown Toronto on March 4 and 5, 2013. A decision on these issues will be released in the following weeks.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">For more information:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.chocversushudbay.com/">www.chocversushudbay.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;">.</span>Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-40533180831719522222012-10-28T22:19:00.001-07:002012-10-28T22:25:08.335-07:00Justice for Survivors of the Rio Negro Massacre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On our way back to Guatemala City we visited the communities of Rabinal and Pacux. We had the great privilege of attending a Mayan ceremony at 4 am this morning to remember the families murdered in the Rio Negro Massacre. More than 440 Maya Achi were killed in the village of Rio Negro between 1980 and 1982 during the construction of the Chixoy hydroelectric dam. For more than 20 years, Maya-Achi survivors have sought justice in the Inter-American court system. Last week their years of effort were finally recognized when the Inter-American Human Rights Court found Guatemala guilty of the violation of human rights against the communities of Rio Negro.Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-57050763452525841112012-10-28T22:04:00.002-07:002012-10-28T22:05:53.743-07:00Working with Rights Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvq1HZHjBYpmJh7Ag_GOAXFoEokHhP-c5cIt01qwxmvfPOk8MDH5QMz4higtS5gI1xNywMnI3cox8AhWGdPZ2fcbfiePCVyAo07aqG-_xNrYHkcI76SL_npPCqszamlQxfZZ6GWIHFLCm/s1600/grahame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvq1HZHjBYpmJh7Ag_GOAXFoEokHhP-c5cIt01qwxmvfPOk8MDH5QMz4higtS5gI1xNywMnI3cox8AhWGdPZ2fcbfiePCVyAo07aqG-_xNrYHkcI76SL_npPCqszamlQxfZZ6GWIHFLCm/s320/grahame.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Spent the week working with activist Grahame Russell from Rights Action. He is our key contact on the ground in Guatemala and a huge supporter of our film. His heartfelt presence in these struggles is evident by the friendships and working relationships he has built with hundreds of campesinos in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Rights Action provides direct funding to community organizations to undertake projects designed to strengthen community organizing. For more information, please visit www.rightsaction.org.Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-91501122429452810642012-10-27T13:27:00.003-07:002012-10-28T22:26:17.082-07:00Prayers for Adolfo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXeFZXzTUgb5vhon29WDgBFqfvYiBc16AiFEPkL6E4-gOhJc-oSY4iI25B8CXdgovX7nCDPKw427Yg2NZidluEWYKPoIAsclNtlP4PxFpptZWpJbJJhG4_QzXl3EtV_BQnShOKBXTAUtr/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXeFZXzTUgb5vhon29WDgBFqfvYiBc16AiFEPkL6E4-gOhJc-oSY4iI25B8CXdgovX7nCDPKw427Yg2NZidluEWYKPoIAsclNtlP4PxFpptZWpJbJJhG4_QzXl3EtV_BQnShOKBXTAUtr/s320/DSC_0240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday we visited Adolfo's grave with Angelica's sisters Maria and Alicia. A very emotional and sacred candle lighting scene in the film. A few weeks ago the man accused of Adolfo's death was arrested, he remains in custody. The family is under pressure not to proceed with charges, but together they stand for justice.Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-58469791592821948572012-10-25T15:32:00.000-07:002018-01-03T14:51:48.701-08:00Solidarity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spent time today meeting with the Mayan Q'eqchi people and conducting interviews for Defensora. It was very emotional for the women to watch the trailer of the film. Imagine telling your story of rape to the entire world. They believe they must speak out to bring attention to the crimes committed against them. Grahame Russell from Rights Action and Raul Choc helped translate the trailer from English to Spanish to Q'eqchi.<br />
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<br />Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-15662083387290052962012-10-24T08:10:00.004-07:002012-10-27T13:46:26.305-07:00Welcome to the Resistance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizC2oWCWA2Sg9uoPD7WZOFPcjFZpHxvRNU4_ooLKu9OVvoYC0jkQAySPLkat3xiMvQnESVCGKX3_7q0TMRxXCnMdebUSvaPIUZMzG4X6saqwhaHXA19kY6RrmXoytVqsWoN49CoQpmUy0E/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizC2oWCWA2Sg9uoPD7WZOFPcjFZpHxvRNU4_ooLKu9OVvoYC0jkQAySPLkat3xiMvQnESVCGKX3_7q0TMRxXCnMdebUSvaPIUZMzG4X6saqwhaHXA19kY6RrmXoytVqsWoN49CoQpmUy0E/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a>Back in Guatemala with our friends in the resistance. Their struggle continues in the face of mounting pressure and tension from government and mining companies. Their losses are so great. Met a woman named Yolanda Oqueli who was shot three months ago, the bullet is still inside of her body. She continues to fight for indigenous land, her attackers have not been arrested. Families take turns at the blockage, women, children and men from the community stand guard.</div>
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<br />Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-75512427727411628562012-06-01T14:26:00.000-07:002012-09-13T09:13:52.791-07:00Defensora- Preview Trailer<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41162423" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="600"></iframe>
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6kidsProductions is pleased to share a preview cut of Defensora with you.Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-74159811812842767832012-05-05T18:31:00.001-07:002012-05-05T18:47:34.543-07:00Day 6 at Hot Docs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUi4Rmy7EZjrzZRxMa5RkypCKLZHVbPrbZFJV-RKiWu3whA502_ev4AyVuHU9Yw6lqVJtHfhg6bNYKttL_P3UuIqHBnDyH01jiclieWasOTi4oByhDQxLS3sgQG78Q2f6C99orJWzKGGAX/s1600/IMG_0472-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUi4Rmy7EZjrzZRxMa5RkypCKLZHVbPrbZFJV-RKiWu3whA502_ev4AyVuHU9Yw6lqVJtHfhg6bNYKttL_P3UuIqHBnDyH01jiclieWasOTi4oByhDQxLS3sgQG78Q2f6C99orJWzKGGAX/s320/IMG_0472-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Last day in Toronto did not disappoint. We spent some time at the mining injustice conference and learned some startling facts about the number of people in Central America who have been disappeared or murdered due to labour or land disputes with trans-national companies. There was a plea from the presenters to divest our interests and stocks in companies with bad human rights and environmental records. The lawyers presenting spoke about the legal landscape changing and the real possibility that companies will soon have to be accountable for crimes they commit in other countries.<br />
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We finished the day with two documentary screenings. 'One Day After Peace' is about an Israeli mother whose son is killed by a Palestinian sniper. The film follows her journey as she explores the possibility and nature of forgiveness and decides whether to seek out a meeting with her son’s killer, who lost his own family to Israeli soldiers long before taking up a gun himself. It was very interesting and we highly recommend it. The second film was called 'My Name is Faith' a story about a 12-year-old girl with attachment disorder. We gave it mixed reviews.<br />
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Overall an amazing and productive week at Hot Docs...we pitched Defensora, had meetings, attended workshops, screened documentaries, filmed interviews for Defensora and talked 'film' late into the night!<br />
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Time to go home!Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-84387441205752429022012-05-04T19:03:00.000-07:002012-05-04T19:05:14.706-07:00Day 5 at Hot Docs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2yEcWQf6cubjgC_6TK-FODF1XqLq3WAfrJt9jzGnkUf2RF9daHUQcJLHJZjoDnFN9J5DE0L2qrwVogZZKDG7yGvRqf5w5Yb2UqghD5dBykWklJw26tl2AK6TfUUBkOPLiEePrqnc0Sm-/s1600/Carla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2yEcWQf6cubjgC_6TK-FODF1XqLq3WAfrJt9jzGnkUf2RF9daHUQcJLHJZjoDnFN9J5DE0L2qrwVogZZKDG7yGvRqf5w5Yb2UqghD5dBykWklJw26tl2AK6TfUUBkOPLiEePrqnc0Sm-/s320/Carla.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We are winding up our time at Hot Docs and moving back into production. We hired a talented filmmaker named Carla Sinclair to film the interviews with lawyers today and also take shots of downtown Toronto.<br />
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The interviews were very informative, the lawyers explained the legal merits of the lawsuits and framed the issues in a Canadian context. Tomorrow we are attending a mining injustice conference here in Toronto, which is a great way to end our time here!Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-51369464793770575562012-05-03T16:53:00.003-07:002012-05-05T18:37:53.452-07:00Day 4 at Hot DocsSecond day at Hot Docs Forum, one of our favorite pitches won the Shaw Media Fund Prize. Her name is Maria Teresa Larrain and her film is called 'Shadow Girl'. It is a story about how she loses her sight and continues to work as a filmmaker. Maria Teresa was very inspiring and Lee had the chance to sit and talk with her this morning. She shared some helpful advice..'keep your story close to your heart and don't listen to all the discouraging noise from the film industry.' Good reminder for us not to get too caught up in the broadcast world, we know the reasons we are making Defensora and we know we will finish it.<br />
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Today we caught two screenings, one was called "Finding North' a US film about hunger in America and the 'Price of Gold', a German film about 'ninja' miners in Mongolia. They were diverging styles of documentary storytelling and played to different audiences. Watching the latest documentaries gives us a sense of the trends and themes in the market.<br />
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We are close to the end of our time here in Toronto. Everything we have learned will make Defensora a better film. Tomorrow we will be interviewing lawyers involved in the lawsuits in our film.<br />
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Never a dull moment!Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-35831551380218213772012-05-02T11:37:00.002-07:002012-05-05T18:39:19.239-07:00Day 3 at Hot Docs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blogging live today from Hot Docs Forum. Above is what the pitch table looked like when we arrived this morning, but now the room is packed and focused on the filmmakers and producers sitting at the head of the table taking their best shot to make a deal. Each team has 7 minutes to make their pitch and then a few minutes to answer questions from the broadcasters and editors around the table. Inspiring and exciting to watch but not sure how many people are getting real deals.<br />
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Film production is a tough sell in the current economic climate and there are many talented filmmakers vying for the same funds. A Cuban hat is being passed around the crowd for donations and the best pitch today will receive a cash award. We put our business cards in for the 'wild card' pick but didn't get chosen today, so we will try again tomorrow. We have been networking and speaking with as many people as possible and have gotten some good leads for Defensora.<br />
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<br />Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-48352821380337976142012-05-01T12:15:00.002-07:002012-05-01T12:15:45.226-07:00Day 2 at Hot DocsWe started off our week of documentary screenings last night with a film about 80's rocker Rick Springfield, which featured loads of screaming and lovestruck fans (apparently years later, they are still staunchly loyal to their idol). As the credits began to roll at the end of the film, guess who walks into the theatre? Mr. Rick Springfield himself!! He walked down the theatre aisle as "Jessie's Girl" played on screen. It was a genius marketing move by the director and producer and got us thinking of ways to promote our film. It is much harder when you are telling a serious story like Defensora, but just as important to use creative ways to find larger audiences.<br />
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Several more meetings booked for the week and requests to see a rough cut. It is not easy in this industry to raise funds to complete a film, so we are still hoping for a co-production. Today we met NHK, a Japanese broadcaster. The woman we met with was one of our most informative meetings to date, asking us some pointed questions and offering suggestions about what more an audience might want to know about the story.<br />
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We are really interested to observe the Forum tomorrow. Over 20 filmmakers will pitch their film ideas to a huge table of over 50 commissioning editors and broadcasters. We plan to take notes, listen to the broadcasters' questions, and see if we can get ideas from the pitching strategies being used.<br />
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Lastly, as you may have noticed, we have changed the name of the documentary to 'Defensora'. The word means 'defender' in English, and we think this is a better representation of the story.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
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Lee and RachelOf Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-8326846433914130622012-04-30T10:06:00.000-07:002012-04-30T10:38:28.189-07:00Day 1 at Hot DocsOn-location in downtown Toronto at Hot Docs, sitting with hundreds of documentary producers and filmmakers from around the world! Exciting morning for us here, we already met with TVO (Television Ontario) to pitch Defensora (formerly titled 'Of Earth and Sky'). After watching the preview cut they commented that it "was a very powerful trailer." They asked us some good questions about the story line, budget and upcoming production. They definitely seem interested and we will be following up with them this week.<br />
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Over nine theatres here in Toronto are screening documentaries all day long during this week -which is heaven for a filmmaker and producer! And we have already picked several workshops to attend.<br />
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Will keep you posted on anything and everything exciting.<br />
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Rachel and LeeOf Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-79406113482921280632012-03-10T20:36:00.001-08:002012-03-18T22:15:31.590-07:00Hot Docs Bound!<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #141414;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exciting
news......Lee and I will be attending Hot Docs in Toronto the first
week of May (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.hotdocs.ca/"><span style="color: #0019c6;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>www.hotdocs.ca</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #141414;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">)
with filmmakers, broadcasters, commissioning editors and producers
from around the world. We hope to land some meetings with these folks
to market our film and find additional funding for post. We have
registered for the 'Forum' at Hot Docs which is a two day, limited
seating event where filmmakers and producers pitch their films in
front of a huge round table of programming executives and editors. It
is an intense experience for the people pitching and a great learning
opportunity for us. Stay tuned for our live blog posts from Hot Docs.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141414;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
other news, I was asked to write a short article about our film in a
women's magazine in Guatemala called 'Amiga', and several of our
photographs have been used by our partners on the ground. Adele has
some contacts with galleries in Vancouver and Chilliwack and she will
be working on organizing a fundraiser for the film in June. Lee has
been working hard to secure more interviews and raise funds. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141414;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
have now converted and logged all of the footage and it is stored on
three hard drives. Now we can all watch the footage and start weaving
the story together. An editor will be joining our team to help us cut
a preview for all of you and our meetings at Hot Docs. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141414;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cheers,
Rachel</span></span></span></div>Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-16359459375601076052012-02-18T17:09:00.000-08:002012-03-18T19:28:51.370-07:00Post-Production Begins<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1ppRyfN1U6GuDkh9ikGLxAOBk0qXUDuQwSk-QvUOxTPqbiAHcwWK85nLcZYzZ6M1f-kkD9d0WDiJtfQqEO472e-Cpq11luc80PMXYnTXUs-2kSHp20jg3ufjyEuVikba-rHv-cnDmdgn/s1600/Hinkley_120128_010364_NWI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1ppRyfN1U6GuDkh9ikGLxAOBk0qXUDuQwSk-QvUOxTPqbiAHcwWK85nLcZYzZ6M1f-kkD9d0WDiJtfQqEO472e-Cpq11luc80PMXYnTXUs-2kSHp20jg3ufjyEuVikba-rHv-cnDmdgn/s400/Hinkley_120128_010364_NWI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayan Women and NWI Delegation members at meeting, opening ceremony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5SnvnDSHkhVDVRrJ9UbAfIw1Kk0T1Qm6wHklfZm4TTJAqEJquSK5aiYuUDYy-4ZCnBsi8-iX62No-JCRsCAINb7k8clegoK715Id1SVwM9qOJEoBb9uTK1CixwIPPjkpWm0XhIB5y-iJ/s1600/Hinkley_120128_010449_NWI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5SnvnDSHkhVDVRrJ9UbAfIw1Kk0T1Qm6wHklfZm4TTJAqEJquSK5aiYuUDYy-4ZCnBsi8-iX62No-JCRsCAINb7k8clegoK715Id1SVwM9qOJEoBb9uTK1CixwIPPjkpWm0XhIB5y-iJ/s400/Hinkley_120128_010449_NWI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Videographer films meeting of Mayan Women and NWI Delegation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlXaoccmqNc5WsEDJNOjqUzwmldGeGVQ6xA4GF6IOYgjVh9BYp5dc5c60ScUcETgRCucUfA5DM1wJMv3BC-cpQpGjVIKku_hix5O1wcFxfZLE9PfgQo1CkD3QClZSGLCan_DJcjJS0GWp/s1600/Hinkley_120128_010467_NWI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlXaoccmqNc5WsEDJNOjqUzwmldGeGVQ6xA4GF6IOYgjVh9BYp5dc5c60ScUcETgRCucUfA5DM1wJMv3BC-cpQpGjVIKku_hix5O1wcFxfZLE9PfgQo1CkD3QClZSGLCan_DJcjJS0GWp/s400/Hinkley_120128_010467_NWI.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jody Willams speaks with a representative of Mayan Women.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rachel
and Adele are back from filming in Guatemala. They traveled with the
Nobel Women’s Initiative Delegation to learn about the issues women
in Guatemala are facing, and had the opportunity to interview Nobel
Laureate Jody Williams. They then traveled to eastern Guatemala to
meet with the Mayan Q’eqchi’ women, and others involved in the
resistance against mining. There were some unexpected surprises, and
some changes to production–we can plan all we want for the
production phase of a project, but until we are actually filming, we
never truly know what will happen and what we will come home with.
Now, the story is fuller and more connected than we had
realized.There is a strong and united group of Mayan Q'eqchi' people
involved in the resistance against mining, and Rachel and Adele had
full access to their stories.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We
still have some remaining production to complete in Canada, which
includes interviews with lawyers and the mining company. At the same
time we are now working on post-production, which includes editing
the storyboard, reviewing the film and footage, writing a narrative,
and editing a trailer. Adele is currently working on
converting/labeling/sorting the video footage and processing the
photography. Rachel is researching archival mining and genocide
footage and photographs. Together we will be writing letters,
drafting proposals for submission, fact checking, and looking for
additional post-production funds.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What
you may be surprised about is that this process is longer than
production, and can be longer than pre-production. This is where we
get into the details of weaving a story together – where we try to
make the initial vision a reality. I point this out because as anyone
who has been through a long-term project knows, once you wade into
the details of a project you have to be conscious of forgetting the
mission – becoming so detail focused that you forget (or lose the
passion) for what made you want to tell the story in the first place.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Together,
we will strive to give the Mayan Q’eqchi’ people a platform to
show their strength, and tell their story. As a team, we ask that you
continue to help us spread the word about this film and the important
issues it will address.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank-you
for your continued support.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Lee
K. Toepfer</span></span></div>Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-3996690001045152602012-02-06T20:29:00.000-08:002012-02-18T16:30:33.621-08:00Last Visit to Mayan Village<br />
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Yesterday was 'one of those days' that
we will remember for the rest of our lives. We traveled for over an
hour to a drop off point where a 4x4 truck picked up us. I rode in
the front with the camera gear and Adele was in the back bracing
herself against a roll bar along with several community leaders and
elders. The truck climbed straight up an eroded mountain road for
another hour until we arrived at the top. As we crested the last hill
we saw a large Mayan community waiting for us. They greeted us warmly
and it was here we met the Mayan Q'eqchi' women and listened to their
stories. They led us in a quiet procession to the sites where their
houses were burned to the ground and the rapes occurred. Through
tears they told us they had paid for the land we stood on with their
bodies and the babies they had lost after the rapes.</div>
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After sharing a meal of tortillas,
chicken, rice and beef, we walked several miles into the mountains to
where a new community has been built since the forced evictions in
2007. It was like we had entered another time and place. The mountain
path wove around lush green jungle and every corner held a
spectacular vista. The men walked behind us with machetes, bundles
of rice and babies on their heads and the women walked bare foot
through the red clay mud. We on the other hand were covered up to our
knees in red mud!</div>
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Finally we arrived at a serene,
beautiful and orderly Mayan village with gardens of pineapples,
tangerines, bananas, plantains and guiskil (similar to our acorn
squash) and harvests of cardamom and achiote. We were greeted by the
elders in a sacred clearing overlooking several mountain ranges. They
began the preparations for a Mayan ceremony. These ceremonies are
never allowed to be filmed but we were given permission to witness
the ceremony and record it. Five elders placed four bundles of copal
pum incense in a fire pit, and stood large yellow candles in all
directions to appeal to the heart of the earth and sky, and smaller
white candles encased in glass were positioned between the yellow
candles to remember the grandparents who had passed away. One of the
elders began a prayer and then the entire community began to chant
prayers, their voices rising with the smoke. All Mayan ceremonies
have a purpose and this one was intended to bring safety to the
community spokespeople, the community development committee and the
women involved in the lawsuit against the mining company.</div>
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Afterwards we joined the community
leaders and elders for caldo (a spicy beef or chicken soup),
tortillas and coffee. As the sun was setting we said our goodbyes and
hiked out to the truck waiting for us and rode down in the dark.
Words do not do justice for the incredible day we had, but I hope the
film footage will give you all a vicarious experience.</div>
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This morning we said our goodbyes to
our companeros and companeras and made some commitments to the
communities we visited. These people have become our friends and we
will do our best to support them in their resistance against mining
and in their efforts to reclaim their lands. Lastly we want to
acknowledge our amazing crew: Juanita, Edvin, Mark, the Committee and
Rights Action for their outstanding work.</div>
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Until we meet again Guatemala.</div>Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-83274704797156552352012-02-04T18:37:00.000-08:002012-02-09T09:05:00.213-08:00Mothers in the Resistance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQzsutrLScztMbIk2KOZY1KjSqYeZJbPS4uPvqhS2idwrpfbtS8aLyZZKOrM63HNuZ_ZsYde1YoU5i4bwZEJB23Wpe8-mHUpZkUKhk79Bu5-g2f5uzkyYLoyIg7KGgZ2YD4-xnJ2x600i/s1600/_DSC0216_copybw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQzsutrLScztMbIk2KOZY1KjSqYeZJbPS4uPvqhS2idwrpfbtS8aLyZZKOrM63HNuZ_ZsYde1YoU5i4bwZEJB23Wpe8-mHUpZkUKhk79Bu5-g2f5uzkyYLoyIg7KGgZ2YD4-xnJ2x600i/s400/_DSC0216_copybw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Listening to women in the resistance today and watching their children gather at their feet to hear stories of struggle, discrimination and murder. It is all part of an important education they get from their families. Everything is done in groups here to increase safety and create a united front. We are protected by the community as we travel through the mountains to reach the Mayan communities affected by the mining.<br />
<br />
We are exhausted looking over our shoulder every second of the day but it is nothing compared to what the people live daily.We are close to wrapping this part of the film, but it is only the beginning of our friendship and connection to these communities. We are bringing back powerful messages from strong and determined resistors. Will be out of touch for a day or two but will make contact as soon as we are out of the mountains.Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-18693786102602175082012-02-03T16:40:00.000-08:002018-05-17T08:37:22.086-07:00Trekking through the Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
We have been welcomed by several Mayan communities who have informed us of the history of their land struggles. In the midst of poverty the families have been gracious and hospitable. We met a 92 year old elder today who has witnessed the
effects the companies have had on dismantling communities and forcing people off their lands.<br />
<br />
We have been given permission to film a Mayan ceremony and look forward to meeting an entirely new community who live in the mountains. The kids are full of smiles and love the cameras. We have a bag of candies close by to share with them.<br />
<br />
The weather has been very tropical, rainy and warm. We had to buy boots for the crew so that we could navigate our way through mountainous terrain. We definitely feel like we are on location!Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-3448790131506769422012-01-31T17:38:00.000-08:002018-05-17T08:37:04.155-07:00Commemoration at the Spanish Embassy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today we joined the Nobel Women's Initiative delegation and Nobel Laureates Rigoberta Menchu Tum and Jody Williams at a commemoration to remember 36 protestors who died in a fire at the Spanish Embassy in 1980. Rigoberta's father was one of the protestors who was killed. A memorial photo exhibit had been assembled, a Mayan ritual took place, and students from a local school also joined the event.<br />
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We have been exploring the concept of 'peace' and yesterday during our interview with Jody Williams we asked her to describe what 'peace' means to her. She said peace is not an idea, or the universal peace symbol 'the dove' or prayer and meditation. She said peace is action, it means human security and social justice and it requires one to be relentless in order to achieve peace.It was fascinating to watch them both expertly handle the media and speak about The Burning of the Spanish Embassy as a 'defining event' in the Guatemalan Civil War.<br />
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Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-5453425134807821492012-01-29T20:34:00.000-08:002018-05-17T08:36:51.767-07:00Learning the Mayan Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After sailing by several volcanoes this morning we arrived in a small Mayan community by boat. As we stepped ashore we were greeted by community members who lined a cobblestone street. They were gathered to meet Nobel Laureate Jody Williams and to show her and us their community school. Our visit began with a sacred Mayan ceremony around a fire where we and the other women in the delegation lit candles to bless the Earth and the community. We were then treated to demonstrations of weaving, carpentry, dancing and traditional foods. Understanding the Mayan way of life is essential for us so that we can document all of the reasons mining is offensive to some of them.<br />
We are both impressed by Nobel Laureate Jody Williams who is down to earth, a fierce activist and an awesome role model.<br />
Stay tuned for highlights from our sit down interview tomorrow morning with Jody Williams.<br />
Over and outOf Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-72665966185030197412012-01-27T22:40:00.000-08:002018-05-17T08:34:51.218-07:00Joining the DefensorasTonight we sat in a room full of women human rights defenders who lend their voices to the resistance. Our role in this movement is to film and photograph the faces and voices of defensoras and document their stories. We take this responsiblity seriously and feel honoured to bear witness to their truths.<br />
<br />
It was inspiring to meet award winning filmmaker Pamela Yates and watch an exclusive screening of her documentary "Granito: How to Nail a Dictator". It tells the amazing story of how her film footage from "When the Mountains Tremble" has helped to provide evidence against a former military leader. We were struck by the courage of the families in the film who have struggled for justice for over 25 years. One young woman talked about searching for her 'disappeared' father for years but never finding any information on him, until one day thousands of police documents are found buried in an old police building. It is then she begins to find the answers to what happened to her father. This is what justice looks like, please check out this spectacular film...the trailer is below.<br />
On the road tomorrow to meet more activists, stay tuned...<br />
Best, Rachel and Adele<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/27986215?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><a href="http://vimeo.com/27986215">"Granito: How To Nail A Dictator" theatrical trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/skylightpictures">Skylight Pictures</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
Of Earth and Sky Filmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15405854328090486179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6872110888623068861.post-23296404238979806162012-01-27T16:36:00.000-08:002018-05-17T08:31:58.318-07:00A Victory for Human Right Defenders in GuatemalaWe arrive in Guatemala to breaking news. The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/27/world/americas/efrain-rios-montt-accused-of-atrocities-in-guatemala.html">New York Times</a> wrote yesterday that, "Efraín Ríos Montt, Guatemala’s former military dictator, was ordered by a Guatemalan judge on Thursday to stand trial on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity."<br />
<br />
Thirty years ago Pamela Yates made the film <a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/158475/When-the-Mountains-Tremble/overview">"When the Mountains Tremble"</a> during the time of Efrain Rios Montt's rule in Guatemala. The film was narrated by Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum.<br />
After “When the Mountains Tremble” was shown publicly for the first time in Guatemala in 2003, Ms. Yates was approached by a lawyer there who wondered if her outtakes might contain material incriminating General Ríos Montt, now 85, and other military leaders. It turned out that they did, most notably an interview with General Ríos Montt in which he boasts of his power, and that moment led to the making of “Granito,” which early on shows Ms. Yates going through old film canisters."<br />
<br />
This excerpt is from the article <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/movies/pamela-yatess-granito-revisits-guatemala.html?pagewanted=all">"Old Footage Haunts a General and a Director"</a><br />
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This evening Rachel and I will attending a screening of "Granito" with the delegation.<br />
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