African+Independence+Film+Festival




 * Beginning on Monday June 5, 2013, I would like to show a series of films to seventh grade students in conjunction with our unit of study in Social Studies. This term, we began studying Africa and its countries, and I believe it is a critical connection for students to examine the various governments and societies that make-up the African Nation. **
 * Part of our course of study is to create 21st century learners. In that attempt, cultural diversity and ethic and social responsibility are skills that each student is expected to display. I feel the films I have selected demonstrate exactly that. **

**African Independence Film Festival 2012** = =

//**Hotel Rwanda** // Age: 14+; MPAA Rating -- PG-13 for violence, disturbing images and brief strong language Social-Emotional Learning -Human Rights; Courage Moral-Ethical Emphasis — Respect; Citizenship This is the true-life story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda. Ten years ago some of the worst atrocities in the history of mankind took place in the country of Rwanda--and in an era of high-speed communication and round the clock news, the events went almost unnoticed by the rest of the world. In only three months, one million people were brutally murdered. In the face of these unspeakable actions, inspired by his love for his family, an ordinary man summons extraordinary courage to save the lives of over a thousand helpless refugees, by granting them shelter in the hotel he manages. Hotel Rwanda tells how the manager of a hotel protected more than 1200 people from the killers' machetes. Like Schindler's List, this movie paints an inspiring portrait of an ordinary man's evolving moral conviction and how, using his wits and charm, he held maniacal killers at bay. It is an excellent lesson in courage and describes the difficult position of peacekeeping forces when they are not supported by the international community.

//**Sarafina** // Age: 13+; MPAA Rating -- PG-13 for scenes of apartheid-driven violence; Musical Social-Emotional Learning — Rebellion; Human Rights Moral-Ethical Emphasis — Trustworthiness; Citizenship

The film begins with the following legend: "In 1976 the South African government declared a State of Emergency. For the next thirteen years, school children adopted a campaign of resistance. Approximately 700 were killed, over 10,000 were arrested, many more [were] tortured and assaulted. This is the story of one young girl caught up in the struggle for freedom in South Africa just before the release of Nelson Mandela and the end of apartheid.” Benefits of the Movie: "Sarafina" shows the battle that the children of Soweto waged against the brutal apartheid Government that formerly ruled South Africa. It shows that children can have an effect on their world. Sarafina has rousing dance numbers counterpoised against the violent struggle between the government and the children of Soweto.

//**Cry the Beloved Country **// Age: 10+; MPAA Rating -- PG-13 for emotional thematic elements and brief language; Social-Emotional Learning: Grieving; Crime; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring

In 1946, a South African white man is murdered. The perpetrators are three young blacks who were trying to rob his home. Ironically, the victim had championed rights for blacks, often over the opposition of his father. This is the story of how the murder affects the father of the victim and the father of one of the murderers, and how it brings them together. The movie is adapted from the novel by Alan Paton. This film shows racial separation in South Africa and some of its ill effects. It shows fathers grieving for their sons and reaching across a vast cultural gap to establish a relationship of respect and forgiveness. The movie is also an excellent example of the concept of stakeholders as used in ethical decision making. It shows how the families of the perpetrator and of the victim suffer from the crime.

//**The First Grader **// Age: 13+; MPAA Rating -- PG-13 for some disturbing violent content Social-Emotional Learning: Rebellion; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect

In a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge (Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied-even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds. Moved by his passionate plea, head teacher Jane Obinchu (Harris) supports his struggle to gain admission and together they face fierce opposition from parents and officials who don't want to waste a precious school place on such an old man. The First Grader is a heart-warming and inspiring true story of one man's fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education.

//**Invictus **// Age: 13+; MPAA Rating -- PG-13 for brief strong language Social-Emotional Learning: Teamwork; Human Rights; Humility Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Responsibility; Citizenship

What does Nelson Mandela do after becoming president of South Africa? He rejects revenge, forgives oppressors who jailed him 27 years for his fight against apartheid and finds hope of national unity in an unlikely place: the rugby field. This is an uplifting film about a team and a people inspired to greatness. Mandela asks the national rugby team captain and his squad to do the impossible-win the World Cup. Prepare to be moved--and thrilled.

//**Skin **// Age: 13+; MPAA Rating -- PG-13 for some violence Social-Emotional Learning: Self-esteem; Human Rights; Families in Crisis Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Responsibility; Fairness

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Despite being born to Afrikaner parents, Sandra faces prejudice from her community due to her dark skin and African features. Torn between her family and the man she loves, Sandra must overcome the racial intolerance of her society in this uplifting true story

=**<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">African Independence Film Festival 2012 **=

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Thursday/Friday: //**<span style="color: #ffc500; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Hotel Rwanda **// <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">FILM FESTIVAL JURY/PANEL: 304: Laundo; Corinthia; Minyaun; Myles; Ashley; Jalen 305: Kordel; Saleemah; Kwhamira; Fred; Aaron; Amira

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Monday/Tuesday: //**<span style="color: #ffc500; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Sarafina **// <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">FILM FESTIVAL JURY/PANEL: <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">304: Quiana; Leila; Rajih; Michael; Sumaiyah; Skylar 305: Jameka; Niemah; Fatu; Brianna; Shawn; Talaythia

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Wednesday/Thursday: //**<span style="color: #ffc500; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Cry the Beloved Country **// <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">FILM FESTIVAL JURY/PANEL: <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">304: Jamal; Jhania; Stormy; Justin; Muhammed; Malika 305: Ashley; Alexus; Naeem; Kiyanna; Jaidah; Kendra

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Friday/Monday: //**<span style="color: #ffc500; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">The First Grader **// <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">FILM FESTIVAL JURY/PANEL: 304: Dakem; Saraiyah; Laundo; Corinthia; Minyaun; Myles 305: Kahsem; Kordel; Saleemah; Kwhamira; Fred; Aaron

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Tuesday/Wednesday: //**<span style="color: #ffc500; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Invictus **// <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">FILM FESTIVAL JURY/PANEL: 304: Ashley; Jalen; Quiana; Leila; Rajih; Michael 305: Amira; Jameka; Niemah; Fatu; Brianna; Shawn

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Thursday: //**<span style="color: #ffc500; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Skin **// <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">FILM FESTIVAL JURY/PANEL: 304: Sumaiyah; Skylar; Jamal; Jhania; Stormy; Justin 305: Talaythia; Ashley; Alexus; Naeem; Kiyanna; Jaidah

** Freedom Film Festival Viewer’s Writing Response Journal ** Directions: Answer assigned discussion questions in your Film Festival Folder. Questions are included in your folder

Thursday/Friday: //** Hotel Rwanda **//

I. General Questions:

II. Questions Concerning Characterization:

III. Questions Focusing on Plot:

IV. Questions about Themes, Messages, and Ideas:

V. Questions about Other Literary Elements:

VI. Questions Concerning Theatrical Devices and Effects:

Monday/Tuesday: //** Sarafina **//

I. General Questions:

II. Questions Concerning Characterization:

III. Questions Focusing on Plot:

IV. Questions about Themes, Messages, and Ideas:

V. Questions about Other Literary Elements:

VI. Questions Concerning Theatrical Devices and Effects:

Wednesday/Thursday: //** Cry the Beloved Country **//

I. General Questions:

II. Questions Concerning Characterization:

III. Questions Focusing on Plot:

IV. Questions about Themes, Messages, and Ideas:

V. Questions about Other Literary Elements:

VI. Questions Concerning Theatrical Devices and Effects:

Friday/Monday: //** The First Grader **//

I. General Questions:

II. Questions Concerning Characterization:

III. Questions Focusing on Plot:

IV. Questions about Themes, Messages, and Ideas:

V. Questions about Other Literary Elements:

VI. Questions Concerning Theatrical Devices and Effects:

Tuesday/Wednesday:
 * Invictus **

I. General Questions:

II. Questions Concerning Characterization:

III. Questions Focusing on Plot:

IV. Questions about Themes, Messages, and Ideas:

V. Questions about Other Literary Elements:

VI. Questions Concerning Theatrical Devices and Effects:

Thursday:
 * // Skin //**

I. General Questions:

II. Questions Concerning Characterization:

III. Questions Focusing on Plot:

IV. Questions about Themes, Messages, and Ideas:

V. Questions about Other Literary Elements:

VI. Questions Concerning Theatrical Devices and Effects:

**<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Moral-Ethical Emphasis Discussion Questions: The Six Pillars of Character ** <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%;">Directions: Using the list of character traits below, select one character from each film and analyze that character using at least four of the traits. Each analysis should be at least one page in length. (Hint: Select a main character) <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%;">1. Courage: How does the character demonstrate courage if in fact he/she does? Would you say they were doing what any other person would do in a similar situation? Were they just doing their job?

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%;">2. Justice: How does the character seek justice? Does the character in fact deserve justice or should they be brought to justice? Are the choices the character made just?

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%;">3. Leadership: How does the character demonstrate what being a leader is? Is your character a leader or follower? What key traits of leadership does your character possess?

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%;">4. Trustworthiness: How does your character demonstrate that they are trustworthy? Do they display the characteristics of someone who is trustworthy? Are they: honest, don’t deceive, cheat or steal? Are they reliable- do what they say they’ll do? Do they do the right thing? Have they built a good reputation? Are they loyal and stand by their family, friends, and country?

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%;">5. Responsibility: How does your character demonstrate how responsible they are? Do they display the characteristics of someone who is responsible? Do they: do what they are supposed to do? Do they persevere and keep on trying? Do they always try to do their best? Use self-control? Are they self-disciplined? Do they think before they act? Do they consider the consequences of their actions before they jump in? Are they accountable for their choices and decisions?

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%;">6. Citizenship: How does your character demonstrate what being a good citizen is? Do they do their share for their community, school, or country? What is it they do to improve their surroundings or environment? Do they cooperate? Stay informed of the important issues? Would you consider them to be a good neighbor? Does your character obey laws and rules? Respect authority? Protect their environment and community?


 * <span style="color: #ff9500; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%;">Answer the following for each character you select: **


 * <span style="color: #ff9500; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%;">Would you want this person as a friend? Would you want this person on your team? Would you be able to support this person no matter what he/she does? Defend and explain your responses. **