A forum for films that inspire people to take action to create positive change, MVFF’s Active Cinema initiative explores the world and its issues (both local and global), engages audiences, and transforms ideas into action. This week, our programmers have selected three films that embody the spirit of Active Cinema by inspiring and empowering us to get involved. Just like our Active Cinema selections at the upcoming 43rd Mill Valley Film Festival, these three films are paired with organizations to further their impact.
RAFAEL FILM CENTER DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING RICHARD PETERSON SELECTS
DOLORES
Director: Peter Bratt (US, 2017)
“Among the most important, yet least known, activists in American history, Dolores Huerta was an equal partner with Cesar Chavez in co-founding the first farm workers’ unions. Dolores tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice alongside Chavez, becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the 20th century, and at age 90, she continues the fight to this day. This film portrait is an eye-opener, as we witness Huerta’s career spanning not only the labor movement, but also the fight for civil rights and the evolution of feminism, all the while raising 11 children. Executive producer Carlos Santana lends some great music to this stirring film.” –Richard Peterson
DOLORES Q&A with Dolores Huerta, Juana Chavez, and Producer Brian Benson, moderated by Richard Peterson.
Available with subscription: PBS Masterpiece on Amazon
Available to rent or purchase: Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, iTunes
DOCLANDS DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING JONI COOPER SELECTS
16 BARS
Sam Bathrick (US, 2018) 93 min.
“This film came to us in Programming just out of the blue. And from the moment that my colleagues and I saw it, we knew that we really wanted to show it. It was before the final cut, before color correction, before the sound mix, but it was already a stellar film… It’s filled with beautifully produced music, but what stood out for me were the amazing humans who are involved in it. I still get shivers thinking about it and the music.” –Joni Cooper
16 BARS Q&A from its World Premiere at DocLands in 2018.
Available to rent or purchase: Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, iTunes
DOCLANDS AND MVFF DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMMER KELLY CLEMENT SELECTS
THE DOG DOC
Director: Cindy Meehl (US, 2019) 101 min.
“We love those light hearted films about animals, especially our domestic friends. But we all live in a world where sickness or accidents can happen to our dogs and cats at any time and we want to be able to offer them the best treatment, as we would any other family member. Dr. Goldstein, The Dog Doc, has taken this to a new level, not just offering conventional medicine but also exploring holistic alternative healing for our pets. A fascinating documentary that opens the door to a new world and introduces us to some delightful furry friends.” –Kelly Clement
Get involved: American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Foundation
Available with subscription: Hoopla
Available to rent or purchase: Amazon, iTunes, Microsoft
CHECK OUT PREVIOUS CFI STAFF SELECTIONS HERE
