This month the Progressive Film Club are adding an additional show to their regular offerings. To mark the life of President Hugo Chavez, next Saturday (13/04/13) they are screening two films. The films couldn’t be more different. The first examines the very positive effect of ‘El Sistema’, a publicly funded voluntary music education system for young people. A beautifully crafted film with lots of nice music.
Described as one of the best documentaries ever made , the second film shows the events surrounding the coup d’état in 2002, when President Chavez was removed from office for two days. This fly-on-the-wall documentary follows the right-wing plotters as they attempt, and for a short time overthrow the democratically elected president and the constitution of Venezuela.
The films couldn’t happen at a more auspicious time – on the eve of the latest Presidential election in Venezuela and also on the day (13th April) that President Chavez returned to power from his brief captivity.
2:30 p.m.
Tocar y Luchar [To Play and to Struggle] (2006) Run time 70mins
The captivating story of the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra System—an incredible network of hundreds of orchestras formed in most of Venezuela’s towns and villages. Designed to bring the wonders of music to rural children, the system has become one of the most important, and most beautiful, social phenomena in modern history. To Play and to Struggle is an inspirational story of courage, determination, ambition, and love—a fitting tribute to the memory of Hugo Chávez. ¦ Written by Carlos Díaz and Alberto Arvelo; directed by Alberto Arvelo.
4 p.m.
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (2003) Run time 74mins
Another chance to see this riveting and moving documentary about the right-wing coup in Venezuela in 2002 and its defeat by the people, made by two young Irish film-makers who were in Venezuela at the time and were able to record the events as they happened, including the crucial moments inside the presidential palace. Not to be missed! ¦ Produced by David Power; directed by Kim Bartley and Donnacha Ó Briain.
At the New Theatre · 43 East Essex Street · Dublin 2
