Anchorage International Film Festival

[Jennifer Davis]

The Anchorage International Film Festival kicks off its 6th year this Friday night. Among the 170 films are a number of documentaries about current events, such as the effects of war on soldiers and civilians alike. Among those visiting Alaska for the Film Festival, and will introduce their films, are Brooke Goldstein, director/producer "The Making of a Martyr" and Iraq veteran Zack Bazzi, cameraman/soldier, "The War Tapes." (For a full schedule, go to www.anchoragefilmfestival.org)

“Beyond the Call”
Ed Artis, James Laws and Walt Ratterman are three middle aged men whose idea of adventure is taking desperately needed food and medicine into the world's most dangerous places. 'High Adventure and Service to Humanity' is the moto of their unique humanitarian aid organization. A fusion of Mother Teresa and Indiana Jones, they go where death from landmines, bullets, or bombs is as frequent as death from hunger, disease, or the elements. Artis explains, "We're not there to change anybody's politics, we're not in the 'God' business, and we pay our own way." BEYOND THE CALL inspires as it entertains. By the director of Academy Award nominated film, Genghis Blues.
Tuesday, 12.05 @ 5:30pm • BEARTOOTH Theater & Pub
Saturday, 12.09 @ 6pm • MUSEUM of History & Art

“Brats: - Our Journey Home”
There are 1.2 million children being raised in the military today. Up to 20 million Americans are former brats, among them: actor Robert Duvall, Senator John McCain, basketball star Shaquille O'Neal, singers Christina Aquilera and Michael Stipe. BRATS is their story - the first cinematic glimpse into a global subculture whose journey to adulthood is a high-octane mixture of incredible excitement and enormous pain. BRATS is not about the U.S. military, it is about the children, who grow up in a paradox that is idealistic and authoritarian, privileged and perilous, supportive and stifling - all at the same time. Narrated by and featuring songs by singer/songwriter and Air Force brat Kris Kristofferson.
Friday, 12.08 @ 8pm • MUSEUM of History & Art • (panel discussion/audience Q&A to follow)

“Can You Hear Me? Israeli and Palestinian Women Fight for Peace”
CAN YOU HEAR ME? is the first documentary film to explore, in-depth, the role of Israeli and Palestinian women peace activists dealing with one of the world's oldest conflicts. Though prospects for peace have ebbed and flowed between Israelis and Palestinians, women peace activists have worked consistently to bring an end to the bloodshed that has brought so much anguish to both sides. There is bonding, there is friction, there are differences of opinion, but most of all this is a story about women who have hope, who keep on trying to hear each other, and who do not give up their work for peace.
Saturday, 12.02 @ 4:30pm • MUSEUM of History & Art 301.6670

“Caught in the Crossfire - The Untold Story of Falluja”
Independent filmmaker Mark Manning and Iraqi humanitarian aid worker Rana Mustafa traveled to Falluja, un-embedded, to live with the refugees of Falluja and experience life from their point of view, returning with them to their destroyed city after Operation Phantom Fury in November 2004. They experienced the checkpoints, witnessed the devastation of thousands of homes, shops and mosques, and documented the horrors of the siege as recounted by those who survived inside the city during the battles. This film brings to the audience word of the attack on Falluja and the plight of its innocent victims largely ignored by the American government and media.
Saturday, 12.02 @ 8pm • MUSEUM of History & Art (panel discussion/audience Q&A to follow; panel will include Iraq veteran Zach Bazzi from the film The War Tapes)

“In the Shadow of the Palms”
In the Shadow of the Palms is described as a 'humane and profoundly authentic' portrayal of the struggles of the people of Iraq through this tumultuous war. It provides an intimate look into the lives of ordinary people during Saddam's Regime as they prepare for the rapidly approaching war. As the war raged and despite numerous arrests by the Iraqi Government the filmmakers continued to film un-embedded, documenting the life in Baghdad not seen in the media. International award winning Ipso-facto Productions presents the only documentary filmed in Iraq prior to, during and after the fall of Saddam's Regime.
Sunday, 12.09 @ 6pm • MUSEUM of History & Art

“The Making of A Martyr”
Directed by Brooke Goldstein
Hussam Abdo, a 15 year old Palestinian boy from Nablus, was thrust into international headlines in April of 2004 after being caught at an Israeli border checkpoint with bombs strapped around his waist. Hussam has spent everyday since in an Israeli prison pondering why he had almost blown himself up. What could have possibly driven this Palestinian teenager and others just like him to wish death unto himself and others at a crowded Israeli checkpoint? 'Zacharia Zebeidi, leader of a faction that claims responsibility for suicide attacks by children - speaks on camera about the current trend towards using children as human bombs. A subsequent visit with Hussam offers a disturbing view of his situation.
Saturday, 12.02 @ 3pm • MUSEUM of History & Art
Thursday, 12.07 @ 9pm • MUSEUM of History & Art (Director/producer Brooke Goldstein will introduce the film; audience discussion to follow)

“The War Tapes”
THE WAR TAPES is the first war movie filmed by soldiers themselves. It is Operation Iraqi Freedom as filmed by Sergeant Steve Pink, Sergeant Zack Bazzi and Specialist Mike Moriarty. Each leaves a loved one behind - a girlfriend, a mother, a spouse. Through their candid footage, these men open their hearts and take us on an unforgettable journey, capturing camaraderie and humor along with the brutal and terrifying experiences they face. The film, directed by Deborah Scranton, and produced by Robert May (THE FOG OF WAR) and Steve James (HOOP DREAMS) recently won the award for Best Documentary at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival.
Saturday, 12.02 @ 6pm • MUSEUM of History & Art (audience discussion to follow)
Monday, 12.04 @ 8:30pm • FIREWEED Theater (Sergeant Zack Bazzi will  introduce the film; panel discussion/audience Q&A to follow; panel will include Zach Bazzi)