Please Donate to Movement for Justice in El Barrio's film "Encuentros"
Kate Cardona
Movement for Justice in El Barrio is trying to raise another $1,000 needed for the completion of their documentary "Encuentros", a film about the Encuentro process whereby people come together to share their struggles and their visions of another world. I know some of you threw down last time, which is awesome! For those in a place to give this time around, please consider making a donation that feels meaningful to you: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/111397?a=435557
In MJB's words, "Encuentros are gatherings where "l@s de abajo" speak on their own terms, in their own words---where they dialogue and strategize, celebrate and remember---teaching us in the process lessons on human dignity and hope". It seems really important that a film about spaces such as this exist, to offer inspiration, lessons and hope as we all move forward in our work and explore different ways of being together and sharing our stories, strategies and visions.
Please support this important independent community film project if you can. The crew of us from the Movimiento Allies group are trying to raise this $1,000 by July 11th, and time is running out. Every amount helps-- 5 or 10 dollars goes a long way. If 100 people give $10, we will have reached our goal! When possible, the sharing of resources is really radical and one amazing way to show solidarity with a grassroots people of color led organization.
Again, here is the link to donate: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/111397?a=435557.
Big love all around and thanks so much,
Kate
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FROM MJB:
Since 2007, Movement for Justice in El Barrio, an immigrant-led, majority-women, community organization that fights for dignity and against neoliberal displacement in East Harlem and beyond, has convened five “Encuentros” in New York City and Mexico. Numerous individuals and organizers from hundreds of community-based organizations from the U.S., Mexico, South Africa, and beyond, have participated in these Encuentros to share their struggles against neoliberal globalization and their visions of a just world.
This project seeks to raise the remaining funds to finalize the production of "Encuentros," a film that captures the best moments of these historic gatherings while foregrounding the experiences of communities directly affected by displacement and injustice.
This important film documents the multiple struggles of marginalized communities--including women, people of color, and LGBTQ people--as they engage in "another way of doing politics" to organize, build, and confront a common enemy.
The Impact: "L@s de Abajo Speak"
As a
grassroots, membership-led organization, Movement for Justice in El
Barrio produces our own media, from newspapers to films, in order to
document our history, mobilize our neighbors, and narrate our struggles,
visions, and analyses for and by ourselves--with our faces and our
words at the center. This is but one way in which we exercise our
autonomy as community, and advance own fight for justice, dignity, and
democracy.
Our
members, the low-income immigrants and people of color of El Barrio
(East Harlem, NYC), have full editorial and conceptual control of all
films produced as part of Movement for Justice in El Barrio. Together,
we collectively decide on such issues as content (e.g. what footage to
use, who/what gets incorporated, what issue/theme to highlight, etc.),
scope (e.g. the goal and audience of the film, how long it should be,
etc.), and style (e.g. what images and music to use). We then work with a
video-editor who respects and adheres to this member-directed process
to carry out the technical editing and production, which also includes
multiple revisions and rough cuts, which we view and discuss together.
This
film represents a critical document and product of contemporary,
locally-based social movements in the U.S. and Mexico, as they break
down borders, build solidarity, and share their profound wisdom and
strategies for "a world in which many worlds fit."
Encuentros are gatherings where "l@s de abajo" speak on their own terms, in their own words---where they dialogue and strategize, celebrate and remember---teaching us in the process lessons on human dignity and hope.
What We Need & What You Get
The
specific footage that will be used has been selected and digitized. We
have finalized the film outline, and have begun the compilation and
revision process. Funds generated through this project will go
exclusively towards covering editorial, promotional, and production
costs. As noted, we will hire a skilled video-editor and long-time
social justice activist, who both understands and embraces our
member-led decision-making structure, to execute the technical aspects
of this work. Specifically, we need at least $2,000 to compile, edit,
subtitle (with English and Spanish translation throughout), promote, and
produce the film, which is over 40 minutes long.
Who We Are:
Founded in 2004 by a group of low-income, immigrant women, Movement for Justice in El Barrio remains a majority-women of color, grassroots community organization that fights for dignity and against neoliberal displacement from East Harlem to Chiapas and beyond. At over 700 members, Movement has built a bottom-up struggle for dignity that has taken on and defeated multi-national corporations and corrupt politicians. Committed to the principles of autonomy and self-determination, Movement practices participatory democracy and horizontal decision-making on a community-wide scale.
Other Ways You Can Help
¡Corre la voz! Please spread the word far and wide! Share on Facebook and other social media, send e-mail blasts, and please contribute!!