Chicago Indymedia : http://chicago.indymedia.org/archive
Chicago Indymedia

LOCAL Announcement :: Civil & Human Rights : Crime & Police : Peace : Protest Activity

M20 Documentary Official Release

"Where We Stood" Official Screening. Friday, March 12 7 PM at the Thorne Auditorium: 375 E. Chicago. Proceeds to benefit Peace Pledge-Chicago.
March 2003 Anti-War Arrests Revisited in Chicago Documentary

Peace Pledge-Chicago, a prominent anti-war group, is sponsoring a screening marking the official release of the documentary, “Where We Stood,” about the city’s resistance to the US war in Iraq.  The screening also marks the one-year anniversary of the start of the war on Iraq.  On March 20, 2003, at the start of the war, an estimated 15,000 people marched through downtown Chicago in a peaceful protest.  More than 500 people were wrongfully arrested. Police surrounded protestors at Michigan and Chicago Avenues and began arresting at random, allowing no opportunity to disperse, and without provocation or just cause. In addition, more than 100 people were arrested in the following days during planned non-violent civil disobedience actions. 

This documentary features interview segments from more than thirty protestors and organizers, taking you inside their experiences, from chaos on the street to jail solidarity to renewed personal commitment to peace. Dramatic footage from the March 20 demonstration and other protests illustrates stories of resistance from a cross section of those who stood up to say no to the war.  The documentary also features music from several Chicago bands, as well as original music composed by Kinan Abou-afach, former member of the Syrian National Orchestra.

The official release screening takes place at the Thorne Auditorium, 375 E. Chicago, on Friday, March 12, 2004, at 7 PM.  This venue is just blocks from the scene of the March 20, 2003 arrests.  Proceeds will benefit Peace Pledge-Chicago. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the Peace Pledge Hotline at 312-494-5840. Tickets are $8 at the door with a reservation, $10 at the door without a reservation.

“In marking the unfortunate anniversary of the start of the war, we are pleased to be able to release the documentary in its completed form.  A year ago, twenty thousand people came out to protest the war and many were arrested without cause.  In making this documentary, we are honored to be able to tell their stories and continue the commitment of Chicago’s anti-war community,” says filmmaker Linda Beckstrom.

The screening is a significant event for the Chicago anti-war community in the midst of this election year.  Many groups are increasing their efforts to organize around the issues and keep the public informed.  The screening and official release of this timely documentary offer an opportunity to galvanize these efforts.

Peace Pledge-Chicago
www.peacepledge-chicago.org
312.494.5840
 
 

Donate

Views

Account Login

Media Centers

 

This site made manifest by dadaIMC software