Red Cinema: Ken Loach's 'The spirit of '45'

Friday June 28, 6.30-8.30pm
Resistance Centre, 22 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW

A film by acclaimed director and activist KEN LOACH.

As the major parties embrace neo-liberalism, Ken Loach looks at a different time when there was a widespread view that coming out of the horrors of World War II, a better society could be created. 

"The Second World War was a struggle, perhaps the most considerable collective struggle this country has ever experienced", said Ken Loach.

"While others made greater sacrifices, the people of Russia for example, the determination to build a better world was as strong here as anywhere. Never again, it was believed, would we allow poverty, unemployment and the rise of fascism to disfigure our lives ...

"The central idea was common ownership, where production and services were to benefit all. The few should not get rich to the detriment of everyone else. It was a noble idea, popular and acclaimed by the majority. It was the Spirit of 1945. Maybe it is time to remember it today?"

Loach launched this film as alongside a campaign for a new, radical left party in the UK. While this film focuses on Britain, there are important parallels for Australia today as steps towards unity among the socialist left progress.

Inquiries: Pip 8070 8331

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Red Cinema: 5 Broken Cameras

5 Broken Cameras is an extraordinary work of both cinematic and political activism. It is a deeply personal, first-hand account of non-violent resistance in Bil'in, a West Bank village threatened by encroaching Israeli settlements. 

Shot almost entirely by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat, it is structured around the violent destruction of each one of Burnat's cameras. 

Burnat watches from behind the lens as olive trees are bulldozed, protests intensify, and lives are lost. "I feel like the camera protects me," he says, "but it's an illusion."

The film will be introduced by Vivienne Porzsolt, a representative from Jews Against the Occupation, who has recently returned from volunteering in the West Bank.

Friday May 17, 6.30pm (6pm for delicious meal)
Entry: $8/$5 concession

Resistance Centre & Bookshop, 22 Mountain St, Ultimo (near Broadway shops)

Contact 8070 9331 for more information
Hosted by Green Left Weekly (proceeds to the Green Left Weekly Fighting Fund)

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How we can stop the eduction cuts: where to after the strike?

The Australian higher education system is under attack. The federal government continues to cut higher education - it says because it has to fund secondary eduction. The casualty is quality education. Students are paying more and getting less.

Student protests and the NTEU strike has shown that we can fight back. But a lot more organising will be necessary if we hope to turn the neo-liberal tide.


Thurs May 16, 12noon
Isabel Fidler Room, level 2, Manning House

This discussion will be led off by:

Casey Thompson, SRC education officer

Nick Remier, NTEU branch committee & 

Ben Peterson, Sydney University Resistance Club, Socialist Alliance

Contact Ben for more information on 0400 878 322.

 

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Socialist Alliance special policy conference

Socialist Alliance is holding a special policy conference which is open to all members.

Sydney Central branch has elected 8 delegates.

Click here to see the draft policy dossier which delegates will be voting on.

Sunday May 19, 9.30am
Socialist Alliance, 22 Mountain Street, Ultimo (near Broadway Shops).

For more information contact Pip Hinman on 8070 9331.

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