The feature film entitled “Argentina: Now or Never” Directed by Brian Hunter and Produced by Sterling Pache was shot in Argentina during the economic collapse in 2001. The filmmaker Brian Hunter bravely chronicles the economic and social issues that lead the people into the streets in an attempt to get rid of their democratically elected government.

FILM TRAILER:

This film looks to Argentina which acted as a test case for how far the local and international ruling classes and banking institutions could push a country before it pushed back. The result was not one that anyone could have predicted. People from all backgrounds and from a wide array of social classes finally said “enough” and took to the streets in the battle that is sure to serve as an example of a successful resistance to economic policies of unregulated capitalism and the Washington consensus for many countries in the future.

The film, however, is neither negative nor cynical. It is a documentary that highlights the power of spontaneous collaboration and resistance of the people themselves. Watch as the citizens take to the streets, without formal leadership and without a single political identity, as they battle to get back their and their country’s dignity.

This is a gripping and intelligent documentary with powerful, often frightening footage of the democratic process in its most naked form.

We will also feature 2 short films by Conrad Schmidt (The Filmmaker of 5 Ring Circus) that explore fundamental economic issues that are largely ignored by popular media. These films explore our relationship to work and labor and introduce alternatives to our current obsession with the production and consumption of commercial goods.

Although Conrad focuses his energies on outlining the problems that emerge from our current economic mindset, he spends the majority of his time outlining many realistic alternatives. The “Workers of the World Relax” series consist of a book and two short films that provide the basis for a new way of organizing ourselves economically. His work is absolutely fascinating.

Tickets: $7 at the door.

Location: 306 Abbott St (intersection of Abbot & Cordova in the Gastown Neighborhood)

Sterling: What do you want people to take away from your film?

Brian: El pueblo unido jamás será vencido (“The people united will never be defeated”)

Also, that one should never take democracy for granted. It requires participation by the citizen.

Sterling: Some would argue that political dissent on this scale is unpatriotic (based on the inaccurate definition of many). However, during the citizens’ fight they proudly raise their flag and chant “Argentina” while they are being shot at. These are incredibly patriotic scenes. The people are fighting for the dignity of their country, not only their own personal needs. Do you think something like this would be considered patriotic if it happened in North America? Or do you think protesting and revolution is generally considered un-patriotic?

Brian: In general I don’t find the term ‘patriotic’ to be particularly useful or important as it rarely means the same thing to two different people. Further it is usually used in a North American context as something approaching ‘my country, right or wrong.’

Argentines in general are very ‘patriotic’ if you take that word to mean very proud of their country (often this pride is severely misplaced but that’s another story). What really interests me and I actually find problematic (and this relates to the idea of revolution) is how ‘democratic’ the whole situation was. Listen, De la Rua was elected legitimately and was only halfway through his first term.

One can argue that calling the state of siege on the 19th ended his claims to be a democrat, but one could just as easily argue that the looting that was going on throughout the country called for just such a decision. I wouldn’t but I certainly understand the argument.

Watching the film it is very clear where my sympathies lie, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have some problems intellectually justifying the (for lack of a better word) overthrow of a democratically elected government, moreover in a country with a horrific history of coups and military dictatorships.

I don’t find this a particularly easy issue to deal with. In fact I hope very much to pursue ideas of democracy and revolution (and their at times conflicting nature) in future projects.

You can read more about the film here