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Vagabond Scholars’ Lodge meetup
WHO: “Scholar-activists,” whatever that means WHAT: a casual and informal gathering WHEN: January 10, 4-6pm WHERE: The Company House, 2202 Gottingen st., Halifax WHY: If you’re like us, work in the neoliberal, neocolonial university is isolating, alienating, heartbreaking and exhausting. The struggle against capitalism, colonialism, heteropatriarchy and white-supremacy in the classroom, in the institution and in society at large is taking its toll on our bodies and spirits. Most of us find Halifax a difficult and infuriating place to work…
Find out more »Screening: Debt Trap (2008) and In the Red (2014)
DEBT TRAP (2008, Dir. David Adkin, Canada, 35’) examines why the average Canadian is sinking deeper in hock, by looking at the stories of several individuals and families who are struggling with debt. Sobering, ironic, and enlightening, the film probes the reasons why more and more of us are struggling to keep afloat, and what needs to be done to turn this trend around. (debttrapdocumentary.com/) Debt: Our Commons Problem documentary film series From mortgages to payday loans to student debt…
Find out more »Screening: Life and Debt (2001)
LIFE AND DEBT (2001, Dir. Stephanie Black, US, 80’) is that rare breed of documentary which succeeds in both educating and informing its viewers on a complex topic while also entertaining them from start to finish. Thanks in part to the stunning natural beauty of Jamaica, Life and Debt is a cinematically beautiful masterpiece which explores the inherent contradictions and hypocrisies of neo-liberal ideas of development by examining the effects of IMF imposed structural adjustment policies on the idyllic island…
Find out more »Screening: Payback (2011)
Based on Margaret Atwood’s bestselling book Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth, Jennifer Baichwal’s feature documentary PAYBACK (2011, Canada, 85’) offers a fascinating look at debt as a mental construct and traces how it influences relationships, societies, governing structures and even the fate of the planet. The film explores the link between debtor and creditor in a variety of contexts and places—from the mountains of northern Albania to the tomato fields of southern Florida—blending compelling stories of “owing”…
Find out more »Screening: Living Without Money (2011)
In the documentary LIVING WITHOUT MONEY (2011, Dir. Line Halvorsen, Norway-Italy, 52’), we meet the German woman Heidemarie Schwermer (68) who made a deliberate choice to live without money 14 years ago. One day she cancelled her flat, donated all of her belongings and started a new life based on exchanging favors – without the use of money. The experiences she made totally changed her outlook on life. Today she is living an interesting and adventurous life, which is very…
Find out more »Screening: Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS MAY APPLY (2013, Dir. Cullen Hoback, 79'). No one really reads the terms and conditions connected to every website they visit, phone call they make or app they download. After watching this provocative exploration of what actually lies between the lines of those tiny-font agreements, however, you may just hurl your computer out the window and take to a cave. With fascinating examples, comical gags and terrifying facts, filmmaker Cullen Hoback investigates what governments and corporations are doing…
Find out more »Screening: We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)
WE ARE LEGION: THE STORY OF THE HACKTIVISTS (2012, Dir. Brian Knappenberger, 93') takes us inside the complex culture and history of Anonymous. The film explores early hacktivist groups like Cult of the Dead Cow and Electronic Disturbance Theater, and then moves to Anonymous’ own raucous and unruly beginnings on the website 4Chan.Through interviews with current members – some recently returned from prison, others still awaiting trial – as well as writers, academics and major players in various “raids,” WE ARE LEGION traces the…
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