Docwatchers

Monday, May 3rd, 7:00pm

Docwatchers

Curated by Hellura Lyle

Three Short Documentaries

!VALA!: The Power of Black Students at Columbia University 1968-2008  

Kamau Suttles, 2008, 28 min.

On April 23, 1968, African American students risked their academic standing, future careers, and possibly their lives, when they took over the Hamilton Hall Building at Columbia University.  VALA! tells the real story of well-organized rebellion which was staged to protest the Vietnam War and the university’s proposed construction of a gymnasium in Harlem.

Freddy Ilanga: Che's Swahili Translator

Katrin Hansing, 2009, 24 min.

In April 1965, Freddy Ilanga, a fifteen-year-old Congolese youth became Che Guevara’s personal Swahili teacher and translator, during Guevara’s secret mission in the Congo to train anti-Mobutu rebels. After seven intense months by Che Guevara’s side, the Cuban authorities sent Freddy to Cuba. During his early years, Freddy thought that his stay in Cuba would be temporary. However, 40 years passed during which time he lost all contact with his family and homeland.

Keep On Steppin’

Christine Noschese, 2008 25 min.

Originally founded in Harlem as an alternative to “sitting around and complaining about their aches and pains,” the Steppers dance company has become a source of strength for the dancers that has empowered them to persevere through the inevitable tragedies of life.

Q&A with Directors & Reception to Follow Screening