Wiebo's War latest NFB offering

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:08:48 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library presents Wiebo's War, the latest screening of the library's NFB Film Club series, Wednesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. in room L1060.

Wiebo Ludwig, who died recently of esophageal cancer, was a controversial figure in Alberta. The fundamentalist Christian minister and patriarch of a self-sufficient communal farm in northwestern Alberta has been labelled an eco-warrior and a terrorist for his resistance against the oil and gas industry that has taken over the land in that region.

There were numerous poisonous gas leaks that the Ludwig clan believe caused illness, deaths and miscarriages amongst their family and their livestock. Their complaints went unresolved by the industry and the government, and so began their long struggle against the oil and gas companies in the area.

In 2001 Ludwig was convicted of charges related to the bombing of an oil and gas installation, and he was suspected of involvement in later pipeline bombings.

The 93-minute documentary, Wiebo's War, begins with filmmaker David York trying to convince the family to allow him to document their lives and their story in spite of his atheism. Apparently he won them over, because they allowed he and his film crew to live with them on their compound for up to two weeks at a time over a two-year period. The film goes on to present an inside view of the family's life on the communal farm, their religious faith and their battle against the oil and gas industry.

"A rude guest, believe me," says Ludwig of the gas company invading his family's land.

The animated short film, A Prairie Story, by Calgary director Anne Koizumi, will precede the screening of Wiebo's War.

NFB Film Club at library

trevor.kenney — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:24:39 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library continues to reach out to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community by introducing new and innovative ways to bring people into the library.

The latest initiative has the library partnering with the National Film Board to present the NFB Film Club.

The Film Club presents a series of recent NFB documentaries in the library. The series began with the award-winning Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie, which was presented to a small but enthusiastic crowd on Oct. 12.

Students were treated to a variety of free snacks, and a thought-provoking documentary that provoked an excellent discussion.

The series continues with Act of Dishonour, by writer/director Nelofir Pazira. Set in the northern region of Afghanistan, this feature drama tells the story of a young bride-to-be who strays from local customs after befriending an Afghan-Canadian translator. Part lament against injustice, part testament to the spirit of a people who have survived decades of war, this film is a compelling drama in which east and west, love and honour, modernity and customs clash with tragic consequences. It will be shown on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in L1168.

The third film in this year's series will be John Walker's latest documentary, A Drummer's Dream, which features a rare assembly of some of the greatest drummers in the world. Explosive talent, passion, humour and irresistible personality come together in a magical setting when seven diverse drummers create a profound and unforgettable experience. The creative and spiritual freedom of expression these artists display is overwhelming. Rock, jazz, Latin fusion, soul – these master drummers have backed up the likes of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Carlos Santana.

An uplifting documentary for a little pre-finals relaxation, it will be shown on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in L1168.

Stay tuned for the NFB Film Club series to continue at the Library in January 2012.

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Wiebo's War latest NFB offering

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