Author: Andrea Leland

ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD – a documentary by Werner Herzog (99 min) 2007 “Off the map, things get strange” Herzog explores the landscape and the dreams of people who live and work in the Antarctic. Breathtaking underwater scenes, images of deep tunnels carved beneath the snow and ice and more are intermixed with interviews with scientists and other souls who choose to live for a time at the ends of the earth. “… this is very much Werner Herzog’s story of the Antarctic and not, as he intimates right up front, a heartfelt tale of ‘fluffy’ penguins…” The New York Times Special Guest Kari Nester Kari Nester lived for over a year in Antarctica. She will talk about her experiences and share photographs. Kari’s words: “It was a great experience to be at the bottom of the world for over a year.  I saw one sunset and one sunrise in the course of a year.  Six months of sunlight and six months of darkness.  We were able to see amazing austral lights!  It was an unforgettable time, and I will always be humbled by it.”

The Struggle of Illegal Immigrants GOLDEN VENTURE – a documentary by Peter Cohn 2006 (70 min) “We feel for these immigrants, we want them to stay and find satisfying lives here…” The Golden Venture is an immigrant smuggling ship that ran aground near New York City in 1993. The film follows the fate of the passengers who had paid thousands of dollars to leave China for what they thought would be a golden future in the US. Their fate gets entangled with the confusing objectives of US immigration policy, which is set in stark contrast with the heartwarming concern of everyday US citizens.

FLOW: FOR LOVE OF WATER –  an award winning documentary by Irena Salina 2008 (93 min)   “How did a handful of corporations steal our water?” A careful look at the politics behind the world’s diminishing water supply. The film includes interviews with scientists and activists that outline the seriousness of the growing crises and highlights efforts to develop practical solutions and technologies. Screened at the United Nations as part of the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. “An astonishingly wide-ranging film.  An informed and heartfelt examination of the tug of war between public health and private interests.”
- The New York Times Also – St John Environmentalist Rafe Boulon Rafe Boulon, Chief of Resource Management for the Virgin Islands National Park and the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, will make a presentation about our island’s fresh water resources. Gourmet Concessions Provided by La Plancha del Mar! La Plancha del Mar will provide full beverage service at the event, as well as a variety of old-fashioned homemade candy, flavored popcorns, and gourmet pizzas. Bring your own reusable water bottle for free refills during the event!

          A Celebration of Garifuna Culture A GARIFUNA JOURNEY – A documentary by local filmmaker and St John Film Society founder Andrea Leland and co-producer/director Kathy Berger, 1998 (46 min) “…captures the triumph of spirit of the Garifuna people.”               This film, made with the cooperation and participation of the Garifuna people, celebrates the enduring spirit of these descendants of the African and Carib-Indian inhabitants of the Caribbean. The Garifunas were never enslaved. They resisted British colonialism and, because of this, were exiled to Central America where their distinct culture continues to exist today. Told in the voices of the Garifuna themselves, the film is engaging and colorful. It is an encouraging testament to a society’s ability to keep its music and spirituality alive amid the threats of the encroaching bigger world. “…a vital step in archiving the rich culture and fascinating trajectory of the Garifuna of Belize. The video is a prime model for the use of the moving image in preserving living culture.” 
- Huntington International Independent Film Festival. Also – Local Drummer Eddie Bruce! Eddie Bruce will demonstrate some drumming techniques similar to those of the Garifuna.   A Short Film By Local Filmmaker I Hear Your Voice in the Circling Night – A short film by local filmmaker and St John Film Society founder Sigi Torinus, with music by Brent Lee, 2009 (7.35 min), performed by Noiseborder Ensemble, Windsor, Canada. “A poetic journey beginning in the white North and traveling to the Tropics into the deepest depths of the night.” Footage from St. John, Virgin Islands and Northern Canada.

In honor of the 8 Tuff Miles road race, St John Film Society Presents: SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON A documentary by Mark Johnathan Harris, Jon Dunham & Gwendolen Twist (102 min.) ffff “…an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph…” The first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the movie brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries. As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon.