Screening of 'Sicko' & 'Angry Monk'

Design & People and Friends of Tibet in association with Open Eyed Dreams to screen two controversial documentaries - “Sicko” by Michael Moore and “Angry Monk” by Luc Schaedler. While Micheal Moore (Director of Fahrenheit 9/11) investigates and compares American Healthcare system with that of Cuba, Luc Schaedler travels and documents the life of one of the most controversial monks from Tibet – Gendun Choephel. The documentaries will be screened at the OED Basement, Opposite Lotus Club, Warriam Road, Ernakulam on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 5.30pm. Entrance is free.

About Sicko: Opening with profiles of several ordinary Americans whose lives have been disrupted, shattered, and - n some cases - ended by health care catastrophe, the film makes clear that the crisis doesn't only affect the 47 million uninsured citizens - millions of others who dutifully pay their premiums often get strangled by bureaucratic red tape as well. After detailing just how the system got into such a mess (the short answer: profits and Nixon), we are whisked around the world, visiting countries including Canada, Great Britain and France, where all citizens receive free medical benefits. Finally, Moore gathers a group of 9/11 heroes - rescue workers now suffering from debilitating illnesses who have been denied medical attention in the US. He takes them to a most unexpected place, and in addition to finally receiving care, they also engage in some unexpected diplomacy. 

About Angry Monk: Tibet - the mystical roof of the world, peopled with enlightened monks? Only one of them would not toe the line - Gendun Choephel, the errant monk who left the monastic life in 1934 in search of a new challenge. A free spirit and multifaceted individual, he was far ahead of his time and has since become a seminal figure, a symbol of hope for a free Tibet. A rebel and voluble critic of the establishment, Gendun Choephel kindled the anger of the Tibetan authorities. The cinematic journey through time portrays the life of this unorthodox monk, revealing a face of old Tibet that goes against popular clichés. The film offers a fascinating insight into a country whose eventful past is refracted in the multiplicity and contradictions of everyday life. An outsider who was always open to new things, he eventually became a stranger in his homeland and homeless in foreign lands - a wanderer between worlds.

To know more, call: 9847044248, email: support@designandpeople.org or log on to: www.designandpeople.org

Design & People identify how design can intervene to make a contribution to the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people disadvantaged by war, disability, and political and environmental conditions. We unite and encourage graphic, industrial and architectural designers to use their experience and skills towards social and humanitarian projects. Mission: Design For People In Need.

Open Eyed Dreams, a premier art promotion venture, was launched by Dilip Narayanan in 2002. The initiative that began with a collection from eight artists has today a growing portfolio claiming exclusive representation from over 40 eminent artists in the country. It has held six major shows and a National Art Meet in Kerala. More exhibitions, tours and camps are scheduled running up to 2009. The objective: Promote art and artists, going beyond regional borders.

Friends of Tibet is a people's movement to keep alive the issue of Tibet through direct action. Our activities are aimed at ending China's occupation of Tibet and the suffering of the Tibetan people. Friends of Tibet supports the continued struggle of the Tibetan people for independence. Friends of Tibet is also one of the principal organisers of World Tibet Day around the world.