Buy Nothing Day film night at Flor y Canto

by pokey Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 at 9:50 PM
3706 north figueroa- 90065

Film night-Fri. Nov. 26th at Flor y Canto "Escape From Affluenza" and "Surplus: Terrorized into Being Consumers" (descriptions below) It will be a potluck so bring some food to share

Escape from Affluenza- 55 min.
The infamous Jones Family, the one we've all been trying to keep up with
for years, is finally calling it quits. Escape From Affluenza takes you
live to watch the Joneses announce their surrender!

Then, watch as many people from many walks of life show you how they're
living better on less and escaping fromAffleunza, a pernicious epidemic of
stress, overwork and debt that is affecting Americans in record numbers.

With stories ranging from America's simplicity capital - Seattle - to the
Netherlands, Escape From Affluenza
uses expert commentary, thought-provoking vignettes and humor to show
people how they can reduce their
consumption and simplify their lives.

Surplus: Terrorized into being consumers-
A fifty-two minute video clip-like montage with a heady pace that speaks
out against capitalistic consumerism and its methods of advertising, while
using the same brain washing techniques as a television advert. Erik
Gandini has created a militant film. Its inspiration is the message touted
by the anti-globalization guru, John Zerzan - the 30-second advertising
spot is the most powerful weapon of communication humankind has ever
invented. In 30 seconds, the receiver of any given message is reduced into
a docile consumption slave, one who must believe that buying things is
soul-saving and in fact is being terrorized into being a consumer. Gandini
and editor Johan S?derberg mix the lips of Bush, Chirac, Berlusconi, Putin
and Castro with sound bites of the anti-globalization guru Kalle Lasn,
creating an amusing and ironic collage. In addition, the filmmaker
interviews world citizens including a poor Cuban woman gaping at the
super-abundance in British supermarkets and a manufacturer of
sophisticated sex dolls. The film wants to expose the truth about the
brain washing that we experience on a daily basis, which results in a
roller coaster of amusing and thought provoking images.