To the Editor,
A thank you must go out to the Nanaimo Global Film Festival Society for once again bringing so many inspiring and thought-provoking films into our community.
During the festival, I attended Soundtrack for a Revolution (2009) produced by Danny Glover.
It documents the American civil rights movement through its powerful ‘freedom songs’ music.
Along with the music, riveting archival footage and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders had a considerable impact on myself and other viewers.
This documentation of the civil rights movement was very inspiring. It showed a time in North American history when African Americans’ struggle for freedom and human rights was extreme.
Many, if not all those involved, risked everything to turn things around. They embodied positive change and managed to do so non-violently. They demonstrated what people can do individually and collectively.
Although their heroic efforts make our attempts at positive change pale in comparison, our need to collaborate, and address humanitarian issues and concerns remains important here on Vancouver Island today.
We can be inspired by the courage, determination and success of the civil rights movement to continue with our efforts for positive change here In Nanaimo.
Lynn Burrows
Nanaimo