Harrison Public Library Presents Festival of Resistance: Dissent, Surveillance & Conspiracy on Film – September 25-28, 2017

Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building, 2 Bruce Avenue, Harrison, NY (914-835-0324)

Monday, September 25, 2017 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm
In the late 1940s through the early 1960s, many screenwriters, directors, and actors were victims of the Red Scare. They were rendered unemployable due to their refusal to testify before Congressional committees or refusal to inform on others.

Film expert Max Alvarez will explore the origins of the blacklist in Hollywood’s labor unrest and what led to its ultimate end, showing clips from films that were affected by the fear that consumed Hollywood.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm

Film Trumbo   (2h 4m, R)

In 1947, Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood’s top screenwriter, until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs.  Stars:   Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 12:30pm to 2:45pm
Film The Lives of Others (2h 18m, R)

In 1983 East Berlin, dedicated Stasi officer Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe), doubting that a famous playwright (Sebastian Koch) is loyal to the Communist Party, receives approval to spy on the man and his actress-lover Christa-Maria (Martina Gedeck). Wiesler becomes unexpectedly sympathetic to the couple, then faces conflicting loyalties when his superior takes a liking to Christa-Maria and orders Wiesler to get the playwright out of the way.

Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Film Kill the Messenger  (1h 52m, R)

Journalist Gary Webb (Jeremy Renner) happens upon a story that not only leads to the origins of America’s crack epidemic but also alleges that the CIA was well-aware of the dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S. and using the profits to arm Nicaraguan rebels.  Despite warnings to halt his investigation, Webb keeps digging and uncovers a conspiracy with explosive implications. As a result of his findings, Webb’s career, family and life come under threat.