a) Road to Baleya
on BravoTV, 9-10pm.
A filmed account of the
trip
to Mali by some Canadian musicians including Guelph's
Tannis Slimmon
in order to record Malian musicians including griot/kora
player Mansa
Sissoko, now living in Canada.
A highlight of the film is Mansa's return to his home village
for the first time since he was three years old. As his
grandfather was one of the village's founders, he received a
moving and very emotional welcome.
This is a shorter (48 minute) version of the full film.
Tannis and Mansa played a wonderful show on Mar. 2 at Hugh's
Room. My
photos here.
b) Rally against proposed Bill C-10 at the Lula
There are not many political notes in this newsletter, but
this issue is getting significant attention in the Canadian arts
world. The bill, which would allow federal bureaucrats to deny
tax credits to "offensive" film or television productions has
passed the House of Commons and is now before the Senate.
A protest meeting has been organized at the Lula Lounge for
Tue. Mar. 11, 7pm. See excerpt below from a recent
Globe article, or just check
Google News for more background on this bill...
From Globe and Mail, February 28, 2008
by Gayle MacDonald
The Conservative government has drafted guidelines that
would allow it to pull financial aid for any film or
television show that it deems offensive or not in the
public's best interest - even if government agencies have
invested in them.
The proposed changes to the Income Tax Act would allow the
Heritage Minister to deny tax credits to projects deemed
offensive, effectively killing the productions.
Representatives from Heritage and the Department of Justice
will determine which shows or films pass the test.
...
