STATE OF FEAR: opens at the Roxie, July 28

State of Fear: The Truth About Terrorism

"A cautionary tale for a world involved in a "global war on terror," Pamela Yates, Peter Kinoy and Paco de Onis' film examines the topical question of how an open society can balance demands for security with democracy. Building on the findings of the groundbreaking Peruvian Truth Commission, this must-see documentary examines the terror and intimidation inflicted on Peru's innocent civilians by both the Maoist Shining Path and the Fujimori dictatorship ­ leading to the deaths of almost 70,000 civilians ­ beginning with a succinct and compelling history of 20 years of Peruvian politics. At the same time, the film approaches these sweeping events of history with an invaluable human touch, as we hear the voices of the oppressed testifying to their senseless peril at the hands of both the guerrillas, and, soon after, the government-run death squads. An epic journey of one nation's encounter with a "war on terror," State of Fear resonates with intended parallels to the current situation in George W. Bush's United States, another country where official corruption has replaced the rule of law; where a possible threat to national security has been manipulated by a thieving cabal in the name of profit; and, where freedoms continue to be sacrificed in order to combat an enemy, real or imagined. Rather than leaving us with a bitter taste, State of Fear also manages to tell the story of courageous Peruvians who fought to maintain their democracy and persevered in their search for truth and justice." -- Vancouver Film Fest. Directed by Pamela Yates. 2005. Running time: 94 mins. Show times: Nightly at 7:00 & 9:00. Sat, Sun & Wed mats at (3:00) & 5:00.