"Baraka" Screening with Danza Azteca, discussion, & refreshments

"This is not entertainment, this is a closer look at life." - Lisa Gerrard, vocal contributor to "Baraka" discussing the thought-provoking film.

Please join us this Friday 8/25 @ 6pm for an opportunity to view the digitally restored Blu-ray of "Baraka" on the big screen in our theater, experience a danza Mexica (Azteca) presentation, and importantly - to discuss and reflect upon our interconnectedness as human beings, and as living beings. "Baraka" takes the viewer around the world to consider the awe-inspiring and destructive aspects of the natural world and humanity. Released in 1992, the film is still relevant today. After viewing a range of spiritual and cultural practices from around the world, as well as places such as Auschwitz, killing fields of Phnom Penh, people digging through trash heaps, ruins of ancient civilizations, natural forces and wonders (including an eclipse)--we hope to have a conversation about the role of arts and culture in civic engagement. What is the world that we want to see, and how do arts and culture help us get there?

Vegetarian food & coffee available, with donations encouraged. Seating is limited. Doors open @ 5:40pm. You can arrive early and visit OACC's current exhibits (free & open to public): "Creativity Unconfined: Handcrafted Objects from WWII Internment Camps" (on exhibit until Sept. 14, 2017) and abstract art by Fong Fai of San Francisco (http://www.fongfai.com) .

The events are free and open to the public, and donations are gratefully appreciated. "Baraka" is 97 minutes long and Not Rated.

About the Film:
Filmed in 25 countries on 6 continents, the film brings together a series of stunningly photographed scenes to capture what director Ron Fricke calls “a guided meditation on humanity.” Producer Mark Magidson explains "The goal of the film was to reach past language, nationality, religion, and politics and speak to the inner viewer." For more about the films: http://www.barakasamsara.com/

We will also be screening "Samsara" Friday, Sept. 29 6-9pm with Polynesian dance presentation by Halau KaUaTuahine of Berkeley, light refreshments, and discussion.

This project is supported by California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanaities. Visit calhum.org.

Co-sponsored by the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). Visit http://caamedia.org/

OACC is supported by the City of Oakland, The San Francisco Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, City of Oakland Cultural Funding Program, Asian Pacific Fund, Macpherson Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation, and individual donors.