HECTOR BABENCO

FREE

(1991) In this English narrative, modern day missionaries go the Amazon to try to convert a native tribe, while other conflicts of interests and identity are stronger than their faith. Outstanding cast!

El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo

FREE

In conjunction with this summer’s Latin Lens Film Series, Hallwalls is pleased to co-present Chile, Obstinate Memory (Patricio Guzmán,1998, 58min) which follows the documentary maker’s return home to screen his 3-part epic, Battle of Chile after “a quarter century of censorship and self-censorship, buried memories and controlled grief.” Bring ticketstub for this free screening to the Friday’s screening of Nostalgia for Light and receive Members’ price!

Latin Lens Film Series
Each Wednesday (June 22 to August 24)
El Buen Amigo presents a cycle of films on colonialism.
114 Elmwood Avenue

_______________________________________________

From http://www.hallwalls.org/media-arts/5094.html

A few weeks ago, I encountered myself face in a very uncomfortable situation after having taken a Chinese bus from Chinatown to Buffalo. It turns out that despite traveling within the state of New York, myself and all the other travelers were greeted by border patrol as we unloaded from the bus at the bus company’s terminal in Amherst, NY.
The truth is that half of the bus looked Asian and mostly spoke what seemed to me Chinese Mandarin. I am a white male, but couldn’t bare the thought that more than half of the bus which happened to be of Asian decent was unloading from the bus straight into the mouth of the ugly bad wolf that is American Fascism…

It is difficult to understand how little acts such as these can really closely relate or resemble some of Europe’s early 20^th century Fascist government policies. But that is how intolerant policies start and can lead to worst acts. I am not saying America is becoming a Hitler like mongering fascist country, I am only briefly stating my perspective on our Border Patrol and post 9/11 policies and their historic

Copyrights Andy Singer

al context in relation to Protectionism and Nationalism and my personal experience I lived in that mid April evening.

In the past I have taken the bus between New York City and Buffalo several times. A few of those were via the Megabus carrier. Never did I encounter border patrol agents boarding the bus or questioning passengers as they unloaded from the bus. Even when the bus in question had a later border crossing to reach its’ final destination of Toronto, Canada.

It so happens that last April that is exactly what happened when I arrived at the Ocean Ocean bus station on Millersport Highway in Amherst NY. On that Sunday the bus had reached its destination of Buffalo before returning to New York City with the passengers waiting by the curbside. As I unloaded from the bus two border patrol agents asked every single unloading passenger their country of birth. Since I was born in France, when it came to my turnI replied that I was born in Paris, France. They immediately asked to see my passport. Because I was traveling between New York City and Buffalo, I didn’t carry my passports and thus replied that I simply didn’t need to carry it. The officers seemed very perplexed that I wouldn’t carry my passport in the United States, but it was clear to me they simply were unaware of my dual French-American citizenship. But they hadn’t ask if I were an American Citizen!!!

And so naturally they further questioned me as to why I didn’t need to carry my passport. I replied I held both citizenships, to which to my amazement they asked to see proof of…
Irritated and feeling harassed, I walked off and affirmed that they had no right question me under the circumstances.

The two officers decided to leave me alone. I assume they realized they had a better chance at catching an “illegal” immigrant by the clear fact that half the bus looked Chinese. And so they did, they continued to question each single passenger as to their birth country in the hopes to find an easy prey.
The funny thing is that half of the passengers chose to shrug it off by not even answering the preposterous questions, and guess what? The officers didn’t not bother to pursue questioning the silent ones.To me, that tells me that the officers were fully aware that they had no legal right to question at random bus passengers unloading from a within state bus travel.Amazed by what was taking place in front of me, I chose to ask the Ocean Ocean bus company workers if this happened often, and according to them the border patrol officers are present almost every single night a bus arrives from Chinatown.

I find it unacceptable that nobody protested nor found it even harassing that these officers were racially profiling Chinese traveling families and questioning their legal status in the United States. Revolted and determined to find a solution to the crisis, I wrote a letter to our US house of Representative Brian Higgins explaining what had happened and urging him to stop or help me stop the quasi raid like border patrol questionings at the Millersport Highway bus stop.
I would like you to make a note that never did I receive a written, electronic answer or any acknowledgement of my letter by Congressman Higgins or his staff.

I assume the raids still persist to today. I wish they could stop. I thought that a US representative would care to take action when US citizen’s rights are infringed upon, but I was wrong.
And so to the best of my knowledge we have grown accustomed to the post 9/11 policies that impose limits on our sovereign rights. Our policy makers seem at ease with these policies and worst of all seem unwilling to undo our 9/11 nationalist and protectionist policies.And the worst of it, is that as younger generations grow more and more accustomed to such intolerant practices we may see further nationalist and economical protectionist policies aiming at preying on the unprivileged, the poor and the Non American.
Is that what American values really are?

Here is a copy of what i wrote US Representative Brian Higgins

Pandeoro is superfine gold foil used for coating of objects (furniture, sculptures, books …) and give them a golden finish. The Pandeoro is produced in many different qualities, but the main ones are two: true and false.

The origin of the latter dates back to ancient Egypt, since Tutankhamun’s tomb is found remains of this beautiful sheet coated with gold.

The heyday of Pandeoro took place in Italy and Spain, through which arrived in Peru.

In the colonial era, the Pandeoro was used to decorate churches, frames, mirrors and other handicrafts.

There are 4 styles in the development of mirrors: Cajamarca style characterized by painted glass; Cusco style, where the Pandeoro   is applied to  carving, mixed style known as cuscaja, that is the use of Pandeoro both in the carving of the frames as in the painted glass and the latter is the style polychrome, with the use of various multicolored hues.

http://elbuenamigo.org/store

El Buen Amigo Art Gallery

The Latin American Cultural Association (with its store El Buen Amigo) celebrates its 34^th year of service to the people of Latin America and the people of W.N.Y.  For 34 years it has brought the most diverse and interesting arts and crafts from Latin America and other countries to share with the people of this area; while supporting  economically the people of these countries to help sustain them and their heritage.

At this critical time it is even more important than ever that we continue to support the indigenous people and their means of livelihood.  By supporting L.A.C.A. it guarantees our continued effort to buy and sell craft so that the bridge of support to them may continue.  By donating to L.A.C.A. you help to keep our mission alive by helping those you perhaps cannot help themselves. For at the Latin American Cultural Association:           “More than a product, we sell dignity and hope”.

If you wish to help click on donate on our website and you can donate by check or credit card. All donations are tax deductable.  THANK YOU!

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is a holiday held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla.The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day,the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th.

from http://live.drjays.com/index.php/2008/05/02/happy-cinco-de-mayo/

Not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which occurs on September 16.

You are cordially invited to celebrate with us

On Saturday April 30th at 6pm the 34^th Anniversary of the Latin American Cultural Association located at 114 Elmwood Ave.

Old friends and supporters will be gathering to celebrate the achievements of L.A.C.A. with an informal potluck dinner (bring your favorite dish to pass or dessert) and we will provide wine, sodas, teas, other beverages and special desserts.

Music for dancing will be provided by Blue Collar Dreamer a folk/rock World Beat group and the famous Marimba Band with infectious Latin and World Beat rhythms. We will also have a 50/50 raffle and a special door prize and other surprises.

A donation of $25 helps support the work of L.A.C.A. and its store El Buen Amigo which sells handmade arts and crafts of

Latin and Central America with all the profits going directly

back to the crafters to support them and their artistic traditions, and the inclusiveness with the WNY communities.

Pre-reservations would be appreciated to gauge a response for seating to guarantee you have seat for this wonderful event.

Respond by April 25 to lacanewyork at yahoo.com or 885-6343.

Donations by check or money order should be to L.A.C.A.

Thank You:

Board of Directors of L.A.C.A.