Much has changed in Sudan over the last year. South Sudan became the world's newest country as it broke away from the north and declared itself the Republic of South Sudan in July. However, South Sudan is one of the poorest nations in the world today and is rocked by violence---both among its many ethnic groups but also tension with the government of the North has erupted into violence along the border. Although peace was signed in June, violence there continues as well. The humanitarian crisis in Darfur continues.
Facing Sudan addressed some of these issues back when it hit the festival circuit in 2007. The film was made to spread awareness about the situation in both South Sudan and in Darfur. It provides necessary background information to understanding the conflict and the situation today.
In order to continue the purpose of spreading awareness, Facing Sudan is now available for just $6.99 from Film Baby. We also have free lesson plans and viewing party materials, as well.
Showing posts with label documentary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label documentary. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011
Facing Sudan now only $6.99
Labels:
darfur,
documentary,
dvd,
facing sudan,
Republic of South Sudan
Monday, February 14, 2011
New Music From Tom Flannery
Tom Flannery and Lorne Clarke composed the soundtracks for both Facing Sudan and Crayons and Paper. Over the past several years, I have been amazed at the level of sophistication and talent these two singer-songwriters have demonstrated, not only with their work on the films, but also in their solo efforts as well.
Since recording the soundtrack to Facing Sudan, Flannery has released several albums. He posts the albums online; several of them are free downloads. His latest venture, Edward, is Flannery at his best: whimsical, poignant; at times heartbreaking and scathing. In a nutshell, Edward does not disappoint and certain tracks, most notably “We Deserve Better than This,” “Wallflowers” and “Without a Girl,” rank among his finest work. These tunes prove once again that Flannery is deserving of a much wider audience.
The album is available for free. There’s no reason not to download it. When you do, let others know. Pass it around. You will not be disappointed.
You can download Edward here.
Since recording the soundtrack to Facing Sudan, Flannery has released several albums. He posts the albums online; several of them are free downloads. His latest venture, Edward, is Flannery at his best: whimsical, poignant; at times heartbreaking and scathing. In a nutshell, Edward does not disappoint and certain tracks, most notably “We Deserve Better than This,” “Wallflowers” and “Without a Girl,” rank among his finest work. These tunes prove once again that Flannery is deserving of a much wider audience.
The album is available for free. There’s no reason not to download it. When you do, let others know. Pass it around. You will not be disappointed.
You can download Edward here.
Labels:
crayons and paper,
documentary,
facing sudan,
folk music,
independent music,
kiko music,
tom flannery
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
New review in School Library Journal
Here is the new review of Facing Sudan that appeared in School Library Journal:
Facing Sudan. DVD. 90 min. with tchr’s. guide. Bell, Book & Camera Prods. 2007, 2008 release. $24.95.
Gr 9 Up–Twenty years of bloody internal fighting in Sudan have left millions dead and displaced. Even though high profile celebrities continue to bring the mayhem to the forefront, most of the world’s governments have been unwilling or impotent to intervene in the genocide. This low-key but overwhelmingly powerful documentary shows how individuals can affect the ongoing situation. Interviews with those involved as well as the victims of the violence are supplemented by a powerful collection of video footage, including actual Sudanese military attacks on the populace. Resulting from a seemingly incidental conversation between a young custodian in a suburban Chicago high school and Bruce David Janu, a social science teacher, this timely and touching program provides both a historical context as well as a striking contemporary description of the political, social, medical, and military mayhem in Africa’s darkest corner. One segment on the Lost Boys of Sudan will particularly hit home with younger viewers; be cautioned that there are several instances of graphic images of death and explicit descriptions of events. The film was produced and directed by a teacher who crafted it to be as classroom-friendly as possible with scene selection, English subtitles, several bonus tracks, useful lesson plan suggestions, and a moving soundtrack of original compositions which greatly enhances the spirit of the program. This excellent, award-winning film will definitely have a deep impact on viewers.
Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL -- School Library Journal, 6/5/2008
Facing Sudan. DVD. 90 min. with tchr’s. guide. Bell, Book & Camera Prods. 2007, 2008 release. $24.95.
Gr 9 Up–Twenty years of bloody internal fighting in Sudan have left millions dead and displaced. Even though high profile celebrities continue to bring the mayhem to the forefront, most of the world’s governments have been unwilling or impotent to intervene in the genocide. This low-key but overwhelmingly powerful documentary shows how individuals can affect the ongoing situation. Interviews with those involved as well as the victims of the violence are supplemented by a powerful collection of video footage, including actual Sudanese military attacks on the populace. Resulting from a seemingly incidental conversation between a young custodian in a suburban Chicago high school and Bruce David Janu, a social science teacher, this timely and touching program provides both a historical context as well as a striking contemporary description of the political, social, medical, and military mayhem in Africa’s darkest corner. One segment on the Lost Boys of Sudan will particularly hit home with younger viewers; be cautioned that there are several instances of graphic images of death and explicit descriptions of events. The film was produced and directed by a teacher who crafted it to be as classroom-friendly as possible with scene selection, English subtitles, several bonus tracks, useful lesson plan suggestions, and a moving soundtrack of original compositions which greatly enhances the spirit of the program. This excellent, award-winning film will definitely have a deep impact on viewers.
Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL -- School Library Journal, 6/5/2008
Labels:
darfur,
documentary,
dvd,
facing sudan,
review,
sudan
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Facing Sudan Review in Booklist
The following review appears in the May 1 edition of Booklist:
Facing Sudan.
Jan. 2008. 90min. Bell, Book & Camera, DVD, $24.95.
REVIEW. First published May 1, 2008 (Booklist).
Featuring graphic photographs, home-movie footage, and heartbreaking testimonies, this film is “told through the eyes of ordinary people” who are helping the Sudanese, many of whom are dying of starvation and disease. The camera captures images of these valiant heroes, including a college student who travels to Africa to photograph the Sudanese and stays to pass out medicines and offer comfort to malnourished refugees. A Chicago woman opens her home and heart to “lost boys” who seek a better life in America; a New Jersey doctor leaves his thriving practice to give aid to needy Africans; a high-school girl sends disposable cameras to children in refugee camps who take pictures of family and friends victimized by the ethnic struggle; and a young man returns to his native country to help drill wells that provide clean water for thousands. This moving, eye-opening documentary is a call to action.
— Candace Smith
Facing Sudan.
Jan. 2008. 90min. Bell, Book & Camera, DVD, $24.95.
REVIEW. First published May 1, 2008 (Booklist).
Featuring graphic photographs, home-movie footage, and heartbreaking testimonies, this film is “told through the eyes of ordinary people” who are helping the Sudanese, many of whom are dying of starvation and disease. The camera captures images of these valiant heroes, including a college student who travels to Africa to photograph the Sudanese and stays to pass out medicines and offer comfort to malnourished refugees. A Chicago woman opens her home and heart to “lost boys” who seek a better life in America; a New Jersey doctor leaves his thriving practice to give aid to needy Africans; a high-school girl sends disposable cameras to children in refugee camps who take pictures of family and friends victimized by the ethnic struggle; and a young man returns to his native country to help drill wells that provide clean water for thousands. This moving, eye-opening documentary is a call to action.
— Candace Smith
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Meeting Tom and Lorne (Finally)
A couple of weeks ago, I finally had the opportunity to meet the songerwriters for Facing Sudan, Tom Flannery and Lorne Clarke. After three years of emails and phone calls here and there, it was great finally meeting them face-to-face.
I met Tom and Lorne online three years ago while searching for music for the movie. Originally, I had envisioned Bruce Cockburn's "If I Had a Rocket Launcher" as the opening song of the film. However, Cockburn's record label never returned my calls.
And that was a very good thing. I ended up stumbling across a site online called Songaweek.com. This site featured music by Tom Flannery and Lorne Clarke, including several songs about Darfur and a whole song cycle about the Rwandan Genocide. In fact, Lorne's song, "How Do We Sleep at Night?" from the series on Rwanda became the opening song of Facing Sudan. This song is so much better than the Bruce Cockburn song, for it captures the mood and the feel of the film more than any other song and it introduces a powerful theme that runs throughout the film.
After contacting Tom Flannery for permission to use a song called "It's Called Genocide," Tom replied that I could use the song for free. All that I needed was to properly credit him for the song. He then went on to say that this would be a "a gentleman's agreement." But if I were to appear at the "Oscars with Demi Moore" on my arm or on Larry King with a "new Armani suit," we would have to renegotiate the deal. Needless to say, that never happened. Tom's email did, however, lead to a complete re-envisioning of the film as I soon began to discover more about how music could enhance the film I was trying to make. And in the process, I also discovered two kindred spirits several hundred miles away.
Tom then pointed me to several other songs that could be of use, including some from Lorne Clarke. I soon heard from Lorne, too, who was also enthusiastic about the project. Together, they both offered their services to write more songs as needed.
As the film was coming together, I realized that Tom and Lorne could provide musical continuity to the film. I purposely pulled the planned narration from the film and decided that these two singer/songwriters could provide the needed social commentary through their music. Tom and Lorne's soundtrack holds the film together, linking the images to the emotion. The music thus becomes the conscience of the film.
I could not have made the film without them. And Facing Sudan would not be the film it is without their voices.
Tom and Lorne are both very passionate individuals, using music as a way to comment about politics and life. Understanding that I was tackling this project completely on my own, Tom and Lorne offered all of their music for free use, including all of the songs specifically written for the film. Once a rough cut of the film was complete, I sent the film to Tom and Lorne with suggestions as to where I would like additional music. The two got together then on a Sunday afternoon at Tom's house in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and pushed out the music in a few hours.
The two are very prolific. At Songaweek.com the duo posts music (for free download) every week. Over the last four years, they have had over 1 million downloads.
I encourage all of you to go to the site and give their music a listen. They are both extremely talented individuals who deserve to be heard. It was a pleasure to finally meet them. It was a little strange, however. Although we had not previously met in person, I felt like I had known them for a long, long time.
I am so thankful that three years ago I accidentally stumbled across their music. Today, I count Tom and Lorne among my friends and, in fact, I have become one of their biggest fans.
To view more images of Tom and Lorne from my visit, please go to the Flickr page.
To get acquainted with the music of Tom Flannery and Lorne Clarke, please visit their website at SongAWeek.com.
Tom has a new album available online. The album is entitled Love in the Present Tense. This is a great album and is available for download for only $6.99. Take a listen here.
In addition, Lorne's new album, Moonlight and Cider is also available. This album features a great new version of Facing Sudan's title theme, "How Do We Sleep at Night?" Take a listen here.
Don't forget, the soundtrack to Facing Sudan is also available. Download it here.
Labels:
darfur,
documentary,
facing sudan,
folk music,
lorne clarke,
soundtrack,
sudan,
tom flannery
Monday, March 10, 2008
Film Festival Photos
I was able to attend several festivals last year at which Facing Sudan screened. I have finally put up some photographs taken at some of those festivals. Enjoy.
Facing Sudan Flickr Site
Facing Sudan Flickr Site
Labels:
darfur,
documentary,
facing sudan,
Film festivals,
photographs
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Facing Sudan Featured in National Council for the Social Studies Publication
Facing Sudan recently made the front page of The Social Studies Professional. This publication is the official newsletter for the National Council for the Social Studies. I have been a member of NCSS for many years and even presented a few years ago at the annual convention a workshop entitled, "Give Students the Black Death: Using Drama, Poetry and Song in the Classroom." Unfortunately, I recently let my membership lapse---but will soon rejoin! Thanks NCSS for highlighting the film!
A link to the publication can be found here
Want to see a kid with the black death? Click here.
A link to the publication can be found here
Want to see a kid with the black death? Click here.
Monday, January 21, 2008
From Sinatra to Sudan---Teacher makes film about war-torn country
Teacher known for Sinatra gets serious for Sudan documentary
Chicago, January 21, 2008(I-Newswire) - Chicago area history teacher Bruce David Janu never intended to make a feature length documentary about the situation in Sudan. Known for his use of Sinatra in the classroom, including the infamous "Frank Sinatra Detention club," Janu stumbled into feature-filmmaking after meeting Brian Burns, a young janitor at his school.
Burns was sweeping floors on the third shift at John Hersey High School in suburban Arlington Heights when the two crossed paths. They struck up a conversation and when Burns began relating his experiences in Sudan, Janu saw an opportunity for his students.
That chance meeting on a Friday afternoon led not to a speaking engagement in front of a class of freshman, but to a feature documentary entitled Facing Sudan. The film highlights the situation in that war-torn country but is uniquely told through the eyes of ordinary individuals who have made a difference there: a suburban housewife, a 73-year-old pediatrician, a grandmother, a high school student, several Sudanese "lost boys" and, of course, Brian Burns.
"Two years ago, if someone said to me that I would be making a documentary about Sudan," says Janu, "I would have told them they were crazy."
It is Janu's students, however, who think that he is the crazy one. In addition to extra credit Sinatra questions on every test, Janu routinely dresses in costume and dances in front of class in an attempt to get the students interested in history. He sings too. One of his raps about absolutism in Europe even made it on You Tube. His students weren't surprised at his turn as a filmmaker. He had already made several educational videos for his classes over the years and many of his students turned out for the Chicago premiere of Facing Sudan at the Illinois International Film Festival last fall, where it won "Best Documentary."
"I put this film together in my spare time down in the basement," Janu says. "I never thought it would get this much attention." In addition to the long hours, he ended up paying for the film using his credit cards.
Although creating the film was arduous and financially challenging, Janu did have some help. His subjects supplied much of the footage from Sudan and he discovered two singer/songwriters from Pennsylvania, Tom Flannery and Lorne Clarke, willing to compose an original soundtrack for the film. Passionate about Sudan, the duo contributed songs completely pro bono, including "Crayons and Paper," a heartbreaking song that accompanies drawings made by children from Darfur smuggled out of Sudan by a pediatrician working with Doctors Without Borders.
Facing Sudan has toured the festival circuit and received much critical acclaim, including two "best documentary" awards.
The film has now been released on DVD by Bell, Book & Camera Productions with several deleted scenes, director commentary and a bonus song by Tom Flannery.
In addition, Janu has provided free lesson plans and discussion questions for Facing Sudan, hoping that it will fulfill his ultimate goals: education and awareness.
"Anyone can make a difference in this world," he says. "Especially if you know what's going on. As more people know about Sudan, the more likely something will be done."
Press kit, artwork and photos from the film are available at the official website at http://www.facingsudan.com/sudan.html
###
Bell, Book & Camera Productions
PO Box 24
Cary, IL 60013
Tel: 847-721-9222
info@bellbookcamera.com
Other film related sites: http://www.myspace.com/facing_sudan
Songwriters' site: http://www.songaweek.com
Tom Flannery's Site: http://www.tomflannery.com
Lorne Clarke's site: http://www.songaweek.com/lorne/
"Reel Chicago" Article about the film:
http://www.reelchicago.com/archive.cfm?storyID=1628
Information about the Frank Sinatra Detention Club and the director:
New York Times article
Entertainment Weekly article
Chicago, January 21, 2008(I-Newswire) - Chicago area history teacher Bruce David Janu never intended to make a feature length documentary about the situation in Sudan. Known for his use of Sinatra in the classroom, including the infamous "Frank Sinatra Detention club," Janu stumbled into feature-filmmaking after meeting Brian Burns, a young janitor at his school.
Burns was sweeping floors on the third shift at John Hersey High School in suburban Arlington Heights when the two crossed paths. They struck up a conversation and when Burns began relating his experiences in Sudan, Janu saw an opportunity for his students.
That chance meeting on a Friday afternoon led not to a speaking engagement in front of a class of freshman, but to a feature documentary entitled Facing Sudan. The film highlights the situation in that war-torn country but is uniquely told through the eyes of ordinary individuals who have made a difference there: a suburban housewife, a 73-year-old pediatrician, a grandmother, a high school student, several Sudanese "lost boys" and, of course, Brian Burns.
"Two years ago, if someone said to me that I would be making a documentary about Sudan," says Janu, "I would have told them they were crazy."
It is Janu's students, however, who think that he is the crazy one. In addition to extra credit Sinatra questions on every test, Janu routinely dresses in costume and dances in front of class in an attempt to get the students interested in history. He sings too. One of his raps about absolutism in Europe even made it on You Tube. His students weren't surprised at his turn as a filmmaker. He had already made several educational videos for his classes over the years and many of his students turned out for the Chicago premiere of Facing Sudan at the Illinois International Film Festival last fall, where it won "Best Documentary."
"I put this film together in my spare time down in the basement," Janu says. "I never thought it would get this much attention." In addition to the long hours, he ended up paying for the film using his credit cards.
Although creating the film was arduous and financially challenging, Janu did have some help. His subjects supplied much of the footage from Sudan and he discovered two singer/songwriters from Pennsylvania, Tom Flannery and Lorne Clarke, willing to compose an original soundtrack for the film. Passionate about Sudan, the duo contributed songs completely pro bono, including "Crayons and Paper," a heartbreaking song that accompanies drawings made by children from Darfur smuggled out of Sudan by a pediatrician working with Doctors Without Borders.
Facing Sudan has toured the festival circuit and received much critical acclaim, including two "best documentary" awards.
The film has now been released on DVD by Bell, Book & Camera Productions with several deleted scenes, director commentary and a bonus song by Tom Flannery.
In addition, Janu has provided free lesson plans and discussion questions for Facing Sudan, hoping that it will fulfill his ultimate goals: education and awareness.
"Anyone can make a difference in this world," he says. "Especially if you know what's going on. As more people know about Sudan, the more likely something will be done."
Press kit, artwork and photos from the film are available at the official website at http://www.facingsudan.com/sudan.html
###
Bell, Book & Camera Productions
PO Box 24
Cary, IL 60013
Tel: 847-721-9222
info@bellbookcamera.com
Other film related sites: http://www.myspace.com/facing_sudan
Songwriters' site: http://www.songaweek.com
Tom Flannery's Site: http://www.tomflannery.com
Lorne Clarke's site: http://www.songaweek.com/lorne/
"Reel Chicago" Article about the film:
http://www.reelchicago.com/archive.cfm?storyID=1628
Information about the Frank Sinatra Detention Club and the director:
New York Times article
Entertainment Weekly article
Labels:
darfur,
documentary,
dvd,
human rights,
sinatra,
sudan
Sunday, August 05, 2007
New FACING SUDAN Trailer
Here is the new trailer for Facing Sudan.
Labels:
darfur,
documentary,
genocide,
human rights,
sudan
Thursday, February 08, 2007
New Facing Sudan Clip
Here is a new clip from the documentary. It is called "Voices from Darfur" and features a song by Lorne Clarke entitled, "Requiem for Butare." The song is from "The Rwandan Song Cycle" by Lorne Clarke and Tom Flannery. The entire song cycle can be found at http://www.songaweek.com/rwanda.
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