The Reel Deal
SUN 8/22
Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 exposed some of the dark truths behind the Bush administration, but compared with Sunday’s Reel Democracy film festival at Screenland (1656 Washington), Moore’s movie only scratches the surface. Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism (screening at 12:30 and 7 p.m.) looks at corporate-controlled media outlet Fox News. Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election (2 and 8:45 p.m.) details how to steal an election. There’s also Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War (3:30 p.m.), followed by some of the best submissions from MoveOn.org’s Bush in 30 Seconds amateur ad contest (5 p.m.).
Reel Democracy organizer Christi Hoffman says it should be impossible for someone to see all these movies on the same day and still not get involved. “Before this [election], I would show up and vote, and that was it. I take that back — then I would bitch about politics for the next 4 years,” Hoffman says. “Nobody will come away from this not knowing what to do.”
On their way out, infuriated citizens can learn more or sign up to get involved with several activist organizations, including the League of Pissed-Off Voters. Tickets cost $6 for one film or $5 each for two or more. For details, see www.screenland.com or call 816-822-9373. — Michael Vennard
Cheers!
Raise your glasses while raising funds.
FRI 8/20
Newhouse, a domestic-violence shelter in Kansas City’s Northeast neighborhood, is a little more than three-quarters into its Women for Women campaign. Attempting to raise $25,000 in 3 months isn’t easy, and in the final push of the cash crusade, organizers are inviting well-wishers to Kabal Restaurant and Night Club (503 Walnut). For a $10 donation at the door, supporters receive free appetizers and $2 wells from 5 to 9 p.m. That adds up to a 120-minute happy-hour extension. According to our calculations, if regular drinks are $4 and do-gooders drink 5 cocktails in 2 hours, it actually becomes a profitable venture (not including the then-necessary cab ride home). Call Jamie Taylor at 816-471-0017 for more information. — Annie Fischer
