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Q: What is a movie you love that depicts a community rocked by changes in the world?

A: Invasion of The Body Snatchers. The 1956 original is regarded as a commentary on the era's McCarthyism, yet the message is relevant in a post-9/11 world. Are people willing to sacrifice their identities and demand widescale conformity as part of mass hysterical reaction to a threat from an elusive, alien enemy? The film also plays well as a modern-day view of how corporate-driven values in a technology-obsessed, status-focused world make their mark in even the smallest, most protected corners of our culture.
- Matt Rosenberg, Broadcast News Producer, Reno, NV

Q: With all known side effects, do you think it's a good idea for the states to continue fluoridating our water supply?

A: I think it's weird that they care enough to put it in the water. There's something suspicious about that.

A:Yes, it works because nobody is dying!

A: Well, my aunt LOVES fluoride. So how bad could it be?

A: Fluoride is in fact invented, they are not putting anything in the water.

A: No. Adding extra chemicals into the water creates imbalances, especially in children.

- Local Pedestrians, New York City

What was happening with the National Debt in 1991?

In 1989, The National Debt Clock was unveiled

While the National Debt Clock continues to tally the mounting figure that's now in the trillions, history shows that the U.S. started out with debt from its inception. According to the Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Public Debt, the agency in charge of borrowing the money necessary to operate the federal government and account for the resulting debt, records indicate that debts incurred during the Revolutionary War amounted to $75,463,476.52 by January 1, 1791. The Civil War also resulted in dramatic debt growth. In 1860, the figure was $65 million, but it surged to more than $1 billion in 1863, and had reached $2.7 billion following the war. Today's debt total, however, doesn't even represent all that the country truly owes, say some economists. Payment obligations like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits, along with other obligations like defense spending, drive the actual debt as high as $211 trillion. Looks like they'll have to add another digit-display box to that clock. Additional Debt Blog

Education in Chile

By Liz Tedesco: After four months of both peaceful and violent protests and several attempts at negotiations, Chile is no further in the fight for educational reform. Despite President Sebastián Piñera’s promises for some educational change, such as a $4 billion increase in educational funding, he is still standing by his rather unresponsive administration. Piñera’s concern to advance the economic status of Chile (indeed, they have experienced a rapid growth in economic expansion since Piñera has been in power), the disregard for major educational reform is making tens of thousands of students and teachers infuriated with Piñera’s policies. He has had the lowest approval rating of any Chilean president since Gen. August Pinochet was in power in 1990, hovering around 27 percent approval, according to The Harvard Crimson. Some key issues Chilean students are facing include correcting major funding gaps between public and private schools, as well as income disparities that prevent poorer students from affording a college-level education. Educational reform is imperative to the growth and development of Chile; Piñera and his administration need to answer to an understandably angry citizenry demanding progressive change.

Speak Your Mind in the cFF Poll

What topics do you think should be represented at chashama Film Festival 2011? Vote on our Facebook page!

• World change
• Government protests
• Animal rights
• Effects of multinational corporations
• (Inter)national debt
• Climate change

Trade Secrets' Amber Moelter

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September 28, 2011

Interview with Amber Moelter

What do you do in film? "I'm that all-encompassing indie filmmaker who also appears on camera, plus I play a strong role in art direction, costuming, and makeup. I'm a Jill of Most Trades, and I'm slowly adding more. While I prefer to focus on one or two arenas at a time, it's very valuable to be versatile. As a director, the more you understand about the other departments, the stronger the production." Why do you make films? "I got into filmmaking very organically, coming from a performance background. I realized that I loved creating something out of nothing. I have since only produced and directed films that have shouted: 'Hey, Amber, make me!' So whether it's a thriller, a comic book internet series, or true stories that need to be told, I make films that explore an unexposed level of my personality and fulfill my desire to connect with an audience." What is the most important thing you've learned by making films? "The biggest things that come to mind are the importance of trusting your intuition, and being genuine and fair with your collaborators." Anything else you'd like to share? "If you don't have a passion that is killing your soul because you can't share it with people, then what is fueling your desire to make a movie? If you are ready to love this film like your baby, and accept its fate regardless of the outcome, then what are you waiting for? Go and make a movie already!"