Cultures Of Resistance: Make Films Not War

“Sometimes a film, a song, has taken history on a different path,” says one of the opening statements in Iara Lee’s documentary, Cultures of Resistance. It seems, though, that history doesn’t always want to be changed.

The Guinness Book of Records declared the 2003 antiwar demonstration against the Iraq War the largest outpouring of humanity on one issue, yet troops still occupy the country to this day.  In the same year as the demonstration, filmmaker Iara Lee set out to visit five continents to make her film, Cultures of Resistance.

Iara Lee is a Brazilian of Korean descent, but she says, “I am a Palestinian woman at heart because I identify with the oppressed.” Iara visited 35 countries during the making of the film, often risking her safety.  She was even arrested by Israeli troops who opened fire on the flotilla whose humanitarian aid she was documenting.

“Environmental, social, and indigenous justice is my cause,” said Iara.

She hopes “Cultures of Resistance” will bring more attention to the antiwar movement.  A series of screenings set up around the US, including one at Columbia University on April 27th.

“Resistance shouldn’t just be against something but it should create something of its own,” says one of the film’s interviewees.  “Despair should be a catalyst for activity.”

“Cultures of Resistance” shows graffiti artists, musicians, photographers and filmmakers who are dedicated to the cause of peace. One craftsman made a guitar in the shape of an AK47, saying if this gun can become a guitar, “why can’t people change too.”

“Obviously I’m promoting non-violence,” said Iara, “but it seems we always have people who suffer and give their lives. The government and the corporations don’t go non-violent.”

“Cultures of Resistance” gives a voice to activists from Iran, Brazil, Congo, Palestine and Lebanon.

“The UN said the Congo is the deadliest nation in the world,” says an interviewee. “The conflict is based on who’s going to control mineral resources in the soil.”

In Rwanda, women have been instrumental in bringing about change, implementing a policy of taking in one child refugee for one home.

“The inclusion of women in government is itself a form of conflict resolution conducive to peace,” says a female activist.  “It is their daughters who are raped, their sons who become child soldiers and their husbands who are killed.”

Although much of the footage is harrowing, there is also beauty in the art created by people inspired to move for change.

“We are in the process of putting together a list of things people can do to help and that will be on our website,” said Iara.   “Even if it’s just once a month or in your vacation time, there is always something you can do.”

“It is a moral duty,” she said.  “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty.”

Iara Lee’s Cultures of Resistance will be screened at Columbia University on April  27 at 7:30 pm.  She will answer questions after the screening and an after-party with a dj will follow the April 27^th screening open to all those in attendance.

Columbia University event page click here

Cultures of Resistance website click here.

If you see Cultures of Resistance let us know what you think?

By Yolande Brener