December 12, 2024 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Human Rights Play Center Stage with Two Award-Winning Films Opening this Weekend at Laemmle Monica Film Center

Cinema Libre Studio, a Burbank-based independent distribution company with a focus on social issue films, has two powerful films opening this weekend, following a New York City run, which focus on human rights.

 Beyond The Raging Sea, a documentary, follows the harrowing tale of Egyptian adventurers Omar Nour and Omar Samra (Team 02) as they take on the Talisker Atlantic Challenge, an unsupported 3,000 nautical mile journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua.  After two years of preparation, with little open water experience, Team 02 embarked on the world’s toughest row. In collaboration with UNHCR and UNDP, they dedicated their journey to the displaced people who face peril crossing dangerous seas. The Hollywood Reporter called it “a gripping adventure on high seas.”

Omar Samra, the first Egyptian to climb Mount Everest and Omar Nour the first Egyptian professional triathlete are in Santa Monica for Q&A talkbacks with director Marco Orsini following shows on Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 4:30 and Sunday at 12:45 & 3:00.

Website: https://www.beyondtheragingsea.com/
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmiEg_hxdew

Written and directed by Philippe Diaz, “I am Gitmo,” is an award-winning narrative, which Truthdig called, “an effective and necessary reminder that after 23-plus years, Guantanamo is still open. And for that, we should all feel ashamed.”

Synopsis: During the War on Terror after 9/11, Gamel Sadek (Sammy Sheik), a Muslim schoolteacher is taken from his home and delivered to Bagram Air Base, a CIA black site, where he is questioned about the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden. He is tortured when he denies knowing him. Chained and hooded, he is put on a cargo plane to Guantanamo Bay. John Anderson (Eric Pierpoint), a military interrogator, is brought out of retirement and assigned to Gamel’s case leaving his daughter behind in New York. Despite relentless beatings, starvation, and torture in Gitmo, Gamel maintains his innocence. John struggles to accept the new torture methods imposed by General Miller (Sean O’Bryan), newly in command of the prison, and the mandate to force a confession at any cost. As Gamel prepares for a hearing on his status as an enemy combatant with his lawyer Bob Levin (Paul Kampf), he realizes he could be held indefinitely, and that John’s testimony will be the deciding factor.

The film has garnered a Best Actor Award at the Marbella Film Festival and a Special Jury Award at the Socially Relevant Film Festival.

Q&As following three shows with Philippe Diaz moderated by journalist Jeremy Kuzmarov include:

Friday @ 1:00 -Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin who was UN Special Rapporteur on Human rights and Counterterrorism

Saturday @ 7:00  & Sunday @ 7:15 –  Cast members Eric Pierpoint and Chico Brown

Website: https://iamgitmo.com/
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW2MQBN3cx8
______________________

Additional shows ALL WEEK  for both films with senior matinee discounts and student ticket prices!       

Tickets & Showtimes @ Laemmle Monica
1332 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Link: https://www.laemmle.com/film/i-am-gitmo

in NEWS
Related Posts

Bar Nine to Close Culver City Flagship After 11 Years of Excellent Espresso and Connection

December 12, 2024

December 12, 2024

Espresso Bar Bids Farewell to Culver City, Plans Bright Future with Pure Espresso After 11 years of serving the community, Bar...

Holey Moley Brings Food, Fun Drinks, Mini-Golf, and Karaoke to the Third Street Promenade

December 12, 2024

December 12, 2024

Whimsical Cocktails, Comfort Food, and Immersive Putt-Putt Courses In Santa Monica Holey Moley Golf Club, a new entertainment venue by...

Court Rulings Spell the End of Proposed Merger Between Albertson’s and Kroger

December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

Grocery Chain Announces Kroger Lawsuit in Separate Press Release Albertsons Companies, Inc. has announced the termination of its proposed merger...

Bacari Debuts in Beverly Hills: Mediterranean Dining in the Iconic Villa Blanca Space

December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

Seventh Los Angeles Location Beloved Small Plates, Craft Cocktails, and Rustic Charm Bacari, the acclaimed Mediterranean-inspired, family-owned restaurant group, has...

Gregory Maqoma’s The Land We Carry Debuts at The Nimoy Theater on December 14

December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

Mesmerizing Dance Performance Exploring Connection, and the Meaning of Home South African dancer and choreographer Gregory Maqoma will present his...

(Video) The Watermark at Beverly Hills Offers Boutique-Style Living for Seniors

December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

For More Info, Go To Watermarkcommunities.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/1KMXcau57L pic.twitter.com/Mc6jV2g4us — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) December 11, 2024

Free Groceries and Support for the Unhoused Every Tuesday in West Hollywood

December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

JFSLA and Seeds of Hope Provide Food and Resources to Those in Need The Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) SOVA...

Composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Deliver Stunning Score for Luca Guadagnino’s Queer

December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

Experience a Hauntingly Beautiful Soundtrack Inspired by William S. Burroughs’ Unfinished Novel Milan Records has released the original score for...

City of West Hollywood Wraps Up WeHo Reads 2024 with “Through a Lens Queerly”

December 10, 2024

December 10, 2024

Free Literary Event Explores Queer Perspectives With Authors and City Poet Laureate The City of West Hollywood will conclude its...

Man Arrested for Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO in NYC Has Ties to Santa Monica

December 9, 2024

December 9, 2024

Suspect Found with Ghost Gun, Manifesto, and Fake IDs in Pennsylvania Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, was arrested in Pennsylvania...

Red Flag Warning Issued for Los Angeles Amid High Winds and Fire Danger

December 9, 2024

December 9, 2024

Residents in High-Risk Areas Urged to Prepare for Potential Evacuations  A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Los Angeles,...

Golden Globes Announce 2025 Nominees: See the Full List

December 9, 2024

December 9, 2024

Hollywood’s Biggest Night Returns, Top Contenders Revealed The nominees for the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards® were announced Monday, December...

Shore Hotel to Open New Coastal-Inspired Hotel Restaurant

December 9, 2024

December 9, 2024

By Susan Payne A new restaurant is opening at the Shore Hotel in January, offering guests and the public a...

Where to Meet Santa on the Westside This Holiday Season

December 8, 2024

December 8, 2024

From Malls To Diving Adventures, Explore the Top Spots Who wants to meet Santa? For parents, it’s one of the...

West Hollywood to Temporarily Close Plummer Park’s North Parking Lot for Maintenance

December 8, 2024

December 8, 2024

Slurry Seal Asphalt Project to Begin Tuesday, South Parking Lot To Remain Open The City of West Hollywood will begin...