
Noam Chomsky, 87, has spent six decades as a leading leftist political analyst, critic, and writer, while simultaneously establishing himself as the father of modern linguistics and one of the founders of cognitive science.
On Monday, July 25, Vineyard audiences will get the chance to view Chomsky’s new movie, “Requiem for the American Dream,” and participate in a discussion with the legendary political activist and writer after the screening. The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival (MVFF), as part of its series of summer screenings, is bringing Chomsky and his film to the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs for a one-time-only event.
The film, which was purposely released before the presidential election, is described by the New York Times as “a timely 75-minute teach-in” which “focuses here on an election-season theme: financial inequality in America and what he calls its corrosive effect on democracy.”
MVFF programming/managing director Brian Ditchfield describes the film as “a crash course in wealth and inequality and what to do about it, also interwoven with a biography of Noam Chomsky.”
For those who are interested in an even more up-close and personal experience, the festival is also offering the opportunity to attend a prescreening cocktail party with Chomsky that includes wine, appetizers, and special VIP seating for the film.
In this particularly contentious election year, with recent disturbing events rocking the nation and the globe, it’s sometimes all too easy for those of us on the Vineyard to forget what’s going on in the world at large. Fortunately, the MVFF is bringing many of the issues at the forefront of the news to the Island.
Not only is the festival presenting films of relevance this year, in most cases, followup Q and As with directors or film subjects are shedding new light on points of interest, promoting discussion, and hopefully encouraging action among audiences.
Last week, in the midst of continuing racial unrest, the festival screened the film “Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise” followed by a discussion with Harvard professor, director, and Film Festival board member Henry Louis Gates Jr.
On Wednesday, July 20, in the wake of yet another mass murder, the MVFF screened the film “Newtown,” documenting the effects of the 2012 school shooting on the small Connecticut community. A discussion with the documentary’s filmmaker, director, producer, and a subject followed the screening.
“It just so happens that we are tracking the issues of the times,” Mr. Ditchfield said. “With some of the films, that was unintentional. We didn’t know there was be more racial tension and more gun violence, but we try to match the Zeitgeist of what’s going on in the world.”
Mr. Ditchfield notes many of those involved in the festival this year have a strong Vineyard connection. The producer of “Newtown,” Maria Cuomo Coles, has a home on the Island, as does Spike Lee, whose film on Michael Jackson will be shown on August 20. Laura Bialis, director of “Rock in the Red Zone” (August 17) and director (and MVFF board member) Dawn Porter, whose film “Trapped” deals with the issue of reproductive rights, also have Island ties, as well as James Lapine, whose feature film “Custody” played last week.
A number of films set on the Island and featuring issues of local, as well as national, concern make up part of the festival schedule this year. On Monday, the MVFF screened a series of short films spotlighting threats to the shellfish population. The film “One Big Home,” by festival founder and executive and creative director Thomas Bena, which premiered earlier this summer, will be screened again on July 29 and August 8.
According to the MVFF website, the mission of the 15-year-old nonprofit organization is “to produce community events, educational programs, and films that spark discussion, debate, and action.” That mission is clearly in line with Noam Chomsky’s aim in educating the public. As he concludes in “Requiem for the American Dream,” “There’s a lot that can be done if people organize, struggle for their rights as they’ve done in the past.”
“Requiem for the American Dream” screening and discussion with Noam Chomsky: Monday, July 25, 7:30 pm. The Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs. Member admission, $10; general admission, $20.
Prescreening cocktails with Mr. Chomsky and reserved seating, $150. For tickets and more information, visit tmvff.org.