VOICES SELECT | FILM | DARFUR NOW

Change starts with ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

DARFUR NOW is a story of hope in the midst of one of humanity's darkest hours – a call to action for people everywhere to end the catastrophe unfolding in Darfur, Sudan. In this documentary, the struggles and achievements of six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the world bring to light the tragedy in Sudan and show how the actions of one person can make a difference to millions.

Written and directed by Ted Braun, the film explores the Darfur conflict through the first-hand experiences of Don Cheadle, Hejewa Adam, Pablo Recalde, Ahmed Mohammed Abakar, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, and Adam Sterling. Executive Produced by Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Omar Amanat, Matt Palmieri, Gary Greenebaum and Dean Schramm. Produced by Cathy Schulman, Don Cheadle and Mark Jonathan Harris. Here are examples of just 2 of the people highlighted in the film:

• At 24 years old, Adam Sterling is just of one of many young people involved in the fight to help the people of Darfur. A UCLA student whose Jewish grandmother fled Nazi Germany, Adam learned about the situation in Darfur and felt he had to do something. Despite his youth and inexperience in the political arena, he works to get a bill passed that will keep California’s State funds out of Sudan. Amazingly, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs the bill.

• Hejewa Adam had been a mother who dreamt of going back to school until her West Darfur village was attacked and destroyed by Janjaweed militias and government forces. When she fled, her three-month-old son was beaten to death as he clung to her back. She faces two choices – abandon her home forever or join the rebels to bring justice and peace back to Sudan. Determined to help defend the Fur people of Western Darfur, Hejewa joins the rebels.

In addition to these six people, the film also features His Excellency Abldalmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohamad, Sudan’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York. A career diplomat, His Excellency articulates Sudan’s position on the Darfur crisis from the perspective of a government that feels it has not been fairly characterized by the world’s media. The struggles of each these individuals outlines a different facet of the ongoing crisis in Darfur – but they all point to the need for immediate action. Each story is an inspiration for ordinary individuals to become involved to resolve the conflict and bring hope and peace to the people of Darfur.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

OPENS TODAY - See the Movie and Spread the Word.

Showtimes and Locations

Lincoln Plaza Center, 1886 Broadway, between 62nd and 63rd
The Angelika Film Center, 18 W. Houston St. at Mercer St.

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR
Tell your lawmaker that you want the genocide to stop. Call 1-800-genocide and connect instantly with your lawmaker.

CITIZEN ACTIVISM GETS A LIFT FROM BILL CLINTON

I'm not big on promoting political figures, but I certainly think Bill Clinton's Foundation website offers a nice way to read and share a "giving story". Clinton's new book, "Giving--How Each of Us Can Change the World" is just getting launched this week with solid media backing and although I haven't seen nor read the book, of course, I think it's a great way to perpetuate action and change in our society. According to the Boston Globe Clinton's book, although scattered and dry, may be an effective resource for giving. I sure hope so.

I like the idea of giving time, money and skills to help others in need. I've been doing it myself for many years. Each of us really does have the power to change the world. Now if only more of us would truly believe it...

Clinton's book is in step with Time Magazine which features The Case for National Service. Included in the report is a commentary by Caroline Kennedy on "Making a Difference at Home," as well as another place to share how you serve the community. I've written in the past about the US Public Service Academy and they too are featured in the article. Listen to the podcast