Films address freedom of information

Advertiser Staff

Marley man A talk and video presentation, "The Life and Times of Bob Marley with Roger Steffens," begins at 5 p.m. Monday at the Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts. Steffens, above, is a writer/musician/historian who has written extensively about the late reggae star. Admission is $7 general; $6 seniors, military and students; $5 museum members. 532-8768.

Here's the lineup:

"Weapons of Mass Deception," a Hawai'i premiere, 7 p.m. Tuesday at Marks Garage; reception at 6 p.m. The film, by journalist/filmmaker Danny Schecter, focuses on the media's coverage of the Iraq war. There will also be a discussion and Q-and-A session with Schecter. Also featuring DJ Spychedelic from Amsterdam. Admission is $10. RSVP at 282-8407.

The film repeats at 3 p.m. March 20 at the UH Architecture Auditorium as part of the UH/Bank of Hawaii film series. $5 general, $3 students.

"Fear and Favor in the Newsroom," 7 p.m. Wednesday at UH's St. John Auditorium. Studs Terkel narrates this look at how freedom of the press and investigative journalism have been affected by the corporate ownership of many newspapers and TV stations. Also showing: "Rich Media, Poor Democracy," based on the book by Robert McChesney about corporate influence on the media. Free; sponsored by the UH Political Film Series.

"Orwell Rolls in His Grave," 7 p.m. Thursday at the UH Architecture Auditorium, also part of the UH/Bank of Hawaii film festival. Directed by Robert Kane Pappas, this film is another look at the effect of corporate ownership on the media. $5 general, $3 students.

"Propaganda Under Stress: World War II Treatment of Japanese Americans," 7 p.m. March 18 at the Architecture Auditorium; reception at 6:30 p.m. A film by Tom Coffman and Bob Bates that looks at archival film depictions of the treatment of AJAs. Donation; sponsored by the Honolulu Community Media Council, the Asian American Journalists Association and the UH chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

"Harriet Bouslog," 7 p.m. March 19 at the Architecture Auditorium. This documentary, by Victoria Nalani Kneubel, Joy Chong-Stannard and Craig Howes, follows the life of Harriet Bouslog, the labor and civil-rights attorney who was at the center of major legal and political events in Hawai'i's territorial period. Panel discussion with the filmmakers to follow. Donation; sponsored by the Honolulu Community Media Council and the UH chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

"Tell the Truth and Run," 7 p.m. March 30 at the St. John Auditorium. A film about legendary journalist George Seldes, a noted foreign correspondent who became America's leading press critic. Also showing: "Now With Bill Moyers," an episode in which he talks about conservative influence on the media. Free; sponsored by the UH Political Film Series.

Other events celebrating Freedom of Information Day include:

• A multimedia installation at The ARTS at Marks Garage, titled "Right to Know," from Tuesday to April 2. Artists include Meleanna Aluli Meyer, Holger Schramm, Daniella Minerbi and Solomon Enos. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
• A Free Speech Slam, March 22, also at Marks Garage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., food at 7 p.m., poetry slam at 8 p.m. Hosted by Travis T.; music by DJ Mr. Nicks. Admission is $5 before 7:30 p.m., $7 afterward.