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Dear Mr. Damon: Cinema Verite Group/Stewards of the Earth, Mexican Alliance Against Fracking, The International Film Forum of Saltillo Kikapoo and the other institutions represented here extend a cordial request via this 'open letter' as prior attempts in delivering this message through your publicist had faded from the anticipated response on joining with us in the First International Saltillo Kikapoo Film Forum on Human Rights. An initiative from the Indigenous people to explore the roots of the prevalent forced migration and the intent of great numbers of youth and workers crossing Mexico's borders seeking work and survival in the U.S. The Forum proposes the committed effort by the Saltillo Kikapoo elders, offering promotion, exhibition and discussion of realistic world cinema's responsibility on the urgent issues faced and provides a platform for building understanding and inspiring the transformation of society through the great power of persuasive film-‐-‐and guided by the leadership of its star whose advocacy in support of land, clean water and air principles is of the essence in the stewardship against the poisoning of the environment and protection of cultural survival. Your honored presence will make a difference in this struggle of life and death, especially over the terrible consequences of fracking as portrayed excellently in the film 'Promised Land'. The forum is proud that this film will be screened at our inaugural film festival, on November 4-‐8, 2014. I, Lupe Anguiano, as a lead member of the solidarity group "Californians Against Fracking" and founder of 'Stewards of the Earth', together with colleagues in Mexico and the U.S., Mtra. Diana Gonzalez, Diego Quemada-‐Diez, Dr. Camilo Perez Bustillo, Dorinda Moreno, Jerry Velasco, Dr. Alma Martinez, Eva Bodenstedt, Sadie Vialpando Williams, Georgia Bowen-‐Quinones-‐-‐leaders in human rights, education, the arts and film-‐-‐grass roots and social media specialists representing a cross-‐border initiative and alliance, make this appeal on behalf of the film festival in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
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This circle of support makes up the panelists whose sage contributions shall serve towards the galvanization of continental efforts and strengthening of the people's struggle against Fracking and building conscience through film audience innovations. Taking control of our collective futures by mentoring with the present generations whose lives are open and inspired in serving for the betterment of the planet. And, I am honored in taking forward this 'open letter' for your hopeful response to this special call for supporting this cause with your generous participatory support. Trusting fully in the humanistic commitment you demonstrate by producing, directing, and acting in films that serve in raising consciousness-‐-‐shown by this production and personal expression for social awareness of the masses. And, for your consideration in being present for the forthcoming dates, we are prepared with the name of the municipal (county) government of Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, who offers the ease of having a plane particularly tailored to your scheduling needs. Surely, your participation would provide the platform in bridging cross-‐border leadership and grass roots alliances with the people across the America's, a huge benefit to the entire country and continent in crisis. It is a harsh fact that the local and regional media in Mexico is subject to official government propaganda which unfortunately is in favor of fracking. In Mexico, the energy reform recently enacted by the Federal government has opened the country of Mexico as a free grab by foreign companies in reaching shale wells drilled in any part of the territory and infringing on the individual rights of the people. A real threat to the ecosystem and crops that feed the America's and world. The impact on the food chain is profound, and it is an imperative for today's youth to receive from the sage wisdom of the informed on the sources of corporate power that infringe on Mother Earth and her people of all colors and persuasions everywhere. With this heartfelt invitation and hoped for confirmation to participate in partnership with the FIC Kikapoo and Cinema Verite Group, in a cross-‐border collaborative arts alliance take responsibility in sharing in the spirit of good neighboring. And, together brave this step into the future that to many seemingly may appear impossible, yet bring forward the hope/'esperanza' offered by the break-‐through film, Salt of the Earth, the widely acclaimed film that Hollywood could not stop and which has served Labor, Women's, and Ethnic Studies with its gift to the U.S. and world. All lauding this break-‐through film, are embraced by the proud history of registry at the National Library of Congress, listed among the l00 films that defines Americana. And, this vital network has inspired the staging in celebratory commemorations throughout the year and concludes the films 60th Anniversary in Mexico, the birthplace of Rosaura Revueltas, the films leading actress and only ever to be deported from the U.S. during the McCarthy black listing era, just for being in the film. Also, a selected photo essay of the 50th Anniversary that took place at the College of Santa Fe, attended by Original Strikers and
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Cast Members, celebrated authors and community leaders, and covered by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, key-‐noted by Peter Coyote, Dolores Huerta (UFW/Cesar Chavez), Moctesuma Ezparza (Selena, Stand and Deliver), and photographed by photographer and film maker Linda Lynne Carfagno whose essay will be on exhibit in Saltillo, thanks to Dorinda Moreno, the films archivist and loyal spearhead for keeping the film (s) on curriculum lists and relevant for the duration. Additionally, Dorinda is a dedicated partner of the festival and committed in bringing the laurels of these films of conscience to audiences everywhere. Indeed, this film is a testimony to the unbreakable bond that ties the working people's of the U.S. and Mexico, and inspires contemporary generations to come to know this heralded cornerstone film depicting the struggle of the people of Silver City, New Mexico, whose lessons shared by the victorious building of the union that won over the corporate mine owners in a landmark true case. Thusly, honored by this film festival. Also, showcased with the 'Promised Land' and the 'Jaula de Oro/ "The Golden Cage", the award winning road movie described as 'piercing and poetic' about teenage Guatemalan immigrants and their journey to the U.S., relates a most fitting theme that is among the primary issues on the front pages and on point influencing public opinion for impacting necessary change in policies that affect the fact of a vacuum in social stability across the fabric of our mother earth, and putting all in social media on alert with the concermed seeking social resolve for the migrating youth who choose leaving their home lands in escape of the victimization in their countries of origin. Truly, these films are each a testimony toward fulfilling the promise of peace and justice for the coming generations. To feature these films together, is a step toward in fulfilling this promise of a healthy planet for all our relations. And, we are confident that our offerings will meet with your best intents in supporting these efforts with your honored presence and kind participation.
Sincerely
Lupe Anguiano Dorinda Moreno Diana González Stewards of the Earth Dr. Camilo Pérez Bustillo Cinema Realidad/FICSK
Jerry Velasco Cinema Verite Group
September, 2014
SIGNATORIES. Dr. Alma Martinez Azadeh N. Shahshahani Catalina Delgado-‐Trunk Lic. Carmen C. Paz Coyle Williams Lic. Christian Guerra Dr. Diane Torres-‐Velasquez Fawn Oakes Georgia Bowen Quinones Gerardo Omar Marin Gloria Vazquez Hope Sanford Jill Anderson Kirk Whisler Magdaleno Leno Rose-‐Avila Margaret Zapata Olivia Barrionuevo-‐Minkin Dr. Rafael Jesús González Raúl Valdez Dr. Rodolfo Garza Gutiérrez Sadie Vialpando Williams Yolanda Nava Yolanda Nava Dr. Jesus B. Ochoa Ing. José Palacios