Film festival to feature Spanish-language ‘Babe’

It was so nice, they’re doing it twice.

The second annual Austin Human Rights Commission Film Festival is set for this week, as the HRC will sponsor free movies at the Paramount Theatre May 10-12.

“We really felt good about what happened last year, so we’re looking forward to this year,” HRC chairwoman Kirsten Lindbloom said.

Lindbloom said more than 250 residents took part in last year’s film festival, which is why organizers are excited to bring even more films to the area.

The festival opens at 7 p.m. Thursday with “Burma VJ,” a documentary from Anders Ostergaard which uses footage recorded and smuggled out of Burma by average citizens during the Buddhist monk protests of 2007.

“As we are seeing more and more of our Karen population, we wanted to be able to provide some historical and recent history on Burma and also to bring awareness,” Lindbloom said. “We want to put a spotlight on Burma and give the community an opportunity to learn.”

“The First Grader,” a movie about education in Kenya, will take place at 7 p.m. Friday. The movie is based on the true story of Kimani Maruge, an 84-year-old man who decided to get an education and enroll in elementary school after the Kenyan government approved universal and free education in 2003.

“It’s the story of a retired-age man who’s taking advantage of a free education,” Lindbloom said.

The classic “Babe” will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles at 2 p.m. Saturday. Lindbloom said last year’s family film, “Shrek,” was the most well-attended movie and organizers hope “Babe” will draw a large crowd, as well.

The final festival film “Papers,” is a documentary about the controversial immigration issue. “Papers” shares stories from undocumented youth who turn 18 without legally becoming a U.S. citizen. The film claims more than 65,000 undocumented students graduate every year from high school without legal status and about 2 million undocumented children who were born outside the U.S. and raised in the country.

“Many of these children come here as toddlers and live their whole life in the U.S.,” Lindbloom said. “Then they face the realities of this undocumented world.”

“Papers” will be shown at 7 p.m. Saturday.

All movies are free of charge. Doors will open 30 minutes before showings.

SportsPlus

News

Biden’s broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy

Mower County

Austin Area Foundation announces community funded grants to a record 22 local nonprofit organizations

Mower County

Photos: Holiday revelers face the cold for Hometown Christmas

Albert Lea

Albert Lea theater to present ‘White Christmas’

Mower County

Nativity display open for another year

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Nov. 18-25

Mower County

MnDOT hosts public meetings in December to help guide Minnesota State Rail Plan

News

Female racing pioneer ‘Motorcycle Mary’ McGee dies a day before documentary on her is released

Business

Local stores have a lot to offer during the holiday season

News

Dementia research and support to continue in Minnesota after Congress passes legislation

Mower County

Cold snap continues into this weekend

Mower County

County submits first project to FEMA for reimbursement related to June flooding

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

APD investigating crash into house, possible stolen vehicle

Business

86th annual profit sharing held at Hormel plant

Mower County

Celebrating Miracles: Display documenting Eucharistic miracles coming to Austin

News

Tim Walz accepts turkey presentation as he eases back into his duties as Minnesota’s governor

Business

Joseph Company receives construction industry award

Mower County

Zonta begins annual anti-violence campaign

News

Judge halts cannabis license lottery that is precursor to Minnesota marijuana retail launch

News

Lawsuit challenges Minnesota abortion access in federal court

News

Netanyahu says he supports proposed ceasefire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah

News

Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans