Monday, March 6, 2017

A poetic look at some Oscar-nominated movies

Editor's Note: The following bit of commentary and verse was submitted by Cornel Barnett, a Point Richmond resident.
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By Cornel Barnett
Point Richmond

     These thoughts on the Oscar-nominated movies on refugees do not give away their plots. They are mere indicators to encourage you to see the movies. 
     The films capture the refugee crisis like no other, except if you have actually been there. 
     It’s painful
     Thanks to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, we get an inside look that will open wide your heart.          
     Let’s hope it turns policy and encourages peace in the pertinent councils of power.  

2017 Oscar-nominated Movies on Refugees *

Six 2017 Oscar-nominated movies
Address the global refugee crisis.
Each is tragic as hell – yet hopeful

In “Fire at Sea,” a Nigerian laments aloud
His harrowing flight and death walk
Through desert, Libya, jail and escape to the sea

In “Silent Nights,” Denmark houses diverse communities
And everyone discriminates, nationals on transnationals,
Refugee on refugee – and silently, love emerges

In “Watani: My Homeland,” a Syrian warrior is killed
And his wife and three children find refuge
In a welcoming, aging, medieval German town

In “Ennemis Interieurs,” a French officer interrogates
For authenticity the loyalty of a Muslim in France
And Arabs no longer feel safe and at home

In “4.1 Miles,” the Greek island of Lesbos is swamped
As thousands of men, women and children are rescued
Or they wash ashore – and Europe is overwhelmed

In “Joe’s Violin,” Joe buys a violin in a ghetto
During his flight from World War II and Nazism.
Seventy years later, the violin soothes others

Addendum
(A precipitating event):

In “White Helmets,” brave men save hundreds
From buildings blasted and bombed in Syria
And a baby is pulled from the rubble and cries
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* Documentary feature: “Fire at Sea”
   Documentary short: “”4.1 Miles”, “Joe’ Violin”, “Watani: My Homeland”, “The White Helmets”.

   Live-action short: “Ennemis Interieurs”, “Silent Nights”.

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