Seeds of resistance
1979 documentary chronicles antiwar movement of ’60s, ’70s
Glenn Silber was born in 1950. By the time he entered college in 1968, the country was at the height of the anti-Vietnam War movement. This movement inspired Silber to create a piece of art.
The end result is the Academy Awardnominated 1979 documentary “The War at Home.”
And the Jean Cocteau Cinema will present the movie as part of its “Films of Resistance” beginning today.
The Santa Fe resident is excited to see the film have new life.
“It’s becoming more in demand now,” he says. “I think this was an important film for me to do, and I’ve been told by friends and family that I have to put out the film again.”
“The War at Home,” which chronicles the anti-war movement of the ’60s and ’70s, is considered one of the most important political films ever made.
The film provides an illuminating look at the impact of the war in Vietnam on the home front using events in Madison, Wis., as a microcosm of the anti-war movement that students and others waged on America’s political system, military, and notions of patriotism.
Through a powerful combination of rare archival footage and interviews with students, community leaders, Vietnam veterans, and participants from all points of view, the documentary shows how the anti-war movement grew into a genuine people’s revolt in response to the escalation of the war.
“When this all finally ended, I was a protester,” he says. “What I’ve found is that even my children don’t know what the ’60s and ’70s was all about. Now the next generation can see it. And this is where the discussion starts. It begins with a new audience seeing it and correlating to how it plays into today’s society. I’m glad that the film can still resonate with audiences.”
Silber will introduce the film today and participate in a Q&A with the audience during the first weekend of screening. Today’s screening will be moderated by anti-war activist — and Albuquerque resident — Mark Rudd, a former member of the Weather Underground.
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