Co-Presented by Lao Assistance Center, Pangea World Theater and Intermedia Arts, the critically acclaimed documentary films, “Bomb Harvest” and “Bombies” will be screened at Intermedia Arts as part of its Legacies of War Exhibition on Tuesdays, October 12 & 19, 2010, 7PM at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
Nearly a half-century has passed since the United States conducted a covert bombing of the Laos nation making it the most densely bombed country in history. As dangerous today as when they were dropped, modern day Laos is littered with un-detonated reminders of war. On Tuesday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 19, critically-acclaimed films Bombies and Bomb Harvest will screen at Intermedia Arts as part of the Legacies of War nationally touring exhibition. These films show what it looks like to live in the aftermath of a war, and detail the efforts of those brave enough to clean up the tragedy left behind.
Bomb Harvest will screen on October 12, 2010, 7PM at Intermedia Arts – $5 suggested donation.
Laos: The most bombed country, per capita, on the planet. A bomb disposal specialist has to train a new young “big bomb” team to deal with bombs left from the US “Secret War”, but meanwhile, the local children are out hunting for bomb scrap metal. Post screening discussion with the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and community members. A post screening discussion will be led by the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and community members.
Bombies will screen on October 19, 2010, 7PM at Intermedia Arts – $5 suggested donation.
Award-winning film portrays the aftermath of the carpet-bombing of Laos with made-in-Minnesota cluster bombs and includes local footage of demonstrations at Honeywell and Alliant Techsystems (ATK). Special guest speaker Marv Davidov, featured in the film as the founder of the MN-based Honeywell Project to end weapons manufacturing during the Vietnam War.
Legacies of War is presented in conjunction with the Refugee Nation National Traveling Performance. Part of Intermedia Arts’ Catalyst Series.
Laos is the most heavily bombed country in history. U.S. Vietnam War-era bombings from 1964-1973 left nearly half of Laos contaminated with vast quantities of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Today, unexploded cluster bombs litter forests, rice fields, villages, school grounds, roads and other populated areas – hindering development and poverty reduction. Over 34,000 people have been killed or injured by UXO since the bombing ceased. Here are some other startling facts about the U.S. bombing of Laos and its tragic aftermath:
● 260 million cluster bombs were dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War (210 million more bombs than were dropped on Iraq); close to 78 million did not detonate.
● The intensity of the bombing equates to a planeload of bombs being dropped every eight minutes, 24 hours a day for nine years.
● More than half of all confirmed cluster munitions casualties in the world have occurred in Laos.
● Each year there continue to be close to 300 new casualties in Laos. About 40% of the accidents result in death, and 60% of the victims are children.
● Over the past 15 years, the U.S. provided on average $2.7 million per year for UXO clearance in Laos; the U.S. spent $17 million per day (today’s dollars) for nine years bombing Laos.
● The U.S. spent more in three days bombing Laos than it has spent for clean up in the last 15 years.
● Nearly 40 years on, only a fraction of these munitions have been destroyed.
Legacies of War, in collaboration with local and national partners will hold the following activities:
VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION
Legacies of War National Traveling Exhibition, September 30, 2010 – October 24, 2010
Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm and Saturdays 12-5 pm
$3 suggested donation
Midwest debut of exhibition features rare archival and current images, art and video, and tells the story of the horrors of the Vietnam-era bombing of Laos and lingering scourge of unexploded cluster bombs today.
Opening Reception
September 30, 2010 | 6-9PM FREE
Reception will include a blessing ceremony, guest speakers, food and community gathering.
WORKSHOPS & DISCUSSIONS
Community Art Workshop – Express Yourself
October 2, 2010 | 1pm – 4PM | FREE
Student Day
Two-part workshop: In Tapestry of Hope: Weaving a Bomb Free Future, participants will create art pieces to include in an international art exhibition to debut in Vientiane, Laos in November. In the Refugee Nation workshop, participants will engage in discussions and exercises about identity and community.
CHANGEMAKER Brown Bags: Gen X, Gen Y and Gen G (as in RefuGee)
October 13, 2010 | 12:30PM – FREE
Bring your lunch for this roundtable inter-generational discussion following the Refugee Nation matinee.
THEATER PERFORMANCES
Refugee Nation
October 8-10, Friday – Sunday @ 7:30PM
October 14-17, Thursday – Sunday @ 7:30PM
Tickets $10-$12 | For tickets and info, visit www.intermediaarts.org or call (612) 871-4444
Since 2005, collaborators Leilani Chan and Ova Saopeng have been collecting oral histories from family and community members across the country to create an interdisciplinary theater performance that explores a growing part of the Asian American Diaspora that is yet to be included as part of the American experience. Through theater and movement they re-construct the stories of families trying to rebuild a community that has been spread like ashes across the U.S. and the world.
LAO ASSISTANCE CENTER OF MINNESOTA | www.laocenter.org
