by Brooke Edge

Muddum art gallery and cafe’s new bimonthly film series could technically fall under the “free things to do in Prague” category, but, unless you’re a heartless ass, it would better be classified as “a cheap way to feed your mind and feel like a better member of the worldwide community.”

A free series of documentaries in conjunction with the One World Human Rights Documentary Film Festival began at Muddum last month, with screenings every other Sunday evening. Admission is free, but donations to the greater good of One World, or Jeden Sv?t, are of course encouraged, and will most likely be demanded by your conscience by the end of the screening. Low-price libations will be on hand to complete the effect of a cheap night out.

Muddum has previously shown periodic, low-key films in its small space in Letná, inviting viewers into a pottery studio-cum-screening room. Owner Joe Dodds said chosen films were for causes ranging from ecological activism and human rights to the general promotion of film arts and Mussum has partnered with groups and festivals such as the International Peace Movement of the Czech Republic, Czech Friends of the Earth and Anti-Anti Fest. Being able to work out a consistent series, he added, was always a goal. One World’s history of quality films and work for an important cause—promoting knowledge about human rights in Europe—was worth working out the details.

“One World festivals are always fantastic, thought provoking, emotionally powerful, and revealing of parts of the world that are off the media radar,” said Dodds.

The Muddum series consists of re-screenings of human rights documentaries from previous One World festivals, leading up to the ninth annual installment of the festival, to be held in Prague from February 28 to March 8.

“I think these films need to be seen as much as possible,” Dodds said. “The festival is too short and they have all these incredible films just sitting there, so if we can get these things seen a bit more in Prague, that’s great.”

To make the Sunday evening events more comprehensive than just viewings, Muddum will host post-film discussions and speeches related to topical international issues. In November, a Macedonian volunteer from One World led a discussion session about his immigration and visa difficulties as part of the “Borders and Bureaucracy” month of films.

“So often after seeing films like those in One World, I think, ‘What can I do about this?’ ” Dodds said. “Hopefully, if we can involve people engaged in the issues, we will be able to give some sort of answer.”

Each month will take on a different theme; to check on dates, times and topics visit www.muddum.org.

Average user rating

   (0 vote)