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February 8, 2007 issue

ASU Offers Inaugural Genocide Film Series

Story by David Brewer

ASU’s Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies is presenting a series of documentary and feature films throughout the semester dealing with the topic of genocide throughout the world. The films are being shown Sundays at 2:00 p.m. in the Greenbriar movie theater, located in Plemmons Student Union.

All films are open to the public and will be followed by a discussion led by series organizer and ASU Department of History faculty member Amy Hudnall.

According to Hudnall, the series is modeled after the annual Holocaust Film Series and is aimed at educating students and local citizens about the multigenerational effects of genocide throughout the world.

“There seems to be a real urgency on the part of the survivors that are left, since people haven’t learned from mistakes made during the Holocaust,” said Hudnall.

Hudnall, who teaches classes on 20th century genocide, forgotten people and an intro to peace studies, said that interest is growing not only at ASU, but also within the community regarding genocide.

“I have all kinds of people in the community that are interested,” said Hudnall. “The courses are always full. I’m usually turning people away.”

Hudnall, who spent several years working in the private sector, returned to school to further her understanding of genocide. Though she has participated in a number of efforts to aid disenfranchised persons throughout the world, Hudnall is still grappling with the basic “why” and “how” questions of genocide.

“I believe that history has to be something that we live with,” said Hudnall. “It is in our hands; it is who we are.”

For the series, Hudnall chose six films that focus on different periods of time and different cultures from around the world that have faced genocide. According to Hudnall, the films illustrate the different stages of genocide in terms of the effects before and after.

Though the weighty subject matter deals heavily with violence, Hudnall is quick to point out that the point of the series is not to create a sense of total despair. Instead, the films can at times be hopeful, creating a sense of justice or forgiveness.

“We need to be able to see how people deal with all phases of living with trauma and conflict,” said Hudnall. “These kinds of themes are woven into all these films.”

Hudnall also said that while the films are arranged in a particular order, it is not necessary for students or citizens to be present for each screening.

For more info about the Genocide Film Series, contact the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies at 828-262-2311.

 

 

Schedule for ASU Genocide & Peace Studies Film Series

ASU’s Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies is adding to their educational film offerings with the first series of movies about genocide throughout the world. The films cross cultural and generational lines, seeking to further educate both students and members of the community about the effects and victims of genocide.

2/11 No Man’s Land

2/18 Sometimes In April

2/25 Rabbit-Proof Fence

3/4 Smoke Signals

3/25 Lord of War