Mardis Gras: Made in China

I've written about cross-cultural cinema before and I don't want to be too redundant. But going to these movies makes we want to write. After only two visits to cross-cultural cinema at the library, I am convinced that this is truly one of the great programs in Arlington and a real bonus to living or working in Arlington. It's a simple idea, but it works.

So, last night I checked out Mardi Gras: Made in China, the latest showing in Arlington Central Library's cross-cultural film series. I wasn't superexcited about the movie - it sounded like just another left-leaning documentary on globalization, or some other topic. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of those tyes of films - Supersize Me, Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, Farenhenheit 911 - I've seen them all. But I feel like I'm starting to reach my limit - time to try something different, you know.

But this is an excellent, thought-provoking, informative stimulating documentary. As with the last time I went to cross-cultural cinema, I desperately wanted a discussion group afterwards. This fall, if the stars align correctly, we are going to be rolling out a program called XY Arlington: Activities for 20s, 30s, and friends - I think we should roll a cross-cultural cinema discussion group in to that. What do you think?

And the bonus of last night - the film producer / director came down from Brooklyn and did a QA after the film. And for those of you who might be right-learning and not enjoy the left-leaning documentary, I have to give this guy props, he was incredibly open to discussion - very interesting.

I'll spare you the details of the film. Despite the fact that I really want to talk about it, it's not really that relevant to these posts. I do recommend that you check out the website, and try to see the film if you get a chance. And of course, I strongly recommend that you try out cross-cultural cinema. I believe they are the first Thursday of every month - I'll try and get in What's Up Arlington!. And if you decide to go, let me know, and we'll grab some coffee after and discuss the film.

Oh, Cross-Cultural Cinema is at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street - near Virginia Square Metro and right by Quincy Park. Films technically start at 6:30, but both times I've been, they haven't started till 6:45. And if, like me last night, you don't have time to grab dinner before, they have some very basic snacks which should hold you till after the film (I was hungry by the end, but interested enough to last through)