Upcoming Events

Here are a few events that might be of interest.

May 16
Book Signing: Stop the Next War Now: Effective Responses to Violence & Terrorism
Codepink’s Jodie Evans and Diane Wilson will sign copies of the book, a collection of essays on the global peace movement by Amy Goodman, Naomi Klein, Barbara Ehrenreich, Arianna Huffington, and others.
Where: BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar
When: 7 p.m.
Info: 472-5050; www.bookpeople.com

May 17
"Bhopal: The Search for Justice"
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Video Night
On December 3, 1984, the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India leaked poisonous methyl isocyanate gas, killing 15,000 helpless men, women and children. Hundreds of thousands more would be permanently maimed. Bhopal remains the world's worst chemical industry disaster. But to this day the victims have been denied definitive information about the precise composition of the leaked gas and its long-term effects. Exploring charges of corruption, graft and greed, the film follows Raajkumar Keswani, the local journalist whose prediction of the Union Carbide disaster proved prophetic. Keswani travels through the Indian bastiis where the poorest victims live and to the offices of frustrated doctors and scientists. Finally he makes his first trip to North America in search of answers. UT Journalism professor Robert Jensen will introduce the film and moderate a discussion afterward.
Where: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 14311 Wells Port Dr., off Wells Branch Parkway, in north Austin.
When: 7 p.m.
Info: The event is free and open to the public. Contact 251-0698 or lynncervini@yahoo.com.

May 19
"The Cost of War"
A new documentary by local filmmaker Patrick Phillips relates the experiences and observations of soldiers, veterans of conflicts since Korea, and their families. Patrick Phillips will be leading a discussion afterwards with a number of local veterans against war. The event is free and half of all proceeds from DVD sales and donations go to The Iraq Veterans Assistance Fund.
Where: MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop (North Loop and Avenue F)
When: 8 p.m.
Info: 407-6925

May 26
Third Coast Activist Film Night at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
"Taliban Country" is a disturbing exposé of American actions in Afghanistan. Award-winning journalist Carmela Baranowska spent three weeks embedded with the marines. She then returned in secret to document what was really happening.
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (4th and Colorado).
When: 7 p.m.
Info: Tickets ($6.50 general, $5 student/senior) are available at the event or online at drafthouse.com.

June 17-19
Democracy Fest
Democracy Fest, a gathering of progressives from around the country, includes workshops, campaign training, nationally recognized speakers, and great entertainment. The $55 cost includes training materials provided on CD, a Democracy Fest T-shirt, breakfast on Saturday, and dinner and a celebration of Texas music on Saturday night.
Where: Threadgill's Armadillo Headquarters
When: Friday, June 17, 2005, 7:30 p.m. through Sunday, June 19, 2005, 9:00 p.m.
Info: Visit http://www.democracyfortexas.org/Demfest/index.html for more information and to register; e-mail: info@democracyfortexas.org.

Through June 30
Exhibition: Mujeres Por La Raza Unida/The Women of the Raza Unida
A Tribute to Women’s Involvement in Texas Politics
Where: Sid Richardson Hall, University of Texas

Sources: Third Coast Activist, University of Texas, Austin Chronicle, Texas Fair Trade Coalition