planetemily

American Bellydancer

Last night Matt and I went to see the DC premiere of American Bellydancer, a documentary detailing the formation and production of the Bellydance Superstars and Desert Roses.

It was really entertaining. It seems that Miles Copeland is trying to do for bellydance what he did for the Police and IRS records. However, the dancers themselves are struggling with him to maintain the integrity of the dance and the arab culture from which it stems.

Thank you Saphira from Sahara Dance and Suhalia for not being afraid to speak your mind and for continuing to empower women all over the world.

film movement

If you haven't heard about Film Movement yet, then listen up. FM distributes first-run foreign and independent films that don't always make it to theaters. They select a new film each month and send you a dvd like a film-of-the-month club. I don't have a subscription, but my local library does and I have been watching these movies for a number of months. They are really incredible. A few of my favorites:

The Rage in Placid Lake (Ben Lee's debut)
El Bola
Republic of Love (with the dishy Bruce Greenwood)
Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity (with Sandra Oh from Sideways)
Ginger and Cinnamon
He Died with a Felafel in His Hand

Sometimes you can find them through Netflix.

I'm looking forward to seeing Alexandra's Project (Dec. 2004).