ASSOCIATED PRESS
Afghan children play while their parents await their tent allotment at
the Makaki refugee camp near the Iranian border. The plight of the
Afghan people is documented in several videos on view at The
Contemporary Museum.

Exhibit captures views of
the post-Sept. 11 world

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Star-Bulletin

Following the events of Sept. 11, America and the world has witnessed turbulent change and a heightened sense of alertness.

Individuals and nations now confront a reorganization of identity and perception. Media viewers are faced with a struggle to make sense of disparate images. The Contemporary Museum Video Gallery is presenting "The Human Family: A Work in Progress," a selection of videotapes depicting "America's New War" through the diverse lenses of independent media makers across the globe. The videos, curated by Ann Brandman, will be screened through Jan. 6.

The Human Family: A Work in Progress What: A selection of videotapes depicting "America's New War" Where: The Contemporary Museum Video Gallery, 2411 Makiki Heights Drive When: Exhibits through Jan. 6 Call: 526-0232

By focusing on the lives of ordinary people, the tapes urge us to look into our common humanity and challenge the illusion of "otherness." As reflected in the series' title, the program is a work in progress; tapes may be added or changed over the course of the exhibition.

Here are current selections:

"Shroud of Silence": The award-winning documentary chronicles the everyday struggle for women and girls under the Taliban regime. Employing footage from contemporary Afghanistan, this video offers a glimpse into a politically repressive situation. Contains some graphic footage. Narrated by Marlo Thomas. Screens noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

"9.11": Produced in NYC in the days following Sept. 11, this city focuses on New York residents who responded to the tragedy with spontaneous memorials. At some of these grieving sites, discussion on the possibility of war transformed mourning into a mobilization for peace. The video also documents the media's treatment of and racial backlash against Arab-Americans and how Arab-American communities are responding; 28 minutes. Screens 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"The Taliban Legacy": This film brings to light the havoc created by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan where, even prior to Sept. 11, two million Afghans fled their country, taking refuge in Pakistan. The story shows the suffering of the people under Taliban rule, especially the Taliban's brutality toward their political opponents, their treatment of women and their destruction of the ancient Buddhist statues. Included is a brief account of the war leading to the Taliban victory over the weak Islamic Republic. The 35-minute film is by Montse Ayuso, Joan Salvat and Lluisa Roca. Screens 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

"The Arab Diaries": Five groundbreaking films comprising this series present a fresh, insightful picture of contemporary life across the Arab world. They tell intimate stories of individuals confronting the hardships and conflicts related to the most basic milestones. Each 26-minute film thematically centers on one of the universal phases of life: "Birth," "Youth," "Love & Marriage," "Work" and Home."

The stories, produced by Deborah Davies, Daoud Kuttab and Ilan Ziv, come from throughout the Middle East and North Africa, including Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Algeria, Palestine, Syria and Iraq. And they are notable for the large representation of women filmmakers and women's stories.

>> "Birth": Screens 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays.

>> "Work": 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays.

>> "Love and Marriage": 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays.

>> "Home, or Maids in My Family": 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays.

>> "Youth": 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

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