VALENTINO’S GHOST
The Politics Behind Images

Tuesday, April 28, 7:00 PM
Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos [map]
Free and open to all. Contributions requested. Wheelchair accessible.

Valentino’s Ghost examines the ways in which America’s foreign policy agenda in the Middle East drives the U.S. media’s portrayals of Arabs and Muslims. The film lays bare the truths behind taboo subjects that are conspicuously avoided, or merely treated as sound bites by the mainstream American media: “Why do they hate us?” “Why do we hate them?” What were the events that led to the 9/11 attacks? What are the politics behind the U.S.-Israeli relationship? Why is there a robust debate about these subjects in Europe, the Arab World and in Israel itself, but not in the U.S.? A dozen expert commentators elucidate the reasons behind the lack of a serious national dialogue on these topics, and reveal the media’s – and the U.S. government’s – roles in perpetuating many Americans’ fear and loathing of Arabs, Muslims and Islam.

“Valentino’s Ghost is both sobering and illuminating, and its execution is thrilling.” – The Village Voice

Presented by
Peninsula Peace and Justice Center // UNAFF Cafe // Los Altos Library

UNAFF Cafe is a year-round series of screenings of films that were shown during the annual United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF). Conceived in 1998 at Stanford University by film critic and educator Jasmina Bojic in conjunction with the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Association Film Festival screens documentaries by international filmmakers dealing with topics such as human rights, environmental themes, women’s issues, children, refugee protection, homelessness, racism, disease control, universal education, war and peace. By bringing together filmmakers, the academic community and the general public,  UNAFF offers a unique opportunity for creative exchange and education among groups and individuals often separated by geography, ethnicity and economic constraints. For more details please visit www.unaff.org

Peninsula Peace and Justice Center is the leading grassroots activist organization on the San Francisco Peninsula. We believe democracy occurs every day – when people actively participate in the great decisions facing our country and world. We are grateful for the co-sponsorship of the Los Altos Library for this program.