The Conscious Activism Doc Series comes from “a desire to address injustice, each of these films is a call to action and an affirmation of the tenacity and courage of the human spirit in the midst of devastating circumstances. The documentary medium is about the power of witness and has the unique capacity to ask questions and incite dialogue that is real, compelling, and transformative. From Toronto to Kenya, from Brooklyn to the world over, enjoy these free screenings, talks, and workshops that explore the relation between social justice, spirit and activism.”

The series begins today. There is no cost to attend and it’s open to U of T students and members of the public alike. Here is their full listings.

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-75
Directed by Göran Hugo Olsson
When: October 5, 2011 6:30 pm

Synopsis: Olsson compiles the undiscovered work of Swedish journalists who traveled to the United States in the late sixties to document the black power movement in America.

Battle for Brooklyn,
Directed by Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley

Occupy Wall Street from rumur on Vimeo.

When: October 19, 2011, 6:30 pm

Synopsis: The film follows graphic designer Daniel Goldstein’s struggle to save his Brooklyn home from being torn down to build a new arena for the New Jersey Nets.

Boycheerleaders
Directed by James Newton
When: November 2, 2011, 6:30 pm

Synopsis: In South Leeds, an after-school cheerleading program teaches boys, who have been raised to be quitters, to be creative, to embrace flamboyancy and to persist in achieving their goals.

Our Newspaper
Directed by Eline Flipse
When: November 16, 2011, 6:30 pm

Synopsis: Journalist Andrej Shkolni starts Our Newspaper, a paper publishing stories affecting the remote village of Uljanovsk, Russia. His efforts are threatened when authorities take notice of his reportings.

All screenings take place at the Hart House Library, 7 Hart House Circle, University of Toronto.