At 6pm EST, the Central branch will screen the critically acclaimed 1996 South African drama Tsotsi in Rabb Lecture Hall (700 Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston, 617-536-5400). The selection is offered in conjunction with the library’s Choosing to Participate: Facing History and Ourselves exhibit on display through May 18, 2008.

I still remember the first time I saw the movie, which won the 2006 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, because the story was so intense and left such a strong, lasting impression. Its plot is based on South African author Athol Fugard’s novel of the same name, a gripping tale of what life is like for some young men whose existence is confined to the far-reaching slums and violent gangs of Johannesburg, South Africa.

For those who appreciate movies that offer a window into other societies through gripping storytelling, Tsotsi is virtually a guaranteed pleaser. A built-in advantage of the Boston Public Library’s free screening is that if you don’t like the movie, all you lose is a little time.

I’ve been to a few free film screenings at the library’s Copley Square location, and I advise attendees to arrive early for the best chance of getting preferred seats. Although it’s impossible to predict, these events often draw a number of people, especially when highly entertaining and informative movies like Tsotsi are featured. [More Information]

The two-and-a-half-minute trailer for Tsotsi follows after the jump.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Her appearance led to testimony regarding allegations that Thomas had sexually harassed her when they worked together in the 1980s. As profoundly tedious as I’ve always found most formal government and political proceedings, even I tuned in for parts of that very public, unseemly, televised sideshow.

Fortunately, Hill moved on to a highly successful career of her own, and she’s currently Professor of Social Policy, Law, and Women’s Studies at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management. On Thursday, March 20, at 6:30pm, the lawyer and scholar will be the focus of the Boston Public Library’s latest Ford Hall Forum.

After speaking at the library’s Rabb Lecture Hall about her life and the impact of various legal and social forces on the United States, the civil rights activist will then lead an open discussion moderated by Harvard University Law School Professor Charles J. Ogletree. The occasion is Hill’s designation as this year’s recipient of the Ford Hall Forum’s First Amendment Award, a fitting honor given her contributions to both academia and society in general.

The 342-seat Rabb Lecture Hall is located on the lower level of the Boston Public Library’s Johnson Building at 700 Boylston Street in the Copley Square area of Boston. Additional information can be obtained by calling either 617-536-5400 or 617-859-2212, and seating at the free event is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Post from: The Boston Traveler