Townsend's interpretation of the famous Battle in Seattle, where the World Trade Organisation was shut down due to the emergence of what the media labelled the anti-globalisation movement has finally hit the big screen, and it doesn't get much bigger (in Dublin) than the prestigous Savoy Screen Number 1!

The whirlwind fictional interpretation of the event which launched the global phenomenon of Anti-capitalism has finally hit the big screen Stuart Townsend a famous actor from Howth (I don't think i've seen anything he's in!) has given what has been a fundamental part of our collective experience a fictionalised treatment and presented it to us in the cinema. This is important as he has given the whole issue a very sympathetic treatment even though he wasn't part of the protests back in 1999 in Seattle. The film gives a rapid history of who what where when and why of the WTO and the 5 W's of the movement which emerged to tackle it.

An anarchist dismisses religious belief as a means of understanding the world that has been "superceded by science", sparking a lively debate. Is this argument simply showing disrespect to believers, talking down to the proles, or is it really the case that religion is "a dangerous drug" which means "handing over your brain to a priest, rabbi, or imam"? Read the arguments and make your own mind up.

How not to do it: man in hat pulls
princess to floor in breach of etiquette

An Indymedia contributor has kindly presented a guide for proper behaviour during the visit of a middle aged British woman this weekend. Selection below:

How to address the Royal Person:
The Princess Royal should be addressed simply as "Your Royal Highness" initially, and "Ma'am" as the conversation progresses.

Curtsy/Bow
Gentlemen should acknowledge the Royal presence with a bow, ladies with a curtsy.

Men: lower the shoulders and tip the head forward with just a little more than a nod of the head; start with eye contact, then lower the gaze to the floor.

Women: the right foot is placed behind the left heel, and the knees bent. Lower the gaze.

........
1. There is no requirement for hats to be worn, though it is entirely acceptable to do so. Hats are not normally worn at functions after 6:30 p.m.

Use the comments to add your own tips

Scooter Meets his Customers

February 22nd sees the Dublin premiere of a film made by Scooter Twomey which takes a sideways look at the issues around rendition, torture and the complicity of the irish government. This film covers the adventures of our intrepid Guerrilla film maker, and long time Indymedia video contributer Scooter as he turns himself into a entrepreneurial master of war. Scooter Twomey endeavours to set up his own independent torture company in lieu of the CIA being banned from Europe for extraordinary rendition.

WINNER: *Made in Cork* – Cork Film Festival.
The Irish Examiner ‘Made in Cork’ Award, which celebrates local filmmaking, went to this film which depicts Ireland’s role in international torture through US extraordinary rendition.

Tom Archer (Head of Factual BBC) said ‘Noel had so many ideas and put so much work and energy into this film. It was a great idea for a film, worthy of Michael Moore, a genuine target and a funny way to satirize it… a series of stunts…each more manic than the last. A career awaits, but probably not in torture.’

Related Links:Film screening Cork Film Festival Winners Indymedia Rendition coverage

Ciaran Murphy is a political singer songwriter based in Belfast who wrote the bulk of his material while a "dissident republican" prisoner between 2003 - 06. Last month an English music label pulled out of an agreed distribution deal with him due to unease at the political slant of his songs and the perceived sympathies of his small fan base. He describes himself as an 'Irish separatist' with libertarian socialist principles. Here Sean Matthews of the WSM puts questions to him on music, gigging and his political outlook. Ciaran is speaking in a personal capacity.

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