Saturday, November 19, 2005
Mardi Gras: Made in China
Last Monday, I happened to drop by the Calgary Arts Theatre for a documentary called "Mardi Gras: Made in China."
Contrary to my expectations, not only was it almost full, the audience comprised of all ages though mostly the 20s and 30s segment. The evening took off as I settled into my balcony seat, which I had managed to secure by being there half an hour early and that was only because of the musallah (temporary prayer room) situated in the Calgary Arts Building that I usually spend time in after work, reading Quran and meeting travellers whom are seeking a friendly face in the midst of a chaotic downtown Calgary.
A lady seemingly in her mid-30s and with a look on her face that says 'artist' took the spotlight and introduced today's presentation as the creation of Canada's independent film industry. Sadly, it became all too evident in a few minutes by the camera work. A few raffles later and no prizes won by yours truly, the movie finally began.
It tried to portray the life of the bead makers in Chinese factories to the flashers and consumers of New Orleans. What interested me more was the widening gap within the Chinese population that had managed to create two different worlds in the same society. From the mud brick houses of the factory workers with a torn cloth barely able to cover a grown man let alone a door to the luxurious dwelling of the factory owner that would put to shame 'most' Canadian homes, it was a fascinating ride.
Around 9.30 pm, after several futile attempts by the organizers to establish contacts with the director to have an interactive discussion, I made my way out of the theatre somewhat satisfied with the evening's proceedings but with a feeling of de-ja-vu and an all too familiar story line of globalisation's unintended (or not?) consequences.
For those not aware of the purpose of beads in Mardi Gras, please google it.
Coming up: visit to the University of Calgary for a talk on 'Islam vs. The West' and a trip to the Calgary museum w/pics insha Allah
Contrary to my expectations, not only was it almost full, the audience comprised of all ages though mostly the 20s and 30s segment. The evening took off as I settled into my balcony seat, which I had managed to secure by being there half an hour early and that was only because of the musallah (temporary prayer room) situated in the Calgary Arts Building that I usually spend time in after work, reading Quran and meeting travellers whom are seeking a friendly face in the midst of a chaotic downtown Calgary.
A lady seemingly in her mid-30s and with a look on her face that says 'artist' took the spotlight and introduced today's presentation as the creation of Canada's independent film industry. Sadly, it became all too evident in a few minutes by the camera work. A few raffles later and no prizes won by yours truly, the movie finally began.
It tried to portray the life of the bead makers in Chinese factories to the flashers and consumers of New Orleans. What interested me more was the widening gap within the Chinese population that had managed to create two different worlds in the same society. From the mud brick houses of the factory workers with a torn cloth barely able to cover a grown man let alone a door to the luxurious dwelling of the factory owner that would put to shame 'most' Canadian homes, it was a fascinating ride.
Around 9.30 pm, after several futile attempts by the organizers to establish contacts with the director to have an interactive discussion, I made my way out of the theatre somewhat satisfied with the evening's proceedings but with a feeling of de-ja-vu and an all too familiar story line of globalisation's unintended (or not?) consequences.
For those not aware of the purpose of beads in Mardi Gras, please google it.
Coming up: visit to the University of Calgary for a talk on 'Islam vs. The West' and a trip to the Calgary museum w/pics insha Allah
Faraz Ahmed 11:59 a.m.