Film Screening: There but for Fortune

Posted April 24th, 2011

May 20 thru May 22
Also Playing: Wednesday, May 25 – 7:00 PM

Winnipeg Film Group’s CINEMATHEQUE , 100 Arthur Street (Arthur and Bannatyne in the Artspace Building)

Tickets: www.winnipegcinematheque.com | Box Officeline 925-3457

PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE ByKenneth Bowser (2011) (98 MIN)

In conjunction with Mayworks, The WFG Cinematheque presents “Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune” – a superbly researched new documentary about Phil Ochs, a forgotten folk singing legend from the United States and a friendly rival of Bob Dylan. Wielding only a
battered guitar, a clear voice and some razor sharp songs, he tirelessly fought the “good fight” for peace and justice throughout his short life.

Standing up for worker’s rights and resisting the war he wrote political songs like “Draft Dodger’s Rag” and “I Ain’t Marching Anymore and traveled afar including a visit to Chile during the time of president Salvador Allende to meet Chilean singer Victor Jara. Featuring rare archival concert footage and interviews with Billy Bragg, Pete Seeger, Tom Hayden, Christopher Hitchens and Joan Baez the film is also an exciting illumination of the political movement of the US in the 1960’s.

His life ended tragically when he committed suicide in 1976 at the age of 35.

“A poignant portrait of an uncompromising artist. Ochs’ songs spoke forcefully and directly to racial injustice, political oppression and the horror of war, to the struggles of striking miners and beleaguered unions.” – HollywoodReporter“

“An ESSENTIAL PORTRAIT of an artist who ought to be far better known. Filmmaker Kenneth Bowser does an admirable job of
conveying why Ochs’ music continues to mean so much to his
fans. A MUST-SEE.” -Simon Vozick-Levinson, Entertainment Weekly

This screening of Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune is generously
sponsored by MayWorks.