The last words of the pigeon

Turkish-Armenian journalist-writer and activist Hrant Dink's last interview he granted to Ellen Rudnitsky and Mirko Schwanitz, International Organization of Journalists, two days before he was murdered:

"I have the right to die in the country I was born in"

(...)

Q. Could you leave this country?
A. You, of all people, saying that? My friends keep telling me the same thing. Enough of that. I want to carry on my cause here. It is not my own personal cause. It concerns everyone who wants to see Turkey a democratic country. If I surrender and emigrate, the shame will be on us all. This is the land of my ancestors. I have my roots here, and I have the right to die in the country I was born in.

And some stills from his funeral:

La Alegria

An impressive music video, La Alegria by Yasmin Levy who was introduced to Ladino singing and culture from a very young age. Her father was the leading figure in the world of research into and preservation of the Judeo-Spanish culture, dating back to the 15th century in Spain. Today, it remains one of the most moving and romantic musical traditions of all times. In her deep, spiritual and moving style of singing, Yasmin preserves and revives the most beautiful songs from the Ladino/Judeo-Spanish heritage, mixing it with Andalusian Flamenco. Her new album La Juderia, featuring Ladino and Flamenco music in her unique emotive style has been recently released in Europe.

Sad sad news

Helen Hill, an experimental-animation filmmaker has been shot dead yesterday morning in front door of her house in New Orleans. Her husband Paul has also shot but survived, so did their 2 year old son.
Their home was badly flooded during the Katarina hurricane, and after the disaster she spent most of her time in recovering her film prints.
Madame Winger Makes a Film: A Survival Guide for the 21st Century is one of her well-known short animations. She also published a book titled Recipes for Disaster: A Handcrafted Film Cookbook which is a collection of ideas she's gathered over time from other filmmakers who have shared their best filmmaking tips. >>

365 shorts by Mekas

Jonas Mekas is releasing a short film a day during 2007. Formatted for the video iPod, those films can be downloaded for free at the very same day only.
Go to http://jonasmekas.com, click "enter", click "365 films", click on the thumbnail image on the calender, click "buy", then click "checkout"... After seeing "The following movies are available for immediate electronic delivery" message, click on the title to download.
Each film will be available until the next day, but note that you have to register first.

Symbiopsychotaxiplasm - the trailer