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Taken from Coastsider (Jul 16, 2008)
I Know I’m Not Alone, A Musician’s Search for The Human Cost of War
by Reba Vanderpool
 Michael Franti, world-renowned musician and human rights worker, traveled to Iraq, Palestine and Israel to explore the human cost of war with a group of friends, some video cameras and his guitar. At 7:30pm on Saturday July 19th, The Visionary Edge will host a screening of Michael Franti’s documentary “I Know I’m Not Alone” at the Johnson House Depot in Half Moon Bay.
A compelling soundtrack, visual and musical montages and Franti’s intimate voiceovers make the film speak to the MTV, X, Y & Z generations as well as the baby-boomers. A true armchair travel film pulling the audience into these war zones in the company of Michael’s guitar, eloquence and wit - you feel the humanity, artistic resilience and sometimes horrific experience of what it’s like to live under bombs and military occupation.
With its guerilla style footage captured in active war zones, the documentary is unlike the many academic and politically driven pieces in the marketplace, instead offering the audience a sense of intimate travel and the opportunity to hear the voices of everyday people living, creating and surviving under the harsh conditions of war and occupation.
“This film came out of my frustration with watching the nightly news and hearing generals, politicians and pundits explaining he political and economic cost of the war in the Middle East, without ever mentioning the human cost. I wanted to hear about the war by the people affected by it the most: doctors, nurses, poets, artists, soldiers and my personal favorite, musicians” said Michael Franti, a Bay Area musician and filmmaker. With his humorous and sometimes poignant gift for narrative and desire to give voice to the voiceless, Michael’s music has garnered him an impressive international following and numerous peace and humanitarian awards from international organizations. A masterful lyricist, his passion and courage to speak the truth has earned him tremendous respect.
According to Franti “I have always been fascinated by the power of visual images and song to bring people to levels of emotion that are much greater than the experience of either of them on their own. I want my films to enrage, enlighten and inspire people to become more involved and in love with the world around them.”
“The purpose of my trip to the Middle East was to listen. I experienced great acts of kindness, endurance and beauty, and I saw the worst forms of violence, oppression and ugliness. The Middle East is a painful and troubled place for some and a beautiful home for others. I hope my journey has and will continue to bring about a much-needed dialogue about the region and the world.”
Audio and video support for this event will be provided by Spider Ranch Productions of Pescadero.
According to Reba Vanderpool of The Visionary Edge, ticket sales will benefit the Middle East Children’s Alliance (http://www.mecaforpeace.org/) . Doors will open at 7:00pm, film begins at 7:30. Advance tickets $10, door $15. Call 650-560-0200 for information and reservations.
Located in Half Moon Bay, The Visionary Edge produces events to inform and inspire us all to create a wiser, sustainable and more compassionate world.
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