Diary for 26th November to 2nd December

THURSDAY 26th November -Looking into Mexico

Today I am heading to the British Museum's Stevenson Lecture Theatre for two film screenings which form part of the programme of events associated with the current 'Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler' exhibition. The first film, Indigenous Democracy, (directed by Bruce Pacho Lane) examines the indigenous rights revolution sweeping Mexico through the municipal elections in Heuhuetla, Puebla, and the personal effects it has on the Totonacs. The second film, Tiempo De Vals, (directed by Rebecca Savage) is an intimate portrayal of one community's reflection on the Quinceanera (a birthday celebration for 15 year-old girls). Women from the community of Tlaxcala, share their reactions to the celebration in the context of massive social changes that have taken place in Mexico over the past 40 years. Both films form part of the RAI's ethnographic film collection. If you are unable to make the screenings but would like to see the films, get in touch with the RAI's film officer at: film@therai.org.uk The screenings are free, but booking is advised. Click here to reserve your place.


FRIDAY 27th November- Beginning the Celebrations for Christmas

The Pitt Rivers Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History are starting Christmas festivities early this year. Today from 6:00-8:30pm both museums will hold a free Community Christmas Programme filled with activities such as storytelling, traditional Zimbabwean Shona Mbira music, lantern processions, marching bands, and a host of stalls where you can buy fairtrade jewelry, gifts, and books as well as getting %10 off all museum shop merchandise. Everyone welcome.





SATURDAY 28th November- Open Call for Ethnographic Films

If you are a budding visual anthropologist and film maker, Goldsmiths Anthropology Society has put out a call for ethnographic films for their International Student Ethnographic Film Festival (ISEFF) which will be held from the 2nd-5th March 2010. This year's festival theme is Social Interventions: Examining the Potential for Anthropological Advocacy. For more information, submission forms and guidelines take a look at the ISEFF website. The deadline for submissions is January 15th 2010.






SUNDAY 29th November- Seeing is Believing

Today I am heading to the British Library for a second visit to their new free exhibition entitled 'Points of View: Capturing the 19th century in photographs'. This is a fantastic exhibit for anyone interested in visual anthropology and the power of photography as a medium of communication and power. Focusing primarily on the United Kingdom, the exhibition looks at the development of photography in the 19th century and it's use to reflect and to shape society in science, government, industry and art. An underlying question throughout the exhibition is 'Who was taking the photograph and why?' . You can take a look at some of the exhibition online, read reviews, and book yourself onto a group tour through this website.




MONDAY 30th November- Archaeological fieldwork opportunities

If you are interested in Balkan culture and are looking to gain experience in archaeological fieldwork, the Balkan Heritage Field School provides various projects in Bulgaria and Macedonia for anthropology students. The projects range from 2-3 weeks and participants can choose projects working on documentation and restoration of ancient Greek pottery, monastery excavations, and fresco hunting photo expeditions. The projects aim to study, protect, restore and promote the cultural heritage of South Eastern Europe. The field school's website provides a lot of information, video clips, photo galleries and more on each project.



TUESDAY 1st December- Darwin's work: use and abuse

The Manchester Museum Cafe Society hosts talks and debates where people can engage with the latest topics in science, culture and the arts, over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Tonight from 6-8pm the talk is on how Darwin's scientific research was 'used and abused' by many to support political agendas. The talk forms part of Manchester Museum's Evolutionist programme which various exhibitions, talks, activities and events on Darwin's ongoing legacy. The talk is free, but booking is advised. To book your place phone 0161 275 2648.




WEDNESDAY 2nd December- Regenerating Thamesmead

How do communities, change, shift or regenerate a certain area? Chocolate Films in association with London Metropolitan Archives, have created a documentary exploring the social history and community life of Thamesmead, a suburb of London. The documentary highlights residents reactions, stories and memories in reference to archival films. A Gala screening of the documentary will be held at Greenwhich Picturehouse on Saturday 5th December. Submission is free, but spaces are limited. To reserve your place email: info@chocolatefilms.com