From: jbc@cs.utexas.edu (John B. Chambers)
Newsgroups: austin.general
Subject: The Panama Deception
Date: 11 Oct 1992 00:16:22 -0500
Organization: Computer Sciences, UT Austin
Distribution: austin
NNTP-Posting-Host: deepthought.cs.utexas.edu



I saw this tonight; it is lacking neither flaws nor agenda but I think it's
worth seeing and calling attention to. Your mileage may vary. If you keep 
up with the alternative press, follow the doings of e.g. the Christic 
Institute, etc. you will probably find only limited new material here.

Eric Castillo, one of the co-producers, is in attendance to answer questions
just until Monday night (and may not try to compete with the Sunday debate).
The film opened in Austin October 9th and is scheduled for a "limited
engagement". What that means is that if the box office receipts are poor the
film will go away at the end of next week. The film was received with
hostility in San Antonio and Castillo said Austin is the only other Texas
city scheduled at this time (they hope it will do better in our more liberal
market). If the movie is to stay here for any period of time (possibly
relocating to the Dobie if it's a "draw") they need people to show up Real
Soon Now. Castillo said KUT and KLBJ have not yet expressed any interest in
having him on while he's here.

The Panama Deception
Village Cinema, 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Austin
For showtime information call 512.451.8352

[text of the program notes follows]
_______________________________________________________________________________

From the producers of: COVERUP: Behind the Iran Contra Affair

A new film by The Empowerment Project:

			The Panama Deception

Narrated by
  Elizabeth Montgomery

Directed by
  Barbara Trent

Written and Edited by
  David Kasper

Music by
  Sting, Jorge Strunz, Jackson Browne, Ismael Rivera,
  Chuck Wild, and Ricky Barnes

English Voice-overs by
  Abraham Alvarez, Carlos Cantu, Alma Martinez,
  Lou Diamond Phillips, Tony Plana, Rose Portillo,
  Lucy Rodriguez, Martha Velez, and Carmen Zapata

Co-produced by
  Eric Castillo, Alison Trinki, Louise Hogarth, and Saryl T. Radwin

Produced by
  Barbara Trent, Joanne Doroshow, Nico Panigutti and David Kasper

An Empowerment Project Production, produced in association with
Channel 4, London, and Rhino Home Video.
_______________________________________________________________________________

The Panama Deception is the untold story of the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama.
It explores the U.S. relationship with Panama from 1903 to the present and
exposes Noriega's longstanding relationship with the CIA, DEA, and George
Bush.

The Panama Deception reveals how and why mainstream media collaborated with
the U.S. government to censor information and deceive the American public,
and how they distorted reports about the actual devastation and human rights
violations, which continue today.

The Panama Deception shows that the invasion was not intended to achieve the
officially stated goals of: arresting Noriega; protecting American lives;
protecting the Canal; and restoring democracy to Panama ... but rather,
created a structure permitting the U.S. to abrogate the Carter/Torrijos
treaty, allowing the U.S. military to maintain bases there after the year
2000; helping Bush get over the embarrassment caused by Noriega's actions;
neutralizing the recent resurgence of Panamanian nationalism; and using the
invasion as an excuse and opportunity to test out new weapons.

The Empowerment Project worked on this film for over two years, spending a
month in Panama in 1990. At one point in Panama, in a frightening
confrontation captured on film, the U.S. military tried, unsuccessfully, to
prevent film director Barbara Trent and cameraman Michael Dobo from
interviewing refugees at the Albrook refugee camp. In addition, due to the
work of Panamanian cameraman Manuel Becker, who was tragically killed in
1991, and others in Panama, the film contains never before seen footage of
ongoing disturbances and coup attempts [some of which Castillo said was
obtained from the US military under messy FOIA proceedings].

The Panama Deception is being released in conjunction with a major nationwide
organizing effort that will extend beyond the 1992 elections.  With the polls
projecting a Democratic victory, and domestic problems escalating, the Bush
administration may attempt another military campaign to reverse the
President's slipping popularity. This film's ability to expose the
administration's pattern of deceit and the major media's collaboration can
help Americans see through the lies, making military aggression an
unacceptable foreign policy option.

The grass-roots release is patterned after that of COVERUP: Behind The Iran
Contra Affair, which involved the efforts of community groups and activists
all over the country. COVERUP was released in 80 U.S. theaters, in 14
countries, in 3 languages, and on television around the world, although it
has yet to air on any U.S. network, cable or broadcast.  National PBS has
refused to air COVERUP without censoring it. But, three state public networks
and over 15 additional cities aired COVERUP in its entirety, to rave viewer
response. Over 10,000 copies are now in circulation, released to individuals,
libraries, stores, schools, and community groups.
_______________________________________________________________________________

THINGS YOU CAN DO

1) Congressional representatives should be urged to:
   - Open a new investigation of casualties and mass graves resulting
     from the invasion. Call or write to:
	Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) 202.226.4040 FAX 202.226.4044
	Co-Chairman, Congressional Human Rights Caucus,
	US House of Representatives, Washington DC  20515
   - Demand that the Carter/Torrijos Treaty be upheld. Call or write to:
	Rep. Les Aspin (D-WI) 202.225.3031
	Chairman, House Armed Services Committee,
	US House of Representatives, Washington DEC 20515
   - Send copies of your letters to:
	Empowerment Project, 1653 18th St. #3, Santa Monica CA 90404
	FAX 310.829.2305

2) Contact program and news directors at local radio & TV stations and
   newspapers, demanding that they:
   - Report the truth about Panama, and analyze President Bush's
     performance in the light of the new information revealed in 
     the film.
   - Report on the recent attempt by the House Armed Services
     Subcommittee to distort the truth about civilian casualties
     in Panama.

	Austin American Statesman	The Daily Texan
	P.O. Box 670			P.O. Box D
	Austin TX 78767			Austin TX 78713

   - Any letter to the editor should have a name, address and phone
     number. Send copies of your letters to The Austin Peace and
     Justice Coalition [see below].

	TV:				Radio:
	  KTBC Ch  7	476.7777	  KGSR	472.1071
	  KVUE Ch 24	459.6521	  KLBJ	832.4000
	  KXAN Ch 36	476.3636	  KHFI	474.9233

   - Also, if your public TV station has not broadcast E.P.'s last
     film, COVERUP: Behind ..., please request that they do so.

3) Help us distribute The Panama Deception.
 	Send your friends to the theater. Volunteer to help. Call talk
	radio and talk about these issues and this film and get radio 
	hosts to have filmmakers on as guests.

4) To help with issues of concern in your community contact:

	Austin Peace and Justice Coalition
	227 North Congress Ave. Suite 330
	Austin TX  78701
	512.474.5877
_______________________________________________________________________________

The Empowerment Project (EP) is a non-profit media resource center and
documentary production group headquartered in Santa Monica, California,
with an additional office located in New York City. Founded in 1984, EP
serves hundreds of independent producers, artists and activists each
year, who are working on media projects of social and political
importance. EP's post-production facility in Santa Monica provides
low-cost access to video editing systems, with subsidized rates
available for qualified projects. The editing systems include 3/4-SP,
VHS, S-VHS, HI-8 and interformat capability, with computerized A/B roll,
time code, and digital effects. For further information, contact the
facility manager at 310.828.8807, FAX 310.829.2305. EP can also assist
with project development, consulting, and training, and continues its
ongoing efforts to develop national audiences and alternative
distribution methods. EP's own award-winning films include: Destination
Nicaragua, Viva La Paz, and COVERUP: Behind the Iran Contra Affair.

This film was launched with the help of: The Austin Peace and Justice
Coalition. Formed in 1982 to coordinate the activities of an increasing
number of social action organizations in the Austin area, the Coalition
has earned national reputation as a model of how a coalition of diverse
organizations can work together for a common goal. The Coalition has
promoted effective social action and has implemented education programs
within the community based upon these five goals: 
 - eliminating nuclear weapons
 - stopping all military intervention
 - redirecting military spending to serve human needs
 - working against racism, sexism, and all other forms of discrimination
   and oppression
 - promoting respect for the Earth and all its inhabitants

Videotape Order Form

  The Panama Deception
    individuals & low income groups	$49.95 each
    institutions			$99.95 each
    shipping & handling			$ 4.50
    CA residents add 8.25% tax
    TOTAL

  COVERUP: Behind the Iran Contra Affair
    individuals & low income groups	$29.95 each
    institutions			$99.95 each
    shipping & handling			$ 4.50
    CA residents add 8.25% tax
    TOTAL

  Make checks payable to 
    The Empowerment Project
    1653 18th Street Suite #3
    Santa Monica CA 90404