Directed by Susan Smiley (2006)

This film is the story the director’s family’s secret struggle to deal with her mother’s schizophrenia within the confines of the public health system. A story of madness and dignity, shame and love, illuminating a national plight through one family’s journey.  Official selection, Vancouver Film Festival.

“Millie Smiley is an object lesson in resilience and gratitude. OUT OF THE SHADOWS is a valentine to her and a heartening one.-NY TIMES

“A fascinating and important film”-Mike Wallace, CBS News

“Brave and full of intelligent insight. A beautiful and important film”. -Cynthia McFadden, ABC News

“captures a side of schizophrenia that few of us ever see, revealing the humility behind the disease without sentimentalizing it.”-Wall St. Journal

8pm – $5 suggested donation. ArtRage is handicapped accessible. Off-street parking at 408 & 414 Lodi Street.

In his eye-opening masterpiece, Frederick Wiseman chronicles the daily activities of the staff and inmates at the State Prison for the Criminally Insane at Bridgewater, Massachusetts. From psychological evaluations, to recreation time and from treatments to impromptu concerts, this evocative film shows with gritty clarity the way in which the inmates are treated by guards, social workers and psychiatrists.

Titicut Follies takes its name from the New Year’s Eve variety show put on by the staff and featuring musical acts by inmates who are more likely to look lost, confused, and frightened than happy to be performing. The staff’s indifference to the discomfort of the inmates is disappointing, but it is benign in comparison to the routine treatment of the inmates who are frequently manhandled, incessantly badgered or condescended to, and abused and degraded in a myriad of ways. Sessions with the psychiatrist are cold and accusatory with little apparent therapeutic purpose. Inmates are typically kept naked and housed in barren, isolation chambers without plumbing, cots, or personal effects. The guards’ behavior towards the inmates ranges from indifference to sadism.

This is Wiseman’s first film and it is a hellish descent. It is an indictment of the mental health system so powerful that the authorities felt compelled to quash it, and a record for the ages, lest we ever forget. Banned in Massachusetts in  1968, the authorities suppressed Titicut for a quarter century, arguing that it violated the privacy of the inmates – a risible claim, as it’s painfully clear that these men had no rights at all.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC. ArtRage is handicapped accessible. Off-street parking at 408 & 414 Lodi Street.

Crafting a Progressive Platform for the Next Mayor

Join SPC activists and members of the Greater Syracuse Progressive Coalition to work on the development of a progressive platform for the upcoming Syracuse mayoral election. For more details, see mayoral platform.

Program is free and followed by refreshments.

Andy, 472-5478

Syracuse Peace Council

2013 East Genesee St.

Syracuse, NY 13210

(315) 472-5478

www.peacecouncil.net

Some of the artist/students from Van Duyn Elementary school who worked on the Iraqi Childrens’ Art Exchnage project, will be giving a free musical performance at the ArtRage Gallery. Come hear their voices and see the art of children who are Building A Culture of Peace!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC. ArtRage is handicapped accessible. Off-street parking at 408 & 414 Lodi Street.