N E W S    R E L E A S E


Contact:
Mark Lacy
(713) 521-3686
mark@houstonculture.org

http://www.houstonculture.org/media


October 6, 2005



"Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit" is Presented
in Conjunction with an Educational Exhibit Featuring
a Day of the Dead Altar for Emma Tenayuca

What	"Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit" In conjunction with Houston Institute for Culture's Educational Exhibit: A Day of the Dead Altar for Emma Tenayuca
When	7:00pm, Tuesday, October 25 through Thursday, October 27
Where	Houston Institute for Culture 5555 Morningside, Suite 204 (Rice Village, upstairs from Brian O'Neill's) 713-521-3686; info@houstonculture.org http://www.houstonculture.org
Cost	Free; Donations for Texas-Mexico border communities are encouraged

Press releases and available photos are on line at:
http://www.houstonculture.org/media
http://www.houstonculture.org/photo



"Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit", produced by San Rafael Films, will be shown at 7:00pm from Tuesday, October 25 through Thursday, October 27. The film's producer Patricia Lacy Collins will be on hand for discussion following the film screenings.

From the 1840s through the 1990s, successive Mexican governments have sought to control and frequently to suppress the religious life of the Mexican people. Suppression became particularly bitter following the constitution of 1917.

The irresistible spirituality of contemporary Mexico plays against the dark years of struggle. Observances of the Days of the Dead, the revived processions of Corpus Christi, and the canonization of Juan Diego provide bright counterpoints.

The 56-minute documentary is narrated by Edward James Olmos. It was directed by Robert Cozens and produced by San Rafael Films, Patricia Lacy Collins and Robert Cozens. Production was sponsored by the Southwest Alternative Media Project (SWAMP) and the University of St. Thomas.

"Following the Spirit" is the third in the "Darkness into Light" series, which includes "Guadalupe, Mother of All Mexico" and "Semana Santa, San Miguel". It will air on Houston PBS, Channel 8, on Sunday, October 9 at 4:00pm and Wednesday, October 12 at 1:00pm.

Learn more at: http://www.sanrafaelfilms.com


A Day of the Dead Altar for Emma Tenayuca

The free screening of "Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit" is in conjunction with an educational exhibit featuring an altar for Emma Tenayuca. The exhibit will develop interest in the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead, and inform viewers about modern issues on the US-Mexico border. A second altar will raise awareness of increasing violence against women in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Learn more at: http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/houston


Donations for Residents in US-Mexico Border Colonias

Visitors are encouraged to bring necessities (shoes, toothbrushes, OTC medicines, food and clothing) to donate to people living in colonias on both sides of the US-Mexico border. They are also encouraged to bring stuffed animals to be given to children living in unincorporated areas on the border during the "Christmas in the Colonias" project.

Please note: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and Over-the-Counter medications should be wrapped in original packaging and have expiration dates no shorter than six months. Food items should be nonperishable and easily prepared. Shoes, clothing and stuffed animals should be new or gently worn.

Donors should be practical about the items they give; residents in colonias often do not have electricity, running water, air conditioning, or paved roads.

Learn more at: http://www.houstonculture.org/border/help


Educational Resources

As Day of the Dead nears, educational and feature materials will be provided at:
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico

Information about Emma Tenayuca can be found at:
http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/tenayuca.html



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Houston Institute for Culture is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural education and awareness through cultural activities. Our goal is to provide free and low-cost events, services and classes for the community. The organization's sphere of interest is Houston, the regions that have affected Houston's cultural history and the international origins of Houston's diverse population.