Inspiration station

NPR recently profiled the astonishing Indigenes, a new French film that explores the contributions Algerian troops made to the defense of France during World War 2 (it can be summed up as: cannon fodder).  Which has now grossed more than $16M in France and inspired President Chirac to add $128M to non-French veteran pension funds.

The film will be distributed in the States as Days of Glory by the Weinstein Company.  Which unfortunately now means only your creepy stepdad who loves fullscreen dvds and hates Kate Winslet's breasts will be able to rent it.  For you see the Weinstein Co. has recently signed an exclusive agreement with Blockbuster to carry their home rentals.   Does this mean I have to catch Bobby and Factory Girl in the theaters?  Because trust me, I won't.

And finally, Mario van Peebles substitute hosted for Roger Ebert last week while Ebert recovers from a recent surgery.  During the 'Thumbs Up Video' segment Van Peebles plugged the Media Education Foundation's Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land.  A bold choice considering the film is not available on dvd but a great one nevertheless.  Don't fret though, due to MEF's hippy commie pinko liberal generous interpretations of copyright laws you can watch the whole thing on YouTube in two pieces.