Good Fortune at CALDOCFEST October 3, 2009

Presented by the SAN JOAQUIN FILM SOCIETY

www.SJIFF.org / www.caldocfest.org

California Documentary Festival - October 2-4, 2009

GOOD FORTUNE
70 min | USA, Kenya | 2009
Director: Landon Van Soest

- ABOUT THE FILM

The West has spent $2.3 trillion in charitable aid over the last 50 years but has failed to significantly reduce poverty levels in Africa. In fact, many of our best intentions have actually undermined the communities they aimed to benefit.

GOOD FORTUNE explores how massive, international efforts to alleviate poverty in Africa may be undermining the very communities they aim to benefit. Through intimate portraits of two Kenyans battling to save their homes from large-scale development organizations, the film presents a unique opportunity to experience foreign aid through the people it is intended to benefit.

In the rural countryside, Jacksons farm is being flooded by an American investor who hopes to alleviate poverty by creating a multi-million dollar rice farm. Across the country in Nairobi, Silvas home and business in Africas largest squatter community are being demolished as part of a United Nations slum-upgrading project.

Interweaving meditative portraits of its characters, GOOD FORTUNE examines the real-world impact of international aid. With a broad scope and intimate style, the film portrays gripping stories of human perseverance and suggests that the answers for Africa lie in the resilience of its people.

More info on film: www.sjiff.org/caldocfest/f-fortune.html

- ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The San Joaquin Film Society's inaugural California Documentary Festival (CalDocFest): California Central Valley's first international focus on nonfiction cinema. The Festival is dedicated to promoting gifted documentary filmmakers and sharing knowledge and understanding of our world. Experience a vibrant and exhilarating roster of events, featuring new works, new directors, distinguished and award-winning American and international films, a spotlight on California documentarians, creative conversations with guest artists, and educational events. 15 magnificent films, (including significant premieres) along with the presence of directors and luminaries, will light up an exciting and memorable weekend in Stockton!

- ABOUT THE SJFS

The San Joaquin Film Society, Inc. (SJFS) is the benchmark cinema arts organization of Californias 400-mile Central Valley and home of the San Joaquin International Film Festival (SJIFF). The ;;Society celebrates cinema arts, multi-cultural appreciation, and global outreach through year-round productions of festivals and educational programs. For 2009, with a home base in Stockton, California, the Society launched an ambitious and exhilarating year-round program, which includes: The flagship 2nd San Joaquin International Film Festival (May 14 to 23), San Joaquin Children's Film Festival (January 16 to 18), California Documentary Festival (October 2 to 4), year-round world cinema series and mini-festivals (Cinema Italia, Jewish Cinema Day, French Cinema Day, Latino Cinema Day), social events and galas, special screenings, a membership program, and educational events. SJFS is dedicated to celebrating the artistry, diversity, and power of filmmaking; and to bringing the world of cinema to the culturally-rich, Valley audiences and beyond.

Official Website: www.sjiff.org

Official Website: http://www.sjiff.org/caldocfest