THE AMADOU DIALLO STORY

The streets of New York City have certainly witnessed its share of acts of civil disobedience, violence and rebellion. Dating back as far as the Draft Riots of 1863, very often, the disenfranchised would take to the streets when opposing the government’s unfair policies and practices. Seven years ago when an unarmed African immigrant by the name of Amadou Diallo was shot at 41 times (hit 19 times) by 4 New York City Police Officers, the people took to the streets charging the NYPD with police brutality. Over the next two years that followed, a series of marches and protests was set into motion that would forever change the lives of New Yorkers.

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH chronicles the lives of three same-sex couples fighting to marry the partners they love—and tragically, one couple's heart breaks as its dream dies at the cruel hands of ALS.

In 2002, seven couples in the state of New Jersey filed a lawsuit in hopes of legalizing same-sex marriage. IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH closely chronicles the journey of three of these activist couples.

The most poignant characters in the story are Marilyn and Diane, partners of 14 years, who were dedicated to fighting for the marriage right they desperately desired. Before their dream could be realized, Marilyn was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

AfroReggae. Nenhum Motivo Explica a Guerra (No Reason Explains the War). 2006. Brazil. Directed by Carlos Diegues, Rafael Dragaud. In both concept and practice, AfroReggae is a manifestation of survival amidst the gang wars plaguing vast areas of Rio de Janeiro. Diegues and Dragaud spent weeks interviewing members of Grupo Cultural AfroReggae, as well as residents of various poor communities, to tell the historical, social, and human story of active opposition to gang culture through music and lyrics by those who have literally "lived to tell the tale." Portuguese; English subtitles. 82 min.

Tickets: $10

Location: MOMA, 11 West 53 Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, New York

Antônia. 2006. Brazil. Directed by Tata Amaral. With Negra Li, Cindy, Leilah Moreno, Quelynah. In Vila Brasilandia, on the outskirts of São Paulo, four black girls—friends since childhood—struggle to fulfill their dream of living off of their music. After much opposition, their group, Antônia, seems on the verge of success, when their hopes are dashed again by the horrid daily grind of poverty, violence, and chauvinism. With great music, charisma to burn, and an easy rapport between the four actresses, this story about struggle and resilience blends believably into the real environment of the favelas (shanty towns) and the accompanying dreams of a better life. Portuguese; English subtitles. 90 min.

Thank You for Smoking. 2006. USA. Written and directed by Jason Reitman. Based on the novel by Christopher Buckley. With Aaron Eckhart, Maria Bello, Adam Brody, Katie Holmes. A recent acquisition, Reitman's first feature-length film is a peppy social satire about the culture of "spin," featuring a persuasive lobbyist for tobacco interests; his merchant-of-death lunch buddies, who represent the alcohol and firearms industries; and a personal situation that careens out of control. 92 min.

Tickets: $10

Location: Museum of Modern Art, 11 West Fifty-third Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues.