by Aaron Hendren
Daily Lobo
Marc Page is more of a radical than a filmmaker, though he says it is difficult for him to choose between the two.
Page is an independent filmmaker from Gallup whose movie, "A Peace of the Anarchy," will be screened at the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice. The 62-minute documentary explores radical activism and the life of Ammon Hennacy.
Hennacy was an activist who spoke out against war and nuclear weapons. He has been described as a Catholic, an anarchist, a vegetarian and a one-person revolution. Page compiled his movie from archival footage and interviews with people mentioned in Hennacy's autobiography.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Page said the autobiography was his bible during the production of the movie.
"He made it easy for a researcher," he said.
Cerillos resident Father John Dear is among those interviewed in "A Peace of the Anarchy." Page described Dear as a contemporary activist who preaches the radical message of Christ. Page said Christ's radical message included love, peace and getting together.
The filmmaker said "A Peace of the Anarchy" is an important historical timepiece because of how it portrays anarchy.
"It shows the goodness of anarchy, its roots and philosophy," Page said.
He said Hennacy's view was in opposition to the way mainstream media portray anarchists in the press, and anarchists should be seen as spiritual.
Aside from making films, Page said he considers himself a radical for peace and an activist. Page said he has received negative attention for his beliefs. He said the police briefly detained him four months after the 2001 terrorist attacks. He was handcuffed and sat in the back of a police car under suspicion of having an affiliation with terrorist groups, he said.
Although Gallup is not known for activism or filmmaking, Page said a movement is growing. He said other independent filmmakers are there and he hopes to see a Gallup film commission soon.
The Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice is a place of community outreach that strives for a nonviolent world, according to its mission statement.
Though he has shown viewers a shorter version of his movie in the past, Page said the Albuquerque screening of "A Peace of the Anarchy" is significant, because the film is finally complete.
COMING ATTRACTION
A Peace of the Anarchy
Albuquerque Center For Peace & Justice at 202 Harvard Dr.
Tonight at 6:45 p.m.
