The Future is Now
This semester, the CAL Film Series is focused on journalism in the movies, and what better film to join the roster than an advanced screening of the documentary, Kiss the Future? Based on the book Fools Rush In, Kiss the Future details the experience of NAU’s own professor of journalism and film, Bill Carter, and his experiences with the people of Sarajevo and the legendary rock band U2 during the Bosnian War of the mid-to-late 90s.
The night began with the Cline Library’s Assembly Hall rapidly filling up, everyone scrambling to grab a piece of candy, a limited poster or bookmark, and a seat close to the screen. Bill Carter started the screening with some sage advice, “Pay attention to the democratic pillars,” he said. He then elaborated, “This movie probably happened because of January 6th….” Later in the movie, a moment stuck out: a resident of Sarajevo didn’t realize the war was going on until six months after it started and soldiers and tanks were at his doorstep.
To briefly describe what was happening in Sarajevo at the time, in the words of the movie, “Imagine if the US President took the US Army and used it to circle New York City and fire onto the people.” Bill had gone to the city with the humanitarian group The Serious Road Trip to give food and entertainment to the children of Sarajevo. Bill stuck around, gaining the people’s trust and becoming recognized as a member of their community. The city had developed a thriving underground rock and disco scene as people searched for an escape from the brutality and destruction above. In an interview segment, Bono, lead singer of U2, said this on the importance of music during intense times of need, “Music is used as a shield against dark forces.” Music, and art in general, are one of the greatest weapons of rebellion and perseverance.
Most forms of communication were cut off in Sarajevo; however, they still had satellite TV, and through that, they could watch MTV. In a segment between music videos, Bono sent a message to the people of Sarajevo: he told them that they see them and they are not ignored. This message gave Bill Carter the idea to get U2 to play a show in Sarajevo! You should experience the rest of the story later this year when the film is released in theaters, or through the reprinting of Fools Rush In when the film is released digitally.
Poster Credit: Fifth Season and AMC
The CAL Film Series will continue throughout the semester featuring Network on February 20, and She Said on March 5.
Don’t miss your chance to see these classic films and to pick up limited edition posters and bookmarks designed by the CAL team.
2022 Universal Pictures, Annapurna Pictures, Dentsu and Plan B Entertainment, IMDB
