“In the face of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s ill health and subsequent death on March 5, the U.S. press…jumped at the opportunity to disparage him and his legacy, often on spurious grounds.” –Keane Bhatt

Join IPS for a screening and discussion about the most demonized democratically elected president in world history.

As seen through the eyes of grandmother and community organizer Gladys Bolivar, Venezuela Rising follows Gladys and her compatriots in 2004, five days before it is to be decided by popular referendum whether Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will continue in office or step down. The entire nation has been mobilized – will it be SI – yes he will be recalled, or NO – he will remain in office. Most in Venezuela feel that no less than the en tire future of their country is at stake.

Issues of democracy and politics are addressed — what consitutes a free and fair election — and is that enough to ensure citizen participation? How are elections the ultimate measure of a thriving democracy? Venezuela Rising gets behind the headlines and into the neighborhoods of Caracas to find out how participatory democracy works on the ground.

The screening will conclude with a discussion featuring a panel of experts on Venezuela, to discuss the post referendum situation and prospects for a Venezuela without Hugo Chavez.

• Keane Bhatt, writer/analyst for NACLA will discuss media coverage of Venezuela and the late President Hugo Chavez.
• Marcos García, Second Secretary Political Affairs in the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, will discuss the upcoming April elections.
• Skipper Bailey, Executive Produder of Venezuela Rising, will speak on the achievements and challenges of Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution.

Please RSVP to netfa@ips-dc.org.