Local band Bootleg Orchestra and director John Haas will host a free test screening of a mini-environmental justice documentary this Sunday.<\/p>\n
The 15-minute film, \u201cReach Out,\u201d will illuminate climate and environmental issues in the Philippines and worldwide. Guests can RSVP\u00a0here<\/a> to attend the screening at Kubo LB, a Filipino collective space.<\/p>\n Attendees will get also get a glimpse of the creative collaboration between the LA- and Long Beach-based band and vocalist Roger Rigor of renowned 70\u2019s Filipino disco ensemble<\/a> VST & Company. Together, they produced a song calling for solidarity in the fight for environmental justice.<\/p>\n \u201cEspecially (with) Long Beach being a community that\u2019s been burdened by a lot of fossil fuel production and refineries,\u201d Haas said, \u201cthere\u2019s a lot, I think, in the film that should be relatable.\u201d<\/p>\n Haas says the film is a call to action for artists to \u201cuse their art to speak out against injustice and highlight crises.\u201d<\/p>\n In their new song, Rigor and Bootleg Orchestra call attention to the devastating effects of climate change, resource extraction, and displacement of indigenous people in the Philippines, they said.<\/p>\n The single, which hasn\u2019t yet been released, will debut at the screening event.<\/p>\n Known for its sharp, poignant political and activism-inspired messaging, woven into an electric and soul sound<\/a>, Bootleg Orchestra aims to educate listeners on community issues and encourage them to take action.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019re eternally figuring out, is how to use music in service of people\u2019s liberation,\u201d said Menchie Caliboso, bassist and music producer for the group.<\/p>\n Caliboso said the idea to do an intergenerational collaboration with famed musician Rigor came from their shared pain and grief over injustices in their country of origin.<\/p>\n Haas\u2014who has made other films focusing on social injustice and empowerment of workers in the Filipino community\u2014has worked with the band inside other various Filipino activist organizations. Together they\u2019ve also worked on a campaign against human rights violations<\/a> in the Philippines.<\/p>\n At the screening, the director and artists hope to highlight the work of environmental organizations, receive feedback and inspire discussion with the community.<\/p>\n Attendees may also get a chance to appear in a music video for Bootleg Orchestra\u2019s new single.<\/p>\n