'Milagro Beanfield War' to cap Free Film Festival

FALLBROOK — The delightful and timely comedy “The Milagro Beanfield War,” directed by Robert Redford, will cap off the highly successful Fallbrook Democratic Club’s Election 2008 Summer Film Festival on August 25, third in a series of free, fun-filled afternoons featuring a new high-definition projection system, “popcorn wagon” and beverages.

Based on the novel by John Nichols, “Milagro” (“Miracle”) is set in a tiny magical village in northern New Mexico, where the townspeople unite behind a Chicano handyman who decides to irrigate his small beanfield by “borrowing” water, rightfully his, from a large and powerful outside developer, thereby setting into motion a humorous culture clash. It is a timeless story of community activism in opposition to large developers, special interests and politicians. The 1988 film features an all-star cast including Ruben Blades, Sonia Braga, Julie Carmen, Melanie Griffith, John Heard, Carlos Riquelme and Christopher Walken.

Residents concerned about the proposed Liberty Quarry may find “Milagro” especially timely and thought-provoking. The Free Film Festival is being offered as a community service by the Fallbrook Democratic Club to provide an opportunity for fellowship, fun and political discussion.

The film will be shown Saturday, August 25, at 3 p.m. in the Fallbrook Public Utilities District community room, 990 East Mission Road. For information visit http://www.fallbrookdemocraticclub.com or contact Club President Bob Hamilton at [email protected] or (760) 731-2195.