Northwest Missourian

Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: University News

Media Credit: Melissa Watson Monday at the PAC, Eugene Jarecki spoke about his film "Why We Fight." [Click to enlarge]

From a young age, Eugene Jarecki knew he wanted to be a filmmaker.

As the youngest in his family, it was hard to get a word in edgewise. Politics soon became a big interest and was added into the stories he told as a child, Jarecki said.

Throughout his stay at Princeton University, Jarecki directed many plays.

While directing plays, the era was identified as the beginning of the movie revolution. Films about politics were used to move people instead of entertaining them, he said.

"Princeton only confused me," Jarecki said. "It made me feel special to go to a well-funded school with well funded-staff. However, Princeton portrays the real world to be easier than it is."

Shortly after leaving Princeton, Jarecki filmed a short film, "Seasons of the Litterbees."

After winning both a Student Academy Award and a Time Warner Grand Prize at the Aspen Film Festival, he thought he made the big time. Soon realizing all beginners received these awards, he found himself sitting by the phone waiting, he said.

Not addressing Republican and Democrats personally, actual American politics are addressed in his films and lectures, Jarecki said.

Traveling all around the country, his lectures are planned to move people to care more about politics, he said.

Two years ago the Northwest booking agency planned Jarecki's visit to campus for the Encore performing arts series, Campus Activities Director, Angel McAdams Prescott said.

"Northwest paid $6,000 for Jarecki to come to campus," McAdams Prescott said. "In the big picture that is not a lot of money.

It is the standard price of any speaker and for any campus."

With the venue about half full, students were adjusting in their seats and engaged in his speech, she said.

"He talked about hot topics like the current war in Iraq and the election of the new president," McAdams Prescott said. "The topics engaged both those who agree and disagree with his philosophy on the issues."

Out of all the success in his life, Jarecki hopes all his audience takes one lesson away from his films and lectures, he said.

"Do not go back to sleep," Jarecki said. "Even though the election is over it does not mean you can go back to sleep. Keep informed with our country and be open to political changes that affect your country."

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