Venezuela Backing Danny Glover Film
Associated Press
Apr 11, 2008
CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan lawmakers are donating US$19.7 million to back an independent movie directed by actor Danny Glover, a supporter of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
The National Assembly on Wednesday approved US $9.8 million for "Toussaint," a film about Haitian rebel leader Toussaint Louverture, after previously approving US $9.9 million. The most recent funding was announced on the Assembly's Web site.
The movie will be produced by Glover's independent company Louvertoure Films with support from the Cinema Villa, Venezuela's state film studio. Louvertoure Films produces movies of "historical relevance, social purpose, commercial value and artistic integrity," according to the company's Web site.
Ricardo Sanguino, president of the National Assembly's finance committee, said the funds are part of a US$230 million package intended to aid educational and cultural projects. The latest funding will come from Venezuela bond sale proceeds.
Glover, who has met Chavez during visits to Venezuela, is one of several high-profile U.S. personalities who support the socialist leader. Others include singer Harry Belafonte and Princeton University scholar Cornel West.
Chavez launched the Cinema Villa in 2006 with US$13 million in government funding as an alternative to what he has called the "cultural imperialism" of Hollywood.
But the leftist leader also speaks highly of some Hollywood films, and has hosted recent visits by stars including Glover, Kevin Spacey and Sean Penn.
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