During the Vietnam War, thousands of people in the province of Cu Chi lived in an elaborate system of underground tunnels. Originally built during the French colonial period, the tunnels were enlarged during the American occupation. When the Americans began bombing the villages of Cu Chi, the survivors went underground and remained there for the duration of the war.

The secret tunnels, which joined village to village and often passed beneath American bases, were not only fortifications for communist freedom fighters, but also a center of community life. Hidden beneath the destroyed villages were schools and public spaces and hospitals where children were born and surgery was performed on casualties of war. There were even theaters where performers entertained with song and dance and traditional stories.

Mickey Grant’s eponymous film about the Cu Chi Tunnels is a story told by those who lived it. The documentary features the voices of doctors, artists, engineers, and soldiers who all lived through this unbelievable struggle.

Join us at the Philadelphia Liberation Center on Friday, September 7th to watch the film and discuss its themes and relevance to today’s resistance struggles and the humanity that can be found therein.

Free drinks and snacks will be provided!