PAST EVENTS
Freedom on Fire Screening
Freedom on Fire depicts the harsh truth of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The film explores the resilience of the Ukrainians while sharing the views and insights of the Ukrainians about the ongoing conflict in their country.
Freedom Under Fire
Exclusive Screening, Discussion,
and Members-Only Reception
Tuesday, November 29th, 2022, 6:00-8:00 pm ET
Cinema Village, 22 E. 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Acclaimed director Evgeny Afineevsky has been on the ground covering the conflict in Ukraine, finding the best and worst humanity has to offer during this war that has rocked Europe. The Common Good is honored to present an exclusive screening of the groundbreaking Freedom Under Fire documentary at New York’s iconic Village Cinema followed by a post-screening discussion with the director.
Members of the Common Good are invited to attend an exclusive reception hosted by Julia Haart after the event.
About the Film and its Director:
Freedom on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom had its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, where it was recognized with the Kineo Award, It was selected for screenings at film festivals around the world, and has received numerous awards and honors, including at the Hamptons International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Brizzolara Family Foundation Award for Films of Conflict & Resolution.
Born in Russia, the director, Evgeny Afineevsky, is an Israeli-American film director, producer and cinematographer who is Oscar and Emmy nominated for his documentary Winter on Fire. He has filmed extensively in conflict zones in Ukraine and Syria, creating moving documentaries about the human toll and the political manipulations that fuel these conflicts. Afineevsky built his filmmaking career on providing a first-hand account of conflict, even if it means putting his own life in danger. Afineevsky's tenacity in his storytelling ultimately attracted the unwanted attention of Russian intelligence agents, who continue to track him and his work. Come meet him at our exclusive screening November 29th.
Born in Russia, the director, Evgeny Afineevsky, is an Israeli-American film director, producer and cinematographer who is Oscar and Emmy nominated for his documentary Winter on Fire. He has filmed extensively in conflict zones in Ukraine and Syria, creating moving documentaries about the human toll and the political manipulations that fuel these conflicts. Afineevsky built his filmmaking career on providing a first-hand account of conflict, even if it means putting his own life in danger. Afineevsky's tenacity in his storytelling ultimately attracted the unwanted attention of Russian intelligence agents, who continue to track him and his work. Come meet him at our exclusive screening November 29th.
"Longest War - How Do We End It?" with Ret. Col. Christopher Kolenda & Secretary Jeh Johnson
For Nearly two decades America has been in war with Afghanistan. The Common Good was joined by Ret. Colonel Chris Kolenda, the man who pioneered a new approach to counterinsurgency, led soldiers in successful battles against the Taliban and was later hand picked by the US government to be involved in early talks with the Taliban. We covered the impact of the war, how it can be ended, and recent events with our military that have made headlines. Moderated by former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson.
For Nearly two decades America has been in war with Afghanistan. The Common Good was joined by Ret. Colonel Chris Kolenda, the man who pioneered a new approach to counterinsurgency, led soldiers in successful battles against the Taliban and was later hand picked by the US government to be involved in early talks with the Taliban. We covered the impact of the war, how it can be ended, and recent events with our military that have made headlines. Moderated by former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson.
Watch the video below:
Ret. Colonel Christopher Kolenda recently served as the Senior Advisor on Afghanistan and Pakistan to Under Secretary of Defense Michèle Flournoy, and three 4* Generals in Afghanistan. He was decorated with the Department of Defense’s highest civilian award for his work on strategy. In 2007-08, he commanded an 800-solider task force in Kunar and Nuristan provinces where he pioneered an innovative approach to counterinsurgency in one of the most violent areas of the country. His unit is the only one in the history of the war to have motivated a large insurgent group to stop fighting and join the government. His advice has been adopted by three Secretaries of Defense and the President of the United States. He was selected to be the Secretary of Defense’s representative in exploratory talks with the Taliban from 2010-2013. He is the only American to have fought the Taliban in combat and engaged them in high-level diplomacy.
He is the founder of the Strategic Leaders Academy, which helps nonprofits and small businesses maximize their impact by developing their Leadership, Culture, and Strategy. He is the editor and coauthor of Leadership: The Warrior's Art, which has appeared on the professional reading lists of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. His most recent book, The Counterinsurgency Challenge, maps the journey of a leader in a difficult and dangerous conflict.
Secretary Jeh Johnson was appointed by President Obama on December 23, 2013, following confirmation by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 78-16. Between 2013 and 2017 he served as Secretary of Homeland Security. Previously, Secretary Johnson was appointed by President Obama to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense from 2009 through 2012. In that position, Johnson was one of the legal architects for the U.S. military’s counter terrorism mission during President Obama’s first term.
In 2010, Johnson co-authored a 250-page report that paved the way for the repeal by Congress of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law that prohibited gays from serving openly in the U.S. military. From October 1998 to January 2001, Johnson served in the Clinton Administration as General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force. From 1989 through 1991, Secretary Johnson was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted public corruption cases.
Rethinking the Afghanistan War with Erik Prince
The Common Good was proud to host an intimate discussion with Erik Prince on his thought-provoking strategy for a new operational approach in Afghanistan with an introduction by Edward Cox and a welcome by Chele Chiavacci Farley, co-hosted by Richard E. Farley.
The Common Good was proud to host an intimate discussion with Erik Prince on his thought-provoking strategy for a new operational approach in Afghanistan with an introduction by Edward Cox and a welcome by Chele Chiavacci Farley, co-hosted by Richard E. Farley.
LISTEN:
watch:
Erik Prince is an influential private expert, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and US Navy SEAL veteran. He is Chairman of Frontier Services Group, a global equity group, and a former head of Blackwater, Throughout his career, he has provided global security and logistic solutions to the US government and others. He is also a New York Times bestselling author.
Interested in attending future events?
The Common Good has been hosting events since 2006 that cover important issues of today, highlighting speakers who have worked to bolster our democracy and can provide great insight on the issues that matter.