The Future is Unwritten-DVD Documentary

Julien Temple, one of the early documentarians of the London punk scene and director of the 2000 Sex Pistols film The Filth and the Fury, turns his attention now to that other seminal British band: The Clash--or more accurately, to the band's co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead singer, Joe Strummer. The Future is Unwritten is more than just a biography of Strummer; it is a tribute and exploration of a musician, artist and devoted humanist. Though Temple respects and admires Strummer (his influence is exalted by close friends, peers and fans like Bono and John Cusack), he doesn't romanticize this larger-than-life personality and presents Strummer honestly and not always in flattering light, though the director's fondness for his subject is constant. Most movingly, Strummer himself provides the narration via reassembled excerpts from a variety of interviews and the BBC radio show he hosted during the nineties. In the wrong hands, this could be contrived, but in this masterful documentary it serves as a testament to not just Joe Strummer the myth, but Joe Strummer the man, telling us his story in vivid detail. The Future is Unwritten is a moving and personal portrait of a musician who helped shaped not just punk, but modern music as a whole. --Kira Canny
Customer Review: Amazing movie about a rock legend
There have been several movies made about Joe Strummer but Julien Temple's is unique in its personal touch. Temple was a friend of Strummer's for many years and so had insight into the man behind the music that many people did not have. The movie consists of Joe's life story as told by many friends, acquaintances, fellow artists and others who knew him or were influenced by him over the years. Amazing music, very well put-together, and just a great story about a man who was a huge influence on rock & roll and politics during his time on this earth. Joe was taken from the world too early when he died unexpectedly in December 2002 and after watching this movie one can only wonder what more he would have accomplished. The opening scene of Joe singing "White Riot" a capella in the studio is complemented by the closing scene of Joe and Mick Jones reuniting on stage 20+ years later to perform the same song...even though they were old (and Mick a little bald!) they still ROCKED. If you like the Clash, you must see this movie!!

Upon Arrival

Now that you're here, it's time to start interviewing. Wear professional clothes (no shorts, jeans, tank tops, or sandals) and go to the schools you contacted with your CV in hand. After interviewing you may have to do a short demo lesson, but don't worry, relax and smile.

Entering the Country

Each country has different visa rules for different nationalities. While some countries give tourist visas upon arrival, others may require you to get on beforehand. In addition, some countries require round-trip tickets or proof-of-funds before they let you on the plane or into the country. Check with the Embassy beforehand. You don't want to arrive only to have Immigrations refuse you entry.

Length of Stay

Again, it depends. Some countries allow only 180 days out of the year. Others give you 90 days, and then let you renew your visa for up to three months, and then have you leave the country. Others make you pay a fine if you overstay your visa.

Working on a Tourist Visa

It's not uncommon for people to work on tourist visas. Just don't tell the authorities that you are. If you are working on a tourist visa, you may have to border-hop every once in a while. You simply leave the country, stay in another one for a couple of days, and then re-enter and are given a new tourist visa that's good for X amount of days.

Or, if the country you are in fines people who overstay, you could just overstay your visa and pay the fine as you leave. It might be cheaper than border-hopping.

Getting a Work Visa

Primary and Secondary Schools are more likely to get you a work visa than other places, although universities will do so as well. Check with your employer about what you need to bring. Often you will need to get your original university degree Apostillised in your home country before.

Signing a Contract

After you've passed your interview and demo lesson, you will probably be asked to sign a contract. Make sure you read everything, including the fine print. Some places have "no compete" policies. This varies from school to school and can mean anything from not being able to teach at another school while you work for them, not being able to teach privates, or even not being able to teach in the same city for X months after you finish their contract. So make sure you ask questions about anything you don't understand.

Latin American Addresses

Alt. Altura: Near

Atrs Atrs: Behind

Av. Avenida: Avenue

C Calle: Street

CC Comercial Central: Shopping Centre

Cdra. Cuadra: Block

Cl Calle: Street

Cls Calles: Streets

Cnl Colonel: Colonel

Edf. Edificio: Building

En frente En frente: In front of

Entre Entre: Between

Esq Esquina: Corner

Este Este: East

Fco. Francisco: Francisco

La espalda La espalda: Behind

N Numero: Number

N Numero: Number

Norte Norte: North

Of Oficina: Office

Ofc Oficina: Office

Oeste Oeste: West

P Piso: Floor

Plza Plaza: Square

Pto Puerta: Door

R Rua: Street (Portuguese)

Sur Sur: South

Urb Urbanizacion: District

Torre Torre: Tower

Sharon de Hinojosa (naturegirl321) has lived and worked (mainly teaching English) in the US, Scotland, Spain, the Czech Republic, China, Korea, and Peru. And taught short-term in Venezuela and Taiwan. Her work has been featured in Transitions Abroad, Viva Travel Guides, TEFL News, and ELT World.

She has created The LA Job List (http://www.thelajoblist.blogspot.com) which lists schools, institutes and universities in 19 Latin American countries which offer English teaching positions.

Since living in Peru since August 2006, she wrote The Ultimate Peru List (http://www.theultimateperulist.blogspot.com) With 50 pages and updated monthly it's a comprehensive guide for those living in or moving to Peru.

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