Dec 22, 2019
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Overlooked & Underrated Docs & Features
(click on broll or dschwartz for all his posts)For Sama
“For Sama” is director Waad al-Kateab’s five years of experience living through war in the Syrian city of Aleppo. Her documentary is ‘a love letter’ to her daughter, Sama, who was born into violence and chaos. Journalist al-Kateab filmed throughout the five years, and narrates the documentary. “Sama,” she voices in her love letter, “I’ve made this film for you. I need you to understand what we were fighting for.”
The Syrian Civil War is one of seemingly countless struggles in the Middle East. Although al-Kateab provides a few basic points about the forces generating this civil war, her focus is on her family’s experience of living under siege—in this case ‘siege’ is code for bombings.
As these bombings begin and continue, we see people of Aleppo exude a spirit of hope and determination, and then that spirit is dissipated in the relentless bombings—the injuries, the traumas, the deaths, the destruction. At film’s end we follow the family through their harrowing ride from Syria to freedom.
The bombings and strife are, of course, horrible. al-Kateab’s story-telling and resolute filming are nothing less than awe inspiring.
“For Sama” has won at least 35 festival awards, and is one of five feature documentary films nominated for a 2019 Oscar.
Nainita Desai also deserves accolades for her subdued yet haunting soundtrack. You may hear the entire soundtrack by scrolling to the bottom of the homepage and clicking on its link.
The film has generated a movement called Action for Sama, a campaign to end the targeting of health care facilities in Syria. al-Kateab has submitted her archive of film, photographs, and documents as evidence of war crimes.
“For Sama” is the most striking, searing documentary I have viewed to date. I am grateful to have found the film, grateful that it was produced, and, especially, that it is receiving the recognition it truly deserves.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9617456/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forsamafilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/forsamafilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forsamafilm/
D. Schwartz January 14, 2020
The 600: The Soldiers’ Story
“We are alive because God used them to rescue us. And they had the passion to that we would live again. That is the pleasure that we have, and we are thankful for that.” Survivor of Rwandan genocide.
The ‘them’ in this grateful survivor’s statement is a battalion of 600 Rwandan soldiers who saved countless lives and were instrumental in ending the carnage. The soldiers were part of a movement to bring lasting peace to the nation. The military facet of this movement was known as the Rwanda Patriotic Army (R.P.A.).
The context for this story is the long-standing conflict between two tribes: Hutu and Tutsi. There had already been smaller scale genocides of Tutsi prior to the massive 1994 horror.
At the beginning of this genocide in April of 1994, peace talks had broken down, the R.P.A. soldiers were trapped in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. They had been stationed there to support the planned peace talks. Through equally heart rending and inspiring interviews, “The 600” tells several stories of how these soldiers defied astronomical odds, saved thousands of lives, and helped to end the intractable enmity between the two tribes.
“The 600” is a war film, of course, but it is primarily about the victims and the noble soldiers. The viewing is a visceral experience. We are with the interviewees as they vividly relive the fear, pain, loss, and grief they experienced in the past, and that they may still experience now.
Executive Producer and writer Richard Hall, Co-Executive Producer Annette Uwizeye, and Director/Cinematographer Laurent Basset have produced a documentary masterpiece in every respect, telling a story of heroism and sacrifice that transformed a nation.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The600Film/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the600film
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the600film/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11393362/reference
D. Schwartz January 8, 2020
The Woman Who Loves Giraffes
“If you’re working on giraffes, she’s the pioneer, and wrote the textbook. Anne was the first person to go to Africa to study the behavior of a wild animal.”
John Doherty, Queens University Belfast, Reticulated Giraffe Project
Anne Innis Dagg defied convention.
In August of 1956, at the age of 23, she made a solo journey to study giraffes in Africa. At the age of three Dagg was inspired when, on her first visit to Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo, she viewed her first giraffe. The toddler had already expressed much interest in this strange, beautiful, elegant beast before that portentous visit.
Our giraffe champion married, had three children, wrote a cornucopia of articles appearing in the most prestigious journals, secured her doctorate—only to become a victim of rampant gender bias.
A professorship was Dagg’s logical next step, it would have given her the ability to continue her research in Africa. The old boys club said ‘no.’ She became an instant feminist.
Three decades of family life, writing on various topics, and gender rights activism passed.
In 2010 a group of giraffologists brought Dagg into their fold, and celebrated her seminal work. More than 50 years after Dagg’s first journey to Africa, at the age of 85, the world’s first giraffologist journeyed back to Africa.
In “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes” director Alison Reid tells Dagg’s life story, and continues the much needed, much deserved celebration of her work with and for giraffes. Of course, the cinematography is sensational.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8901942/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWomanWhoLovesGiraffes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annedaggmovie?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanwholovesgiraffes/
Giraffe Support Organizations
Save the Giraffes: http://savethegiraffes.com/
Reticulated Giraffe Project: http://www.reticulatedgiraffeproject.net/en/RGP-Home.html
Wild Nature Institute: https://www.wildnatureinstitute.org/
D. Schwartz January 5, 2020
Shattered Dreams: Sex Trafficking in America
“We’ve seen a trend—I would say within the last five, six, or seven years—where we’ve started to hear the word, ‘trafficking.’ What we thought were prostitutes are actually enslaved human beings who’ve been tricked, and been sold as objects."
Tina Paulson, Association for the Recovery of Children
Directed by Bill Wisneski, “Shattered Dreams” is a much-needed documentary about sex trafficking in the United States. The film depicts this tragedy as a national phenomenon shamefully hiding in plain sight. At this moment, the majority of the hundreds of thousands of young American girls who find themselves in virtual slavery will not be able to leave ‘the life.’ Instead, they will commit slow-motion suicide.
Wisneski interviews victims as well as passionate, committed experts and activists—a few of whom are former sex slaves—to paint a grim picture surrounded by glittering rays of hope.
This is a tough subject. Wisneski covers it head-on with aplomb.
“Shattered Dreams” is a must-see film. Along with everyone else working to end the trafficking of children, as Staca Shehan states below, it won’t happen unless we, too, are part of the solution. The film’s website includes a comprehensive list of Resources for all of us to reference.
“Sex trafficking is not something that can be solved alone by nonprofits, law enforcement, prosecutors, service providers. We all have to play a role in continuing to highlight this issue, the gaps that still exist, and what we can do to make improvements.”
Staca Shehan, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shattereddreamsfilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9077766/reference
D. Schwartz January 5, 2020
Violet Is Blue: A Tale of Gibbons and Guardians
Of the 20 gibbon species, 19 are endangered, critically endangered, or near extinction.
Directed by Alex M. Azmi, “Violet Is Blue” introduces gibbons and the people of the Gibbon Conservation Center in Santa Clarita, California. The ‘GCC’ was created and run by Alan Richard Mootnick (1951-2011). Mootnick’s tragic, untimely passing was preventable, but his passions kept him at his center, and away from doctors. This thriving conservation center is his noble legacy.
Azmi tells GCC’s story from beginnings through film’s production in 2019. The documentary is hosted by staff, Board President Chris Roderick, and GCC Director Gabriella (Gabi) Skollar. Our interviewees describe the center’s raison d'être, and, especially, talk about the gibbons one of whom, Violet, is the star of the show. In addition to the film’s well done soundtrack, we are entertained by the rich vocalizations of our heroes, the gibbons—and fascinated by a couple mystic events.
“Violet Is Blue” is immediately engaging, and makes a powerful and emotional statement about protecting our natural world, and about those who are providing this protection.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Movie/Violet-is-Blue-a-Tale-of-Gibbons-and-Guardians-323301861708654/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10289332/reference
Gibbon Conservation Center: https://www.gibboncenter.org
D. Schwartz January 1, 2020
Coda: I've attempted to cover a variety of subjects in my choice of documentary films to view and review—including, of course, the subject of our natural world.
You may have already noted I am covering more such documentaries for obvious reasons—our natural world is under a massive attack from numerous destructive human activities.
I feel like 'the little drummer boy' of the Christmas carol. I cannot make any kind of significant gesture to alleviate this attack. However, my drum is all these films I share with you.
Mission Wolf: Experiment in Living
“The day that we are successful is the day that we take those cages down, and watch wolves in the wild.”
Kent Weber, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Mission Wolf is a sanctuary in the remote Colorado mountains. The rescue cares for wolves, wolfdogs, and horses.
The film's primary focus is the people working there at the time of production. Director Gayle Nosal eschews narration and allows the people running Mission Wolf tell their stories. The volunteers tell stories of unhappy pasts, the challenges they face at Mission Wolf, and the inestimable value they have discovered working with each other and their charges. But, don’t get me wrong! We are with plenty of wolves—at the shelter, on tour, walking around packed audiences, serving as ambassadors.
Mission Wolf is both a sanctuary and a self-sustaining commune. Volunteers may be there a short time, or remain there for years. It was co-founded by Kent Weber and Tracy Ane Brooks. Weber speaks of the shelters’ values, activities, and impacts.
“Mission Wolf: Experiment in Living” is an inspiring film about people who value and support our natural world—and who love, or learn to love canines. Check with the film's website for information about how to see the film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intheneenee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/intheneenee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intheneenee/
Mission Wolf: https://missionwolf.org/
D. Schwartz December 25, 2019
Blue Heart: The Fight for Europe’s Last Wild Rivers
Directed by Britton Caillouette, “Blue Heart” is a simple, straight forward documentary about people fighting for their land, for their natural world which is threatened by the damming and damning of all their rivers.
The land is the Balkans, several countries nestled together in southeast Europe. The region’s political leadership has declared that every river must be dammed or diverted, either of which will destroy the natural worlds surrounding the rivers. As the subtitle indicates, these are the last wild rivers of Europe. People of many villages across the region are fighting back with passion and fortitude.
Patagonia, the company, is the film’s executive producer, and their website for the film provides a fount of detailed information about the region, the stakes, the activism—and how you can support this noble quest.
“Blue Heart” is available from Patagonia, Amazon Prime, and YouTube
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8562000/reference
D. Schwartz December 23, 2019
Eva: A-7063
“We often think of infectious diseases, but there’s also infection virtues where somebody’s life actually becomes infectious, and you can’t be with her, or see what she’s about without thinking ‘maybe the human race has more hope for the future than we thought.’”
L. Gregory 'Greg' Jones
Masterfully written and directed by Ted Green, “Eva: A-7063” tells the epic story of Eva Mozes Kor (January 31, 1934 – July 4, 2019)—a Holocaust survivor who came to national and international prominence by garnering both controversy and eminence through her steadfast Holocaust activism.
The root of her controversy was a seemingly simple personal act: She forgave, for herself, all the Nazis, and then publicly advocated other survivors to do the same.
Although the resentment she faced was inevitable, that controversy is a short chapter in this thoroughly engaging and stunning film. Eva Kor’s act of forgiveness inspired countless survivors of horrendous acts around the world to make choices to forgive, and to heal.
In 1995, Eva Kors created and opened the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in her adopted hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, with the mission ‘to prevent prejudice and hatred through education about the Holocaust.’
I cannot overstate the power and significance of “Eva: A-7063”. It is an inspiring must-see documentary which can be found streaming on Amazon Prime, Roku, and AppleTV.
“Eva is more than just a story. Eva is a revelation about what’s possible in the human condition.”
Elliott Gould
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStoryOfEva/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thestoryofeva
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryofeva/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8361136/reference
December 19, 2019
Our Bodies Our Doctors: A Quiet Rebellion
“Our Bodies Our Doctors” is the third in a series of documentaries about abortion in the United States. Directors Jan Haaken and Samantha Praus go to clinics that include abortions in their services. They interview physicians, assistants, and staffs about their current and past experiences. The camera is in the room during a few abortions peppered throughout the film. The care, concern, and understanding the treatment teams provide is emotionally moving. Their bravery goes unheralded.
The film also offers an outline of recent history of the legal and social status of abortions starting with the passage of Roe v Wade in 1973, through clinic bombings, murders, and harassment. The film concludes with the ‘quiet rebellion’ of the growing number of doctors who publicly assert their practice of providing abortions. The film places abortion in the context of the feminist movements that gained momentum during the 1960s, and have continued to expand.
There is a distinct possibility that with one or more changes of Supreme Court judges, Roe v Wade could be reversed. In the meantime, access to abortions has been severely restricted by hundreds of State-based laws. Yet, this quiet rebellion continues—and with this well-produced documentary, is now not so quiet.
Coda: I write this review of a film about abortion with the understanding of the deep passions and the deep divide of attitudes and beliefs about abortion the people of our United States suffer. I value and support a woman’s right to chose. Yet, as I imagine how I would feel as a woman facing this decision, and having an abortion, I am acutely aware of the internal conflicts and emotional pain I would experience.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurBodiesOurDoctors/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/obodfilm?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourbodiesourdoctors/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7724108/reference
D. Schwartz December 12, 2019
‘Love Them First’: Lessons from Lucy Laney Elementary
Once-in-a-blue-moon a documentary film strikes so deeply that I am at a want for the usual superlatives reviewers use. So, for "Love Them First" I simply go with the word ‘superlative.’
The film covers a year in the life of an elementary school in north Minneapolis, Minnesota. A part of Lucy Craft Laney at Cleveland Park Community School, Lucy Laney Elementary serves a student population which is 90% Black, and 90% living in impoverished circumstances. The overarching issue this year is how to lift the school’s status which is at the bottom of the state's list of underperforming schools list for two decades. Having seen this film, Lucy Craft Laney Elementary is anything but underperforming.
Our hero is principal Mauri Melander Friestleben. She passionately cares for her charges and staff, oversees the curriculum, fosters a compassionate spirit in support of her young students, all while facing the challenge to increase the school’s status. "Love Them First" is as much a profile and character study of Friestleben as it is an introduction to how well a compassionate and effective public school can lift the lives of the children.
"Love Them First" is one of the most remarkable and memorable documentaries I have ever seen. I hope all who read this review will see and experience the love in this film.
You can stream the film from its "website" or from Amazon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveThemFirstFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovethemfirst?lang=en
D. Schwartz December 12, 2019
‘The Guardians’: My Parents, Where Are They?
“The Guardians” is an expertly produced film about massive governmental corruption in the guardianship of elders.
Filmmaker Billie Mintz covers middle- and upper-class families in Las Vegas, Nevada, where a closed-loop governmental system allows elders to be taken from their homes, and for said government to have direct access to their homes, financial records and resources—including wills and trusts.
The perpetrators, called Public Guardians or Private Guardians, also have access to furniture, valuables—to put it simply, the contents of your parents’ home. Family members have little, if any, recourse. Guardians can walk right in to your parents’ home without any notice whatsoever, and take your parents away to institutions where they may be heavily drugged.
But, these ‘guardians’ could not do their dirty work without the crucial help of doctors, lawyers, courts, and an overall governmental structure that supports the legal kidnapping of elders.
But, if your net worth is not high enough, don’t worry. You may be homeless, but at least the guardians won’t get you.
Although the focus is on Las Vegas, the film concludes with this cautionary statement: ‘An estimated 1.5 million adults are currently under guardianship across the United States.’
Available from iTunes Store and Amazon Prime, “The Guardians” is a powerful, infuriating, must-see documentary.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuardiansDoc/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7348082/reference
D. Schwartz December 9, 2019
‘Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice’
I don’t know about your world, but in my world people were, without solicitation, sharing high praise for this documentary film about Linda Ronstadt. Once in a blue moon I cover a music business celebrity. I surrendered to peer pressure and watched “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”.
I settled down with my notepad and pen, but never made a mark. The film kept me glued to the screen, and to this story of a massively talented singer whose mind and heart matches her talent.
Directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman tell Ronstadt’s family story, and cover her epic journey through seemingly unrelated styles of music. The two directors interview legendary singers, musicians, producers and executives all of whom express high praise, with some moved to tears. Peppered throughout the film are clips which, of course, feature her strong evocative voice.
But what stands out in this film is Ronstadt’s determination to buck convention, master multiple styles of music including Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operas, Mexican, folk, country, songs from the Great American Songbook, and, of course, pop—finding success with this cornucopia of styles. By film’s conclusion, we are stunned.
"Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice" is a Kino Lorber release.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RonstadtMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronstadtmovie?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronstadtmovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10011448/reference
D. Schwartz November 5, 2019
‘To Be of Service’: Veterans and Their Service Dogs
“Then I got to sit on stage, where they bring the dogs to you. None of the dogs took to me at all. I called every dog. Then I called Boothe. Boothe looked up, I looked at him, and he ran to me. And that’s when everything started to get a lot better.” Veteran Marine
Although the idea is simple, it is driven by compassion and empathy, and the film’s impact is powerful—wounded veterans who have the good fortune of receiving a service dog.
Josh Aronson’s “To Be of Service” follows several veterans as they go through processes of receiving, bonding, living, and most significantly, healing with a service dog. Their wounds are both physical and psychological, and it is the emotional wounding that is so restrictive of living a fulfilling life. The well trained dogs play a crucial role in mitigating the painful impact of their wounds, and in bringing a loving spirit into their world.
Aronson shows the process of veterans finding the service dog that is right for them, covers the bonding process, and follows the pairs. We hear and see veterans speak about, and go about living their new-found emotional freedom. Aronson also interviews authorities who endorse the inestimable values of supporting veterans with service dogs.
Although there is mounting dramatic evidence of the value of service dogs for wounded veterans, the Veterans Administration has yet to cover the securing of service dogs for veterans. Meanwhile, 8,000 veterans a year commit suicide.
Here are a few resources:
• “A Service Dog is More Than a Vest” by Canine Companions for Independence
• “Understanding a Veteran with PTSD” from Maryville University, St. Louis, Missouri
• PAWS for People: https://www.pawsforpeople.org/
“To Be of Service” is a First Run Features release.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10413458/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tobeofservicefilm/
D. Schwartz November 30, 2019
Guilty Until Proven Guilty
The United States leads the world in incarceration rates. Louisiana leads the States of the United States in those rates.
Produced, written, directed, and narrated by well-lauded, veteran filmmaker Harry Moses, “Guilty Until Proven Guilty” shines a very dark light on the culture and politics of criminal justice—New Orleans style.
Moses covers the many laws, rules, regulations, and practices that feed abuse and injustice in the Parish’s criminal justice system, a system that is prima facie highly biased against African Americans.
The film focuses on victim/defendant Tim Conerly who has, as of production, spent half of his life in prison despite no evidence. The good guy is public defender Will Snowden whose case load has been as high as 180 defendants. The bad guy—and he looks and sounds the part—is Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, Jr. who has been in charge since 2008. Louisiana is one of two States in the United States that allows felony convictions with two of the 12 jurors to be dissenting.
“Guilty Until Proven Guilty” features music by Terence Blanchard, and an introduction by Usher who also provides the film’s coda.
“Guilty Until Proven Guilty” was to be a 53 minute PBS program, but executives did not accept it. However, you can find the film at First Run Features.
Here is a statement from First Run about the film:
WHY DID PBS BLACKLIST THIS DOCUMENTARY?
GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY spent two years investigating Louisiana’s racially biased criminal justice system.
Why did executives at PBS national headquarters refuse to recommend the film after giving it their "enthusiastic support?"
Why did the PBS affiliate in New Orleans conclude that the film, "does not represent PBS objectives"? Why did they call it "not a proper fit for our audience" when New Orleans is 59% black?
Why did Louisiana Public Broadcasting call it "one-sided" when the hour gave more air time to the New Orleans DA than any other expert?
We think it’s important for a reporter to find out what’s really behind these decisions. Is PBS afraid of offending its southern affiliates? Are they worried that a national release of the documentary would rub its conservative supporters and funders the wrong way?
We would like a journalist to investigate, so we hope you’ll take a look at GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY which the LA DOC Film Festival named "Best Documentary."
First Run Features: http://firstrunfeatures.com/guiltyuntilprovenguiltydvd.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guiltyuntilprovenguiltyfilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9184698/reference
D. Schwartz November 26, 2019
‘The Foreigner’s Home’
“My faith in the world of art is not irrational. And it’s not naive. Art invites us to take the journey from data, to information, to knowledge, to wisdom. Artists make language, images, sounds to bear witness, to shape beauty, and to comprehend. My faith in their work exceeds my admiration for any other discourse. Such conversation with the public and among various genre of art and scholarship, this conversation is vital to our understanding of what it means to be human.”
Toni Morrison (February 18, 1931 – August 5, 2019)
“The Foreigner’s Home” is about the disenfranchised, the oppressed, the estranged, and the killed—actions intrinsic to human nature, as are also art and artists who seek and share explicit acknowledgement, meaning and mediation of the lethal, tragic separations humans create.
The film’s title has multiple references, but primarily refers to the Paris 2006 Louvre multi-media exhibition entitled ‘The Foreigner’s Home’ curated by the highly lauded author Toni Morrison.
Filmmakers Rian Brown and Geoff Pingree blend a contemporary interview of Morrison with clips of her earlier presentations, the 2006 exhibition, archival footage of humans’ inhumanity to humans, animations, and a haunting soundtrack by Jay Ashby and Peter V. Swendsen.
The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault was the artistic centerpiece of the 2006 exhibition, and is featured prominently throughout the film.
By film’s end, “The Foreigner’s Home” evokes quiet contemplation of the nature of us human beings—and that is an invaluable grace.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6967166/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theforeignershomefilm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreignershomefilm/
The Toni Morrison Society: https://www.tonimorrisonsociety.org/
D. Schwartz November 14, 2019
‘Inviolable’: The Fight for Human Rights
“Everyone talks about the rage of despots, much worse is the indifference of the fortunate.”
Angela Andersen’s “Inviolable” begins with a reference to the United Nation’s ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ which was translated in every language and Braille. The declaration was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in Paris, on December 10, 1948, “as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations.”
This expertly-produced documentary travels around the world, exploring human rights issues, failures, and achievements in Kenya, Guatemala, Greece, China, Germany, Hungary, Turkey and Canada. Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, appears from time-to-time throughout the film.
Yours truly is also concerned about the rights of our natural world’s flora and fauna, and was relieved to see a reference to that concern in the film.
“Inviolable” is a crucial film that deserves the attention “of all peoples and all nations.”
I was able to view “Inviolable” thanks to the grace of United Nations Association Film Festival bestowed the film with the UNAFF Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary. This award is well deserved.
The film has yet to be released commercially in the United States. I will post an announcement on all my outlets when it is released. I am happy to report that millions in Europe have seen "Inviolable" and that it has been nominated for Best Documentary in Germany.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9652222/reference
[Note: IMDB’s current record for "Inviolable” brings up its first title ‘In Search of a Perfect World.’]
D. Schwartz October 25, 2019
Time Thieves: The Commodity of Time
“The best way to make money is having people work without paying them for their time. The consumer is seen as a workforce that is plentiful, motivated, and free.”
Marie-Anne Dujarier, Sociologist, La Sorbonne, Paris
Having spotted the title ‘Time Thieves’ I was equally intrigued and skeptical. Having seen Cosima Dannoritzer’s “Time Thieves”, I am without skepticism.
Through interviews with experts and victims who describe in detail how our time is literally stolen, Dannoritzer makes a strong case for all us victims to take a look at our stolen time—and to reclaim that time for our pleasure, our health, our happiness, our dignity, and our society.
I especially appreciated the irony of one resource provided in the film with a winked eye—Spencer Greenberg’s attempt to address our stolen loss of time by offering customers the ‘Value of Your Time Collector.’ In case my sense of irony is not justified, here is his site.
This topic of lost time is dead serious—there have been countless suicides and early deaths of employees who feel hopeless in fulfilling their chosen work in a timely manner. Japan has a name for this tragedy: Karoshi. People who commit suicide due to mental stress are called karojisatsu.
“Time Thieves” is expertly produced, and definitely deserves our time—taken seriously, this film will save you a lot of time.
“What we’ve done is taken the most ambiguous, subjective, amorphous idea that one can think of—time—and we’ve translated it into the most objective, [and one of] the most tangible entities that I know, and that’s money.”
Robert Levine, Author of ‘A Geography of Time’
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8596716/reference
D. Schwartz October 23, 2019
A Note About ‘At War’
The vast majority of feature documentary films I receive are called ‘streamers.’ That is, instead of a DVD or Blu-ray disc, I get a link and a password, and watch the film on my computer. That annoys me, and the filmmakers do not provide much-needed Closed Captioning. But it’s the only way can view and review.
I was pleasantly surprised when I received a sealed commercial Blu-ray disc from Cinema Libre Studio called “At WAR”—about an extended labor dispute in France. As I watched the film I was amazed at the access filmmakers had to all the private meetings between the adversaries.
I watch films cold. I don’t need or want to read or hear about them. All I need is the genre. So, when I received “At WAR” I went right to it. When it came time to write my review I picked up the literature, and the first thing I noticed was that this is not a documentary, it is a narrative drama.
Although I was no longer amazed at the filmmakers’ access to these warring parties, I am thoroughly amazed at the slice-of-life realism created by the filmmakers and their cast.
It is on that basis that I heartily suggest you see acting at its finest in support of a dramatic story of human conflict—a universal war between greed and human values.
“At WAR” is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand from several platforms.
Website: http://cinemalibrestudio.com/At-War/
Trailer: http://www.AtWarMovie.com
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7555774/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnGuerre.lefilm/
D. Schwartz October 15, 2019
Intelligent Trees
Suzanne Simard, Ph.D. and German Forester Peter Wohlleben are two of the six researchers who reveal the hidden life of trees in Julia Dordel’s and Guido Tölke’s “Intelligent Trees”.
Earlier this century filmmaker James Cameron let the world know he was already hip to the true nature of trees when he cast Sigourney Weaver as tree researcher Dr. Grace Augustine in his first ‘Avatar’ film. The fictional scientist was arriving at the knowledge that trees communicate with each other.
These nonfictional researchers are confirming and affirming this understanding with elaborate, challenging and provocative scientific discoveries of the extent to which trees have intelligence and compassion. Summarizing my understanding of what has been demonstrated so far, trees are social, they relate to each other in numerous ways, and they have specific needs that must be met in order to be healthy and happy.
In natural circumstances trees are cooperative and supportive of each other. They have ‘families’ and ‘friends’ and ‘communities’—they also take care of their young and/or ailing neighbors.
Trees have a form of consciousness that deserves respect and care. Our world would be much healthier and happier if we were to incorporate this understanding into our care for trees. The film’s researchers provide clues of how to provide that care.
Available from Amazon and Vimeo, “Intelligent Trees” is another well-produced environmental feature documentary that is an absolute must see.
50 % of the film’s revenue goes towards Dr. Simard's ongoing research on the communication between trees. Her work is housed in the Forest and Conservation Science centre at The University of British Columbia.
Please contact Brian Sweet at APL Film for additional information on the film at
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intelligenttrees/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/intelligenttre2?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intelligenttrees/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6110712/reference
D. Schwartz October 10, 2019
Hail Satan?: Satan as a Liberal Activist
“What we want to do is force people to evaluate their notions of the United States being a Christian nation. It’s not. We are a secular nation. We’re supposed to be a democratic, pluralistic nation. We are supposed to be a nation that doesn’t allow the government to dictate what is appropriate religious expression.” ‘Lucien Greaves’—Spokesperson, The Satanic Temple
“Hail Satan?” is an introduction to The Satanic Temple (TST), a religious organization inspired by Mr. Greaves, the central character in director Penny Lane’s bold, fascinating, provocative documentary.
The Satanic Temple has chapters around the world, and the only figure I found in my search for the number of total members was 50,000. Chapter members provide a variety of social and environmental services.
Lane interviews a large number of members, and follows several of TST’s public presentations. The issue of Arkansas’ ‘Ten Commandments Monument’ which is placed on the State’s capital grounds garners the most attention in the film’s coverage. To mock the ignoring of the fundamental Constitutional dictum of the separation of church and state, Greave’s led the creation of a statue of Baphomet, and litigated in Federal court to have that statue placed next to the Monument.
“Hail Satan?”—like TST itself—is a much-needed passionate call for religious freedom, for honoring the United States’ constitutional dictum.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hailsatanfilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailsatanfilm?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailsatanfilm/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9358044/reference
D. Schwartz October 8, 2019
‘Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin’
“I want to see science fiction step over the old walls, and head writing over to the next wall, and start to break it down, too.”
Written and directed by Arwen Curry, “Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin” tells the prolific writer’s life story in an amazingly short 68 minutes. The ‘Worlds’ in the film’s title refers both to the many worlds Le Guin created in her stories, and the world she created for herself and her family.
Although Le Guin (October 21, 1929 – January 22, 2018) is well-noted for her legacy of fantasy novels, the film makes it clear that her lifetime of non-stop writing expanded beyond that genre—as did her worldview. She broke down ‘the old walls’ many times, and brought countless writers along with her. Indeed, it is fair to say Le Guin is literally a legendary writer—in the year 2000, she was pronounced a ‘Living Legend’ by the U.S. Library of Congress.
Beyond her public legacy, I was astounded to learn of Le Guin’s second life as wife and mother. She raised three children, and lived 65 years of stable marriage with husband Charles Le Guin.
“Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin” was produced with the author’s participation over a ten-year period. It is distributed by American Masters. The film received at least seven festival awards, and was an official selection of several other festivals.
Arwen Curry has brought to vivid life an artist whose name you may not have even heard of, but who you will now know forever.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldsofUKL
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorldsofUKL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BBQnr8BL8Hi/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10022158/reference
Ursula K. Le Guin website: http://www.ursulakleguin.com (look at upper right-hand corner of the home page and click on Dragons Enter Here)
D. Schwartz October 5, 2019
The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin’—10th Anniversary Edition
Although I regret not having seen "The Wavy Gravy Movie" when it was released in 2009, I am grateful and excited to have seen this thoroughly gratifying Kino Lorber 10th Anniversary Edition with its 2019 interview of Wavy Gravy and wife Johanara Romney—and with over 55 minutes of additional scenes.
This review is for those who have not seen the original film as well as those who would likely be moved by the interview and additional scenes.
For those few who never heard of Wavy Gravy, he was born in 1936, and named Hugh Nanton Romney. The core of his life’s activities are performing, teaching and organizing. Wavy Gravy’s renown emerged out of the 1960s cultural revolutions. He is beloved for his deeply altruistic character, and honored for founding or co-founding several organizations including Seva Foundation and Camp Winnarainbow.
With “The Wavy Gravy Movie” director Michelle Esrick has produced the definitive cinematic profile of Wavy Gravy. She covers both the man, his times, and skillfully takes her audience through his transformation from small boy to mystic clown who, at 83, is still going strong—as is his 52 year marriage with Johanara.
Wavy Gravy and this well-reviewed film about him are both deeply inspiring and utterly fascinating.
The film is available from
.
Wavy Gravy: https://wavygravy.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WavyGravyMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WavyGravyMovie
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326259/reference
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavy_Gravy
D. Schwartz September 30, 2019
City Dreamers: Four Women and the Dream of a Fundamentally Human and Inclusive City
Directed by prolific filmmaker Joseph Hillel, “City Dreamers” profiles the above mentioned four who, at the time of production, were between the ages of 87 and 97—and still active. Denise Scott Brown, Phyllis Lambert, Blanche Lemco van Ginkel, and Cornelia Hahn Oberlander are icons—if not legends—in the worlds of architecture and urban planning. With this brilliant documentary their renown is expanding. (See links below to learn more about each of them.)
The women provide a bit about their life stories, but primarily they focus on their professional experiences, passions and values. They were pioneers in incorporating social and environmental concerns into their work, and in confronting the men's club called architecture.
Hillel accompanies their stories with a dizzying, engaging, onslaught of archival and contemporary images from the early twentieth century to the present.
Jean-Olivier Bégin’s soundtrack perfectly captures the cool jazz of 1950s mise en scène. If the producers release the soundtrack, yours truly will be their first customer.
“City Dreamers” is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking which deserves multiple viewings—and an Oscar nomination.
The film premiers October 20 at the Architecture & Design Film Festival in New York.
Here is more information about the four women:
Phyllis Lambert: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllis_Lambert
Blanche Lemco van Ginkel: https://pioneeringwomen.bwaf.org/blanche-lemco-van-ginkel/
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander: https://tclf.org/pioneer/cornelia-hahn-oberlander
Denise Scott Brown: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denise_Scott_Brown
________________________________
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityDreamersFilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8558504/reference
"City Dreamers" is a First Run Features release.
D. Schwartz September 28, 2019
Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World
“Bellingcat doesn’t have institutional support. They don’t have a big building at The Hague, or Brussels where they do their work. They actually publish very detailed analysis, and many of them are volunteers, living at home—they don’t have security. What they do is really risk a great deal to find out the truth in very complex situations that include major global players.” Professor Claire Wardle, Executive Director, First Draft
Written, directed, and shot by veteran filmmaker Hans Pool, “Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World” tells the story of the creation and dramatic evolution of the international citizen-journalist collective called, of course, Bellingcat. Founded by Elliot Higgins, and based in the United Kingdom, Bellingcat has become a major player in the much-needed and dangerous work of citizen investigative journalism.
As examples of their work, Pool covers the organization’s investigation of the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, Syria’s civil war, and the poisoning of Russian spy Sergei Skripal.
Covered by no less than Variety, “Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World” is an expertly produced, must-see documentary film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bellingcatfilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7844518/
Bellingcat: https://www.bellingcat.com/
D. Schwartz September 26, 2019
Scheme Birds: If You Stay Here, You Either Get Locked Up or Knocked Up
Gemma is 18 years old. She smokes cigarettes, and lives in Motherwell, Scotland, a thriving community until Margaret Thatcher’s policies brought down the steel mill. She and her companions are called ‘scheme birds.’
“A scheme,” she says, “is like a non-snobby place to stay.”
Gemma never knew her mother. She was raised, instead, by her grandfather who she calls Papa.
Papa is teaching her boxing. When not teaching, Papa raises and releases large numbers of pigeons. Every Friday Papa hosts a kind of competition regarding which is the finest pigeon that day. Gemma says the birds fly around the world, most return.
Directed by first-time feature documentary directors Ellen Fiske, Ellinor Hallin, “Scheme Birds” follows Gemma and her friends as they drift into adulthood.
You will not forget Gemma.
“Scheme Birds” had its world premier at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival where it won Best Documentary Feature and the festival’s ‘Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award.’
You may access the film here.
I hope Gemma finds a way to quit smoking.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scheme-Birds-102223404513056/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/schemebirds?src=hash&lang=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7511320/reference
D. Schwartz September 23, 2019
What Do You Believe in Now?—The Spiritual Journeys of American Millennials
In 2002, veteran filmmaker Sarah Feinbloom produced and directed “What Do You Believe?—The Religious Lives of American Teenagers”. The award-winning film was featured on PBS, and screened internationally. Now, in 2019, she has released her follow-up film “What Do You Believe Now?—The Spiritual Journeys of American Millennials.” The film premiers at 2019’s Mill Valley Film Festival.
In the first film Feinbloom interviews six Americans teenagers about their religious/spiritual beliefs. In the follow-up film Feinbloom juxtaposes interviews of the teenagers with their interviews as adults. The teenager interviews reveal a roughly accepted set of beliefs for each of the teens. Their views are, respectively, Catholic, Pagan, Jewish, Muslim, Lakota and Buddhist. The follow-up interviews reveal changes in their beliefs, aspects that remain, and values that inform their adult religious understandings.
Inevitably, viewers see ourselves in these children and adults as they struggle with—and to a degree, resolve—issues human beings have struggled with since there were human beings. We empathize with the losses, gains, and continued struggles the six have experienced over almost two decades. Inevitably, we ponder on our own personal beliefs and values, as well as the religious struggles of humanity with its many and varied religious beliefs, practices and institutions.
In addition to her filmmaking career, Feinbloom is also founder and executive director of GOOD DOCS, an educational distribution company specializing in human rights and social issue documentaries.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatDoYouBelieveNow/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9107104/reference
D. Schwartz September 21, 2019
Cooked: Survival by Zip Code
“It had never been more obvious to me how deeply flawed and immoral our national priorities are. I started this film questioning our very definition of ‘disaster,’ and amending it, convinced that if we just enlarge that definition, we could address the underlying conditions that are literally killing people every day." Judith Helfand
The Chicago 1995 heat wave that killed at least 739 people is the inciting incident in Judth Helfand’s “Cooked: Disaster by Zip Code”. The prolific filmmaker hosts and narrates her film as she shows and tells the story of that disaster, takes us on her train of thought about social inequities, and suggests a widened concept of ‘disaster.’
Helfand noted that when there is a disaster—earthquake, hurricane, fire, etc.—there is usually an effective rapid response. She notes, though, that Chicago’s response to the heat wave was weighted toward neighborhoods of well-off Caucasians—hence, the 739 deaths. She also notes that 1995’s inequities were typical of United States’ disaster responses.
Contemplating the word and idea ‘disaster,’ Helfand expanded the notion to include poverty, under-resourced communities, and discrimination—disasters in slow motion. Her proposal is simple yet daunting—provide the same type of urgent attention to those social ills as we give to our weather, flood, etc. disasters.
The substance of “Cooked” is both the Chicago fire, exploration of her ideas with authorities, officials, and experts, interviews with victims, and her thoughts as she shares her responses to the information she discovers.
Although there is no want of documentaries, essays, research studies, articles, and books about social inequities in the United States, "Cooked" is another important, moving contribution to our national dialogs on injustice in its many varieties.
In addition to the information and stories Helfand provides, her charm and empathy impacts viewers as much as the film’s overt substance.
“Cooked: Survival by Zip Code” is available on iTunes, Amazon, and GooglePlay.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookedthefilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cookedthefilm?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookedthefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2490432/reference
Chicago Heat Wave: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Chicago_heat_wave
D. Schwartz September 9, 2019
Unraveling Athena: The Odyssey of a Tennis Champion
“Unraveling Athena” tells many stories of the path from little girl to number one tennis champion. Produced and directed by Francis Amat, the film traces the journeys of 21 champions from early childhood to post career. Each champion has undergone an extensive interview which editor Pepe Plaza has skillfully woven the into a masterly edited montage which also includes tennis coaches, agents, other authorities, and clips of rallies.
By film’s conclusion we are stunned and in awe, and feel as if we have been with these champions throughout their long, arduous, fulfilling journey. One needn’t be a player nor a fan to be moved by the women of Amat’s film.
“Unraveling Athena” transcends the sport of tennis, and draws us into the realms of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, an ascension into the mythological search for Ithaca, and a realization of the archetype of Athena.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unravelingathena/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/unravelinga?lang=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9767986/reference
D. Schwartz August 30, 2019
The Champions
Pam Shriver
Victoria Azarenka
Jelena Jankovic
Billie Jean King
Evonne Goolagong
Monica Seles
Marina Navratilova
Kim Clijsters
Chris Evert
Justine Henin
Dinara Safina
Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario
Caroline Wozniacki
Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Martina Hingis
Angelique Kerber
Ana Ivanovic
Tracy Austin
Sania Mirza
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
____________________
The Family: America’s Global Unification of Church and State
Prolific documentary filmmaker Jesse Moss has introduced us to ‘The Family’ via his film of the same name.
Available on Netflix, “The Family” covers this now not-so-secret-organization’s history and global outreach.
Founded by Abraham Vereide in 1935, in San Francisco, the loosely structured organization expanded and spread around the globe. The key players attempted to keep this non-organization organization secret as long as possible. Yet, now there is this five-part documentary.
The Family is based on two ideas and a strategy: A simplified version of Christianity, a focus on the wealthy and powerful, and a ‘prayer breakfast.’
In 1935, Vereide along with Major J.F. Douglas began hosting ‘prayer breakfasts’ for local leaders. The phenomenon expanded nationally and internationally. The idea is to meld government with The Family’s version of Christianity, and to use that combo to promote a right-wing political agenda globally.
The United States' annual 'National Prayer Breakfast' in Washington, D.C. has been attended by every US President since Dwight D. Eisenhower. DC-based, our 'Breakfast' has morphed over the decades into a week or two orgy of political lobbying.
Moss’s film is informed by the work of author Jeff Sharlet from his two books, “The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power” and “C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy”. Sharlet appears throughout the film speaking of The Family, sharing his experience as a young ‘Family’ member in a local group.
“The Family” paints a stunning, harrowing picture of insidious domestic and international proselytizing by the rich and powerful.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10715148/reference
D. Schwartz August 23, 2019
This Changes Everything: The Struggle for Gender Parity in the Film Industry
Accomplished filmmaker Tom Donahue’s “This Changes Everything” covers the status quo of gender discrimination in the film industry. Despite a smattering of womens’ names in film and television credits, the gender gap is still very much with us. The impact is global. The resistance to reform is powerful. Although they were approached, not one Hollywood studio head responded to the call for an interview.
Featuring state-of-the-art production quality, “This Changes Everything” features both disturbing statistics as well as daunting stories from dozens of high profile women who work—or struggle to work—in the film industry. This status quo is a political, social, and economic injustice—a crime if federal statutes regarding discrimination were to be considered.
The meta issue, though, is the tragic impact that the lack of gender parity has on global culture. Girls and women are exposed to images and stories of a world dominated by men. The impact truncates their sense of self, their beliefs of what is possible, their potential. It also contributes to the perpetuation of misogyny in all its myriad forms. In turn, our national and global society are adversely impacted—and that it a massive understatement.
“This Changes Everything” covers, of course, initiatives to address gender discrimination the most high profile of which is the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
Our world is facing seemingly countless existential threats. It may be challenging to view this film industry gender issue as a crucial inequity to be reformed, yet a world in which women and men share equally in all aspects of the production of filmed entertainment would create an urgently-needed sea change in our global culture. It would change everything.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thischangeseverythinghollywood/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5795282/reference
D. Schwartz August 13, 2019
Becoming Nobody: Ram Dass’s Greatest Hits
For those unfamiliar, Ram Dass was known as Dr. Richard Alpert, a Harvard-based psychologist. If you are one of those, “Becoming Nobody” is the best filmic introduction ever to the iconic psychologist turned spiritual teacher. As of this writing—August, 2019—Ram Dass lives in Maui, Hawaii. He is 88 years old, living with the physical results of a stroke—but otherwise, very much with us.
“Becoming Nobody” features many Ram Dasses. We hear and see him speaking to large groups of people at various venues, at various times, around the United States—if not the world. And we are with him in Maui, in dialog with Jamie Catto, the film’s director.
The film provides a sequence of teachings that form the fundamental messages Ram Dass has shared with our world. For those of us already familiar with his teachings, “Becoming Nobody” is a review of his life’s teachings, and a thoroughly engaging delight. It is awe-inspiring to see our teacher in his later years, in his wheel chair, and thoroughly present.
For those not familiar with Ram Dass’s teachings, he has found words and expressions about spirit, or Eastern philosophy, or Indian religions that succinctly translate this wisdom for us English speaking folks. That is, you are in for a treat, a discovery—and a lot of contemplation.
“Becoming Nobody” opens September 6, in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Stay in touch with the film’s website for more information about seeing the film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BecomingNobody/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingnobodyfilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10534256/reference
Ram Dass and Love Serve Remember Foundation: http://www.ramdass.org
D. Schwartz August 6, 2019
You Racist, Sexist, Bigot: a film to raise consciousness
Directed by Pita Juarez and Matty Steinkamp, “You Racist, Sexist, Bigot” is a call for respect for human diversity and human rights. The documentary features several people speaking to camera, speaking to us, telling their stories, sharing their experience, and expressing their opinions.
The film brings intolerance, bias, and violence out of the realms of words, ideas, and news reports, into the viscera of our emotions, into our hearts and minds.
The ideal audience for the film would be, of course, entrenched racists, sexists, and bigots. But, at least those of us who value honoring diversity can and will see the film. My philosophy states that if one, such as yours truly, sees oneself as unbiased, one is anything but. Bias seems to be written into our genetic code. Best we can do is admit our biases, and say, ‘I’m working on it.’
Featuring high production values, “You Racist, Sexist, Bigot” is a perfect film to help us confront and work on our own biases, and listen to and support victims of bias and intolerance.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YRSBFILM/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yrsbfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youracistsexistbigot/
D. Schwartz August 5, 2019
Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché
“She was more or less forgotten by the industry that she helped create.” Martin Scorsese
Abigail Disney, Hugh Hefner, Jodie Foster, and Robert Redford are just a few of the people responsible for the production of Pamela P. Green’s “Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché”. They had just one intention: Righting a wrong by unearthing the life, times, and contributions of this pioneering filmmaker who is credited with being the first female narrative film director.
Born and raised in France, Guy-Blaché (1873-1968) wrote, produced, directed, edited, and performed in countless films. She founded and ran Solax, a film studio in Fort Lee, New Jersey—the city considered the real birthplace of Hollywood. Over the first few decades of the 20th century, the absolutely crucial role she played in the emergence of filmed entertainment was gradually edited out of film history.
Narrated by Foster, the film follows Guy Blache’s work, her personal life, her ascent, her apparent disappearance from the filmmaking world, and the rediscovery of her pioneering role in filmmaking history. The film’s title—‘Be Natural’—is the advice Guy-Blaché gave to her nascent actors.
The film is fast-paced, extremely well produced, and leaves viewers with dropped jaws in response both to Guy-Blache’s epic story as well as the high quality of this production honoring her legacy.
Unless one has zero interest in filmed entertainment, “Be Natural” is an absolute must-see. I will be viewing it at least one more time.
"Be Natural" is distributed by Kino Lorber
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeNaturalMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeNaturalMovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benaturalthemovie/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3146022/reference
D. Schwartz August 4, 2019
The Great Hack: Our Cyberpocalypse
There are two foci in Karim Amer’s and Jehane Noujaim’s “The Great Hack”—a stunning documentary film about web-based manipulations of human attitudes and behaviors. The first focus is the rise and fall of Cambridge Analytica—the British firm many believe gave the 2016 presidential election to Trump. The second, more revelatory focus is on the ubiquitous use of web-based technology to influence human behavior.
With ultra-high production values, the film follows several individuals who either worked for Cambridge Analytical, or were following its socio-economic-political impacts. As the film progresses, as we learn these stories and details of persuasion and manipulation, the meta focus on the rise of cyber businesses and nation-state persuasion players emerges. An implicit picture is painted of a world so dominated by cyber influence, us inhabitants become virtual sheep to the slaughter of authentic freedom.
“The Great Hack” is a Netflix film. I heartily suggest that if you do not have Netflix, find someone who does, and see this film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatHackFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegreathackdoc
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9358204/reference
D. Schwartz August 1, 2019
Black, White, and US: Racism through the Prism of Transracial Adoption
In “Black, White, and US” author/speaker/filmmaker Loki Mulholland has given us as crucially significant a documentary film about black/white racism I have ever seen. Mulholland interviews four white couples each of whom have adopted black children. The location is the very white, very Mormon state of Utah.
Each couple shares their thoughts, experiences, and feelings about having adopted and raised their children. We hear both their harrowing as well as transformative experiences. We also hear from authorities on the issue of transracial adoption, and from a son who relates his experience as an adoptee.
The central character is Curtis Linton, a father who shares a remarkable amount of insight into what he and wife Melody have experienced and, especially, learned as transracial adopters. The two have founded The Domino Foundation which “promotes healthy racial identity development, strong interracial relationships, and self-confidence in families that adopt transracially.”
“Black, White, and Us” is an absolute must-see film. It is provocative—every moment has something important to say. I found myself stopping, reversing, and replaying short pieces of dialog to make sure I really understood what had just been shared.
I doubt the film’s release method qualified it for Academy nomination. However, it belongs on the Academy’s slate of feature documentary film nominations.
The film is on Amazon Prime. If you don’t have Prime, you can sign up for a free month in order to see the film.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8844056/reference
D. Schwartz July 22, 2019
The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
“If you look at her from the beginning, it would be a cautionary tale about all of us.” Dan Ariel, behavioral economist
As of this point in time, Elizabeth Holmes is scheduled to go on trial in federal court on July 28, 2020, for allegedly defrauding investors, doctors and the public.
In “The Inventor” documentary film god Alex Gibney tells Holmes’ story of a twenty-something woman who cooked up a nine billion dollar valued tech company called Theranos—a contraction of the words ‘therapy’ and ‘diagnosis’—only to see the company and her dream crash.
Holmes’ idea was to provide people direct access to potentially life-saving blood tests. She envisioned a small box called ‘Edison’ that could perform more than 200 blood tests. The tests would be purchased by customers at drug stores, and the box—like some sort of dedicated desktop computer—might even be available in homes.
Rather than the conventional blood draw from the arm, customers or users would experience a less painful finger stick, quicker results, and less cost than traditional blood labs. The intention was to make it easier for people to get blood tests, and would be more likely to discern potential problems sooner, and receive potential treatments sooner.
Her idea would require, of course, that the medical world relinquish its convention of requiring a physician’s order for blood tests. That sticky problem aside, the main problem was the idea is unworkable.
Utilizing a remarkable amount of access to images, information about Holmes, and people—many from the halls of power—caught in the company’s maelstrom, Gibney escorts viewers through the rise and fall of Theranos and its founder. The result is a stunning, jaw-dropping fairy-tale turned nightmare.
“The Inventor” is an HBO documentary available via HBOGO, HBONow, Amazon Prime Video, and Play Station Vue.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinventorhbo/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8488126/reference
D. Schwartz July 18, 2019
Old Dog: A Profile of Shepherd Paul Sorenson
“I am eternally in a state of bewildered awe as to what they are capable of. I never look at the individual dog and say ‘what a clever dog.’ To me, it’s the dog/shepherd unit that’s most impressive.” Dr. Nick Cave, Massey University, New Zealand.
New Zealander Paul Sorenson had his fair share of an unhappy childhood, yet he found solace and healing in dogs. Sorenson began training sheepdogs at the age of 14. In adulthood he and wife Honey purchased a large farm, and manage a large flock of sheep with sheepdogs. Sorenson became a teacher, a television celebrity and amassed a lifetime of awards.
In “Old Dog” veteran filmmaker Sally Rowe follows Sorenson and company as he does his work with dogs, and passes on his canine wisdom to farmers. Although Sorenson provides countless pointers, compassion and connection are the primary traits he imparts to his students. In retirement he still teaches farmers—without charge.
Seeing dogs shepherd sheep and cows is intrinsically fascinating. With “Old Dog” Rowe pairs that fascination with the raw beauty of New Zealand vistas.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldDogTheFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/olddogdoc
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7716754/reference
D. Schwartz July 9, 2019
Bathtubs Over Broadway: The Transformation of Steve Young
The title “Bathtubs Over Broadway”, may, like the film it represents, seem cutesy and quirky, but this documentary has a serious subtext—the profound story of Steve Young’s fairy-tale journey through dark humor, into joy and compassion.
A writer on ‘The Late Night with David Letterman’ for 25 years, Young came upon mysterious vinyl LPs of cast albums of Broadway style musicals that promoted the interests of large corporations. Curious and intrigued, the veteran comedy writer became a passionate, if not obsessed collector of any and all things industrial musical. By virtue of his high showbiz status Young was able to garner easy access to writers and performers of industrial shows. His story’s fitting climax finds Young co-writing, co-producing, and performing in an industrial musical celebrating industrial musicals.
Dava Whisenant’s feature length directorial debut quickly pulls viewers into this hitherto unknown world, and one person’s passion so intense he became a high-profile part of that world. A big festival winner, “Bathtubs Over Broadway” is a thoroughly engaging and delightful film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BathtubsOverBroadway/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BathtubsOverBwy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bathtubsoverbroadway/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6029778/reference
July 9, 2019
Into the Okavango: A Harrowing, Life Changing Expedition
‘The Okavango Delta is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in southern Africa, the main source of water for a million people, and one of Africa’s richest places for biodiversity. Since 2015, National Geographic Fellow Dr. Steve Boyes and an interdisciplinary team of scientists and explorers have been surveying the river system and working to protect the Okavango watershed.’
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“When I discovered the Okavango Delta—I think I’d been searching for it my entire life. It was this vastness—this incredible unending wilderness. I saw what the world used to be without us. And it is delicate—a delicate thing that we need to protect.” Dr. Steve Boyes
“Into the Okavango” follows Boyes’ and his expeditionary party of explorers on a grueling four-month, 1,500 mile, life-changing trek as part of National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project to save the river system that feeds the delta—one of Earth’s last wetland wilderness.
Director Neil Gelinas provides captivating nature images and sounds as he and his production team follow the trekkers and their ten long, thin canoes from journey’s start to end. "Into the Okavango" is one of those documentary films that makes you yearn for a making-of special feature.
“The person I was when I started this expedition is completely different than the person I was when I left it. I learned to let the ghosts of the past stay in the past. The trip changed all of our molecules. It changed how I see everything, including what it means to be an Angolan.” Adjany Costa, expedition biologist
Twitter: https://twitter.com/intotheokavango?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intotheokavango/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7573844/reference
D. Schwartz July 20, 2019
The Rest I Make Up: Maria Irene Fornes
“I don’t know of any playwright more intuitive, more reliant on taking stuff from the unconscious, and letting that create form.” Edward Albee
“The Rest I Make Up” has three characters.
Cuban-American Maria Irene Fornes (May 14, 1930 – October 30, 2018), is a legendary off-Broadway playwright. She wrote more than 40 plays, won nine Obies, and mentored countless playwrights.
Michelle Memran, a journalist and filmmaker who first met and interviewed Fornes in 1999, and has produced and directed this portrait of Fornes. Beginning in 2003, Memran spent time filming with Fornes in New York, Cuba, and Miami. The playwright was experiencing memory loss, eventually diagnosed as Alzheimer’s.
The third character is the camera. Memran is concurrently holding the camera and dialoguing with Fornes. The camera becomes a medium of connection rather than a barrier to connection.
Memran’s portrait of Fornes is of a delightful, intelligent, passionate, creative, accomplished woman with a golden heart. Yes, Memran does confront the subject of memory loss, but in doing so it becomes clear that the above-mentioned qualities are present, as words and time conduct Maria Irene Fornes to her passing.
“The Rest I Make Up” filled my memory with the feeling of a sparkling bright presence.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fornestherestimakeup/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/restimakeupfilm?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restimakeupfilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5495230/reference
June 3, 2019
Satan & Adam: The Epic Odysseys of Sterling Magee and Adam Gussow
“I realized very early, this is the best gig I’m ever going to have.” Adam Gussow
Films—fiction or nonfiction—do not get any more inspiring than “Satan & Adam”. Director V. Scott Balcerek tells the story of African American Sterling Magee and Caucasian Adam Gussow who spent 12 years as a duo writing and performing blues songs. They met on the streets of Harlem. Magee, who had bitterly abandoned traditional music business and taken on the stage name of Mr. Satan, was playing and singing as a one man band.
In October, 1986, while Satan was on the street, performing near the Apollo Theater, Gussow, this white Jewish graduate student who was drifting through a lost period of his young life, boldly started playing harmonica to Satan’s music. The two musicians first became a street sensation, and with a little inspiration from U2’s The Edge—and many other people—toured the United States and Europe, recorded albums, had agents for a period of time, and eventually drifted apart. But, that was far from the end of their story.
In addition to performing music, the bonding of these two musicians created racial, cultural, and generation gap bridges that fueled audiences’ intrigue and appreciation of their partnership.
The sensation of this story, and the expertise the producing team brought to its cinematic telling make “Satan & Adam” an absolute must see.
“Satan & Adam” is available on Netflix, iTunes, and for purchase from the film’s website.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/satanandadamfilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/satanandadam
https://www.instagram.com/satanandadamfilm/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7445772/reference
D. Schwartz July 2, 2019
Dog’s Best Friend: The Life and Dogs of Jacob Leezak
“The only reason I’m on this Earth is to be with dogs. This is all I know. This is all I’ve ever known. This is all I want to know.”
Australia’s Jacob Leezak has had much more than his fair share of trauma. His life’s journey, however, carefully guided this big, strong man to the world of dogs. He founded and runs the Canine Behaviour Expert Dog Psychology Centre on the outskirts of Sydney.
Accomplished actor Eryn Wilson covers Leezak’s life and work with dogs in his directorial feature film debut “Dog’s Best Friend”. Having viewed this heart-felt documentary, the term ‘best friend’ is not hyperbole. Leezak houses and rehabilitates dogs who likely would have been euthanized or otherwise lived a short, miserable life. His love affair with dogs knows no bounds. His center never has fewer than 30 dogs.
Wilson follows Leezak as he spends time with dogs, speaks about his life experiences, his manner of helping dogs, and as he works with them. Amongst many other approaches, Leezak uses a treadmill, a small water pool, and massage to rehabilitate his charges.
The only other human who shares significant screen time in this film is Jennah who is pregnant with their first child during shooting. She, too, has had a daunting, a very daunting life experience, and has found her way to a healing life experience. And, yes, we get to meet the loving couple’s baby at film’s conclusion.
“Dog’s Best Friend” is a delightful, moving film about a loving hero and his devoted relationship with dogs.
The film is currently on the festival circuit. Check in with any or all of the links below to learn the latest news about its release.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsbestfriendadocumentarybyerynwilson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dogsbfdoco
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9135332/reference
D. Schwartz June 25, 2019
RiverBlue: The Deaths and Rebirths of Rivers
“My dad, in the late sixties, brought home a photograph of Earth, as seen from outer space. And I was so impressed by it, but one, it made me realize, in the overall scheme of things, that our planet is quite small and quite finite. The other thing that was very noticeable is, I mean, clearly it’s a blue planet, but of all the water on this Earth, 97% is saline, it’s in the oceans, two percent is locked up in ice. That only leaves us one percent that’s found in lakes and rivers, and a lot of that water is not accessible.
“So, really, when you talk about it, when you really come down to it, we have a very small amount of water, and that’s got to accommodate, not only the needs that humans have, for drinking water, but it’s got to accommodate all of those other needs—agricultural needs, industrial needs, [and the flora and fauna of Earth.] So, I think we have to treat water in a much more respectful way. I think we have to treat rivers in a much more respectful way, than we have in the past.” Mark Angelo, International River Conservationist
Co-directors David McIlvride and Roger Williams have given us “RiverBlue” about the contamination and literal deaths of rivers around the world. We have had a cornucopia of documentary films and television shows about our oceans, now this well-produced documentary shifts that focus to the primary source of our drinking water, rivers.
Mark Angelo is the film’s unofficial host as he goes around the world, speaking about the massive tragedy—along with a few other interviewees speaking passionately on the tragedy of dying rivers, and of initiatives to bring them back to life.
Williams and McIlvride focus on the textile and tannery industries as one of the most, if not the most culpable sources of pollution. Within that industry they focus on blue jeans the manufacture of which is a huge contributor to river destruction. The directors also interview designers and boutique garment manufacturers who are recreating the design and manufacturing process in a much less destructive manner.
Narrated by Jason Priestly, “RiverBlue” is a prime example of a film feeding back to us consumers the destruction of the environment, and the loss of life wrought by our careless purchases. Following the film, I heartily suggest you go to the film’s ‘Take Action’ section to act on the daunting information the film provides. Yours truly will seek out his next jeans purchase from one of those reformed manufacturers. And, I have placed the annual World Rivers Day on my calendar.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverbluethemovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RiverBlueMovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluethemovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3286488/reference
D. Schwartz June 24, 2019
Point of No Return: Flying Around the World on the Sun’s Power
“Point of No Return” tells and shows the story of Solar Impulse, the first solar powered airplane to fly around the world. The environmental demonstration project was created by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg who took turns piloting the plane through the legs of its 505 day journey at an average speed of 45 MPH. The plane could only hold one pilot at a time.
As a first-of project Solar Impulse was vulnerable to the caprice of weather and wind, sun and shade, to limitations of the plane’s technology, and the challenges each of the pilots faced in staying awake and alert.
Following the project from before the flight’s beginning through after its end, filmmakers Quinn Kanaly and Noel Dockstader take viewers on a harrowing journey that could have easily ended in tragedy—especially considering that the two pilots dared fate by not listening to some of the 120 support staff who recommended ending the flight at certain points before its completion.
“Point of No Return” tells its story of a bold and dangerous journey with gorgeous cinematography. Like Ron Howard’s ‘Apollo 13,’ despite our foreknowledge of the film’s triumphant conclusion, Kanaly and Dockstader keep us viewers on the edge of our seats.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pointofnoreturndoc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PONRdoc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointofnoreturndoc/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7476472/reference
Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J9o2OI1XK8
D. Schwartz June 20, 2019
The Serengeti Rules: The Nature of Nature
Written and directed by veteran filmmaker Nicolas Brown, “The Serengeti Rules” tells the story of the discovery of ‘keystone species’—species that play a crucial role in the health of their environment. Their presence supports their environment, and absence degrades it.
The film takes viewers around the world, features a handful of distinguished scientists speaking of this discovery, and reenactments of poignant moments in their respective processes of discovery. Bob Paine is credited with the discovery of this dynamic of nature.
Over decades these scientists confirmed and reconfirmed Paine’s discovery. They researched and found examples of ‘the Serengeti rules’ throughout the world. One of those examples was Serengeti National Park, and that particular region gave this process its name.
An Abramorama release “The Serengeti Rules” is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking. In addition to telling a compelling story, Brown provides gorgeous images of nature along with a powerful, evocative soundtrack.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SerengetiRules/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SerengetiRules
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serengetirules/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6838670/reference
D. Schwartz June 13, 2019
Life in the Doghouse: Two Men and a Lotta Dogs
"We don't care if they adopt from us, we just want them to adopt. It's just saving lives." Ron Danta
Four million animals a year are euthanized annually in the United States—primarily because of human carelessness and the greed of puppy mill operators.
Companion and partners Ron Danta and Danny Robertshaw are doing anything and everything they possibly can to reduce that number. Their work was initially inspired when they rescued 600 dogs abandoned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The two men converted their home into a rescue and adoption organization. Their volunteer work is supported, in part, by their day jobs as equestrian trainers. So far they have carefully adopted out more than 11,000 dogs who otherwise would have been part of the above-mentioned four million. And the dogs they have not been able to adopt out, well..., the fortunate canines live out their lives well taken care of at Danny and Ron’s Rescue.
Director Ron Davis tells their story in “Life in the Doghouse”—a perfectly produced documentary about the two deeply compassionate men, their work, and their many, many dogs.
Davis’ film is thoroughly engaging, heartbreaking, fascinating, and inspiring.
“Life in the Dog House” is a Docutainment Films production, and is available from Microsoft Store, Amazon, Netflix, and iTunes Store—although headlines indicate there will no longer be iTunes, I am sure Apple will find a way to sell the film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeInTheDoghouseMovie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeinthedoghousemovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5178264/reference
D. Schwartz June 12, 2019
Cielo: The Stars Are Conversing
Written, directed and narrated by Alison McAlpine, “Cielo” is a contemplation of the sky—night, day and twilight. But, not just any sky, the sky above the Atacama Desert, Chile—one of the driest, clearest places on Earth. By virtue of these qualities, this desert is home to several observatories, their staffs, and a few seemingly indigenous people of the desert.
McAlpine interviews astronomers and a few of the populace of the Atacama desert, each interviewee evoking a unique world view. As the film’s cinematic images flow—a few with music, most with silence— and the interviewees share their diverse world views, viewers are captivated with awe. Covering both the etheric and chthonic, McAlpine arrives at existential questions beyond the sensational beauty of the sky and the haunting rain free desert.
Observatories’ ability to receive light from the cosmos is hampered by human generated light. The enlightening of our world via human light is as much an endarkening of the worlds beyond our atmosphere. We see our world illuminated at night, and lose sight of the multiverse. In lieu of purchasing a ticket to outer space, or to visiting the Atacama Desert, “Cielo” is your best bet to see the virtually unencumbered night sky.
“Cielo” has received at least five well-deserved film festival awards.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CieloFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cielo_Film
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cielo_film/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7488654/reference
D. Schwartz June 10, 2019
Gay Chorus Deep South
“There are two things we can do. We can sing and we can love.” Steve Huffines
On the heels of Trump’s presidential campaign and victory, state-driven pro-discrimination initiatives, and anti-LGBTQ citizen activism, Steve Huffines had a suggestion.
The former Board Chairperson of the San Francisco Gay Chorus proposed an odyssey to the American southeast, singing to the most hard-core conservative, Christian audiences in the United States. Huffine’s audience was Dr. Tim Seelig, the Chorus Artistic Director and conductor.
Joined by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Lavender Pen Tour occurred in October 2017, and in 2019 David Charles Rodrigues’ documentary, “Gay Chorus Deep South” was released. The film follows the tour beginning a week before departure.
Rodrigues provides beautiful, inspiring music, interviews with several participants, and scenes of people—seemingly of two different planets—meeting and connecting with each other.
Although there is no want for dramatic personal stories in “Gay Chorus Deep South”, Seelig’s epic story stands out. It was after he married and had two children that he came out, and paid a dear price for his liberation. I cannot speak, of course, for the personal result, yet I can say that our world is much brighter, lighter, and compassionate by virtue of his courage and grace.
“Gay Chorus Deep South” is currently playing the festival circuit. It will soon find theatrical distribution. Stay in touch with the film’s website for more information about its commercial release. If I was an Academy member I would place the film on the 2019 short list of feature documentary nominees.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaychorusdeepsouth/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcds_film
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaychorusdeepsouth/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8840232/reference
D. Schwartz June 5, 2019
Artifishal: The $68,000.00 Salmon
“Hatcheries are pawns in a game of political power. The whole thing is about money. Fishing is a huge industry, and every state is in it for those dollars. It's not about conserving our resources, it's perverting our resources on a short-term bet to get tourist dollars in.” Dave Philip, Conservation Geneticist
“I thought of hatcheries as something that actually, kind of helped us as fishermen—that there would be more fish in the river, and we were allowed to kill the hatchery fish, so that meant a meal. I don't think I ever had one second where I thought about conservation at all. I thought about getting enough money for gas and pizza, so that I could fish all the time. What I didn't realize was that we're really at the tail end of a long decline of wild fish [populations].” Dylan Tomine, Author
Directed by Josh “Bones” Murphy, “Artifishal” is an exposé of the hatchery system of creating fish—salmon and trout. In a very short hour and fifteen minutes we learn that hatcheries—and open water fish farms—are damaging fish, causing genetic devolution, wasting billions of our tax dollars, and leading the way to the extinction of fish species. The film describes the hatchery system as a multi-billion dollar boondoggle. The above expensive salmon reference refers to the cost per salmon of a particular hatchery release.
“Artifishal” is an expertly produced documentary film. It is currently on the festival circuit. The film had its world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival—and recently screened at Telluride Mountainfilm. The west coast premier is at the Seattle International Film Festival. Click HERE for dates.
Go to the bottom of the film’s website to learn of more screenings, stay in touch with that site for more information about screenings and distribution.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10374234/reference
D. Schwartz May 30, 2019
Who Will Write Our History: The Papers that Rose from the Dead
“You’re cut off from the whole world. You can’t go to school. You can’t make a living. So, writing becomes the only recourse to feel a sense of ownership of one’s self.” Interviewee
Within a two-week period I have received, viewed, and now reviewed two documentary films on the Holocaust in Poland. Having seen and learned from both films, I understand why.
The pre-Holocaust population of Polish Jews was 3 million, the largest Jewish community in Europe. The German war machine wiped out this thriving, peaceful community. The statistics regarding the number of survivors vary. Suffice it to say, that amount is small. One wonders what quality of life survivors would have experienced.
Written, produced, and directed by Roberta Grossman, “Who Will Write Our History” answers the title’s question quickly: Emanuel Ringelblum—along with a team of people.
Grossman’s film tells two stories: The Holocaust in Poland, and Ringelblum’s gathering of a team of people who, prior to the decimation of Warsaw, collected and recorded as many aspects of Jewish life in Poland as possible. The team created three secret archives. Together they are called the Oyneg Shabes Archives. Following the war, a herculean effort unearthed the first two archives. The third is rumored to be buried underneath China’s embassy in Warsaw.
“Who Will Write Our History” is a stunning, masterfully produced film. Grossman weaves interviews, narration, voice-over readings of Ringelblum’s writings, elaborate reenactments, archival material, and, of course, images to tell this horrific story—and the heroic efforts of a small group of people to memorialize the prewar community of Jews in Poland.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whowillwriteourhistory/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/writeourhistory
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4645358/
D. Schwartz May 23, 2019
Decoding the Driftless: Protecting A Unique American Region
‘Drift’ is a geological term for soil and rocks transported and deposited by glaciers.
For a variety of reasons articulated in Jonas Stenstrom’s “Decoding the Driftless” there is a region in the upper mid-west United States that escaped being overrun by ice during the last ice age. The ice ‘drift’ failed to cover the area known glibly as ‘the Driftless Region.’
In one-hour, Stentrom’s fast-paced, quirky “Decoding the Driftless” treats viewers with the many unusual charms and fascinations of the Driftless Region—which covers parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. This driftless land is qualitatively different from drift-covered land. In addition to the film’s sensational content, I was touched and inspired by the passion and dedication of the filmmakers in making a serious yet upbeat plea for protecting this unique region of America’s land.
“Decoding the Driftless” is a project of Sustainable Driftless, Inc. which “is dedicated to inspiring resource conservation, vibrant communities, and sustainable growth in the Driftless Region.” (I wish we had one of those in my region.)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SustainableDriftless/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9009474/
D. Schwartz May 17, 2019
Sickboy: Confronting Disease
“Until that expiring day comes, I’m not going to stop. Not until we make more people realize that laughing at a disease takes away its power. If you really sit, and actually think about that, it can have some pretty profound effects on how the way you live your life.” Jeremie Saunders
Jeremie Saunders has cystic fibrosis, a terminal disease. He is living way beyond his expiring day. Together with Brian Stever, and Taylor MacGillivary, Saunders created a podcast called, of course, Sickboy. In Sickboy director Andrew MacCormack tells Saunders’ personal story, and follows the painful creation and eventual success of their daring enterprise. Saunders is the virtual host of the film.
The Sickboy podcast features guests with various and sundry maladies some of which are terminal. Each podcast consists of the three young men interviewing a guest who has a disease. As the podcasters interview the guest, they tell their story, and how they came to grips with their illness.
“Sickboy” is fully engaging, inspiring, and—if you don’t have a heart of glass—tear-jerking. Beyond that, it is something to give all of us with chronic and/or terminal diseases more ways to think about our illness which, as Saunders’ states, “can have some pretty profound effects” on your life.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sickboydoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sickboypodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcast/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7462462/reference
“Sickboy” is available in the United States: https://fuse.tv/shows/sickboy/full-documentary
And in Canada at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfGbxO-1cCw
“Sickboy” is produced by Dream Street Pictures.
D. Schwartz May 16, 2019
Chasing Portraits: A Heritage Lost and Found
The portraits being chased in “Chasing Portraits” are those of Polish Holocaust victim Moshe Rynecki who painted approximately 800 images of Jewish life in Poland.
The chaser is his great granddaughter Elizabeth Rynecki who has the largest collection of Rynecki’s work in the world, and is the producer/director/narrator of “Chasing Portraits.” Three million Jews lived in Poland before the Holocaust, 300,000 survived. Three of those 300,000 were Elizabeth’s grandfather and parents who immigrated to the United States.
Elizabeth choose to go on a quest for her family’s story and its legacy, and a search for Moshe’s lost art wherever it may be. The overt inciting incident for her odyssey was the discovery of a few lost images from the artist—and the legal inability to even display them on her great grandfather’s memorial website. Her searches took her to Poland and Israel.
“Chasing Portraits” is a search for history, for heritage, a connection with a family’s past, and for personal closure. Elizabeth Rynecki’s film is equally sad and endearing.
"Chasing Portraits" is a First Run Features release. It is currently in theaters.
Moshe Rynecki Website: http://rynecki.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChasingPortraitsDocFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erynecki
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erynecki/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7863894/reference
D. Schwartz May 12, 2019
The Last Animals
Kate Brooks’ “The Last Animals” is about the killing of elephants and rhinoceroses. Her expertly produced documentary covers the killers, those fighting and dying in the field to stop the killing, those bringing the killers to justice, activists around the world working to stop the slaughter, and those trying to figure out how to bring species back via genetic processes. That’s a tall order for a 90 minute film. Brooks delivers it with grace and aplomb. But, there’s more.
She also covers the global trade in elephant tusks and rhino horns. We learn some of the perpetrators are large criminal organizations now using helicopters, night vision devices, and powerful weapons to add horns and tusks to their menu of drugs, human trafficking, and slaves.
“The Last Animals” jolts viewers to pay much more attention. Like so many environmental documentary films, this one is an absolute must-see.
Follow-up is crucial. Here is the link to Brooks’ TAKE ACTION site.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLastAnimals/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelastanimals?lang=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6583368/reference
D. Schwartz May 9, 2019
DeLorean - Living the Dream: The Past Future of John Z. DeLorean
“C'est un phénomène sociologique.” François Truffaut as ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ character Claude Lacombe
Written and directed by Jordan Livingston, "DeLorean – Living the Dream” is about John DeLorean and his tragically failed self-named stainless steel sports car, the DeLorean. Livingston covers DeLorean’s personal and professional stories—and follows that with the jaw-dropping story, sparked by the car’s appearance in the ‘Back to the Future’ movies, of the world’s obsession with the DeLorean.
There are now conventions, shows, groups, festivals, museums, clubs, machine-tooled parts, one-person manufacturers, and this documentary—all focused on the reborn gull-winged sports car.
Approximately 9,000 DeLoreans were manufactured between 1981 and 1983. Counting both originally manufactured and subsequently recreated cars, there is a consensus in the international DeLorean community that there are approximately 6,000 DeLoreans on our planet.
The film is narrated by actor Jeffrey Weissman who DeLorean fans around the world know as Marty McFly’s father in ‘Back to the Future Part 2.’
The heart and soul of “DeLorean – Living the Dream” are the many people Livingston interviewed from all walks of life and several nations for his film. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
Livingston has created a beautiful, engaging film about a maverick, his dream, his loss, and his unexpected legacy.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1521198/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeLoreanMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/deloreanmotorco?lang=en
DeLorean Owners Association: https://www.deloreanowners.org/
D. Schwartz May 8, 2019
Modified
Ten years in the making, “Modified” is veteran filmmaker Aube Giroux’s inspiring, infuriating plea for the United States and Canada to start labeling food products containing genetically modified ingredients. The film tore up the festival circuit with at least ten wins, and was selected by at least twelve other festivals.
Giroux tells her personal story of an idyllic mother-daughter relationship and the legacy of respect for food, gardening, and farming that mother Jali instilled in her daughter—a legacy that includes this finely produced documentary.
The film covers many aspects of the use of genetic manipulation of food, including the massive amount of money involved, the buying of restrictive governmental policies that hide crucial information about genetic manipulation of foods, the adverse effects GM foods have on agriculture and farmers, and the unknown effects on human health.
Many years ago, when I first learned that one use of GM foods is to make crops able to be treated by pesticides without harm to the plants, I thought the world had gone mad. Life-killing chemicals on top of genetically manipulated crops, what can go wrong? What is going wrong? Although the information is censored, the heroes in this story—citizen activists, journalists, and filmmakers are breaking through the censors’ walls.
You may have read about or seen films about the potential adverse effects of GM foods. Whether or not you have, I urge readers to see this film. In addition to the quality of the film’s production, the personal story is touching, it deepens the film’s impact.
On the film’s website, make sure you scroll all the way through the TAKE ACTION page. As always, be a part of the solution.
Caution: Giroux includes scenes of her creation of various dishes with ingredients from her organic garden and farm. You will want to reach into the screen to dine on these enticing dishes. You can find these recipes HERE.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modifiedthefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7789004/reference
D. Schwartz April 28, 2019
The River and the Wall: An Odyssey Along the Rio Grande
“I’ve been river-guiding here on the Rio Grande for the past six years. I want people to know what’s out here. I want the love to be shared. This is wilderness as wild as it gets.” Austin Alvarado
Ben Masters’ “The River and the Wall” is a simple, elegant, well-produced film about the insane wall the United States’ government is building along the Mexican/US border—and, of course, the film is a powerful appeal to find much less destructive and much more productive ways to approach that borderline and its iconic river.
On bicycle, horseback, canoe and foot, Masters, Jay Kleberg, Filipe Deandrade, Heather Mackey, and Austin Alvarado trek the Rio Grande. They are taking in the wonders of the watershed, the mountains, the canyons, the wildlife—and bemoaning the destruction being wrought.
Although the idea seems simple—a twelve hundred mile odyssey along the border, from El Paso to the Gulf Mexico—I grimaced throughout the film as the five faced countless dangers on the land, and in the river. By film’s end I breathed a sigh of relief that there were no life-changing injuries to humans and equines.
Master’s and company have made a compelling statement about the river and the wall—and provided gorgeous vistas along the way. The next step is for people to see this movie. The film’s theatrical release is on May 3—with a one-night showing on May 2 at hundreds of theaters.
Go to the homepage to purchase the film. If you can, I highly recommend you see the film at a theatre, and/or to purchase the Blu-ray edition.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theriverandthewall/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/riverandthewall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theriverandthewall/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8999864/reference
D. Schwartz April 28, 2018
Echo in the Canyon: Laurel Canyon in the Sixties
“Music happens in a particular moment in time, and it changes everything going forward.” Jackson Browne
Boy, if there was ever a documentary that screams the showbiz adage ‘leave them wanting more’ it is the utterly delightful “Echo in the Canyon”.
The film is about a time—the 1960s; a place—southern California’s Laurel Canyon; and the music of a handful of iconic musical artists that echoed way beyond the Canyon. This particular time and place birthed an artesian well of young, talented, songwriters, musicians—and music that changed the world.
Directed by Andrew Slater, and hosted by Jakob Dylan, "Echo in the Canyon" covers preparations for, and presentation of a 2015 concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the sixties Laurel Canyon music scene—and includes interviews with several of our icons. Held at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre, the standing room only concert featured contemporary artists performing both well- and lesser-known songs from this era. The film interspaces clips of rehearsals, recordings, performances, and interviews.
For yours truly, the film’s revelation is Jakob Dylan. I guessed, successfully, that he is, of course, Bob Dylan’s son. I was impressed, however, with his hyper-talent, his dignity and poise, and looks that Central Casting could use for a multitude of roles.
“Echo in the Canyon” will be released in late May or early June. See the distributor’s website to learn about the film’s releases.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echointhecanyon/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/echointhecanyon?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echointhecanyon
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8884430/reference
D. Schwartz April 20, 2019
HAL: Legendary Filmmaker Hal Ashby
Being There / Bound for Glory / Coming Home / Harold and Maude / Shampoo / The Landlord / The Last Detail
The 1970s were knighted with the descriptor ‘A Golden Age of Cinema.’ I am not sure if that phrase would have been warranted had it not been for the seven films listed above. Hal Ashby made those brilliant, entertaining, moving, humorous seven films in a short nine-year period of time. Each of these films made a strong point, and did so with deep respect for character and relationship.
Ashby did not receive the level of attention a few of his contemporaries enjoyed, but he certainly deserved it. However, the amount of adoration those filmmakers received may have been too much attention and too many distractions for this passionate rebel.
Amy Scott’s “HAL” reminds us old folks of Hal Ashby’s unforgettable films, and introduces the filmmaker’s work to subsequent generations to enjoy. Scott interviews those who knew Ashby, and covers the making of the above films.
“HAL” is a must-see film for anyone and everyone who love movies. I cannot recommend HAL too much. I was engaged from the beginning, and did not want the film to end.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halashbymovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/halashbymovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halashbymovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5844196/reference
D. Schwartz April 12, 2019
The Spy Who Fell to Earth
“The truth, it’s in the eye of the beholder.” Dr. Ahron Bregman
It is the 1970s. Amongst other activities, Egyptian businessman Ashraf Marwan is a spy. He has approached Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, and provides Egyptian intelligence. Marwan is a double agent.
It appears that Tom Meadmore’s “The Spy Who Fell to Earth” is a story about a spy who died—literally by falling to earth from the back deck of his London flat. The official investigation of Marwan’s death concluded that its cause is ‘Unknown.’ The fall is the inciting incident to writer/journalist/historian Ahron Bregman’s story of his relationship with Ashraf Marwan. Bregman outed Marwan as a spy, and claimed that his true allegiance was to Egypt, not Israel.
Although the question of who was Marwan’s real handlers is the spine of the film, the heart of the film is Bregman’s relationship with this unfortunately celebrated spy. Bregman tells his story over the course of the film, revealing his changing motivations in the progress of their relationship which eventually became a friendship. Bregman suffers greatly with the thought his actions may have been the cause of his friend’s death.
“The Spy Who Fell to Earth” is a thoroughly engaging, expertly produced documentary film. It is currently available via Netflix. Worldwide distribution is by Kew Media Group.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spy.who.fell/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7706168/reference
D. Schwartz April 7, 2019
When Tomatoes Met Wagner: Life in a Greek Village
Set in the plain of Thessaly is the farming village of Elias with a total population of 33 elderly people. The young people have left, the economy has tanked.
This is the world filmmaker Marianna Economou inhabits for 72 minutes in her "When Tomatoes Met Wagner". Alexander and Christos are our principle characters. They are frequently seen and heard speaking, sometimes in the middle of a field, debating which music to play for the tomatoes through the field’s loudspeakers. The ambitious, college-educated Alexander is their apparent leader.
The village is responding to their dire circumstances by producing and selling food products to an international market. The challenge is how to do so in a radically transformed world.
I am charmed and enchanted by “When Tomatoes Met Wagner”. I did not want the film to end. Borrowing a phrase from Tevye, if I was a rich man, I would rush to visit Elias.
The current website for the film is its Facebook page. To learn about screenings, see the page’s ‘About’ section.
D. Schwartz April 4, 2019
Unfractured: Sandra Steingraber Helps End Fracking in New York State
“We’ve been living so long under the tyranny of the fossil fuel industry, that it’s come to seem normal to us. The abuse that it gives us seems normal because we’ve never experienced life without it.” Sandra Steingraber
‘Unfractured’ refers to an area, state, or nation that has decided to disallow the massively damaging process called ‘fracking.’ It is also the title of Chanda Chevannes’ documentary film about the soft-spoken ecologist and author Sandra Steingraber who successfully led an initiative to permanently ban fracking from the State of New York.
The story takes place the year before that political decision was made. Steingraber has a husband, two children, and two dogs. Her husband has had a series of strokes, her two children need parental attention, and, of course, there’s the two dogs. There is no right or wrong in a decision between family and protecting our environment via a state-based initiative, but for Steingraber, either decision is accompanied by pain.
Decision made, Chevannes follows our hero through a year of personal crisis and non-stop political action—including incarceration and pepper spray.
Steingraber’s journey is both harrowing and triumphant. “Unfractured” is that rare environmental film that testifies to the power of an individual to make an immeasurably positive contribution to our world.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Unfractured/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/unfractured?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/unfractured/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7716148/reference
D. Schwartz April 2, 2019
The Pollinators: Saving Bees, Saving Ourselves
“One out of every three bites of food we put in our mouths comes from honey bee pollination.” Dave Hackenberg, Beekeeper, Hackenberg Apiaries
I have seen my fair share of documentary films about agriculture and agribusiness—including films about bees. Peter Nelson’s “The Pollinators” is the most well-produced, comprehensive film about bees I have seen. In addition to telling the story about our mass killing of life-giving bees, Nelson covers the hidden world of bee transporters—those who drive hundreds of bee hives across the United States to pollinate crops. These transporters are on the front line, unhappily witnessing this tragic loss.
Nelson interviews transporters, scientists, farmers, chefs, economists and other authorities, putting the pieces of the puzzle together forming the answer to the question: Why are our bees dying?
The film also focuses on the positive. Nelson’s inspiring interviewees are passionately dedicated to ending the loss of bees. The film does not stop with the subject of bees, though. We hear from a growing number farmers working to transform American agriculture.
The film’s website contains a crucial ‘Take Action’ page with links to more than 40 resources about bees and agriculture.
There are many fronts in humanity’s destruction of the natural world. It seems as if people are not getting this particular message: bees go, we go. “The Pollinators” gets this message across to any and all who will sit down, look, and listen.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePollinatorsFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pollinatorsfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollinatorsfilm/
D. Schwartz March 25, 2019
This Mountain Life: A Mother/Daughter 2,300 Kilometer Trek
Grant Baldwin’s “This Mountain Life” is about people and mountains—specifically those of British Columbia which consists of 75% mountainous lands. Very few people take advantage of the beauty and majesty available to them in their province. The film follows a few of the few.
“This Mountain Life” features Martina Halik and her 60 year old mother, Tania, on a 2,300 kilometer ski trek from Canada to Alaska. That treacherous trek had only been completed once before, and never by a female duo. Baldwin intersperses this harrowing journey with profiles of others who also have strong emotional relationships with the mountains.
“This Mountain Life” is gorgeous, jaw dropping, and exquisitely shot. I would happily watch another 76 minutes beyond the film’s first 76 minutes.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainlifefilm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainlifefilm/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7748076/reference
D. Schwartz March 24, 2019
The Silver Branch: A Profile of Patrick McCormack
“The Burren is a region of County Clare in the southwest of Ireland. It’s a karst landscape of bedrock incorporating a vast cracked pavement of glacial-era limestone, with cliffs and caves, fossils, rock formations and archaeological sites. On the Atlantic coast, the precipitous Cliffs of Moher are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins.”
Katrina Costello’s “The Silver Branch” is a profile of Irish poet-farmer Patrick McCormack, a resident of The Burren. Covering the work and life of a poet requires that the filmmaker shares a poetic aesthetic—that is, somehow or other, the film must also be a poem. Costello has succeeded in weaving that poetic aesthetic into her film.
In addition to being the film’s subject, McCormack, a nature lover, is also the host and narrator. Accompanied by beautiful music and gorgeous, dramatic images of nature, McCormack tells his personal story, shares his philosophy via both prose and verse, and takes us on a tour of The Burren. Patrick McCormack is a beautiful man with a beautiful spirit.
From film’s beginning McCormack and Costello entrance viewers with the natural beauty of the land, and the love and deep respect for nature McCormack expresses and embodies.
The filmmakers’ website includes information on how to purchase “The Silver Branch”—north Americans need to contact the filmmakers via the website to learn how to see the film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSilverBranchFilm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesilverbranchfilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7468070/reference
D. Schwartz March 7, 2019
Invisible Essence: The Little Prince
“As with all great classics, it’s a book that changes every time you read it.” Stacy Schiff, author, Saint-Exupéry biographer
Charles Officer’s film about The Little Prince and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry explains how and why this book can change when read more than once. Officer tells many stories—about Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s tragically short life, the author’s philosophy, as well as the writing and reception of his iconic book which seems to be second only to the Bible in global readership—it has been translated into more than 200 languages.
On the surface of it, one may ask, as I did, ‘Why should I bother with this documentary? It’s just another film about another famous book.’ The answer is simple. Officer’s “Invisible Essence” draws its viewers into the book and the man who wrote it. We learn of Saint-Exupéry’s heroic journey as an exploration of solitude, isolation, disconnection, and connectedness.
The ‘Aviator’ in the book is telling the story. At book’s beginning he says “I do not want my story to be taken lightly.” Yes, The Little Prince is a children’s book, but having seen this film, I understand why it is crucial for us supposed adults to read and understand the book. Saint-Exupéry challenges us adults to consider who we really are, how and why we avoid, lose, and make connections.
There is an additional thread running through “Invisible Essence”. We follow a little boy, blind from birth, learning Braille, and reading The Little Prince with his teacher. It seems as if this little prince’s story of discovery parallels Saint-Exupéry’s own story.
Although there are several erudite commentators featured in the film, I found Christine Nelson’s to have the most penetrating insights into the author’s psyche.
At film’s conclusion Thomas De Koninck comments, “The heart is the finest register that we have of all. The importance of the heart with respect to love, that’s very important in The Little Prince—an invisible essence.”
At the moment, “Invisible Essence” is apparently only available on Netflix. If you do not have Netflix, keep your eyes and ears open, it will be available in other manners.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8985618/reference
D. Schwartz March 4, 2019
Samadhi
How many pages of text about the nature of beingness and existence have human beings written since the dawn of our existence?
Taking into account the countless number of libraries lost to accident or intention, the number is likely in the trillions or more. With scientists having gone deep inside the atom and far out to the edge of the known universe, we seem to be doing a pretty good job of discerning the nature of existence, but not so much the nature of beingness. The elephant-in-the-room irony regarding all those pages of text is that the ultimate nature of transcendence is beyond words.
Yet, obviously, that wordlessness has never stopped us humans from coming up with that countless number of pages of text. And, it has certainly not stopped Daniel Schmidt from founding the Samadhi Center, a meditation retreat in Ontario, Canada, and making films about the spiritual, mystical, and transcendental.
Schmidt and co-creator Tanya Mahar have produced an epic 131 minute documentary entitled “Samadhi”—a powerful, engaging, and inspiring film about existence, beingness, and the ineffable. Schmidt and Mahar merge text, moving images, and music to impart their wisdom and knowledge. I found great value in their text—and was thoroughly fascinated and entertained by their beatific images and ethereal music.
“Samadhi” is presented in two parts. Part 1 is entitled ‘Maya, the Illusion of the Self.’ It explores our existence—the world we perceive and in which we participate. Part 2, ‘It’s not what you think,’ focuses on the nature of samadhi, also known as enlightenment, and many other terms.
I cannot state it any better than the film’s cover text: “This film is a must-see for anyone who is interested in journeying beyond the world of the limited self, to the realization of our true nature beyond name and form.”
The box set I viewed provides one Blu-ray disc and one DVD disc. Although all of Schmidt’s films are available for viewing via this link, I whole-heartedly encourage viewers to see “Samadhi” in the Blu-ray format in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the film’s images. The Samadhi Center’s ‘store’ is here.
The film’s subtitles are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Hindi, and Chinese. I did not see a way to access the subtitles via prompts on the screen, but was able to access them simply via my remote control.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AwakenTheWorldFilm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamadhiCenterCanada/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6713862/reference
D. Schwartz February 22, 2019
Right To Harm: The Fight to End Factory Farms
“We’ve taken the right to farm to the point where it’s easily called the right to harm.” Gary Nester, Iowa County Resident
“Right To Harm” is Annie Speicher’s and Matt Wechsler’s coverage of the damaging health and environmental impacts of factory farms—and citizens’ initiatives to protect themselves, protect their environment, and to, ultimately, make our food-growing systems sustainable.
The film’s focus is on farm animals—hogs and chickens—kept in buildings called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Between 90 and 95 percent of animals raised for our consumption come from these buildings. Speicher and Wechsler provide many aerial photographs of these CAFOs throughout the film. The white buildings look neat, clean, and modern. The filmmakers wisely avoid the environs inside—that horror story has already been well told and shown.
The film features interviews with families who have been harmed by their proximity to factory farms, authorities speaking about the causes of this harm, and citizen activists confronting industry-friendly politicians. There seems to be a consensus that it will take people-based actions to make a significant difference. The filmmakers point out there are approximately 200 community organizations spread across the United States devoted to farm reform.
“Right To Harm” is an expertly produced documentary which articulately and elegantly makes its points. The film’s website is also well-produced and includes a ‘Take Action’ link.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/righttoharm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/righttoharm
https://www.instagram.com/righttoharm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8998146/reference\
D. Schwartz February 19, 2019
End Game: A Compassionate Approach to Death and Dying
“End Game” is a 2019 Oscar nominated short documentary film about innovative, compassionate approaches to dying. Based in San Francisco, veteran filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman follow five people through their death process.
The film features physicians BJ Miller, Steve Pantilat and Giovanni Elia who appear throughout the film working with patients, and speaking of the philosophy behind their emerging approach. The film highlights a team approach to care including physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. By film’s conclusion we have experienced what compassionate care looks and feels like.
The film’s website includes a valuable resource section. Scrolling to the bottom, viewers can find Dr. Pantilat’s book, life after the diagnosis, Dr. Miller’s Ted Talk, and Your Conversation Starter Kit.
The topics of death and dying should not be, but are seemingly taboo. “End Game” is another powerful force in bringing death and dying into the light.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EndGameDocumentary/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndGameFilm
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7879350/reference
Netflix Site: https://www.netflix.com/title/80210691
D. Schwartz February 14, 2019
The Camp Fire Documentary
Preface from Wikipedia: “The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. It is also the deadliest wildfire in the United States since the Cloquet fire in 1918, and is high on the list of the world's deadliest wildfires; it is the sixth-deadliest U.S. wildfire overall. It was the world's costliest natural disaster in 2018.
“Named after Camp Creek Road, its place of origin, the fire started on November 8, 2018, in Butte County, in Northern California. After exhibiting extreme fire behavior through the community of Concow, an urban firestorm formed in the densely populated foothill town of Paradise. The fire caused at least 85 civilian fatalities, with 3 persons still missing, and injured 12 civilians, two prison inmate firefighters, and three other firefighters. It covered an area of 153,336 acres (almost 240 square miles), and destroyed 18,804 structures, with most of the damage occurring within the first four hours. Total damage [estimates] was $16.5 billion; one-quarter of the damage, $4 billion, was not insured. The fire reached 100 percent containment after seventeen days on November 25, 2018.”
“The Camp Fire Documentary” focuses on the human response to the fire and its aftermath. The film has no narration—it does not need a voice-over. Instead, firefighters, survivors and saviors share their noble and harrowing stories of extreme danger, and heroism.
The film includes cinéma vérité scenes of near-miss escapes through miles of roads surrounded by fire. Amongst the many people interviewed, one stands out—Bobby O’Reiley who appears throughout the film, sharing his experience, telling of his service to many who may not have survived without his valor.
Marna and Robert Carli, owner of Alpine Homes, a care facility for profoundly disabled people most of whom are quadriplegic, saved their afflicted clients with the help of fire personnel. Their journey through the fire took three hours. When they arrived at Chico, Inspirations, an adult daycare center, volunteered to house the clients. Filmmaker Nancy Hamilton Myers also covers the rescue of countless domestic animals.
“The Camp Fire Documentary” is a moving testament to the love, courage, sacrifice, and heroism that human beings are capable of in dire circumstances.
You may view the film via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vr6DpAIc6g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecampfiredocumentary/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9501262/reference
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Fire_(2018)
D. Schwartz February 13, 2019
Operation Toussaint: Operation Underground Railroad and the Fight to End Modern Day Slavery
“It’s what we are trying to do. We intentionally go to the darkest corners of the Earth, where there is no hope, and find these kids. And what that does, apart from liberating children, is that it provides hope for everybody now.” Tim Ballard
“Operation Toussaint” is Nick Nanton’s coverage of Tim Ballard’s initiative to address the trafficking of children. Ballard tells his own story of a husband and father with a cushy government job who abandons that security for his mission to rescue trafficked children around the world, and bring the perpetrators to justice. There are more than 40 million slaves world wide—the largest population of slaves ever. More than two million of them are underage sex slaves.
The name ‘Toussaint’ refers to Haitian liberation hero, François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture. The title is inspired by the center piece of the film—a ‘jump team’ bust of a child sex ring in Haiti led by Ballard, in conjunction with local authorities.
Ballard created Operation Underground Railroad as the context for his work which now has a global outreach. Katherine Ballard, Tim’s wife, created an additional service organization, Child Liberation.
“Operation Toussaint” is the most sensational, profound socio-political documentary film I have seen since ‘The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers.’ As I previously commented about the Ellsberg film, Ballard’s story deserves a respectful, big budget Hollywood narrative production.
There are follow-up documentary films available from the film's site—scroll down for those films.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OURrescue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourrescue/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourrescue/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9397842/reference
D. Schwartz February 6, 2019
Generation Wealth
“I do believe that it’s un-American to say you can make too much money. I mean the Federalist Papers say if I want to work a hundred hours a week, and never see my family, and die at an early age, that’s my prerogative.” Suzanne, Hedge-Fund Executive
In 2008, photographer/filmmaker Lauren Greenfield began a study of the cult of wealth. In 2017, her study generated a museum exhibition, a 504 page hardcover book, and a 106 minute documentary film, “Generation Wealth”.
Greenfield interviews several students from Crossroads, her high school which nested many students from wealthy southern California families. Now adults, these classmates speak of their experiences of wealth—as do several other interviewees. She also interviews her children and parents. Greenfield narrates the film, and includes much self-reflection as she does so.
I was most intrigued with interviewee Florian Homm, a former hedge-fund manager now living in exile, in Germany. His epic story is the one I would greenlight as a narrative film.
“At the end of a decayed culture, we retreat into our own comforting illusions. We build walls to cope with the reality around us. We are dying in the same way that other empires have died throughout history. The difference is that this time, when we go down, the whole planet’s gonna go with us.” Chris Hedges, journalist
“Generation Wealth” is an utterly sensational, riveting film that equally disturbs and fascinates.
Note: Greenfield has recently launched Girl Culture Films, a production company based in Venice, California, that represents A-list female directors.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenWealthMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/genwealthmovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genwealthmovie
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5268348/reference
D. Schwartz February 3, 2019
Bleed Out: Addressing Our Broken Healthcare System
Written, directed, and experienced by Steve Burrows, “Bleed Out” is another scathing indictment of the United States’ greed-driven healthcare system. In his HBO documentary Burrows tells the story of his mother, Judie, a retired school teacher who was living a vital, active senior life.
Judie had a fall, went in for a partial hip replacement, and ended up in a coma, with brain damage, followed by a stroke. Burrows, a Los Angeles-based performer/writer/producer/director, is as caring a son as any mother could have. There were medical mistakes starting from Judie’s very first procedure. The loving son decided to dare the odds, and began a 10 years-long Sisyphus-ian endeavor for accountability, justice, and to have Judie’s medical and care-giving expenses covered.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States. “Bleed Out” addresses this non-stop tragedy. Burrows’ passion engages viewers immediately and never lets go.
It will take a whole lot of voters to support enactment of substantive healthcare reform. Find your way to this documentary, share it far and wide, be part of the solution.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bleed-Out-HBO-Documentary-Film-2018-766495427034706/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/bleedout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleedoutofficial/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9445054/reference
D. Schwartz January 29, 2019
Saving Atlantis: Reversing the Global Loss of Corals
“If some tropical reefs are able to survive, it will only be because we are finally willing to fight for them.” David Baker, Director, Oregon State Productions
Humanity’s attack on the natural world is massive—on a seemingly uncountable number of fronts. We can see the land, the sky, and rivers. But, for all intents and purposes, we see only the surface of our oceans. Just beneath the ocean’s surface live—or used to live—corals.
Narrated by the ubiquitous Peter Coyote, “Saving Atlantis” delves into the underwater world of corals—a world under assault by human beings. In the past 50 years more than half the ocean’s corals have disappeared. The two primary causes are rising atmospheric temperatures which also raise ocean temperatures, and oceanic acidification caused by excess carbon gas. Yet, corals play a vital role in preserving the health of the Earth’s ecosphere.
Filmmakers Justin Smith and David Baker take us around the world, visiting 17 locations, hearing from researchers, activists, and people whose lives are directly affected by this loss. The clarion call is sounded. We also see and hear hope. The film highlights inspired people-driven initiatives to mitigate this destruction and loss.
An Oregon State University production, “Saving Atlantis” is expertly crafted, visually gorgeous, and needs to be seen by everyone.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coralreefmovie
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7390564/reference
How We Can Help: https://corals.oregonstate.edu/saving-atlantis/how-you-can-help-coral-reefs
D. Schwartz January 29, 2019
Burkinabé Rising: The Art of Resistance in Burkina Faso
‘Burkinabé’ is the generic term for the people of Burkina Faso—the land-locked African nation. Iara Lee’s “Burkinabé Rising” celebrates the story of a people liberated—via their own means—from a brutal dictatorship.
The film’s subtitle, ‘The Art of Resistance in Burkina’ refers to the crucial, foundational role of the arts in fostering a revolution of liberation. ‘Art’ here, is a double entendre—referring to visual arts, music, dance, and performance, as well as a strategy for liberation.
Lee’s approach is unconventional. His film is a non-stop, fast-paced montage of inspired and inspiring artists at work, and telling of the role the arts played—and continue to play—in creating a people’s revolution which transcends Burkina Faso's bounds.
Most of the film’s voices are in French, with English subtitles. I recommend seeing the film two times: The first to read what the Burkinabé have to say, and the second to relish in their visual and audible performances.
“Burkinabé Rising” is a Cultures of Resistance film. You may find the film here.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturesOfResistance/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1650533/reference
The Cultures of Resistance Network: https://culturesofresistance.org/
D. Schwartz January 23, 2019
The Sunday Sessions: Conversion Therapy with Chris and Nathan
“It seems that other people’s happiness comes at a much lower cost than mine.” Nathan speaking with Chris, his SSA conversion therapist
Nathan is a tall, thin, intelligent, articulate, talented, handsome, and charismatic young man. He is struggling with a conflict between his attraction to males and his Catholic religious beliefs. Nathan learns about and seeks ‘same-sex attractions conversion therapy’—also called ‘reparative therapy.’
Directed by Richard Yeagley, “The Sunday Sessions” follows Nathan through two of years conversion therapy. Since Yeagley is telling a story, I do not reveal its outcome. Instead, I offer this quote from the film’s website:
‘The filmmakers had unfettered access to these secretive and controversial therapy sessions, and have crafted an emotional and psychological drama which chronicles two years of Nathan's struggle.’
That access is the most remarkable aspect of the film. As Nathan struggles, so do we. Intrinsic to this particular story, we do not experience all that transpires which contribute to Nathan’s resolution. Moreover, one is left with the sense of ‘what’s next?’ Nathan is 29, there is much more water to go under his bridge. Perhaps Yeagley will produce a one-person Michael Apted-style ‘Seven Up!’ series following Nathan’s journey every seven (or less) years.
The Sunday Sessions is a First Run Features release.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6397196/reference
D. Schwartz January 16, 2019
Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai
“Taking Root” tells the epic story of Kenya’s Wangari Maathai who led a politico-environmental movement in her homeland—a movement that garnered Maathai global notoriety and the Nobel Prize.
Via their Marlboro Productions, filmmakers Lisa Merton and Alan Dater provide a broad outline of Kenya’s history, then focus on Maathai’s immeasurable impact on that history through her life-long activism. Via the National Council of Women of Kenya Maathai fostered an environmental movement called the green belt movement which is responsible for the planting of more than 51 million trees in Kenya.
Maathai’s story is told by herself and several interviewees. Hers is an odyssey of discovery, heroic actions, struggle, revolution, and the sparking of social change in Kenya and beyond.
Merton and Dater have included many ‘extras’ in the film’s DVD. I believe most extras on documentary film DVDs should be included within the film, integral to the story. That is to say, when you receive your “Taking Root” disc—which I heartily encourage you to do—view all the extras.
Memo to Hollywood: Maathai’s story is so moving, harrowing, and gratifying, it is another documentary film that deserves narrative coverage for an international audience. Back in the day, that kind of coverage would be a movie. Now, we can tell Maathai’s epic story through multiple episodes.
It is by accident that I discovered “Taking Root” and it is another must-see environmental documentary. In her note to me, filmmaker Merton reminded me of the phrase, ‘evergreen’—a journalistic term referring to a story that will always be relevant. In this case, ‘evergreen’ is a double entendre.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Taking-Root-The-Vision-of-Wangari-Maathai-207377768913/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/takingrootfilm
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1247440/
PBS: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/takingroot/
D. Schwartz January 14, 2019
Love Thy Nature
Directed by veteran filmmaker Sylvie Rokab, “Love Thy Nature” examines humanity’s troubled relationship with nature, and explores ways that relationship can become untroubled.
Narrated by Liam Neeson as the voice of Sapiens (the voice of humanity), the film addresses our relationship with nature from a variety of perspectives—social, psychological, spiritual, health, environmental, and others. In addition to her interviewees’ wisdom, Rokab provides a virtually nonstop montage of beatific images, along with dramatic and evocative music by François-Paul Aïche.
Merging the film’s information, imagery, and music, “Love Thy Nature” leaves viewers with the sense of having taken a long journey—hopeful we can and are making a difference, and finding the ‘love’ referred to in the film’s title.
Rokab has made it easy for viewers to follow up on the information and inspiration found in “Love Thy Nature”. For a list of interviewees and their respective websites, go to this page from the film’s website: https://www.lovethynature.com/team-credits
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveThyNatureFilm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/love_thy_nature
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovethynaturefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3244466/reference
D. Schwartz January 10, 2019
American Circumcision
“For the serious scholar, there’s just endless opportunities there to horrify yourself, amaze yourself, wonder why this ever got started.” John Geisheker, JD, LLM, Executive Director, Doctors Opposing Circumcision
Oh, that’s what you can call me, an ‘intactivist’—the urban dictionary definition of which is: ‘Someone who loves, honors, respects and protects the rights of the child to an intact body. Someone who sees genital mutilation—of girls or boys—as a contradiction to that fundamental human right.’ (The urban dictionary folks might want to rethink their description of gender in the above definition.)
Written, produced, directed, and edited by Brendon Marotta, “American Circumcision” provides compelling rationales for a federally-based prohibition of childhood genital mutilation. Marotta and company speak with those who coldly, blithely argue in favor of genital mutilation, and those who passionately fight for a ban. He also speaks with mothers and a variety of adults who tell of their respective plights—‘botched’ circumcisions, grieving mothers, angry children. The film introduces a new-to-me movement called ‘restoration’—a self-administered procedure to restore, as much as possible, a male’s birthright genitalia.
“American Circumcision” is a well-crafted, stark invitation to viewers to become intactivists.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circmovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/circmovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circmovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7628146/reference
National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers: http://www.nocirc.org/
Doctors Opposing Circumcision: https://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/
National Organization of Restoring Men: http://www.norm.org/
Intact America: http://intactamerica.org/
D. Schwartz January 8, 2019
Saving Brinton: Calling All Cinephiles—and Everyone Else
“I like to save things, especially if they’re too far gone.” Michael Zahs
A deceased father reconnecting with his living son is not the only dream that came out of Iowa. Filmmakers Tommy Haines, John Richard, and Andrew Sherburne tell the stories of film pioneer William Frank Brinton and the savior of Brinton’s historic work, Michael Zahs.
For more than seven decades, the pioneering cinematic work of Frank and Indiana Brinton was buried and decaying. “Saving Brinton” covers Zahs’ 1981 discovery of this treasure trove of cinematic history virtually buried in the basement of an old Iowa farmhouse. Zahs spent decades promoting the preservation and restoration of both the equipment and media created by the Brintons between 1895 and 1909.
Zahs’ passion, perseverance, and accomplishments are as breath-taking as the work he has uncovered and shared with the world. After viewing this must-see documentary, it is clear that the overlooking of the Brintons’ work was egregious and potentially tragic. Thanks to Zahs’ initiatives a crucial chapter in the dawning of cinema is saved and available for all to see and study.
Given Michael Zahs’ actions and accomplishments, “Saving Brinton” deserves to be seen not just by cinephiles, but for everyone who can be inspired by the depth breadth of his character.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savingbrinton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/savingbrinton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savingbrinton/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6195442/
The Brinton Library: https://brinton.lib.uiowa.edu/
The Brinton Collection: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/brinton-collection/
D. Schwartz January 4, 2018
SMART: Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team
“We’re the last line. If we can’t do it, no one can. We haven’t walked away from a rescue yet.” Armando Navarrete
In just 74 minutes filmmaker Justin Zimmerman tells a myriad number of stories about the creation of SMART, the daredevil staff who rescue animals, and stories of many rescues.
Based in Los Angeles, SMART is the first, most highly skilled animal rescue organization of its kind—all thanks to its founder, Armando Navarrete. Although we hear from several team members, the principal characters are Navarrete and Annette Ramirez each of whom make powerful impressions on viewers. Navarrete’s hope, of course, is to spread his team’s model around the world.
“SMART: Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team” is a film by, for, and about animal lovers such as yours truly. It is thoroughly engaging and inspiring. The film is produced by bricker-down productions, and distributed by Cinema Libre Studio.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMARTDocumentary/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4781586/reference
D. Schwartz December 21, 2018
That Way Madness Lies…
“The more that I have tried to put my hand into it, and tried to control it, the longer I have prolonged him getting help. My big mistake has been trying to circumvent the suffering.” Sandra Luckow
With “That Way Madness Lies...” filmmaker Sandra Luckow tells the epic, tragic, heart-breaking story of her brother Duanne’s struggle with mental illness. In doing so Luckow has provided another indictment of the United States’ failed healthcare system.
Born into a family of highly talented and skilled people, self-taught Duanne restored classic cars—amongst many other abilities. At some point in his adulthood Duanne began a nonstop descent into delusion and paranoia. By virtue of the Luckow family culture’s inclusion of the audio and video recording of their activities, sister Sandra has produced a moving documentary of Duanne’s life and illness—and her attempts to help him. The vast majority of the film’s cinematography are by sister and brother.
We are all psychologists, we each have ideas about how us humans work. It is inevitable, therefore, that Luckow’s viewers will ponder the genesis of Duanne’s mental illness. However compelling it is to ruminate about those possible causes it is ultimately a distraction and a fool’s errand to seriously seek the answer from a film.
Instead, we have a story of loss, and of a sister’s epic endeavors to find help for her brother, and peace for herself.
A First Run Features release, “That Way Madness Lies...” was selected for showings at 14 film festivals, and won well-deserved prizes from four of them. The film opens theatrically in New York and Los Angeles on December 14.
D. Schwartz December 6, 2018
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madnessthemovie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madnessthemovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6264264/reference
D. Schwartz December 6, 2018
Dark Money
The three pillars of the destruction of American democracy are:
1) Gerrymandering
2) The tactics and strategies that, combined, significantly suppress voter participation
3) Money in politics, aka ‘dark money’
It is, of course, number three that is the subject of Kimberly Reed’s “Dark Money”.
Reed wisely focuses her story of the influence of untraceable corporate money on corruption, activism and litigation in her home state of Montana.
Our good guy is journalist John Adams who doggedly researches and follows the takeover of the state’s political agenda by elaborately coordinated big money initiatives. He loses his job because of the purchase of his newspaper. Adams turns lemons into lemonade by recovering from his loss, and founding Montana Free Press. Our bad guy is state politician Art Wittich who is eventually brought up on noncompliance with election law charges.
Of course, Montana is more or less representative of our federal government’s commitment to unfettered political corruption—and the forces of opposition. The most we can hope for, though, is the chipping away at the fringes of Citizens United by journalists, activists, politicians, and nonprofit organizations.
With the Supreme Court on the verge of a complete takeover by corporate forces, it is hard to imagine any meaningful reform before our nation’s impending environmental catastrophes manifest. But, hope springs eternal, and that is the spirit of this well-reviewed documentary.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarkMoneyFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darkmoneyfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkmoneyfilm/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6633182/
D. Schwartz December 2, 2018
the Breast Archives: Nine Women Tell Their Stories
Meagan Murphy’s idea is deceptively simple: a documentary about women’s breasts. Yet, what emerges from “the Breast Archives” is complex, deep. By interviewing nine women speaking about their breasts, Murphy’s film addresses a multitude of psycho-social issues regarding women and American culture.
The women share their pain, confusion, discoveries, realizations, and healing. Their words are a doorway to issues of beauty, femininity, self-esteem, sexuality, sensuality, feminism, abuse, cultural oppression, and cancer.
The film is relevant to women, of course, yet the more teenage and adult males who see the “the Breast Archives,” the greater its social impact. I would have found more compassion and empathy had I seen this movie as a teenager.
Murphy’s personal story in making the film is also moving. Here is the link to her story.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreastarchives/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreastArchives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebreastarchives/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4282904/reference
D. Schwartz November 25, 2018
Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story
“Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. One out of three mammal extinctions in the last 400 years have (sic) occurred in Australia. Government raw survey data shows that wide landscapes [are] now significantly depleted of kangaroos. It is time to carefully assess to what is happening to kangaroo, wallaby, and wallaroo species.” Senator Lee Rhiannon, The Greens Parliament of Australia
“Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story” is a hard-hitting, carefully researched, and expertly produced exposé of the 200 years and counting slaughter of Australia’s globally recognized icon, kangaroos. The film tells the familiar story of the destruction of our natural world by commercial interests—with an added measure of hypocrisy. The cute, cuddly kangaroo your toddler cuddles has been brutally killed, its baby torn from her pouch and pounded until dead—or left to a days-long tortuous death. That’s the hate part of the story.
The love part is the many Australian citizens and political leaders who are working tirelessly to end, or at least reduce the horror of the slaughter. The initiatives are also global. In addition for pet and human food consumption, these sentient creatures are slaughtered for their leather. These ‘byproducts’ are marketed globally—and therefore, both domestic and internationally-based activists are working globally to end this horror.
“When humans eat kangaroo meat, they should be aware that the meat is a byproduct of the largest slaughter of land-based mammals anywhere on Earth. Millions of kangaroos are slaughtered every year in Australia, to provide meat for cats and dogs, and, also, for humans. Another byproduct of this is, of course, the hundreds of thousands of joeys [baby kangaroos] that are taken from the mother’s pouch and killed every year.” Ken Henry, Chairman, National Australia Bank
I have seen my fair share of documentary films about the slaughter of wild and domestic non-human animals. By virtue of both the content and the excellence of its production, the film’s impact on yours truly was devastating. Again, this is not just an Australian story, it is a world-wide story, and we are all accountable.
Knowing the challenges to documentary film viewers of seeing a particularly graphic film, I still state that this is a must-see film. I am not alone. Both Variety and the Los Angeles Times have favorably reviewed “Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story.” It is not easy for documentary films to break through that particular media bubble. Additionally, the film qualifies for Oscar consideration. I would love to see it win.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kangaroothemovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kangaroomovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kangaroo_the_movie
D. Schwartz November 22, 2018
Letter from Masanjia: The Epic Story of Sun Yi and Julie Keith
“Everyone has aspirations. For me, freedom is more precious than anything else.” Sun Yi
Several years ago, Julie Keith purchased a Halloween decoration—a plastic tombstone—from Kmart. She did not open the box for two and a-half years. When she did, she discovered a hand-written letter attached to its back.
That discovery is the inciting event for "Letter from Masanjia" about human rights violations in China. The letter was written in a Chinese labor camp called Masanjia. Yi was one of countless innocent victims of the Chinese government’s human rights restrictions. For his refusal to comply with the government’s thought police, he was tortured for a solid year, and suffered many other repressive consquences.
When Keith discovered the letter, she went public with it. The result was world-wide pressure on the Chinese government to shut down its forced labor camps, which they did.
Yet, there is much more to Yi’s story.
At just one hour and fifteen minutes long, “Letter from Masanjia” is one of the most powerful, epic documentaries I have seen to date.
iTunes: https://apple.co/2OiaSvj
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letterfrommasanjia/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6390580/reference
D. Schwartz November 18, 2018
Bias
“If you’re human, you have bias. Just like we breathe, we have bias. It’s part of who we are. When it becomes completely unconscious, we have no idea how it’s affecting our behavior.” Howard Ross, author, “Everyday Bias”
In “Bias” producer/director Robin Hauser explores the phenomenon of bias, with a focus on racial and gender bias—specifically unconscious bias, the kind of bias human beings tend to deny.
Hauser interviews authorities, people on the street, and successful business people as she learns the evolutionary source of bias, the damaging impact unconscious bias on us as individuals and a society, and ways we may liberate ourselves from its impact.
Being a subject of her own film, Hauser learns, to her chagrin, the biases found in her own psyche—an inevitable consequence for a filmmaker serious about her topic. One way she learned about her unconscious biases was through an ‘implicit bias test’ from Harvard University via "Project Implicit".
Spoiler Alert: Learning about our biases is just the first step. It requires more learning and training for us to be free from their impacts on our behavior. The film covers elaborate simulation trainings—including virtual reality—to help reduce the negative effects of unconscious bias on our behavior. We see trainings crucial for police officers, as well as those who are in positions of power who do not want their decisions to be driven by unconscious bias.
“Bias” is a crucial, powerful exposé of ourselves. The film righteously demands our close attention to its topic. For those who comply with this opportunity to learn, it will catalyze shifts of thoughts, minds, and, especially, behaviors.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiasFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/biasfilm
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7137804/reference
D. Schwartz November 14, 2018
Liyana: An African Story
“When people remember about Liyana, I want them to remember us, making our own words.” Young African Child
We are in Swaziland, also known as The Kingdom of Eswatini, at an orphanage the children of which lost their parents to AIDS, drugs, and violence. We are in a small classroom, poet/story-teller Gcina Mhlophe is coaching five students in the composing of a story.
Step-by-step the children create a character, her name—Liyana—her appearance, and her story. Directors Amanda Kopp and Aaron Kopp follow the story’s creation, and the children narrate their story—illustrated by moving images of Liyana’s journey.
Philip Miller’s music caresses the children’s story, as artwork by Shofela Coker and Stefan Nadelman blossom the story to visual life.
“Liyana” is brilliantly and lovingly produced; its impact is heart-rending, inspiring, and fascinating.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiyanaTheMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/liyanathemovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liyanafilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6977442/reference
D. Schwartz November 10, 2018
John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons
Netflix’s “John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons” is the finest work of standup comedy I have enjoyed since the days of Pryor and Carlin. Leguizamo tells three stories in one—a brief history of Europe’s destruction of Western native cultures, a story about his relationship with his son, and a story about himself.
Tragedy and hilarity are skillfully woven as Leguizamo speaks, sings, mimes, and dances his way through his epic Broadway show.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatinHistory101/
Note: A documentary about the making of “John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons” is in the works. Here is the Facebook Page.
November 8, 2018 D. Schwartz
Dirt Rich: It’s Not Just Reducing CO2 Emissions, It’s Also Bringing the Excess Back to the Groun
“You have to get back to the natural systems, and let nature heal the Earth for us. Everyone has a role to play in converting to regenerative agriculture. Consumers could lead that movement.” Steven Ferrell, co-owner, general manager of Finca Luna Nueva, in Costa Rica
With “Dirt Rich” filmmaker Marcelina Cravat takes us around the world, introducing us to people who are pioneering ways to reduce Co2 from our atmosphere—from 400 ppm to 260 ppm—by making the practices and products of agriculture healthier. They are leading a crucial environmental movement, the question is who is following? It is clear, though, that the more people who see the film, the more followers this movement will have.
Cravat covers such topics as perennial grains, wetlands, beavers, biochar, and rock powders. I know about the first three in that list, but the latter two were all new to me. Her interviewees stress the potential influence of education in supporting this movement—fully integrating its ideas and practices into our educational systems. The ‘everyone’ in Steven Ferrell’s statement above is literal—it includes children.
“Dirt Rich” features an original soundtrack of songs by singer/songwriter Tom Rhodes. The film will be screened at the Environmental Film Festival in Washington, D.C. in March, 2019.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtRichTheMovie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtrichmovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7689366/reference
D. Schwartz November 7, 2018
Living in the Future’s Past: What Kind of Future Would You Like to See?
“In this beautifully photographed tour de force of original thinking, Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists, profound thinkers and a dazzling array of Earth’s living creatures to reveal eye-opening concepts about ourselves and our past, providing fresh insights into our subconscious motivations and their unintended consequences.
“Living in the Future's Past” shows how no one can predict how major changes might emerge from the spontaneous actions of the many. How energy takes many forms as it moves through and animates everything. How, as we come to understand our true connection to all there is, we will need to redefine our expectations, not as what we will lose, but what we might gain by preparing for something different.”
The above quote is the film’s synopsis from its website. Note the lack of the words: environment, climate change, or global warming. But, that is what this film is about. Those three terms, and their horrific implications. Of the many environmental documentary films I’ve seen, this one is the most unique—and, it is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking.
Director Susan Kucera and producer/host Jeff Bridges address the deeper layers of our human beingness by presenting images, sounds, and ideas that evoke emotions, thoughts, insights, and, perhaps, epiphanies. The cinematography is exquisite, exhilarating. The intention and hope is to shift awareness, to inspire acts of commission and acts of omission that benefit our ecosphere—and, therefore, ourselves and the natural world.
“Living in the Future’s Past” is a film to watch carefully, smartphones off. If you allow it, the film can leave you in a meditative/contemplative state of mind and heart, with a deeper perspective of who we are, and who we can be. It is another environmental documentary that needs to be experienced by as many human beings as possible.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingInTheFuturesPast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/litfpfilm
https://www.instagram.com/livinginthefuturespast/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7683148/reference
D. Schwartz November 4, 2018
From Baghdad to The Bay: The Epic Odyssey of Ghazwan Alsharif
“I lost my family, I lost my country, I lost my career, I lost everything.”
“From Baghdad to The Bay” follows Iraqi Ghazwan Alsharif on a years-long, harrowing journey from his homeland to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Subsequent to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, Alsharif became an interpreter and guide for the US military. Prolific filmmaker Erin Palmquist follows our hero through years of loss, struggle, hopelessness, growth, and change to Bay Area-based celebrity chef.
Alsharif’s journey is a text-book example of Joseph Campbell’s ‘hero’s journey’ with allies, adversaries, barriers, and a heart-rending triumph. It is clear that Palmquist experienced her own hero’s journey in following Alsharif’s. The hero’s journey is intrinsically noble, but does not necessarily end in triumph.
Palmquist’s and Alsharif’s journeys both end in triumph. “From Baghdad to The Bay” grips viewers from beginning to end. We are with Alsharif the whole film, rooting for this sweet, loving, joyful man through his losses and gains—and we celebrate the fulfillment of his dreams.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frombaghdadtothebay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/baghdadtothebay
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7688258/reference
D. Schwartz October 30, 2018
How Hot Is It Going to Get?: “The Climate Crisis is a Voting Crisis”
“How Hot Is It Going to Get?” is two movies in one: An expertly produced primer on human-caused global warming, and a plea for young people of the United States to vote Democratic every two years. The implicit assumption is a Democratically-driven government would take meaningful, effective steps to reduce the inevitable damage that global warming is causing and will continue to cause.
One point repeated in Michael Allen’s film is about the names we give in measures of temperatures—Fahrenheit versus Celsius. In media reports of climate issues, when predictions of temperature change in Celsius are provided, those numbers are much smaller than equivalent Fahrenheit measures. Another assumption the film makes is that if climate change information were provided in Fahrenheit, more people in the United States would pay more attention to global warming.
At this time, under Republican control, the United States is increasing its burning of fossil fuels. Can this film make a difference? Will young people vote? Will they be denied if they attempt to do so?
As of October 28, 2018, we will see.
In any case, “How Hot Is It Going to Get?” is another absolute must-see environmental film—for people of all ages.
iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/HowHotFilm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSsdGxsLrf1iXwZTEmu3i9Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowHotIsItGoingToGetMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/howhot2050
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10220932/
D. Schwartz October 28, 2018
Weed The People: Cannabis and Pediatric Cancer
“I just find it absolutely staggering to accept that in this day and age, with the billions of dollars spent on cancer research, that the medicine that we were relying upon is made in somebody’s kitchen.” Mother of Young Cancer Patient
Produced by the filmmaking team of Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, “Weed The People” explores the use of cannabis products in the treatment of cancer in children. The film follows a few families as they struggle with the horrors of cancer, and find help via the inclusion of cannabis in their treatment.
The film is an emotionally powerful statement about the therapeutic value of cannabis, the limits of which are still unknown because of the cultural-political stigma of the plant, and the subsequent restrictive, oppressive laws that tragically limit its research and use.
Dylan’s ‘the times, they are a-changing’ aptly describes the rapidly shifting attitudes about cannabis. Still, as our governments continue to squelch the medicinal use of cannabis, our children are unnecessarily suffering and dying.
“Weed The People” deserves a very wide audience—especially those in healthcare, and those who work in local, state, and federal government, as well as.
Here is a resource for parents.
Note: I’ve seen, enjoyed, and have benefited from all the films in Lake’s and Epstein’s catalog of documentaries.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weedthepeoplemovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/weedpeoplemovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weedthepeoplefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7968976/
D. Schwartz October 26, 2018
The Providers: A Journey with Three Country Doctors
“This community, it’s so much a part of who I am. I can’t separate myself from it. I could’ve done a lot of different things besides medicine. I could make a lot of money, live wherever I want. But, I can’t turn my back.”
Matt Probst, PA
“The Providers” documents the lives of three healthcare providers who serve the people in rural areas around the city of Las Vegas, New Mexico. In addition to being a physician assistant, Matt Probst is a leader—the medical director of El Centro Family Health, and inspires a team of healthcare practitioners who serve a rural community of people who would otherwise lack access.
Producers/directors/cinematographers Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin follow the work of physician assistant Probst, family physician Dr. Leslie Hayes, and nurse practitioner Chris Ruge who work under Echo Care. Alcohol and drug addiction rank high in the maladies the providers treat. Funding is an ongoing struggle. Echo Care is primarily funded by insurance companies, unnamed in the film.
Deeply touching from beginning to end, “The Providers” tells stories of triumph and tragedy, of heroes and their travails. To state the obvious, the community covered in this film is emblematic of communities throughout the United States. How many communities have experienced the grace of the providers featured in this film?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheProvidersDoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theprovidersdoc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheProvidersDoc/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8228818/
D. Schwartz October 17, 2018
Give Us This Day: Murder in East Saint Louis
In the calendar year 2017, the City of East Saint Louis, Illinois had the highest murder rate in the world.
In “Give Us This Day” veteran filmmakers Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist follow three of the city’s police officers and three of the city’s young people for a year. The filmmakers paint a montage of violence, of loss, and of those who struggle to change their personal and community’s circumstances.
The point the film makes is both simple and confounding: poverty is the ground of violence. The exacerbated homicide rate in East Saint Louis is also related to the city’s chronic deficiency of police officers which, in turn, is one of many symptoms of an impoverished community.
The film’s impact is equally heart-breaking and inspiring.
“Give Us This Day” is an ATT Original Documentary. It premiers on November 8, at 10 PM ET and PT, on DIRECTV NOW and DIRECTV channel 239, and is distributed by All Rise Films.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6864952/reference
D. Schwartz October 10, 2018
Resistance at Tule Lake: Japanese American Concentration Camp Victims Rebel
Any other time, I may have passed on viewing this documentary film about the World War II internment of 127,000 Japanese Americans in concentration camps. Two-thirds of this population were American citizens.
Instead, I have watched the film for one simple reason—history is repeating itself. Immigrants have been and are being interned, and the United States government continues the mass incarceration of mostly people of color.
After Pearl Harbor, the United States government created the ‘War Relocation Authority’ to place Japanese Americans in concentration camps called ‘relocation centers.’ Ten camps were built throughout the American west. One, the ‘Tule Lake Segregation Center’ in northern California, was built to imprison those Japanese Americans who did not respond in a desirable way to a required ‘loyalty oath’—they specifically objected to questions 27 and 28. At its peak, the camp had a population of 18,789 Japanese Americans.
27: Are you willing to serve in the armed services of the United States, wherever occurred?
28: Will you swear unqualified allegiance to the United States of America and faithfully defend the United States from any or all attack by foreign or domestic forces, and forswear any form of allegiance or obedience to the Japanese emperor, or any other foreign government, power, or organization?
The oath was one of countless insults to Japanese Americans—on top of their global displacement. The above two questions were the most grievous.
Konrad Aderer’s “Resistance at Tule Lake” tells the story of the rebellion, the initiatives of the prisoners, and the punitive counter measures of our government. The film also follows a contemporary group of journeyers on a ‘pilgrimage’ to the preserved Tule Lake camp to acknowledge the US malfeasance, and honor its victims.
If I was king of the world I would add the expertly-produced “Resistance at Tule Lake” to both high school and college curricula—and make it required viewing for members of all three branches of our federal government, and every state governor.
Click here for information about educational screenings.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResistanceAtTuleLake/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/enemyalien
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6098696/reference
D. Schwartz October 10, 2018
Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable
The prime virtue of documentary films is the revealing of stories, events, images, and people which otherwise would be challenging or impossible to find. There are virtually no limits to the subjects or topics documentaries may explore.
For instance, street photography—an alive, vital medium of art which has become even more obscured by the ubiquity of cameras. That is, everyone is a street photographer. Only a minute few are celebrated artists.
Sasha Waters Freyer’s “Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable” covers one of those minute few. Born in 1928, and passed in 1984, Garry Winogrand covered New York city primarily, with detours to Texas and California. He was a massively prolific artist, leaving canisters of undeveloped film, or unprocessed negatives.
Freyer tells Winogrand’s rich personal story, and provides a dizzying montage of images throughout her film. Viewers watching on home video will find themselves pausing frequently to study and admire his work.
“Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable” is a captivating, well-lauded film that inspires its viewers to explore the art of street photography—and, perhaps, see what they can do with their camera.
To learn how to view the film, stay in touch with its website, send a query via the CONTACT link.
Facebook 1: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Winogrand-All-Things-Are-Photographable-2018-296712741147016/
Facebook 2: https://www.facebook.com/WinograndAllThings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/winograndfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/garrywinogrand/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7977594/reference
October 6, 2018
The Reluctant Radical: Fighting for All of Our Lives
In my old age I’ve become a reductionist—reducing various and sundry matters to their essence. In the matter of our Earth’s environment, I make the analogy of a chess board. Us humans are the players—the board, our environment which supports the play. Us players are rapidly destroying our board. I reduce my emotional response to this destruction to one of pure pain.
In Lindsey Grayzel’s "The Reluctant Radical" I have found a brother I didn’t know I had. His name is Ken Ward. He practices civil disobedience in support of our environment. His specific focus is stopping our consumption of fossil fuel. His quixotic goal is saving our ecosphere.
The narrative spine of the film is a trial in which Ward has been charged with a felony for having shut down a tar sands oil pipeline. The film’s substance includes a bit about Ward’s personal life, his path to civil disobedience, and his reflections on his role as an activist. Regarding his personal life, I was most moved by Ward’s relationship with his son, Eli—and with Eli’s strong character.
“The Reluctant Radical” is the most striking environmental documentary I’ve seen to date—and I have seen plenty.
It is an absolute must-see.
Note: To learn more about climate activism visit Shut It Down.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantRadical/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheReluctantRad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereluctantradical/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7370004/reference
D. Schwartz October 3, 2018
Quincy: The Life and Times of…
You go to the IMDB site for Alan Hicks’ and Rashida Jones’ “Quincy” and count the number of celebrities who appear in this documentary about the legendary Quincy Jones, and you will find at least 76 people who, like yours truly, are in awe of the talent and accomplishments of this iconic showbiz survivor.
Quincy Delight Jones, Jr. was born in 1933, and is still very much with us. The impact of his contributions to our world transcends the countless musical talents he has supported over the 70+ years of his career. The list of awards and nominations he has received is so long that Wikipedia created a separate page from his primary Wiki site to house those honors.
In a too-short two hours, Hicks and Jones provide an outline of Jones’ biography, affectionate and reverential lauds by the aforementioned 76 people, and a soundtrack that sparks the viewer’s impulse to get up and dance. Jones tells his story through narration and archived interviews.
The film has an arc. Between the various scenes there are references to an upcoming event, the opening ceremonies and celebration of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture of which Jones is the primary producer—a fitting conclusion to the film. There is more information about that celebration here.
"Quincy" is as jaw-dropping as it is delightful.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuincyJones/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7440432/reference
Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80102952
D. Schwartz September 24, 2018
