Apr 4
, 2020
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Please contact us
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or breaking news
Overlooked & Underrated Docs & Features
(click on broll or dschwartz for all his posts)From Seed to Seed: A Year in the Life of a Family Farm
“Overall, I would rather characterize farming as a constant play between hope and despair. And in the despair, we have to be able to step away for a minute and see that it has shown you something that can give you hope.”
Terry Mierau
Opera singers Monique Scholte and Terry Mierau met in Amsterdam. They coupled virtually immediately. Somehow, they ended up in Canada, as farmers.
Terry, Monique and their three children live in a house barn in the traditional single-street village of Neugberthal, in Southern Manitoba. The family practices ‘natural systems agriculture’ as described by the Land Institute. The family is part of a community of Mennonites in their region which also influences their approaches to food and farming. Rather than participate in large scale farming, the family shares their vegetables and meats via ‘direct to market farming.’ They know their customers.
In “From Seed to Seed” filmmaker Katharina Stieffenhofer spends a year on the farm with this passionate, dedicated family. She also visits other farms and farmers in their region. The farmers speak of their thoughts about and struggles with the issues of genetic manipulation and organic versus ‘conventional’—i.e. chemical—farming.
Activist Dr. Vandana Shiva, and climate scientist Dr. Ian Mauro address issues related to farming in a changing climate. Interviewees talk about the growing preference for organic food and how this pushes the momentum toward ‘ecological agriculture.’
The film’s story affirms Terry’s quote above. There are unprecedented, devastating storms the year of shooting. Human generated global warming is a permanent visitor, and the family is making adjustments to their farming strategies to accommodate this unwelcome visitor. One adjustment is the need to find ‘off farm’ work—not their ideal way of being farmers.
Despite the existential challenges they face, this farming family is delightful and inspiring—as is the film which highlights their lives and their work.
“When I see farmers on the landscape, whoever they are, wherever they come from, whatever practice they are employing, they are heroes to me. The range of skills that farmers have, and that is required to actively farm, and be a farmer, it’s absolutely inspiring.”
Dr. Ian Mauro, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, University of Winnipeg, Prairie Climate Centre
“From Seed to Seed” has won nine film festival awards, and is distributed by Bullfrog Films.
You may book the film under 'Special Title Request' HERE.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fromseedtoseed/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8191728/reference
D. Schwartz April 5, 2020
Documentary Filmmakers Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto Re-release of ‘Thousand Pieces of Gold’
Congratulations to Marin County documentary filmmakers Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto on Kino Lorber's re-release of their very underrated narrative film "Thousand Pieces of Gold"
Yours truly fondly remembers viewing the film's original release at the Sequoia Theater, in Mill Valley, California—in 1990!
I am thoroughly delighted to learn that 'Thousand Pieces of Gold' is available again.
D. Schwartz April 1, 2020
Genesis 2.0: Humanity’s New Beginning
Producer/director/editor Christian Frie, and co-director/cinematographer Maxim Arbugaev have given our world a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking.
“Genesis 2.0” introduces three stories.
1) Groups of men who scour the remote, uninhabited New Siberian Islands for wooly mammoth (mammuthus primigenius) tusks for commercial purposes, and, as an aside, for mammoth remains that may contain living cells. Arbugaev films and narrates this portion of the film. The men's story is woven throughout the film.
2) Russian and South Korean scientists working to clone a mammoth.
3) A new-to-me approach to the use of genetic information—‘genetically engineered machines’ (also known as ‘synthetic biology’) refers to the use of genetic technology to create machines of various ilk. Frie attends the 2016 International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition put on by iGEM.
The competition was first held in 2014. One team in the competition provided a promising ‘machine’—a biological camera that worked. The picture it took displayed the portentous—and for some, ominous—words ‘HELLO WORLD.’ That accomplishment sparked the community of young people working in this area. The numbers participating in the competition have snowballed.
Frie also visits scientists working on ‘gene sequencing.’ One interviewee at the China National GeneBank wants to sequence the world.
Music by Max Richterand and Edward Artemyev haunts the film and its viewers.
The film has received at least 20 film festival awards.
Available on Amazon, “Genesis 2.0” left me gratified having seen a superlative documentary film, and wondering: What are all these giant and not so giant biotech companies around the world producing?
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6862536/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/272994110345559/
D. Schwartz March 30, 2020
Grass Is Greener: A Crucial Documentary About Cannabis in the United States
Yours truly has viewed at least five documentaries about cannabis. “Grass Is Greener” is the most important film I have seen on this subject. The film’s significance is grounded in its coverage of the African American experience of cannabis.
Directed and narrated by accomplished actor/director, Fred Brathwaite (aka Fab 5 Freddy), “Grass Is Greener” provides the socio-political-cultural history of cannabis. That history is saturated with tragedy—the victimization of generations of African American—countless lives destroyed or lost.
Despite the partial decimalization of the plant’s use, that unhappy history continues, and there is no end in sight—Biden has said no way will he support legalization, and Trump...well, you know.
Despite the serious nature of the film, Brathwaite and company express excitement and hope about the growing emergence of cannabis in mainstream America. One interviewee, however, made a critical observation:
There are plenty of predictions about the countless billions of dollars to be made, yet the oppressed African American community does not have the support necessary to emerge as major players in this boon. One interviewee suggests focused reparations. Whatever the method of support, having learned so much more about the history of cannabis, it certainly is ethical, just, and moral that this suggestion be taken seriously by the people and government of the United States.
Distributed by Netflix, “Grass Is Greener” features standard bearing production qualities, is thoroughly engaging, and deserves the widest possible audience.
D. Schwartz March 28, 2020
The Raft: 11 People, 101 Days
“The Raft” is a documentary film about one man’s folly of an ocean odyssey, and the unanticipated results of same.
Mexican social anthropologist Santiago Genovés designed an ‘experiment’ to address—and forgive me for being inarticulate here—something about humans, peace, and violence.
On May 11, 1973, Genovés and ten carefully chosen people set out westerly from the Canary Islands on a raft across the Atlantic ocean, destination Mexico. I am not clear on what kind of a results he was seeking. He went through the motions of tracking and recording some data regarding his human guinea pig’s behavior on this journey, but he seems to have made a few flawed assumptions the central one being that somehow he was not a guinea pig in his own experiment.
Director Marcus Lindeen’s film approaches this story from two perspectives the first of which is the cornucopia of archival footage of the 101 day voyage on a craft without a motor—subject to only the ocean’s currents and winds.
The second perspective is a contemporary model of the raft crafted for the film, and peopled by the six survivors of the voyage who share with each other the happenings on the raft and their thoughts and feeling about these events.
My friends will attest: I am obsessively concerned with ‘spoilers.’ Rather than tell you what happens on the ocean, I encourage you to see this brilliant documentary film that keeps its viewers glued to the screen.
The film will be released on VOD and home media on May 19.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theraftdocumentary/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8116574/reference
D. Schwartz March 27, 2020
An Elephant in the Room: The Healing Work of ‘Good Grief’
Directed by Katrine Philp, “An Elephant in the Room” highlights the work of Good Grief—an organization that provides support to children who have lost parents or siblings. The film has no narration. Instead we are with the children, their facilitators, and the childrens’ remaining family caregivers as facilitators do everything they can to compassionately support their charges’ healthy grieving process.
Although grief is an intense, painful emotion which includes crying, this film is not maudlin. Instead, we witness healing conversations and interactions between the kids and their caregivers.
Good Grief’s website includes a succinct description of their history and work which I include at the end of this review.
“An Elephant in the Room” is an important documentary film which offers insight and hope in the caring and support of grieving children. The more people who know about and utilize these services, the faster and healthier will childrens’ losses be healed. It is in that spirit that I suggest you share this review far and wide, or simply share the availability of these services for children.
“Good Grief started in 2004 with a group of concerned volunteers who believed grieving children lacked advocates. In those early days, we began by educating teachers and community groups. In 2007, Good Grief started providing direct programming to children and their families. The need and response was tremendous, requiring Good Grief to grow our programs each year. In 2012, Good Grief responded to the emerging need of families traveling long distances to Morristown by bringing Good Grief programs to Princeton. In 2017, we launched our first satellite location for urban youth through our In Community program in Jersey City, which expanded to include Newark programs in 2019. In 2017 we also launched Routes to Resilience, a social-emotional learning program that is based on over 15 years of education and programs.
“While we are best known for the thousands of lives we have impacted through our direct programming, our comprehensive education and advocacy efforts throughout New Jersey and across the nation have acquired notoriety and prestigious partnerships, including Sheryl Sandberg’s Optionb.org, KIPP NJ, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters Essex, Union, and Hudson county, Arizona State University, Duke University, Scholastic, National Funeral Directors Association, Outward Bound Adventures, the National Alliance for Grieving Children, and more.”
Good Grief: https://good-grief.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anelephantintheroom/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9078338/reference
D. Schwartz March 26, 2020
Havana, From On High
Directed by Pedro Ruiz, “Havana, From On High” is a cinematic, poetic, and unofficial sociological study of Cuba in transition. Eleven Cubans are interviewed and followed speaking about their lives as well as their thoughts about Cuba with references to the Revolution, Fidel, Che, the United States, and, of course, Trump. One interviewee expresses himself in poetry.
They live above the streets. Housing is sparse, and this section of Havana has buildings with elevated rooms of various ilk you can inhabit. Most have lived there for many years. The impoverished conditions are mitigated by the beautiful cityscapes and skies that surround them. Animals, too, are featured. One Cuban has been raising pigeons for decades. At least one has chickens—and dogs appear throughout the film.
“Havana, From On High” is superbly produced with striking visuals, fascinating people and stories. By film’s end I was stunned by the visions and, especially, by the people making the most of their challenging conditions.
A production of Faits Divers Média, “Havana, From On High” is an official selection of more than two dozen film festivals, and won the Grand Prize, Best Feature Documentary at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Director Ruiz has been nominated for 2020 BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN A FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY, by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havanafromonhigh/
Press Kit: http://www.faitsdiversmedia.com/press/presskithabanaen.pdf
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8176874/reference
D. Schwartz March 25, 1020
The Dog Doc: Integrative Medicine for Dogs and Cats
Cindy Meehl’s “The Dog Doc” is both a profile of integrative medicine veterinarian Marty Goldstein and an affirmation of the healing power integrative medicine provides—to both human and non-human animals.
When Goldstein entered veterinary practice he was well educated and skilled, yet he was in chronic poor health. He found his way to alternative medicine supplements and practices, recovered good health, and applied what he learned and experienced to his treatment of dogs and cats.
Meehl covers Goldstein’s and staff’s work at the Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, New York, the clinic Goldstein established decades ago. We follow a few dogs and their human companions through diagnosis and treatment for cancers and other life threatening maladies. Throughout the film Goldstein and staff talk about this philosophy of practice as well the unique approaches and techniques he provides his patients.
The stories Meehl covers are inspiring and emotional—for the clinic’s staff, its customers, and us viewers. “The Dog Doc” makes a strong case for revolutionizing veterinary practices in order to achieve more and better outcomes in veterinary care.
Goldstein has since sold his clinic, and now devotes his work to promoting and advancing integrative health care for non-human animals—of course, us human animals would also benefit from this approach to healing and health.
“The Dog Doc” was selected for at least 23 film festivals, and is a crucial documentary film for every animal lover.
Cindy Meehl is founder of Cedar Creek Productions.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogdocthefilm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dogdocthefilm?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogdocthefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8739854/reference
Watch: https://dogdocthefilm.com/watch/
D. Schwartz March 24, 2020
Barefoot: The Mark Baumer Story
“Barefoot: The Mark Baumer Story” is a profile of, a eulogy to, and an homage to, of course, Mark Baumer (December 19, 1983 – January 21, 2017).
Our hero was a prolific writer and poet, and a passionate environmental activist. Mark died while walking along a roadside. Attempting to walk barefoot from the east coast of the United States to the west coast, he was killed when an SUV swerved off the lightly traveled road and hit the lone walker.
Baumer was on his Hero’s Journey, an odyssey the purpose of which was to raise money for an environmental organization.
An only child, Baumer was beloved, intelligent, gifted, quirky, child-like, and energetic. He seems an amalgam of Wavy Gravy and Andy Kaufman.
Writer/director Julie Sokolow tells Baumer’s story via his parents (Mary and Jim), his friends—and, especially, via our Hero who posts several video clips of himself a day on this daring pilgrimage. To state the obvious, this is a very emotional documentary film which immediately went on my ‘best of’ list of documentary films.
One of Sokolow’s interviewees is Anna Heyward who wrote the following article for The New Yorker magazine: The Tragic Death of Mark Baumer, a Prolific Poet and Environmental Activist for the Social-Media Age
There is also a fundraising organization called Mark Baumer Sustainability Fund. When you go to this site make sure you scroll down to the section called ‘MARK STILL WALKING’ which consists of three or four posts a year by his father Jim.
Everyone has their own opinion. Mine is that Mark Baumer fully and successfully completed his Hero’s Journey.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarefootDocumentary
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBarefootFilm
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11025386/reference
D. Schwartz March 21, 2020
Dawnland: Rare Truth and Reconciliation in the United States
“I remember, they took us to Old Town, there’s a great big house. There were other state foster kids there, and they left us there. I remember we all slept in one big room. We had bunk beds. If you wet the bed, you had to stay in that bed for 24 hours, and you couldn’t get up. If you had to pee, you had to pee in the bed. If you stole food, you couldn’t eat for 24 hours. (crying) I never cried, I never cried.
“I think it was only one time we told the state workers what happened. Because after she left we got the worst beatings we ever had. And we never told again. And we spent four years there—and every single day there was torture.”
Native American woman providing testimony for the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Directed by Adam Mazo and Ben Pender-Cudlip, “Dawnland” covers the first government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation commission (TRC) in the United States. The Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission took place in the State of Maine. Between 2012 and 2015 the TRC received testimony from members of the four tribal communities which collectively make up the Wabanaki people of Maine. You may read the report here.
Most of the testimony featured in the film is of indigenous women who were literally kidnapped as children by government officials, torn from their communities, and raised by white people as fosters or in group homes. The children were stripped of their culture, treated with abuse and neglect, and wounded for life. These actions were supported by United States federal legislation. The cultural genocide of Native Americans continues in one form or another to this day.
The TRC was initiated by REACH—Reconciliation-Engagement-Advocacy-Change-Healing—which continues to support Wabanaki communities and the reconciliation process.
Produced and distributed by Vision Maker Media, “Dawnland” is a provocative yet hopeful documentary film that should be seen by every American adult and teenager.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DawnlandMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DawnlandMovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnlandmovie/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7475654/reference
D. Schwartz March 20, 2020
The Story of Plastic: The True Cost of Plastic Pollution
“Plastics are treated as a product that miraculously appears from nowhere and it goes to nowhere. That invisibility, that magic nature of plastics is something that the oil and gas industry has perpetuated and promoted very effectively for decades. But what was once invisible is becoming visible. The plastic crisis doesn’t start when the plastics enter the ocean, it starts when the oil and the gas leave the wellhead, and it keeps on being a problem at every step along the way.”
Carroll Muffett, Center for International Environmental Law
Deia Schlosberg’s “The Story of Plastic” is the latest documentary film about plastic, and it is the most urgent and powerful of the films I have viewed. With high quality production standards, Schlosberg takes us way back to the origin of plastic—both historically, and especially to the origin of the manufacturing methods of plastics. That production process begins with fossil fuel extraction and processing.
To make matters worse, turns out that the fossil fuel industry has not hesitated in addressing their loss of business from improved efficiency of transportation vehicles—including, of course, all electric powered cars and SUVs. Consequently, there is a boon in the extraction industry driven by the simple fact that plastics come from hydrocarbons which come from the earth.
While the public dialog about plastics continues, and there are small victories in reducing plastics pollution, yet, the fossil fuel industry builds and operates more and more extraction plants around the world, creating an exacerbation of the continuing deluge of plastics production.
But wait, there’s more! There is this clever idea to address the scourge of plastic pollution via incineration which, of course, takes the solid pollution, transforms it to smoke and gas, and blows the smoke and gas with its toxic chemicals—and, of course, carbon—into our atmosphere. That’s going on right now. You need to see this documentary.
Schlosberg takes her viewers around the world, reminds us visually of the horrors of plastic pollution, and interviews or features dozens of activists fighting on behalf of our environment and ourselves—as well as those trumpeting the virtues of plastic.
Schlosberg’s film is thoroughly engaging, and elicits personal reflections regarding our contribution to the problem, as well as our participation in the solutions. I encourage readers to access the website’s Take Action page.
“So many parts of our economies, so many places in the world are dependent on this relatively small group of corporations who are making a tremendous amount of money poisoning the rest of us. And so figuring out how to break out of that cycle, that’s the project of our lifetime. ”
Zoë Carpenter, journalist
“The Story of Plastics” is a production of The Story of Stuff.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyofstuff
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/storyofplastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyofstuff/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9378216/reference
D. Schwartz March 19, 2020
Piano to Zanskar: A Man, a Mountain, and a Piano
“What I’ve been able to do up to now is just plan the next footstep—one step ahead on the next goal to overcome. But, now we’ve done it, I can take a moment to actually see what is around, and it’s beautiful, it’s a beautiful place. And, I just consider myself very fortunate to have had this opportunity to see it through”
Desmond O'Keeffe
The title says it all in Michal Sulima’s “Piano to Zanskar”.
Piano tuner Desmond O'Keeffe takes a 100 year-old, 80 kilo, Broadwood and Sons upright piano from his London workshop to a village named Lingshed, cradled in the Lingshed Valley, in the region called Zanskar. Names aside, the point is the piano was hauled from sea level to 14,000 feet up in the Indian Himalayas. This piano is the highest on Earth.
Sulima follows O’Keefe and friends from workshop to one of the most isolated settlements on Earth. On the surface of it, this endeavor seems a fool’s errand. Indeed, the inevitable requisite unexpecteds confront O’Keefe and team on this odyssey, yet in addition to this incredible accomplishment, we have this dear and sweet festival-winner of a film which deserves a large audience—and, there is no want of delightful serendipity at story’s conclusion.
The icing on this cinematic cake is Ernst Reijseger’s absolutely perfect music to accompany the journey. I’d buy the sound track on CD if it was available.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pianotozanskar/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pianotozanskar/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/pianotozanskar
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7088508/reference
Note: Although the film’s production is complete, the filmmakers still need support in promotion and distribution. I encourage readers to contribute to the “Piano to Zanskar” Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/betweenfriends/piano-to-zanskar
D. Schwartz March 10, 2020
The Mill: An Environmental Dilemma
The mill in David Craig’s well-produced environmental documentary is in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada. The multinational company has been manufacturing paper products there—mostly tissue paper and paper towels—since the 1960s. Within Pictou County is the Mi’kmaq fishing community of Pictou Landing.
For more than six decades Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corp. has been pumping a toxic pulp effluent into a body of water called Boat Harbour which is adjacent to the Mi’kmaq indigenous community. The company has been mandated to find another place to pump its effluent, and has proposed a pipe to the sensitive fishing grounds of the Northumberland Strait.
The fishing community, of course, would be devastated by this proposed action. Mill officials say without this action, they will shut down the mill, devastating the region’s economy.
“The Mill” covers this conflict between the fishing community—both indigenous and non-indigenous—and the mill workers who live in the same region. The people of Pictou County are divided, each group has legitimate concerns. The livelihood of thousands of people are threatened, the livelihood of the fishing community is threatened—and the already compromised environment may remain polluted, or become more so.
“The Mill” features high production values, and is a living documentary film. That is, the story is still unfolding as I type these words, and the film’s comprehensive website includes Ongoing Updates. By virtue of both the film’s topic and the excellence with which this story is told, “The Mill” is a must-see environmental film mirroring the high-stakes environmental dilemmas found around the world.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMillDocumentary/
D. Schwartz March 5, 2020
Slay The Dragon: Sabotaging the Saboteurs
“I absolutely think you can draw a line between voter suppression efforts and the gerrymandering efforts and election results. We are seeing efforts to undermine the very core values of American democracy. Nothing is more fundamental in America than having the right to vote, and having the right to representation. And those two core values have been undermined by this new assault on democracy.”
Ari Berman, Journalist, Mother Jones.
Gerrymandering is one of several political practices sabotaging American democracy. For those unfamiliar, it takes quite a few words to describe the gerrymandering process in detail. Suffice it to say, the practice is an attempt to control the outcomes of state and national elections. Both Republicans and Democrats practice this form of Dark Politics.
In “Slay the Dragon” directors Chris Durrance and Barak Goodman introduce the gerrymandering process, and focus on its recently refined use by Republicans which fostered a massive sea change in American politics—one which disenfranchised American voters, and enabled a right-wing takeover of state and national politics.
Goodman and Durrance offer a ray of hope in their coverage of national gerrymandering issues, and in their focus on Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Carolina politics. They highlight initiatives to sabotage the saboteurs the most dramatic of which is the Voters Not Politicians movement created by one woman—Katie Fahey—who, in an epic struggle, brought an end to partisan gerrymandering in her home state of Michigan, and inspired activism beyond her state’s borders. Fahey grabbed a tiger by the tail, held on for dear life, and achieved her goal of reforming Michigan politics. Her story deserves a Hollywood narrative film treatment.
“It’s a fixed system. That’s what’s gerrymandering is all about. Congress would never, ever fix this problem—because they have one interest, and one interest only, this is to stay in power”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Former Governor of California.
A Magnolia Pictures release, “Slay the Dragon” is a must-see, inspiring documentary about our threatened democracy and those meeting this threat head-on. The film is set to open on VOD on April 3rd.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlayTheDragonFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/slaythedragon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slaythedragonfilm/?hl=en
D. Schwartz March 4, 2020
A Prayer for Compassion: A Powerful Call for Veganism
‘Compassion: A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.’
Dictionary.com
There is no want for documentary films about plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan
diets. A few of these films have found a relatively large viewership. “A Prayer for Compassion” stands out by virtue of its intended audience—adherents to religious and spiritual traditions. Producer-director Thomas Wade Jackson has made a powerful call for us humans to consume a vegan diet. Although the film has a specific intended audience, it should be seen by one and all.
Jackson travels around the United States and the world speaking with a wide spectrum of religious and spiritual leaders, teachers, and authorities about the virtues and values of living on a vegan diet.
Pondering the film’s topic, the first thought that came to mind was ‘cognitive dissonance’—‘the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change.’
When it comes to diet, and to the many documentaries I have seen about said subject, I live in an acute and chronic state of cognitive dissonance about the food I eat. I have no argument about the information I have received from these documentaries, and I have a great passion for the natural world, yet I am far from making what would be a radical, difficult, and challenging shift to a vegetarian diet, let alone a vegan one. I confess this with the understanding that I am not alone.
Despite my cognitive dissonance, I am deeply moved by Jackson’s film, and I recommend it to all who come upon this review. The film’s website provides a comprehensive list of resources about adopting a vegan diet. Click on ‘The Challenge’ and ‘Links’ icons at the top of the film’s home page.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompassionMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CompassionMovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionmovie/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWeH0RKZLjwImyezV9Ymz8w/videos
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7980694/reference
D. Schwartz February 22, 2020
The Wild: How Do You Save What You Love?
“Something’s happening to me. I’m beginning to feel things again. It’s unsettling. This is why and how I got on that plane 55 days into recovery—despite my crippling fear. The wild out here feeds the wild in me, is the wild in me. The wild in me is eternal, that thing untainted, pure. This connection to the wild is the connection to the Source.”
Mark Titus, Director
Alaska’s Bristol Bay is the only fully natural salmon run left on planet Earth. The Bay is under extreme threat from mining corporations. Mark Titus—along with countless numbers of people and organizations—wants to save the Bay. The current political environment of the United States is simple: Dam(n) the natural world.
In “The Wild” writer/producer/director Titus tells two stories: a deeply personal narrative of loss, addiction, and redemption; and stories about the Bay, its virtues, the people who derive meaningful lives from the Bay, and those who would damage the Bay. Titus tells his stories with a quiet yet deep passion, and as we are watching and hearing the substance of his film unfold, we find ourselves mirroring that passion.
I have seen my fair share of environmental documentaries, and will likely see many more. “The Wild” is up there with the best, most powerful documentary films. It was selected by 12 film festivals, and won 6 festival awards.
Titus is taking his show on the road. “The Wild” begins a 50-city road tour on April 22. Stay in touch with the film's website to find out the tour's cities and states.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewildfilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewildfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewildfilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10227282/reference
Bristol Bay: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Bay
D. Schwartz February 14, 2020
The Disappearance of My Mother
Benedetta Barzini became a star fashion model in the 1960s. In the 1970s she identified herself as a Marxist, became a member of the Italian Communist Party, as well as a radical feminist organizer, and taught at Polytechnic University of Milan and New Academy of Fine Arts.
Barzini birthed four children one of whom, Beniamino Barrese, became a photographer and cinematographer. The two enjoyed a positive mother-son relationship—until Barrese’s filming of “The Disappearance of My Mother.”
At the age of 75, the mother is ready to leave everyone and everything behind—to obliterate all labels and images of who she is, of who people think she is. She wants to ‘disappear.’ Her son is not ready for his mother to disappear. The two make a tenuous compromise: He will make a documentary of his mother’s ‘disappearance’—and, presumably, she would disappear at film’s end.
In "The Disappearance of My Mother" Barrese films and speaks with his mother as she lives her daily life, and goes through what has become the detritus of her sensational life. Their dialogs are spiked with intense conflicts of values and intentions, yet their subtext is filled with love for one another, as well as the son’s implicit fear of loss.
We find ourselves understanding both the bond and the chasm between Barzini and Barrese—and wishing Barzini would quit smoking which is not likely giving that she probably has been smoking her whole adult life.
Aaron Cupples’ gorgeous music elegantly surrounds and inhabits this encounter of wills.
A Kino Lorber release, “The Disappearance of My Mother” is a moving documentary film, one which I enthusiastically suggest you see.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisappearanceofmymother/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/thedisappearanceofmymother?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedisappearanceofmymother/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9358250/reference
D. Schwartz February 10, 2020
After Parkland
Right now, February 8, 2020, you go to IMDB and look up ‘after parkland’ and you can see the film’s rating, 6.6 on a scale of one to ten—based on 23 raters.
Did they even see this devastating documentary about the February 14, 2018, shooting of 34 students by a lone gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, leaving 17 dead and 17 wounded?!
In "After Parkland" filmmakers Emily Taguchi and Jake Lefferman capture the grief, loss, healing, hope, and actions of students and families of MSD High.
The film focuses on a few people: Parent Andrew Pollack who lost Meadow, his 18-year old daughter to nine bullets. Parents Manuel and Patricia Oliver who lost their son Joaquin, who is also grieved by friends Victoria Gonzalez and Dillon McCooty. We also hear from students Brooke Harrison, Sam Zeif, Lauren Hogg, and David Hogg who became a national activist against gun violence. Even people with ‘hearts of glass’ may find themselves sharing in the grief and loss expressed by the people in this film.
As the film’s closing approaches we learn about the local and national movements to protect students and end gun violence that emerged from the horror called ‘Parkland.’
This film is an absolute must-see. The story is equally gut wrenching and inspiring. I am the film’s 24th IMDB rater, and, of course, I give it a much-deserved 10.
“After Parkland” is a Kino Lorber release.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/afterparkland?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkland_thedocumentary/?hl=en
D. Schwartz February 8, 2020
Clean Hands: The Challenge of a Generous, Loving Gift
Written, directed, and shot by Michael Dominic, “Clean Hands” follows an impoverished family in Nicaragua’s capital, Managua—the home of La Chureca, central America’s largest garbage dump. People frequent La Chureca seeking food and any items they deem useful.
The Lopez family—children Chico, Zulema, Toño, and Manual, with their parents, Javier and Blanca, and Javier’s mother Mita—visits La Chureca on a regular basis, and arrive back to their sheet metal home with a large variety of valuables—so to speak. In addition to garbage, La Chureca features smoldering fires, dump trucks coming and going, and earth-moving vehicles roaming the piles.
A slice-of-life documentary, “Clean Hands” tells the story of what happens to the family when a mystery woman, Mary Ellen, appears out of the blue. The benefactor purchases a real home in the country for the family with one caveat: The children must attend school.
This gift of escape from abject poverty becomes a mixed blessing. Their home’s farmland is not providing the family anywhere close to what they need to prosper. Blanca is troubled and unhappy. She leaves her new home frequently for extended visits to Managua. Mary Ellen, though, continues her support. The Lopez family meets their challenges.
Michael Dominic takes us into a real world of pain and struggle, the laughter and joy of children—and both the blessing and challenge of an unexpected escape from poverty. I was moved deeply with this family’s struggles as well as their triumphs—and amazed with the film’s high quality of sound and image.
“Clean Hands” was filmed over a period of seven years—between 2011 and 2018. It was an official selection of 29 film festivals, and won 10 well-deserved festival awards.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleanhandsmovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CleanHandsFilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdominic/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8873224/reference
Website: http://www.cleanhandsmovie.com
D. Schwartz February 7, 2020
Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band
“I don’t know of any other group of musicians with a story equivalent to the story of The Band.”
Robbie Robertson
“I’ve never been in a band that long. I ran away, usually, and would move on to the next thing that was attractive to me. So, I didn’t have a sense of brotherhood. I was in great awe of their brotherhood—it was the soul of The Band.”
Eric Clapton
Directed by Daniel Roher, “Once Were Brothers” tells a story of many stories. The film is one of the finest music-based documentaries I have ever seen. Robbie Robertson, the film’s virtual host, tells his personal story and the behind-the-scenes 17 year history of ‘The Band.’
The likes of Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Martin Scorsese, Taj Mahal, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, and Van Morrison, and others appear throughout the film sharing their respect and admiration for the five members, the band they formed, and the legacy they have given us.
Robertson’s mother was born and raised in the Six Nation Indian Reserve in Canada. His introduction to the guitar occurred during visits to the Reserve. His musical ‘big bang’ was the explosion of early rockabilly and rock’n’roll. The prodigy was in his first band by the age of 13.
A big fan of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, Robertson found himself with a connection to Hawkins. When the 15 year old boy heard Hawkins needed a songwriter to write two songs, he wrote those two songs which appeared on Hawkins’ next album. The prolific songwriter was born.
If there was a single force that catalyzed the creation of The Band, that would be Bob Dylan. Seeking a purity of music, circumstances found the future members together in bucolic Woodstock, New York, living, playing, and creating together in a pink house. They were discovering, if not creating, a genre that melded rock, folk, and country. Dylan got wind of something important going on at this home in the country, spent time with them, and ended up using the five as his backup musicians for the 1966 infamous tour of Dylan’s transition into the rock genre and world. Every stop was mired in boos for what folk music aficionados experienced as a deeply painful betrayal.
During the time Dylan and the musicians were working together at this pink house, the community of people around the home would refer to the five musicians collectively as ‘the band.’ When the time came for the guys to form their own group, they adopted those words everyone used when referring to them—“The Band”. Their first album, Music from Big Pink, was a ‘big bang’ in the music world.
For us fans the dissolution of The Band was a painful loss. Yet, the group did not go down in flames. Instead, they gracefully celebrated their ending with a history-making show in San Francisco, The Last Waltz, which became a legendary documentary directed by rocker Martin Scorsese.
“Once Were Brothers” is masterfully produced—not surprising given the Hollywood heavyweights supporting the film, Martin Scorsese, Brian Grazer, and Ron Howard
The Band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, by Eric Clapton, a The Band member wannabe.
Once Were Brothers opens February 28th at Landmark's Embarcadero Center Cinema in San Francisco and Landmark's Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBandFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebandfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebandfilm/
The Band: https://www.officialtheband.com
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10334456/reference
D. Schwartz January 31, 2020
MOTHERLOAD: In Praise of Cargo Bikes
There are two stories in Liz Canning’s “MOTHERLOAD”. The first is Canning’s own narrative about the personal experiences and social forces that brought her to the world of ‘cargo bikes’—bicycles that transport more than just the rider. The second story is about the emergence of cargo bikes as a global phenomenon.
What is quickly apparent as her documentary unfolds is that both stories are equally serious and joyful.
Canning recounts her experience riding bikes early in life, the years she lived sans bicycles, and the surprisingly great value of cargo bikes she found for herself, her family, and last but not least, the world.
There is a feminist theme throughout the film starting with the popularization of bicycles in the 1890s when women took to bikes virtually immediately, discovering a newfound sense of liberation. Women are now the dominant demographic buying and riding cargo bikes to make their lives less stressful and more joyful.
The film covers several pioneers in the development and marketing of cargo bikes, the use of cargo bikes around the world, and the positive environmental impacts that the bikes are making now, and will make even more powerfully as their use becomes more widespread.
MOTHERLOAD is a serious, joyful, playful, winning film that deserves a giant audience—one that includes policy makers who share environmental concerns. And it has a beautiful, uplifting soundtrack.
Kudos to Liz Canning for her moving—in many senses of the word—film. She is the writer, director, cinematographer, animator, narrator, and producer of MOTHERLOAD!
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/canning
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MOTHERLOADmovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/motherloadmovie?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherloadmovie/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9646930/reference
D. Schwartz January 27, 2020
Catnip Nation
“There are about as many feral cats in the United States as there are pet cats. So that would put them anywhere from 70 to 90 million.”
Kathleen O’Malley, Director of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Education, NYC Feral Cat Initiative
Tina Traster’s “Catnip Nation” addresses the fates of these millions of feral cats, and the human conflicts that determine those fates. The central conflict is between compassionate people who want to care for the cats by providing food, water, and shelter, and those who want to make these acts of compassion illegal.
A prolific veteran journalist, I found Traster’s statement about her film to be so poignant it needs to be the body of this review:
“I have lived with and loved cats for ages. Cats have it rough. There are too many in shelters who are never adopted, and millions who are euthanized. Those cats that are lucky enough to be found and adopted usually bear the physical and emotional scars of a difficult beginning.
“The idea to make a documentary on cats began as an ode to these enigmatic, graceful creatures, but my journalist’s compass quickly led to a darker place. Little did I know there are an estimated 90 million feral cats living wherever they find a food source. Nor was I aware that so many well-meaning people who are trying to help these animals are oppressed and persecuted by outdated laws or uneducated politicians.
“We trained our cameras on four individuals who have put everything on the line to fight for a voiceless population. Our characters show us what it’s like to be punished for acts of kindness. They are willing to risk arrest and imprisonment. They’ve transformed their own lives in the fight to teach others about humanity and the responsibility we as a human race have to care for creatures who live in a netherworld between pets and wildlife.
“‘Catnip Nation’ is not a pedagogic platform to preach about a movement known as TNR (Trap Neuter Return), in which cats living in groups are overseen by caretakers who fix and vaccinate them and feed them until they die off. But the film is inadvertently designed to enlighten. The goal of TNR, a spreading practice worldwide, is to winnow down cat colonies until the closed-system fades away. TNR is complex because it requires buy-in from government, law enforcement and grassroots citizens, who almost always do the real work.
“In ‘Catnip Nation’ we learn about this national crisis through the adventures of four main characters. I made a conscious decision to let our characters’ lives and the hurdles they face tell the story. It is effortless to get swept up into their stories – seeing firsthand what it’s like to risk jail to feed and water cats. Or to feel the wrenching pain of being separated from a group of animals that you’ve become attached to. Naturally we see these people as trailblazers, as human rights activists because in essence they are fighting for their own rights to help cats. We see these people fight, try to work within the system, and find ways around it in order to elevate their causes.
“Film goers crave inspirational role models. We love Erin Brockovich because she fights the system. We admire outliers who move the needle. We celebrate caped crusaders who perform daring feats of bravery. Our characters do all these things.
“Sometimes a documentary maker, or a journalist, knows the story she wants to tell. I believe it’s more powerful when an artist learns the story as she goes, when the horrific details and inspirational revelations tell you where the story is lurking and its drumbeat leads you to a place of darkness and light. Then you feel the privilege and the responsibility to make that story your own. That is what I hope I’ve done with ‘Catnip Nation’”.
Yes, indeed, Tina Traster has made this very well told story her own, and now it is also our story.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catnipnationdoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/catnipnationdoc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catnipnation/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8991236/reference
Purchase Catnip Nation: https://www.catnipnation.com/dvds
D. Schwartz January 23, 2019
Community First, A Home for the Homeless
“Community First! Village is a 27 acre master plan community designed specifically to lift the chronically homeless off the streets of the Austin [Texas] area, into a place they can call home—heal from the ravages of living in the streets, rediscovering a purpose in their life, and then going out, and beginning to care for others in the world.
"I believe that the homeless need to be valued, that the homeless need to be seen, that every human being has two fundamental innate characteristics from the moments we are created—one is to be wholly and fully loved, and secondly, to be wholly and fully known.” Alan Graham, Founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Layton Blaylock’s “Community First, A Home for the Homeless” presents a compassionate, sustainable, and comprehensive response to homelessness in the United States—the aforementioned Community First! Village.
Based in Austin, Texas, the Village is organized under a service organization called Mobile Loaves & Fishes which also includes two additional organizations—Truck Ministry and Community Works. As you may read from the website, there are a host of services provided to the formerly homeless by these three organizations.
Blaylock interviews formerly homeless people at the Village, along with the many service providers who live and work there. As the film’s host, Graham tells his personal story of the inner transformation that inspired his leadership and its many initiatives. We hear directly from the formerly homeless, as well as the people serving the many programs of Mobile Loaves and Fishes. As they speak, a living vision is formed of a vibrant, growing community that is really a community—not just a development—based on care, service, cooperation, and love.
And, it is not just the formerly homeless who benefit. The many people supporting this comprehensive initiative are finding meaning and gratification supporting this thriving community.
As I learned of the workings of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, heard the stories of the people involved, and plans for the continued growth of this community, my jaw dropped, I became amazed, awestruck with the love, intelligence, and skills behind the creation of this community.
This story of human compassion and care Blaylock has cinematically told highlights the urgent need for documentary films. It was by pure chance that I found this film. Mobile Loaves and Fishes should have made the mainstream news—perhaps it may eventually do so. Yet, we do have this expertly shot and edited film to see—and, especially, to share.
Blaylock has also produced what I consider to be a companion piece to “Community First, A Home for the Homeless” called “Art from the Streets” about a program that supports formerly homeless people to create art and sell at an annual exhibition.
"Community First: A Home for the Homeless" is a production of infernoFILMS
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9080496/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communityfirstmovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DocumentaryCFV
D. Schwartz January 19, 2020
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
