June 25, 2019
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Overlooked & Underrated Docs & Features
(click on broll or dschwartz for all his posts)Dog’s Best Friend: The Life and Dogs of Jacob Leezak
“The only reason I’m on this Earth is to be with dogs. This is all I know. This is all I’ve ever known. This is all I want to know.”
Australia’s Jacob Leezak has had much more than his fair share of trauma. His life’s journey, however, carefully guided this big, strong man to the world of dogs. He founded and runs the Canine Behaviour Expert Dog Psychology Centre on the outskirts of Sydney.
Accomplished actor Eryn Wilson covers Leezak’s life and work with dogs in his directorial feature film debut “Dog’s Best Friend”. Having viewed this heart-felt documentary, the term ‘best friend’ is not hyperbole. Leezak houses and rehabilitates dogs who likely would have been euthanized or otherwise lived a short, miserable life. His love affair with dogs knows no bounds. His center never has fewer than 30 dogs.
Wilson follows Leezak as he spends time with dogs, speaks about his life experiences, his manner of helping dogs, and as he works with them. Amongst many other approaches, Leezak uses a treadmill, a small water pool, and massage to rehabilitate his charges.
The only other human who shares significant screen time in this film is Jennah who is pregnant with their first child during shooting. She, too, has had a daunting, a very daunting life experience, and has found her way to a healing life experience. And, yes, we get to meet the loving couple’s baby at film’s conclusion.
“Dog’s Best Friend” is a delightful, moving film about a loving hero and his devoted relationship with dogs.
The film is currently on the festival circuit. Check in with any or all of the links below to learn the latest news about its release.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsbestfriendadocumentarybyerynwilson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dogsbfdoco
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9135332/reference
D. Schwartz June 25, 2019
RiverBlue: The Deaths and Rebirths of Rivers
“My dad, in the late sixties, brought home a photograph of Earth, as seen from outer space. And I was so impressed by it, but one, it made me realize, in the overall scheme of things, that our planet is quite small and quite finite. The other thing that was very noticeable is, I mean, clearly it’s a blue planet, but of all the water on this Earth, 97% is saline, it’s in the oceans, two percent is locked up in ice. That only leaves us one percent that’s found in lakes and rivers, and a lot of that water is not accessible.
“So, really, when you talk about it, when you really come down to it, we have a very small amount of water, and that’s got to accommodate, not only the needs that humans have, for drinking water, but it’s got to accommodate all of those other needs—agricultural needs, industrial needs, [and the flora and fauna of Earth.] So, I think we have to treat water in a much more respectful way. I think we have to treat rivers in a much more respectful way, than we have in the past.” Mark Angelo, International River Conservationist
Co-directors David McIlvride and Roger Williams have given us “RiverBlue” about the contamination and literal deaths of rivers around the world. We have had a cornucopia of documentary films and television shows about our oceans, now this well-produced documentary shifts that focus to the primary source of our drinking water, rivers.
Mark Angelo is the film’s unofficial host as he goes around the world, speaking about the massive tragedy—along with a few other interviewees speaking passionately on the tragedy of dying rivers, and of initiatives to bring them back to life.
Williams and McIlvride focus on the textile and tannery industries as one of the most, if not the most culpable sources of pollution. Within that industry they focus on blue jeans the manufacture of which is a huge contributor to river destruction. The directors also interview designers and boutique garment manufacturers who are recreating the design and manufacturing process in a much less destructive manner.
Narrated by Jason Priestly, “RiverBlue” is a prime example of a film feeding back to us consumers the destruction of the environment, and the loss of life wrought by our careless purchases. Following the film, I heartily suggest you go to the film’s ‘Take Action’ section to act on the daunting information the film provides. Yours truly will seek out his next jeans purchase from one of those reformed manufacturers. And, I have placed the annual World Rivers Day on my calendar.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverbluethemovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RiverBlueMovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluethemovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3286488/reference
D. Schwartz June 24, 2019
Point of No Return: Flying Around the World on the Sun’s Power
“Point of No Return” tells and shows the story of Solar Impulse, the first solar powered airplane to fly around the world. The environmental demonstration project was created by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg who took turns piloting the plane through the legs of its 505 day journey at an average speed of 45 MPH. The plane could only hold one pilot at a time.
As a first-of project Solar Impulse was vulnerable to the caprice of weather and wind, sun and shade, to limitations of the plane’s technology, and the challenges each of the pilots faced in staying awake and alert.
Following the project from before the flight’s beginning through after its end, filmmakers Quinn Kanaly and Noel Dockstader take viewers on a harrowing journey that could have easily ended in tragedy—especially considering that the two pilots dared fate by not listening to some of the 120 support staff who recommended ending the flight at certain points before its completion.
“Point of No Return” tells its story of a bold and dangerous journey with gorgeous cinematography. Like Ron Howard’s ‘Apollo 13,’ despite our foreknowledge of the film’s triumphant conclusion, Kanaly and Dockstader keep us viewers on the edge of our seats.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pointofnoreturndoc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PONRdoc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointofnoreturndoc/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7476472/reference
Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J9o2OI1XK8
D. Schwartz June 20, 2019
The Serengeti Rules: The Nature of Nature
Written and directed by veteran filmmaker Nicolas Brown, “The Serengeti Rules” tells the story of the discovery of ‘keystone species’—species that play a crucial role in the health of their environment. Their presence supports their environment, and absence degrades it.
The film takes viewers around the world, features a handful of distinguished scientists speaking of this discovery, and reenactments of poignant moments in their respective processes of discovery. Bob Paine is credited with the discovery of this dynamic of nature.
Over decades these scientists confirmed and reconfirmed Paine’s discovery. They researched and found examples of ‘the Serengeti rules’ throughout the world. One of those examples was Serengeti National Park, and that particular region gave this process its name.
An Abramorama release “The Serengeti Rules” is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking. In addition to telling a compelling story, Brown provides gorgeous images of nature along with a powerful, evocative soundtrack.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SerengetiRules/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SerengetiRules
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serengetirules/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6838670/reference
D. Schwartz June 13, 2019
Life in the Doghouse: Two Men and a Lotta Dogs
"We don't care if they adopt from us, we just want them to adopt. It's just saving lives." Ron Danta
Four million animals a year are euthanized annually in the United States—primarily because of human carelessness and the greed of puppy mill operators.
Companion and partners Ron Danta and Danny Robertshaw are doing anything and everything they possibly can to reduce that number. Their work was initially inspired when they rescued 600 dogs abandoned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The two men converted their home into a rescue and adoption organization. Their volunteer work is supported, in part, by their day jobs as equestrian trainers. So far they have carefully adopted out more than 11,000 dogs who otherwise would have been part of the above-mentioned four million. And the dogs they have not been able to adopt out, well..., the fortunate canines live out their lives well taken care of at Danny and Ron’s Rescue.
Director Ron Davis tells their story in “Life in the Doghouse”—a perfectly produced documentary about the two deeply compassionate men, their work, and their many, many dogs.
Davis’ film is thoroughly engaging, heartbreaking, fascinating, and inspiring.
“Life in the Dog House” is a Docutainment Films production, and is available from Microsoft Store, Amazon, Netflix, and iTunes Store—although headlines indicate there will no longer be iTunes, I am sure Apple will find a way to sell the film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeInTheDoghouseMovie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeinthedoghousemovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5178264/reference
D. Schwartz June 12, 2019
Cielo: The Stars Are Conversing
Written, directed and narrated by Alison McAlpine, “Cielo” is a contemplation of the sky—night, day and twilight. But, not just any sky, the sky above the Atacama Desert, Chile—one of the driest, clearest places on Earth. By virtue of these qualities, this desert is home to several observatories, their staffs, and a few seemingly indigenous people of the desert.
McAlpine interviews astronomers and a few of the populace of the Atacama desert, each interviewee evoking a unique world view. As the film’s cinematic images flow—a few with music, most with silence— and the interviewees share their diverse world views, viewers are captivated with awe. Covering both the etheric and chthonic, McAlpine arrives at existential questions beyond the sensational beauty of the sky and the haunting rain free desert.
Observatories’ ability to receive light from the cosmos is hampered by human generated light. The enlightening of our world via human light is as much an endarkening of the worlds beyond our atmosphere. We see our world illuminated at night, and lose sight of the multiverse. In lieu of purchasing a ticket to outer space, or to visiting the Atacama Desert, “Cielo” is your best bet to see the virtually unencumbered night sky.
“Cielo” has received at least five well-deserved film festival awards.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CieloFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cielo_Film
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cielo_film/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7488654/reference
D. Schwartz June 10, 2019
Gay Chorus Deep South
“There are two things we can do. We can sing and we can love.” Steve Huffines
On the heels of Trump’s presidential campaign and victory, state-driven pro-discrimination initiatives, and anti-LGBTQ citizen activism, Steve Huffines had a suggestion.
The former Board Chairperson of the San Francisco Gay Chorus proposed an odyssey to the American southeast, singing to the most hard-core conservative, Christian audiences in the United States. Huffine’s audience was Dr. Tim Seelig, the Chorus Artistic Director and conductor.
Joined by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Lavender Pen Tour occurred in October 2017, and in 2019 David Charles Rodrigues’ documentary, “Gay Chorus Deep South” was released. The film follows the tour beginning a week before departure.
Rodrigues provides beautiful, inspiring music, interviews with several participants, and scenes of people—seemingly of two different planets—meeting and connecting with each other.
Although there is no want for dramatic personal stories in “Gay Chorus Deep South”, Seelig’s epic story stands out. It was after he married and had two children that he came out, and paid a dear price for his liberation. I cannot speak, of course, for the personal result, yet I can say that our world is much brighter, lighter, and compassionate by virtue of his courage and grace.
“Gay Chorus Deep South” is currently playing the festival circuit. It will soon find theatrical distribution. Stay in touch with the film’s website for more information about its commercial release. If I was an Academy member I would place the film on the 2019 short list of feature documentary nominees.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaychorusdeepsouth/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcds_film
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaychorusdeepsouth/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8840232/reference
D. Schwartz June 5, 2019
Artifishal: The $68,000.00 Salmon
“Hatcheries are pawns in a game of political power. The whole thing is about money. Fishing is a huge industry, and every state is in it for those dollars. It's not about conserving our resources, it's perverting our resources on a short-term bet to get tourist dollars in.” Dave Philip, Conservation Geneticist
“I thought of hatcheries as something that actually, kind of helped us as fishermen—that there would be more fish in the river, and we were allowed to kill the hatchery fish, so that meant a meal. I don't think I ever had one second where I thought about conservation at all. I thought about getting enough money for gas and pizza, so that I could fish all the time. What I didn't realize was that we're really at the tail end of a long decline of wild fish [populations].” Dylan Tomine, Author
Directed by Josh “Bones” Murphy, “Artifishal” is an exposé of the hatchery system of creating fish—salmon and trout. In a very short hour and fifteen minutes we learn that hatcheries—and open water fish farms—are damaging fish, causing genetic devolution, wasting billions of our tax dollars, and leading the way to the extinction of fish species. The film describes the hatchery system as a multi-billion dollar boondoggle. The above expensive salmon reference refers to the cost per salmon of a particular hatchery release.
“Artifishal” is an expertly produced documentary film. It is currently on the festival circuit. The film had its world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival—and recently screened at Telluride Mountainfilm. The west coast premier is at the Seattle International Film Festival. Click HERE for dates.
Go to the bottom of the film’s website to learn of more screenings, stay in touch with that site for more information about screenings and distribution.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10374234/reference
D. Schwartz May 30, 2019
Who Will Write Our History: The Papers that Rose from the Dead
“You’re cut off from the whole world. You can’t go to school. You can’t make a living. So, writing becomes the only recourse to feel a sense of ownership of one’s self.” Interviewee
Within a two-week period I have received, viewed, and now reviewed two documentary films on the Holocaust in Poland. Having seen and learned from both films, I understand why.
The pre-Holocaust population of Polish Jews was 3 million, the largest Jewish community in Europe. The German war machine wiped out this thriving, peaceful community. The statistics regarding the number of survivors vary. Suffice it to say, that amount is small. One wonders what quality of life survivors would have experienced.
Written, produced, and directed by Roberta Grossman, “Who Will Write Our History” answers the title’s question quickly: Emanuel Ringelblum—along with a team of people.
Grossman’s film tells two stories: The Holocaust in Poland, and Ringelblum’s gathering of a team of people who, prior to the decimation of Warsaw, collected and recorded as many aspects of Jewish life in Poland as possible. The team created three secret archives. Together they are called the Oyneg Shabes Archives. Following the war, a herculean effort unearthed the first two archives. The third is rumored to be buried underneath China’s embassy in Warsaw.
“Who Will Write Our History” is a stunning, masterfully produced film. Grossman weaves interviews, narration, voice-over readings of Ringelblum’s writings, elaborate reenactments, archival material, and, of course, images to tell this horrific story—and the heroic efforts of a small group of people to memorialize the prewar community of Jews in Poland.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whowillwriteourhistory/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/writeourhistory
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4645358/
D. Schwartz May 23, 2019
Decoding the Driftless: Protecting A Unique American Region
‘Drift’ is a geological term for soil and rocks transported and deposited by glaciers.
For a variety of reasons articulated in Jonas Stenstrom’s “Decoding the Driftless” there is a region in the upper mid-west United States that escaped being overrun by ice during the last ice age. The ice ‘drift’ failed to cover the area known glibly as ‘the Driftless Region.’
In one-hour, Stentrom’s fast-paced, quirky “Decoding the Driftless” treats viewers with the many unusual charms and fascinations of the Driftless Region—which covers parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. This driftless land is qualitatively different from drift-covered land. In addition to the film’s sensational content, I was touched and inspired by the passion and dedication of the filmmakers in making a serious yet upbeat plea for protecting this unique region of America’s land.
“Decoding the Driftless” is a project of Sustainable Driftless, Inc. which “is dedicated to inspiring resource conservation, vibrant communities, and sustainable growth in the Driftless Region.” (I wish we had one of those in my region.)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SustainableDriftless/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9009474/
D. Schwartz May 17, 2019
Sickboy: Confronting Disease
“Until that expiring day comes, I’m not going to stop. Not until we make more people realize that laughing at a disease takes away its power. If you really sit, and actually think about that, it can have some pretty profound effects on how the way you live your life.” Jeremie Saunders
Jeremie Saunders has cystic fibrosis, a terminal disease. He is living way beyond his expiring day. Together with Brian Stever, and Taylor MacGillivary, Saunders created a podcast called, of course, Sickboy. In Sickboy director Andrew MacCormack tells Saunders’ personal story, and follows the painful creation and eventual success of their daring enterprise. Saunders is the virtual host of the film.
The Sickboy podcast features guests with various and sundry maladies some of which are terminal. Each podcast consists of the three young men interviewing a guest who has a disease. As the podcasters interview the guest, they tell their story, and how they came to grips with their illness.
“Sickboy” is fully engaging, inspiring, and—if you don’t have a heart of glass—tear-jerking. Beyond that, it is something to give all of us with chronic and/or terminal diseases more ways to think about our illness which, as Saunders’ states, “can have some pretty profound effects” on your life.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sickboydoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sickboypodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcast/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7462462/reference
“Sickboy” is available in the United States: https://fuse.tv/shows/sickboy/full-documentary
And in Canada at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfGbxO-1cCw
“Sickboy” is produced by Dream Street Pictures.
D. Schwartz May 16, 2019
Chasing Portraits: A Heritage Lost and Found
The portraits being chased in “Chasing Portraits” are those of Polish Holocaust victim Moshe Rynecki who painted approximately 800 images of Jewish life in Poland.
The chaser is his great granddaughter Elizabeth Rynecki who has the largest collection of Rynecki’s work in the world, and is the producer/director/narrator of “Chasing Portraits.” Three million Jews lived in Poland before the Holocaust, 300,000 survived. Three of those 300,000 were Elizabeth’s grandfather and parents who immigrated to the United States.
Elizabeth choose to go on a quest for her family’s story and its legacy, and a search for Moshe’s lost art wherever it may be. The overt inciting incident for her odyssey was the discovery of a few lost images from the artist—and the legal inability to even display them on her great grandfather’s memorial website. Her searches took her to Poland and Israel.
“Chasing Portraits” is a search for history, for heritage, a connection with a family’s past, and for personal closure. Elizabeth Rynecki’s film is equally sad and endearing.
"Chasing Portraits" is a First Run Features release. It is currently in theaters.
Moshe Rynecki Website: http://rynecki.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChasingPortraitsDocFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erynecki
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erynecki/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7863894/reference
D. Schwartz May 12, 2019
The Last Animals
Kate Brooks’ “The Last Animals” is about the killing of elephants and rhinoceroses. Her expertly produced documentary covers the killers, those fighting and dying in the field to stop the killing, those bringing the killers to justice, activists around the world working to stop the slaughter, and those trying to figure out how to bring species back via genetic processes. That’s a tall order for a 90 minute film. Brooks delivers it with grace and aplomb. But, there’s more.
She also covers the global trade in elephant tusks and rhino horns. We learn some of the perpetrators are large criminal organizations now using helicopters, night vision devices, and powerful weapons to add horns and tusks to their menu of drugs, human trafficking, and slaves.
“The Last Animals” jolts viewers to pay much more attention. Like so many environmental documentary films, this one is an absolute must-see.
Follow-up is crucial. Here is the link to Brooks’ TAKE ACTION site.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLastAnimals/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelastanimals?lang=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6583368/reference
D. Schwartz May 9, 2019
DeLorean - Living the Dream: The Past Future of John Z. DeLorean
“C'est un phénomène sociologique.” François Truffaut as ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ character Claude Lacombe
Written and directed by Jordan Livingston, "DeLorean – Living the Dream” is about John DeLorean and his tragically failed self-named stainless steel sports car, the DeLorean. Livingston covers DeLorean’s personal and professional stories—and follows that with the jaw-dropping story, sparked by the car’s appearance in the ‘Back to the Future’ movies, of the world’s obsession with the DeLorean.
There are now conventions, shows, groups, festivals, museums, clubs, machine-tooled parts, one-person manufacturers, and this documentary—all focused on the reborn gull-winged sports car.
Approximately 9,000 DeLoreans were manufactured between 1981 and 1983. Counting both originally manufactured and subsequently recreated cars, there is a consensus in the international DeLorean community that there are approximately 6,000 DeLoreans on our planet.
The film is narrated by actor Jeffrey Weissman who DeLorean fans around the world know as Marty McFly’s father in ‘Back to the Future Part 2.’
The heart and soul of “DeLorean – Living the Dream” are the many people Livingston interviewed from all walks of life and several nations for his film. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
Livingston has created a beautiful, engaging film about a maverick, his dream, his loss, and his unexpected legacy.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1521198/reference
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeLoreanMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/deloreanmotorco?lang=en
DeLorean Owners Association: https://www.deloreanowners.org/
D. Schwartz May 8, 2019
Modified
Ten years in the making, “Modified” is veteran filmmaker Aube Giroux’s inspiring, infuriating plea for the United States and Canada to start labeling food products containing genetically modified ingredients. The film tore up the festival circuit with at least ten wins, and was selected by at least twelve other festivals.
Giroux tells her personal story of an idyllic mother-daughter relationship and the legacy of respect for food, gardening, and farming that mother Jali instilled in her daughter—a legacy that includes this finely produced documentary.
The film covers many aspects of the use of genetic manipulation of food, including the massive amount of money involved, the buying of restrictive governmental policies that hide crucial information about genetic manipulation of foods, the adverse effects GM foods have on agriculture and farmers, and the unknown effects on human health.
Many years ago, when I first learned that one use of GM foods is to make crops able to be treated by pesticides without harm to the plants, I thought the world had gone mad. Life-killing chemicals on top of genetically manipulated crops, what can go wrong? What is going wrong? Although the information is censored, the heroes in this story—citizen activists, journalists, and filmmakers are breaking through the censors’ walls.
You may have read about or seen films about the potential adverse effects of GM foods. Whether or not you have, I urge readers to see this film. In addition to the quality of the film’s production, the personal story is touching, it deepens the film’s impact.
On the film’s website, make sure you scroll all the way through the TAKE ACTION page. As always, be a part of the solution.
Caution: Giroux includes scenes of her creation of various dishes with ingredients from her organic garden and farm. You will want to reach into the screen to dine on these enticing dishes. You can find these recipes HERE.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modifiedthefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7789004/reference
D. Schwartz April 28, 2019
The River and the Wall: An Odyssey Along the Rio Grande
“I’ve been river-guiding here on the Rio Grande for the past six years. I want people to know what’s out here. I want the love to be shared. This is wilderness as wild as it gets.” Austin Alvarado
Ben Masters’ “The River and the Wall” is a simple, elegant, well-produced film about the insane wall the United States’ government is building along the Mexican/US border—and, of course, the film is a powerful appeal to find much less destructive and much more productive ways to approach that borderline and its iconic river.
On bicycle, horseback, canoe and foot, Masters, Jay Kleberg, Filipe Deandrade, Heather Mackey, and Austin Alvarado trek the Rio Grande. They are taking in the wonders of the watershed, the mountains, the canyons, the wildlife—and bemoaning the destruction being wrought.
Although the idea seems simple—a twelve hundred mile odyssey along the border, from El Paso to the Gulf Mexico—I grimaced throughout the film as the five faced countless dangers on the land, and in the river. By film’s end I breathed a sigh of relief that there were no life-changing injuries to humans and equines.
Master’s and company have made a compelling statement about the river and the wall—and provided gorgeous vistas along the way. The next step is for people to see this movie. The film’s theatrical release is on May 3—with a one-night showing on May 2 at hundreds of theaters.
Go to the homepage to purchase the film. If you can, I highly recommend you see the film at a theatre, and/or to purchase the Blu-ray edition.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theriverandthewall/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/riverandthewall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theriverandthewall/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8999864/reference
D. Schwartz April 28, 2018
Echo in the Canyon: Laurel Canyon in the Sixties
“Music happens in a particular moment in time, and it changes everything going forward.” Jackson Browne
Boy, if there was ever a documentary that screams the showbiz adage ‘leave them wanting more’ it is the utterly delightful “Echo in the Canyon”.
The film is about a time—the 1960s; a place—southern California’s Laurel Canyon; and the music of a handful of iconic musical artists that echoed way beyond the Canyon. This particular time and place birthed an artesian well of young, talented, songwriters, musicians—and music that changed the world.
Directed by Andrew Slater, and hosted by Jakob Dylan, "Echo in the Canyon" covers preparations for, and presentation of a 2015 concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the sixties Laurel Canyon music scene—and includes interviews with several of our icons. Held at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre, the standing room only concert featured contemporary artists performing both well- and lesser-known songs from this era. The film interspaces clips of rehearsals, recordings, performances, and interviews.
For yours truly, the film’s revelation is Jakob Dylan. I guessed, successfully, that he is, of course, Bob Dylan’s son. I was impressed, however, with his hyper-talent, his dignity and poise, and looks that Central Casting could use for a multitude of roles.
“Echo in the Canyon” will be released in late May or early June. See the distributor’s website to learn about the film’s releases.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echointhecanyon/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/echointhecanyon?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echointhecanyon
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8884430/reference
D. Schwartz April 20, 2019
HAL: Legendary Filmmaker Hal Ashby
Being There / Bound for Glory / Coming Home / Harold and Maude / Shampoo / The Landlord / The Last Detail
The 1970s were knighted with the descriptor ‘A Golden Age of Cinema.’ I am not sure if that phrase would have been warranted had it not been for the seven films listed above. Hal Ashby made those brilliant, entertaining, moving, humorous seven films in a short nine-year period of time. Each of these films made a strong point, and did so with deep respect for character and relationship.
Ashby did not receive the level of attention a few of his contemporaries enjoyed, but he certainly deserved it. However, the amount of adoration those filmmakers received may have been too much attention and too many distractions for this passionate rebel.
Amy Scott’s “HAL” reminds us old folks of Hal Ashby’s unforgettable films, and introduces the filmmaker’s work to subsequent generations to enjoy. Scott interviews those who knew Ashby, and covers the making of the above films.
“HAL” is a must-see film for anyone and everyone who love movies. I cannot recommend HAL too much. I was engaged from the beginning, and did not want the film to end.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halashbymovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/halashbymovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halashbymovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5844196/reference
D. Schwartz April 12, 2019
The Spy Who Fell to Earth
“The truth, it’s in the eye of the beholder.” Dr. Ahron Bregman
It is the 1970s. Amongst other activities, Egyptian businessman Ashraf Marwan is a spy. He has approached Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, and provides Egyptian intelligence. Marwan is a double agent.
It appears that Tom Meadmore’s “The Spy Who Fell to Earth” is a story about a spy who died—literally by falling to earth from the back deck of his London flat. The official investigation of Marwan’s death concluded that its cause is ‘Unknown.’ The fall is the inciting incident to writer/journalist/historian Ahron Bregman’s story of his relationship with Ashraf Marwan. Bregman outed Marwan as a spy, and claimed that his true allegiance was to Egypt, not Israel.
Although the question of who was Marwan’s real handlers is the spine of the film, the heart of the film is Bregman’s relationship with this unfortunately celebrated spy. Bregman tells his story over the course of the film, revealing his changing motivations in the progress of their relationship which eventually became a friendship. Bregman suffers greatly with the thought his actions may have been the cause of his friend’s death.
“The Spy Who Fell to Earth” is a thoroughly engaging, expertly produced documentary film. It is currently available via Netflix. Worldwide distribution is by Kew Media Group.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spy.who.fell/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7706168/reference
D. Schwartz April 7, 2019
When Tomatoes Met Wagner: Life in a Greek Village
Set in the plain of Thessaly is the farming village of Elias with a total population of 33 elderly people. The young people have left, the economy has tanked.
This is the world filmmaker Marianna Economou inhabits for 72 minutes in her "When Tomatoes Met Wagner". Alexander and Christos are our principle characters. They are frequently seen and heard speaking, sometimes in the middle of a field, debating which music to play for the tomatoes through the field’s loudspeakers. The ambitious, college-educated Alexander is their apparent leader.
The village is responding to their dire circumstances by producing and selling food products to an international market. The challenge is how to do so in a radically transformed world.
I am charmed and enchanted by “When Tomatoes Met Wagner”. I did not want the film to end. Borrowing a phrase from Tevye, if I was a rich man, I would rush to visit Elias.
The current website for the film is its Facebook page. To learn about screenings, see the page’s ‘About’ section.
D. Schwartz April 4, 2019
Unfractured: Sandra Steingraber Helps End Fracking in New York State
“We’ve been living so long under the tyranny of the fossil fuel industry, that it’s come to seem normal to us. The abuse that it gives us seems normal because we’ve never experienced life without it.” Sandra Steingraber
‘Unfractured’ refers to an area, state, or nation that has decided to disallow the massively damaging process called ‘fracking.’ It is also the title of Chanda Chevannes’ documentary film about the soft-spoken ecologist and author Sandra Steingraber who successfully led an initiative to permanently ban fracking from the State of New York.
The story takes place the year before that political decision was made. Steingraber has a husband, two children, and two dogs. Her husband has had a series of strokes, her two children need parental attention, and, of course, there’s the two dogs. There is no right or wrong in a decision between family and protecting our environment via a state-based initiative, but for Steingraber, either decision is accompanied by pain.
Decision made, Chevannes follows our hero through a year of personal crisis and non-stop political action—including incarceration and pepper spray.
Steingraber’s journey is both harrowing and triumphant. “Unfractured” is that rare environmental film that testifies to the power of an individual to make an immeasurably positive contribution to our world.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Unfractured/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/unfractured?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/unfractured/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7716148/reference
D. Schwartz April 2, 2019
The Pollinators: Saving Bees, Saving Ourselves
“One out of every three bites of food we put in our mouths comes from honey bee pollination.” Dave Hackenberg, Beekeeper, Hackenberg Apiaries
I have seen my fair share of documentary films about agriculture and agribusiness—including films about bees. Peter Nelson’s “The Pollinators” is the most well-produced, comprehensive film about bees I have seen. In addition to telling the story about our mass killing of life-giving bees, Nelson covers the hidden world of bee transporters—those who drive hundreds of bee hives across the United States to pollinate crops. These transporters are on the front line, unhappily witnessing this tragic loss.
Nelson interviews transporters, scientists, farmers, chefs, economists and other authorities, putting the pieces of the puzzle together forming the answer to the question: Why are our bees dying?
The film also focuses on the positive. Nelson’s inspiring interviewees are passionately dedicated to ending the loss of bees. The film does not stop with the subject of bees, though. We hear from a growing number farmers working to transform American agriculture.
The film’s website contains a crucial ‘Take Action’ page with links to more than 40 resources about bees and agriculture.
There are many fronts in humanity’s destruction of the natural world. It seems as if people are not getting this particular message: bees go, we go. “The Pollinators” gets this message across to any and all who will sit down, look, and listen.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePollinatorsFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pollinatorsfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollinatorsfilm/
D. Schwartz March 25, 2019
This Mountain Life: A Mother/Daughter 2,300 Kilometer Trek
Grant Baldwin’s “This Mountain Life” is about people and mountains—specifically those of British Columbia which consists of 75% mountainous lands. Very few people take advantage of the beauty and majesty available to them in their province. The film follows a few of the few.
“This Mountain Life” features Martina Halik and her 60 year old mother, Tania, on a 2,300 kilometer ski trek from Canada to Alaska. That treacherous trek had only been completed once before, and never by a female duo. Baldwin intersperses this harrowing journey with profiles of others who also have strong emotional relationships with the mountains.
“This Mountain Life” is gorgeous, jaw dropping, and exquisitely shot. I would happily watch another 76 minutes beyond the film’s first 76 minutes.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainlifefilm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainlifefilm/?hl=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7748076/reference
D. Schwartz March 24, 2019
The Silver Branch: A Profile of Patrick McCormack
“The Burren is a region of County Clare in the southwest of Ireland. It’s a karst landscape of bedrock incorporating a vast cracked pavement of glacial-era limestone, with cliffs and caves, fossils, rock formations and archaeological sites. On the Atlantic coast, the precipitous Cliffs of Moher are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins.”
Katrina Costello’s “The Silver Branch” is a profile of Irish poet-farmer Patrick McCormack, a resident of The Burren. Covering the work and life of a poet requires that the filmmaker shares a poetic aesthetic—that is, somehow or other, the film must also be a poem. Costello has succeeded in weaving that poetic aesthetic into her film.
In addition to being the film’s subject, McCormack, a nature lover, is also the host and narrator. Accompanied by beautiful music and gorgeous, dramatic images of nature, McCormack tells his personal story, shares his philosophy via both prose and verse, and takes us on a tour of The Burren. Patrick McCormack is a beautiful man with a beautiful spirit.
From film’s beginning McCormack and Costello entrance viewers with the natural beauty of the land, and the love and deep respect for nature McCormack expresses and embodies.
The filmmakers’ website includes information on how to purchase “The Silver Branch”—north Americans need to contact the filmmakers via the website to learn how to see the film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSilverBranchFilm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesilverbranchfilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7468070/reference
D. Schwartz March 7, 2019
Invisible Essence: The Little Prince
“As with all great classics, it’s a book that changes every time you read it.” Stacy Schiff, author, Saint-Exupéry biographer
Charles Officer’s film about The Little Prince and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry explains how and why this book can change when read more than once. Officer tells many stories—about Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s tragically short life, the author’s philosophy, as well as the writing and reception of his iconic book which seems to be second only to the Bible in global readership—it has been translated into more than 200 languages.
On the surface of it, one may ask, as I did, ‘Why should I bother with this documentary? It’s just another film about another famous book.’ The answer is simple. Officer’s “Invisible Essence” draws its viewers into the book and the man who wrote it. We learn of Saint-Exupéry’s heroic journey as an exploration of solitude, isolation, disconnection, and connectedness.
The ‘Aviator’ in the book is telling the story. At book’s beginning he says “I do not want my story to be taken lightly.” Yes, The Little Prince is a children’s book, but having seen this film, I understand why it is crucial for us supposed adults to read and understand the book. Saint-Exupéry challenges us adults to consider who we really are, how and why we avoid, lose, and make connections.
There is an additional thread running through “Invisible Essence”. We follow a little boy, blind from birth, learning Braille, and reading The Little Prince with his teacher. It seems as if this little prince’s story of discovery parallels Saint-Exupéry’s own story.
Although there are several erudite commentators featured in the film, I found Christine Nelson’s to have the most penetrating insights into the author’s psyche.
At film’s conclusion Thomas De Koninck comments, “The heart is the finest register that we have of all. The importance of the heart with respect to love, that’s very important in The Little Prince—an invisible essence.”
At the moment, “Invisible Essence” is apparently only available on Netflix. If you do not have Netflix, keep your eyes and ears open, it will be available in other manners.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8985618/reference
D. Schwartz March 4, 2019
Samadhi
How many pages of text about the nature of beingness and existence have human beings written since the dawn of our existence?
Taking into account the countless number of libraries lost to accident or intention, the number is likely in the trillions or more. With scientists having gone deep inside the atom and far out to the edge of the known universe, we seem to be doing a pretty good job of discerning the nature of existence, but not so much the nature of beingness. The elephant-in-the-room irony regarding all those pages of text is that the ultimate nature of transcendence is beyond words.
Yet, obviously, that wordlessness has never stopped us humans from coming up with that countless number of pages of text. And, it has certainly not stopped Daniel Schmidt from founding the Samadhi Center, a meditation retreat in Ontario, Canada, and making films about the spiritual, mystical, and transcendental.
Schmidt and co-creator Tanya Mahar have produced an epic 131 minute documentary entitled “Samadhi”—a powerful, engaging, and inspiring film about existence, beingness, and the ineffable. Schmidt and Mahar merge text, moving images, and music to impart their wisdom and knowledge. I found great value in their text—and was thoroughly fascinated and entertained by their beatific images and ethereal music.
“Samadhi” is presented in two parts. Part 1 is entitled ‘Maya, the Illusion of the Self.’ It explores our existence—the world we perceive and in which we participate. Part 2, ‘It’s not what you think,’ focuses on the nature of samadhi, also known as enlightenment, and many other terms.
I cannot state it any better than the film’s cover text: “This film is a must-see for anyone who is interested in journeying beyond the world of the limited self, to the realization of our true nature beyond name and form.”
The box set I viewed provides one Blu-ray disc and one DVD disc. Although all of Schmidt’s films are available for viewing via this link, I whole-heartedly encourage viewers to see “Samadhi” in the Blu-ray format in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the film’s images. The Samadhi Center’s ‘store’ is here.
The film’s subtitles are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Hindi, and Chinese. I did not see a way to access the subtitles via prompts on the screen, but was able to access them simply via my remote control.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AwakenTheWorldFilm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamadhiCenterCanada/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6713862/reference
D. Schwartz February 22, 2019
Right To Harm: The Fight to End Factory Farms
“We’ve taken the right to farm to the point where it’s easily called the right to harm.” Gary Nester, Iowa County Resident
“Right To Harm” is Annie Speicher’s and Matt Wechsler’s coverage of the damaging health and environmental impacts of factory farms—and citizens’ initiatives to protect themselves, protect their environment, and to, ultimately, make our food-growing systems sustainable.
The film’s focus is on farm animals—hogs and chickens—kept in buildings called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Between 90 and 95 percent of animals raised for our consumption come from these buildings. Speicher and Wechsler provide many aerial photographs of these CAFOs throughout the film. The white buildings look neat, clean, and modern. The filmmakers wisely avoid the environs inside—that horror story has already been well told and shown.
The film features interviews with families who have been harmed by their proximity to factory farms, authorities speaking about the causes of this harm, and citizen activists confronting industry-friendly politicians. There seems to be a consensus that it will take people-based actions to make a significant difference. The filmmakers point out there are approximately 200 community organizations spread across the United States devoted to farm reform.
“Right To Harm” is an expertly produced documentary which articulately and elegantly makes its points. The film’s website is also well-produced and includes a ‘Take Action’ link.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/righttoharm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/righttoharm
https://www.instagram.com/righttoharm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8998146/reference\
D. Schwartz February 19, 2019
End Game: A Compassionate Approach to Death and Dying
“End Game” is a 2019 Oscar nominated short documentary film about innovative, compassionate approaches to dying. Based in San Francisco, veteran filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman follow five people through their death process.
The film features physicians BJ Miller, Steve Pantilat and Giovanni Elia who appear throughout the film working with patients, and speaking of the philosophy behind their emerging approach. The film highlights a team approach to care including physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. By film’s conclusion we have experienced what compassionate care looks and feels like.
The film’s website includes a valuable resource section. Scrolling to the bottom, viewers can find Dr. Pantilat’s book, life after the diagnosis, Dr. Miller’s Ted Talk, and Your Conversation Starter Kit.
The topics of death and dying should not be, but are seemingly taboo. “End Game” is another powerful force in bringing death and dying into the light.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EndGameDocumentary/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndGameFilm
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7879350/reference
Netflix Site: https://www.netflix.com/title/80210691
D. Schwartz February 14, 2019
The Camp Fire Documentary
Preface from Wikipedia: “The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. It is also the deadliest wildfire in the United States since the Cloquet fire in 1918, and is high on the list of the world's deadliest wildfires; it is the sixth-deadliest U.S. wildfire overall. It was the world's costliest natural disaster in 2018.
“Named after Camp Creek Road, its place of origin, the fire started on November 8, 2018, in Butte County, in Northern California. After exhibiting extreme fire behavior through the community of Concow, an urban firestorm formed in the densely populated foothill town of Paradise. The fire caused at least 85 civilian fatalities, with 3 persons still missing, and injured 12 civilians, two prison inmate firefighters, and three other firefighters. It covered an area of 153,336 acres (almost 240 square miles), and destroyed 18,804 structures, with most of the damage occurring within the first four hours. Total damage [estimates] was $16.5 billion; one-quarter of the damage, $4 billion, was not insured. The fire reached 100 percent containment after seventeen days on November 25, 2018.”
“The Camp Fire Documentary” focuses on the human response to the fire and its aftermath. The film has no narration—it does not need a voice-over. Instead, firefighters, survivors and saviors share their noble and harrowing stories of extreme danger, and heroism.
The film includes cinéma vérité scenes of near-miss escapes through miles of roads surrounded by fire. Amongst the many people interviewed, one stands out—Bobby O’Reiley who appears throughout the film, sharing his experience, telling of his service to many who may not have survived without his valor.
Marna and Robert Carli, owner of Alpine Homes, a care facility for profoundly disabled people most of whom are quadriplegic, saved their afflicted clients with the help of fire personnel. Their journey through the fire took three hours. When they arrived at Chico, Inspirations, an adult daycare center, volunteered to house the clients. Filmmaker Nancy Hamilton Myers also covers the rescue of countless domestic animals.
“The Camp Fire Documentary” is a moving testament to the love, courage, sacrifice, and heroism that human beings are capable of in dire circumstances.
You may view the film via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vr6DpAIc6g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecampfiredocumentary/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9501262/reference
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Fire_(2018)
D. Schwartz February 13, 2019
Operation Toussaint: Operation Underground Railroad and the Fight to End Modern Day Slavery
“It’s what we are trying to do. We intentionally go to the darkest corners of the Earth, where there is no hope, and find these kids. And what that does, apart from liberating children, is that it provides hope for everybody now.” Tim Ballard
“Operation Toussaint” is Nick Nanton’s coverage of Tim Ballard’s initiative to address the trafficking of children. Ballard tells his own story of a husband and father with a cushy government job who abandons that security for his mission to rescue trafficked children around the world, and bring the perpetrators to justice. There are more than 40 million slaves world wide—the largest population of slaves ever. More than two million of them are underage sex slaves.
The name ‘Toussaint’ refers to Haitian liberation hero, François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture. The title is inspired by the center piece of the film—a ‘jump team’ bust of a child sex ring in Haiti led by Ballard, in conjunction with local authorities.
Ballard created Operation Underground Railroad as the context for his work which now has a global outreach. Katherine Ballard, Tim’s wife, created an additional service organization, Child Liberation.
“Operation Toussaint” is the most sensational, profound socio-political documentary film I have seen since ‘The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers.’ As I previously commented about the Ellsberg film, Ballard’s story deserves a respectful, big budget Hollywood narrative production.
There are follow-up documentary films available from the film's site—scroll down for those films.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OURrescue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourrescue/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourrescue/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9397842/reference
D. Schwartz February 6, 2019
Generation Wealth
“I do believe that it’s un-American to say you can make too much money. I mean the Federalist Papers say if I want to work a hundred hours a week, and never see my family, and die at an early age, that’s my prerogative.” Suzanne, Hedge-Fund Executive
In 2008, photographer/filmmaker Lauren Greenfield began a study of the cult of wealth. In 2017, her study generated a museum exhibition, a 504 page hardcover book, and a 106 minute documentary film, “Generation Wealth”.
Greenfield interviews several students from Crossroads, her high school which nested many students from wealthy southern California families. Now adults, these classmates speak of their experiences of wealth—as do several other interviewees. She also interviews her children and parents. Greenfield narrates the film, and includes much self-reflection as she does so.
I was most intrigued with interviewee Florian Homm, a former hedge-fund manager now living in exile, in Germany. His epic story is the one I would greenlight as a narrative film.
“At the end of a decayed culture, we retreat into our own comforting illusions. We build walls to cope with the reality around us. We are dying in the same way that other empires have died throughout history. The difference is that this time, when we go down, the whole planet’s gonna go with us.” Chris Hedges, journalist
“Generation Wealth” is an utterly sensational, riveting film that equally disturbs and fascinates.
Note: Greenfield has recently launched Girl Culture Films, a production company based in Venice, California, that represents A-list female directors.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenWealthMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/genwealthmovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genwealthmovie
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5268348/reference
D. Schwartz February 3, 2019
Bleed Out: Addressing Our Broken Healthcare System
Written, directed, and experienced by Steve Burrows, “Bleed Out” is another scathing indictment of the United States’ greed-driven healthcare system. In his HBO documentary Burrows tells the story of his mother, Judie, a retired school teacher who was living a vital, active senior life.
Judie had a fall, went in for a partial hip replacement, and ended up in a coma, with brain damage, followed by a stroke. Burrows, a Los Angeles-based performer/writer/producer/director, is as caring a son as any mother could have. There were medical mistakes starting from Judie’s very first procedure. The loving son decided to dare the odds, and began a 10 years-long Sisyphus-ian endeavor for accountability, justice, and to have Judie’s medical and care-giving expenses covered.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States. “Bleed Out” addresses this non-stop tragedy. Burrows’ passion engages viewers immediately and never lets go.
It will take a whole lot of voters to support enactment of substantive healthcare reform. Find your way to this documentary, share it far and wide, be part of the solution.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bleed-Out-HBO-Documentary-Film-2018-766495427034706/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/bleedout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleedoutofficial/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9445054/reference
D. Schwartz January 29, 2019
Saving Atlantis: Reversing the Global Loss of Corals
“If some tropical reefs are able to survive, it will only be because we are finally willing to fight for them.” David Baker, Director, Oregon State Productions
Humanity’s attack on the natural world is massive—on a seemingly uncountable number of fronts. We can see the land, the sky, and rivers. But, for all intents and purposes, we see only the surface of our oceans. Just beneath the ocean’s surface live—or used to live—corals.
Narrated by the ubiquitous Peter Coyote, “Saving Atlantis” delves into the underwater world of corals—a world under assault by human beings. In the past 50 years more than half the ocean’s corals have disappeared. The two primary causes are rising atmospheric temperatures which also raise ocean temperatures, and oceanic acidification caused by excess carbon gas. Yet, corals play a vital role in preserving the health of the Earth’s ecosphere.
Filmmakers Justin Smith and David Baker take us around the world, visiting 17 locations, hearing from researchers, activists, and people whose lives are directly affected by this loss. The clarion call is sounded. We also see and hear hope. The film highlights inspired people-driven initiatives to mitigate this destruction and loss.
An Oregon State University production, “Saving Atlantis” is expertly crafted, visually gorgeous, and needs to be seen by everyone.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coralreefmovie
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7390564/reference
How We Can Help: https://corals.oregonstate.edu/saving-atlantis/how-you-can-help-coral-reefs
D. Schwartz January 29, 2019
Burkinabé Rising: The Art of Resistance in Burkina Faso
‘Burkinabé’ is the generic term for the people of Burkina Faso—the land-locked African nation. Iara Lee’s “Burkinabé Rising” celebrates the story of a people liberated—via their own means—from a brutal dictatorship.
The film’s subtitle, ‘The Art of Resistance in Burkina’ refers to the crucial, foundational role of the arts in fostering a revolution of liberation. ‘Art’ here, is a double entendre—referring to visual arts, music, dance, and performance, as well as a strategy for liberation.
Lee’s approach is unconventional. His film is a non-stop, fast-paced montage of inspired and inspiring artists at work, and telling of the role the arts played—and continue to play—in creating a people’s revolution which transcends Burkina Faso's bounds.
Most of the film’s voices are in French, with English subtitles. I recommend seeing the film two times: The first to read what the Burkinabé have to say, and the second to relish in their visual and audible performances.
“Burkinabé Rising” is a Cultures of Resistance film. You may find the film here.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturesOfResistance/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1650533/reference
The Cultures of Resistance Network: https://culturesofresistance.org/
D. Schwartz January 23, 2019
The Sunday Sessions: Conversion Therapy with Chris and Nathan
“It seems that other people’s happiness comes at a much lower cost than mine.” Nathan speaking with Chris, his SSA conversion therapist
Nathan is a tall, thin, intelligent, articulate, talented, handsome, and charismatic young man. He is struggling with a conflict between his attraction to males and his Catholic religious beliefs. Nathan learns about and seeks ‘same-sex attractions conversion therapy’—also called ‘reparative therapy.’
Directed by Richard Yeagley, “The Sunday Sessions” follows Nathan through two of years conversion therapy. Since Yeagley is telling a story, I do not reveal its outcome. Instead, I offer this quote from the film’s website:
‘The filmmakers had unfettered access to these secretive and controversial therapy sessions, and have crafted an emotional and psychological drama which chronicles two years of Nathan's struggle.’
That access is the most remarkable aspect of the film. As Nathan struggles, so do we. Intrinsic to this particular story, we do not experience all that transpires which contribute to Nathan’s resolution. Moreover, one is left with the sense of ‘what’s next?’ Nathan is 29, there is much more water to go under his bridge. Perhaps Yeagley will produce a one-person Michael Apted-style ‘Seven Up!’ series following Nathan’s journey every seven (or less) years.
The Sunday Sessions is a First Run Features release.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6397196/reference
D. Schwartz January 16, 2019
Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai
“Taking Root” tells the epic story of Kenya’s Wangari Maathai who led a politico-environmental movement in her homeland—a movement that garnered Maathai global notoriety and the Nobel Prize.
Via their Marlboro Productions, filmmakers Lisa Merton and Alan Dater provide a broad outline of Kenya’s history, then focus on Maathai’s immeasurable impact on that history through her life-long activism. Via the National Council of Women of Kenya Maathai fostered an environmental movement called the green belt movement which is responsible for the planting of more than 51 million trees in Kenya.
Maathai’s story is told by herself and several interviewees. Hers is an odyssey of discovery, heroic actions, struggle, revolution, and the sparking of social change in Kenya and beyond.
Merton and Dater have included many ‘extras’ in the film’s DVD. I believe most extras on documentary film DVDs should be included within the film, integral to the story. That is to say, when you receive your “Taking Root” disc—which I heartily encourage you to do—view all the extras.
Memo to Hollywood: Maathai’s story is so moving, harrowing, and gratifying, it is another documentary film that deserves narrative coverage for an international audience. Back in the day, that kind of coverage would be a movie. Now, we can tell Maathai’s epic story through multiple episodes.
It is by accident that I discovered “Taking Root” and it is another must-see environmental documentary. In her note to me, filmmaker Merton reminded me of the phrase, ‘evergreen’—a journalistic term referring to a story that will always be relevant. In this case, ‘evergreen’ is a double entendre.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Taking-Root-The-Vision-of-Wangari-Maathai-207377768913/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/takingrootfilm
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1247440/
PBS: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/takingroot/
D. Schwartz January 14, 2019
Love Thy Nature
Directed by veteran filmmaker Sylvie Rokab, “Love Thy Nature” examines humanity’s troubled relationship with nature, and explores ways that relationship can become untroubled.
Narrated by Liam Neeson as the voice of Sapiens (the voice of humanity), the film addresses our relationship with nature from a variety of perspectives—social, psychological, spiritual, health, environmental, and others. In addition to her interviewees’ wisdom, Rokab provides a virtually nonstop montage of beatific images, along with dramatic and evocative music by François-Paul Aïche.
Merging the film’s information, imagery, and music, “Love Thy Nature” leaves viewers with the sense of having taken a long journey—hopeful we can and are making a difference, and finding the ‘love’ referred to in the film’s title.
Rokab has made it easy for viewers to follow up on the information and inspiration found in “Love Thy Nature”. For a list of interviewees and their respective websites, go to this page from the film’s website: https://www.lovethynature.com/team-credits
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveThyNatureFilm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/love_thy_nature
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovethynaturefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3244466/reference
D. Schwartz January 10, 2019
American Circumcision
“For the serious scholar, there’s just endless opportunities there to horrify yourself, amaze yourself, wonder why this ever got started.” John Geisheker, JD, LLM, Executive Director, Doctors Opposing Circumcision
Oh, that’s what you can call me, an ‘intactivist’—the urban dictionary definition of which is: ‘Someone who loves, honors, respects and protects the rights of the child to an intact body. Someone who sees genital mutilation—of girls or boys—as a contradiction to that fundamental human right.’ (The urban dictionary folks might want to rethink their description of gender in the above definition.)
Written, produced, directed, and edited by Brendon Marotta, “American Circumcision” provides compelling rationales for a federally-based prohibition of childhood genital mutilation. Marotta and company speak with those who coldly, blithely argue in favor of genital mutilation, and those who passionately fight for a ban. He also speaks with mothers and a variety of adults who tell of their respective plights—‘botched’ circumcisions, grieving mothers, angry children. The film introduces a new-to-me movement called ‘restoration’—a self-administered procedure to restore, as much as possible, a male’s birthright genitalia.
“American Circumcision” is a well-crafted, stark invitation to viewers to become intactivists.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circmovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/circmovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circmovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7628146/reference
National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers: http://www.nocirc.org/
Doctors Opposing Circumcision: https://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/
National Organization of Restoring Men: http://www.norm.org/
Intact America: http://intactamerica.org/
D. Schwartz January 8, 2019
Saving Brinton: Calling All Cinephiles—and Everyone Else
“I like to save things, especially if they’re too far gone.” Michael Zahs
A deceased father reconnecting with his living son is not the only dream that came out of Iowa. Filmmakers Tommy Haines, John Richard, and Andrew Sherburne tell the stories of film pioneer William Frank Brinton and the savior of Brinton’s historic work, Michael Zahs.
For more than seven decades, the pioneering cinematic work of Frank and Indiana Brinton was buried and decaying. “Saving Brinton” covers Zahs’ 1981 discovery of this treasure trove of cinematic history virtually buried in the basement of an old Iowa farmhouse. Zahs spent decades promoting the preservation and restoration of both the equipment and media created by the Brintons between 1895 and 1909.
Zahs’ passion, perseverance, and accomplishments are as breath-taking as the work he has uncovered and shared with the world. After viewing this must-see documentary, it is clear that the overlooking of the Brintons’ work was egregious and potentially tragic. Thanks to Zahs’ initiatives a crucial chapter in the dawning of cinema is saved and available for all to see and study.
Given Michael Zahs’ actions and accomplishments, “Saving Brinton” deserves to be seen not just by cinephiles, but for everyone who can be inspired by the depth breadth of his character.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savingbrinton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/savingbrinton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savingbrinton/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6195442/
The Brinton Library: https://brinton.lib.uiowa.edu/
The Brinton Collection: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/brinton-collection/
D. Schwartz January 4, 2018
SMART: Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team
“We’re the last line. If we can’t do it, no one can. We haven’t walked away from a rescue yet.” Armando Navarrete
In just 74 minutes filmmaker Justin Zimmerman tells a myriad number of stories about the creation of SMART, the daredevil staff who rescue animals, and stories of many rescues.
Based in Los Angeles, SMART is the first, most highly skilled animal rescue organization of its kind—all thanks to its founder, Armando Navarrete. Although we hear from several team members, the principal characters are Navarrete and Annette Ramirez each of whom make powerful impressions on viewers. Navarrete’s hope, of course, is to spread his team’s model around the world.
“SMART: Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team” is a film by, for, and about animal lovers such as yours truly. It is thoroughly engaging and inspiring. The film is produced by bricker-down productions, and distributed by Cinema Libre Studio.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMARTDocumentary/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4781586/reference
D. Schwartz December 21, 2018
That Way Madness Lies…
“The more that I have tried to put my hand into it, and tried to control it, the longer I have prolonged him getting help. My big mistake has been trying to circumvent the suffering.” Sandra Luckow
With “That Way Madness Lies...” filmmaker Sandra Luckow tells the epic, tragic, heart-breaking story of her brother Duanne’s struggle with mental illness. In doing so Luckow has provided another indictment of the United States’ failed healthcare system.
Born into a family of highly talented and skilled people, self-taught Duanne restored classic cars—amongst many other abilities. At some point in his adulthood Duanne began a nonstop descent into delusion and paranoia. By virtue of the Luckow family culture’s inclusion of the audio and video recording of their activities, sister Sandra has produced a moving documentary of Duanne’s life and illness—and her attempts to help him. The vast majority of the film’s cinematography are by sister and brother.
We are all psychologists, we each have ideas about how us humans work. It is inevitable, therefore, that Luckow’s viewers will ponder the genesis of Duanne’s mental illness. However compelling it is to ruminate about those possible causes it is ultimately a distraction and a fool’s errand to seriously seek the answer from a film.
Instead, we have a story of loss, and of a sister’s epic endeavors to find help for her brother, and peace for herself.
A First Run Features release, “That Way Madness Lies...” was selected for showings at 14 film festivals, and won well-deserved prizes from four of them. The film opens theatrically in New York and Los Angeles on December 14.
D. Schwartz December 6, 2018
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madnessthemovie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madnessthemovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6264264/reference
D. Schwartz December 6, 2018
Dark Money
The three pillars of the destruction of American democracy are:
1) Gerrymandering
2) The tactics and strategies that, combined, significantly suppress voter participation
3) Money in politics, aka ‘dark money’
It is, of course, number three that is the subject of Kimberly Reed’s “Dark Money”.
Reed wisely focuses her story of the influence of untraceable corporate money on corruption, activism and litigation in her home state of Montana.
Our good guy is journalist John Adams who doggedly researches and follows the takeover of the state’s political agenda by elaborately coordinated big money initiatives. He loses his job because of the purchase of his newspaper. Adams turns lemons into lemonade by recovering from his loss, and founding Montana Free Press. Our bad guy is state politician Art Wittich who is eventually brought up on noncompliance with election law charges.
Of course, Montana is more or less representative of our federal government’s commitment to unfettered political corruption—and the forces of opposition. The most we can hope for, though, is the chipping away at the fringes of Citizens United by journalists, activists, politicians, and nonprofit organizations.
With the Supreme Court on the verge of a complete takeover by corporate forces, it is hard to imagine any meaningful reform before our nation’s impending environmental catastrophes manifest. But, hope springs eternal, and that is the spirit of this well-reviewed documentary.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarkMoneyFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darkmoneyfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkmoneyfilm/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6633182/
D. Schwartz December 2, 2018
the Breast Archives: Nine Women Tell Their Stories
Meagan Murphy’s idea is deceptively simple: a documentary about women’s breasts. Yet, what emerges from “the Breast Archives” is complex, deep. By interviewing nine women speaking about their breasts, Murphy’s film addresses a multitude of psycho-social issues regarding women and American culture.
The women share their pain, confusion, discoveries, realizations, and healing. Their words are a doorway to issues of beauty, femininity, self-esteem, sexuality, sensuality, feminism, abuse, cultural oppression, and cancer.
The film is relevant to women, of course, yet the more teenage and adult males who see the “the Breast Archives,” the greater its social impact. I would have found more compassion and empathy had I seen this movie as a teenager.
Murphy’s personal story in making the film is also moving. Here is the link to her story.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreastarchives/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreastArchives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebreastarchives/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4282904/reference
D. Schwartz November 25, 2018
Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story
“Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. One out of three mammal extinctions in the last 400 years have (sic) occurred in Australia. Government raw survey data shows that wide landscapes [are] now significantly depleted of kangaroos. It is time to carefully assess to what is happening to kangaroo, wallaby, and wallaroo species.” Senator Lee Rhiannon, The Greens Parliament of Australia
“Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story” is a hard-hitting, carefully researched, and expertly produced exposé of the 200 years and counting slaughter of Australia’s globally recognized icon, kangaroos. The film tells the familiar story of the destruction of our natural world by commercial interests—with an added measure of hypocrisy. The cute, cuddly kangaroo your toddler cuddles has been brutally killed, its baby torn from her pouch and pounded until dead—or left to a days-long tortuous death. That’s the hate part of the story.
The love part is the many Australian citizens and political leaders who are working tirelessly to end, or at least reduce the horror of the slaughter. The initiatives are also global. In addition for pet and human food consumption, these sentient creatures are slaughtered for their leather. These ‘byproducts’ are marketed globally—and therefore, both domestic and internationally-based activists are working globally to end this horror.
“When humans eat kangaroo meat, they should be aware that the meat is a byproduct of the largest slaughter of land-based mammals anywhere on Earth. Millions of kangaroos are slaughtered every year in Australia, to provide meat for cats and dogs, and, also, for humans. Another byproduct of this is, of course, the hundreds of thousands of joeys [baby kangaroos] that are taken from the mother’s pouch and killed every year.” Ken Henry, Chairman, National Australia Bank
I have seen my fair share of documentary films about the slaughter of wild and domestic non-human animals. By virtue of both the content and the excellence of its production, the film’s impact on yours truly was devastating. Again, this is not just an Australian story, it is a world-wide story, and we are all accountable.
Knowing the challenges to documentary film viewers of seeing a particularly graphic film, I still state that this is a must-see film. I am not alone. Both Variety and the Los Angeles Times have favorably reviewed “Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story.” It is not easy for documentary films to break through that particular media bubble. Additionally, the film qualifies for Oscar consideration. I would love to see it win.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kangaroothemovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kangaroomovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kangaroo_the_movie
D. Schwartz November 22, 2018
Letter from Masanjia: The Epic Story of Sun Yi and Julie Keith
“Everyone has aspirations. For me, freedom is more precious than anything else.” Sun Yi
Several years ago, Julie Keith purchased a Halloween decoration—a plastic tombstone—from Kmart. She did not open the box for two and a-half years. When she did, she discovered a hand-written letter attached to its back.
That discovery is the inciting event for "Letter from Masanjia" about human rights violations in China. The letter was written in a Chinese labor camp called Masanjia. Yi was one of countless innocent victims of the Chinese government’s human rights restrictions. For his refusal to comply with the government’s thought police, he was tortured for a solid year, and suffered many other repressive consquences.
When Keith discovered the letter, she went public with it. The result was world-wide pressure on the Chinese government to shut down its forced labor camps, which they did.
Yet, there is much more to Yi’s story.
At just one hour and fifteen minutes long, “Letter from Masanjia” is one of the most powerful, epic documentaries I have seen to date.
iTunes: https://apple.co/2OiaSvj
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letterfrommasanjia/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6390580/reference
D. Schwartz November 18, 2018
Bias
“If you’re human, you have bias. Just like we breathe, we have bias. It’s part of who we are. When it becomes completely unconscious, we have no idea how it’s affecting our behavior.” Howard Ross, author, “Everyday Bias”
In “Bias” producer/director Robin Hauser explores the phenomenon of bias, with a focus on racial and gender bias—specifically unconscious bias, the kind of bias human beings tend to deny.
Hauser interviews authorities, people on the street, and successful business people as she learns the evolutionary source of bias, the damaging impact unconscious bias on us as individuals and a society, and ways we may liberate ourselves from its impact.
Being a subject of her own film, Hauser learns, to her chagrin, the biases found in her own psyche—an inevitable consequence for a filmmaker serious about her topic. One way she learned about her unconscious biases was through an ‘implicit bias test’ from Harvard University via "Project Implicit".
Spoiler Alert: Learning about our biases is just the first step. It requires more learning and training for us to be free from their impacts on our behavior. The film covers elaborate simulation trainings—including virtual reality—to help reduce the negative effects of unconscious bias on our behavior. We see trainings crucial for police officers, as well as those who are in positions of power who do not want their decisions to be driven by unconscious bias.
“Bias” is a crucial, powerful exposé of ourselves. The film righteously demands our close attention to its topic. For those who comply with this opportunity to learn, it will catalyze shifts of thoughts, minds, and, especially, behaviors.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiasFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/biasfilm
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7137804/reference
D. Schwartz November 14, 2018
Liyana: An African Story
“When people remember about Liyana, I want them to remember us, making our own words.” Young African Child
We are in Swaziland, also known as The Kingdom of Eswatini, at an orphanage the children of which lost their parents to AIDS, drugs, and violence. We are in a small classroom, poet/story-teller Gcina Mhlophe is coaching five students in the composing of a story.
Step-by-step the children create a character, her name—Liyana—her appearance, and her story. Directors Amanda Kopp and Aaron Kopp follow the story’s creation, and the children narrate their story—illustrated by moving images of Liyana’s journey.
Philip Miller’s music caresses the children’s story, as artwork by Shofela Coker and Stefan Nadelman blossom the story to visual life.
“Liyana” is brilliantly and lovingly produced; its impact is heart-rending, inspiring, and fascinating.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiyanaTheMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/liyanathemovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liyanafilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6977442/reference
D. Schwartz November 10, 2018
John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons
Netflix’s “John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons” is the finest work of standup comedy I have enjoyed since the days of Pryor and Carlin. Leguizamo tells three stories in one—a brief history of Europe’s destruction of Western native cultures, a story about his relationship with his son, and a story about himself.
Tragedy and hilarity are skillfully woven as Leguizamo speaks, sings, mimes, and dances his way through his epic Broadway show.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatinHistory101/
Note: A documentary about the making of “John Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons” is in the works. Here is the Facebook Page.
November 8, 2018 D. Schwartz
Dirt Rich: It’s Not Just Reducing CO2 Emissions, It’s Also Bringing the Excess Back to the Groun
“You have to get back to the natural systems, and let nature heal the Earth for us. Everyone has a role to play in converting to regenerative agriculture. Consumers could lead that movement.” Steven Ferrell, co-owner, general manager of Finca Luna Nueva, in Costa Rica
With “Dirt Rich” filmmaker Marcelina Cravat takes us around the world, introducing us to people who are pioneering ways to reduce Co2 from our atmosphere—from 400 ppm to 260 ppm—by making the practices and products of agriculture healthier. They are leading a crucial environmental movement, the question is who is following? It is clear, though, that the more people who see the film, the more followers this movement will have.
Cravat covers such topics as perennial grains, wetlands, beavers, biochar, and rock powders. I know about the first three in that list, but the latter two were all new to me. Her interviewees stress the potential influence of education in supporting this movement—fully integrating its ideas and practices into our educational systems. The ‘everyone’ in Steven Ferrell’s statement above is literal—it includes children.
“Dirt Rich” features an original soundtrack of songs by singer/songwriter Tom Rhodes. The film will be screened at the Environmental Film Festival in Washington, D.C. in March, 2019.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtRichTheMovie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtrichmovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7689366/reference
D. Schwartz November 7, 2018
Living in the Future’s Past: What Kind of Future Would You Like to See?
“In this beautifully photographed tour de force of original thinking, Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists, profound thinkers and a dazzling array of Earth’s living creatures to reveal eye-opening concepts about ourselves and our past, providing fresh insights into our subconscious motivations and their unintended consequences.
“Living in the Future's Past” shows how no one can predict how major changes might emerge from the spontaneous actions of the many. How energy takes many forms as it moves through and animates everything. How, as we come to understand our true connection to all there is, we will need to redefine our expectations, not as what we will lose, but what we might gain by preparing for something different.”
The above quote is the film’s synopsis from its website. Note the lack of the words: environment, climate change, or global warming. But, that is what this film is about. Those three terms, and their horrific implications. Of the many environmental documentary films I’ve seen, this one is the most unique—and, it is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking.
Director Susan Kucera and producer/host Jeff Bridges address the deeper layers of our human beingness by presenting images, sounds, and ideas that evoke emotions, thoughts, insights, and, perhaps, epiphanies. The cinematography is exquisite, exhilarating. The intention and hope is to shift awareness, to inspire acts of commission and acts of omission that benefit our ecosphere—and, therefore, ourselves and the natural world.
“Living in the Future’s Past” is a film to watch carefully, smartphones off. If you allow it, the film can leave you in a meditative/contemplative state of mind and heart, with a deeper perspective of who we are, and who we can be. It is another environmental documentary that needs to be experienced by as many human beings as possible.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingInTheFuturesPast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/litfpfilm
https://www.instagram.com/livinginthefuturespast/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7683148/reference
D. Schwartz November 4, 2018
From Baghdad to The Bay: The Epic Odyssey of Ghazwan Alsharif
“I lost my family, I lost my country, I lost my career, I lost everything.”
“From Baghdad to The Bay” follows Iraqi Ghazwan Alsharif on a years-long, harrowing journey from his homeland to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Subsequent to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, Alsharif became an interpreter and guide for the US military. Prolific filmmaker Erin Palmquist follows our hero through years of loss, struggle, hopelessness, growth, and change to Bay Area-based celebrity chef.
Alsharif’s journey is a text-book example of Joseph Campbell’s ‘hero’s journey’ with allies, adversaries, barriers, and a heart-rending triumph. It is clear that Palmquist experienced her own hero’s journey in following Alsharif’s. The hero’s journey is intrinsically noble, but does not necessarily end in triumph.
Palmquist’s and Alsharif’s journeys both end in triumph. “From Baghdad to The Bay” grips viewers from beginning to end. We are with Alsharif the whole film, rooting for this sweet, loving, joyful man through his losses and gains—and we celebrate the fulfillment of his dreams.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frombaghdadtothebay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/baghdadtothebay
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7688258/reference
D. Schwartz October 30, 2018
How Hot Is It Going to Get?: “The Climate Crisis is a Voting Crisis”
“How Hot Is It Going to Get?” is two movies in one: An expertly produced primer on human-caused global warming, and a plea for young people of the United States to vote Democratic every two years. The implicit assumption is a Democratically-driven government would take meaningful, effective steps to reduce the inevitable damage that global warming is causing and will continue to cause.
One point repeated in Michael Allen’s film is about the names we give in measures of temperatures—Fahrenheit versus Celsius. In media reports of climate issues, when predictions of temperature change in Celsius are provided, those numbers are much smaller than equivalent Fahrenheit measures. Another assumption the film makes is that if climate change information were provided in Fahrenheit, more people in the United States would pay more attention to global warming.
At this time, under Republican control, the United States is increasing its burning of fossil fuels. Can this film make a difference? Will young people vote? Will they be denied if they attempt to do so?
As of October 28, 2018, we will see.
In any case, “How Hot Is It Going to Get?” is another absolute must-see environmental film—for people of all ages.
iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/HowHotFilm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSsdGxsLrf1iXwZTEmu3i9Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowHotIsItGoingToGetMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/howhot2050
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10220932/
D. Schwartz October 28, 2018
Weed The People: Cannabis and Pediatric Cancer
“I just find it absolutely staggering to accept that in this day and age, with the billions of dollars spent on cancer research, that the medicine that we were relying upon is made in somebody’s kitchen.” Mother of Young Cancer Patient
Produced by the filmmaking team of Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, “Weed The People” explores the use of cannabis products in the treatment of cancer in children. The film follows a few families as they struggle with the horrors of cancer, and find help via the inclusion of cannabis in their treatment.
The film is an emotionally powerful statement about the therapeutic value of cannabis, the limits of which are still unknown because of the cultural-political stigma of the plant, and the subsequent restrictive, oppressive laws that tragically limit its research and use.
Dylan’s ‘the times, they are a-changing’ aptly describes the rapidly shifting attitudes about cannabis. Still, as our governments continue to squelch the medicinal use of cannabis, our children are unnecessarily suffering and dying.
“Weed The People” deserves a very wide audience—especially those in healthcare, and those who work in local, state, and federal government, as well as.
Here is a resource for parents.
Note: I’ve seen, enjoyed, and have benefited from all the films in Lake’s and Epstein’s catalog of documentaries.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weedthepeoplemovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/weedpeoplemovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weedthepeoplefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7968976/
D. Schwartz October 26, 2018
The Providers: A Journey with Three Country Doctors
“This community, it’s so much a part of who I am. I can’t separate myself from it. I could’ve done a lot of different things besides medicine. I could make a lot of money, live wherever I want. But, I can’t turn my back.”
Matt Probst, PA
“The Providers” documents the lives of three healthcare providers who serve the people in rural areas around the city of Las Vegas, New Mexico. In addition to being a physician assistant, Matt Probst is a leader—the medical director of El Centro Family Health, and inspires a team of healthcare practitioners who serve a rural community of people who would otherwise lack access.
Producers/directors/cinematographers Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin follow the work of physician assistant Probst, family physician Dr. Leslie Hayes, and nurse practitioner Chris Ruge who work under Echo Care. Alcohol and drug addiction rank high in the maladies the providers treat. Funding is an ongoing struggle. Echo Care is primarily funded by insurance companies, unnamed in the film.
Deeply touching from beginning to end, “The Providers” tells stories of triumph and tragedy, of heroes and their travails. To state the obvious, the community covered in this film is emblematic of communities throughout the United States. How many communities have experienced the grace of the providers featured in this film?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheProvidersDoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theprovidersdoc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheProvidersDoc/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8228818/
D. Schwartz October 17, 2018
Give Us This Day: Murder in East Saint Louis
In the calendar year 2017, the City of East Saint Louis, Illinois had the highest murder rate in the world.
In “Give Us This Day” veteran filmmakers Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist follow three of the city’s police officers and three of the city’s young people for a year. The filmmakers paint a montage of violence, of loss, and of those who struggle to change their personal and community’s circumstances.
The point the film makes is both simple and confounding: poverty is the ground of violence. The exacerbated homicide rate in East Saint Louis is also related to the city’s chronic deficiency of police officers which, in turn, is one of many symptoms of an impoverished community.
The film’s impact is equally heart-breaking and inspiring.
“Give Us This Day” is an ATT Original Documentary. It premiers on November 8, at 10 PM ET and PT, on DIRECTV NOW and DIRECTV channel 239, and is distributed by All Rise Films.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6864952/reference
D. Schwartz October 10, 2018
Resistance at Tule Lake: Japanese American Concentration Camp Victims Rebel
Any other time, I may have passed on viewing this documentary film about the World War II internment of 127,000 Japanese Americans in concentration camps. Two-thirds of this population were American citizens.
Instead, I have watched the film for one simple reason—history is repeating itself. Immigrants have been and are being interned, and the United States government continues the mass incarceration of mostly people of color.
After Pearl Harbor, the United States government created the ‘War Relocation Authority’ to place Japanese Americans in concentration camps called ‘relocation centers.’ Ten camps were built throughout the American west. One, the ‘Tule Lake Segregation Center’ in northern California, was built to imprison those Japanese Americans who did not respond in a desirable way to a required ‘loyalty oath’—they specifically objected to questions 27 and 28. At its peak, the camp had a population of 18,789 Japanese Americans.
27: Are you willing to serve in the armed services of the United States, wherever occurred?
28: Will you swear unqualified allegiance to the United States of America and faithfully defend the United States from any or all attack by foreign or domestic forces, and forswear any form of allegiance or obedience to the Japanese emperor, or any other foreign government, power, or organization?
The oath was one of countless insults to Japanese Americans—on top of their global displacement. The above two questions were the most grievous.
Konrad Aderer’s “Resistance at Tule Lake” tells the story of the rebellion, the initiatives of the prisoners, and the punitive counter measures of our government. The film also follows a contemporary group of journeyers on a ‘pilgrimage’ to the preserved Tule Lake camp to acknowledge the US malfeasance, and honor its victims.
If I was king of the world I would add the expertly-produced “Resistance at Tule Lake” to both high school and college curricula—and make it required viewing for members of all three branches of our federal government, and every state governor.
Click here for information about educational screenings.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResistanceAtTuleLake/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/enemyalien
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6098696/reference
D. Schwartz October 10, 2018
Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable
The prime virtue of documentary films is the revealing of stories, events, images, and people which otherwise would be challenging or impossible to find. There are virtually no limits to the subjects or topics documentaries may explore.
For instance, street photography—an alive, vital medium of art which has become even more obscured by the ubiquity of cameras. That is, everyone is a street photographer. Only a minute few are celebrated artists.
Sasha Waters Freyer’s “Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable” covers one of those minute few. Born in 1928, and passed in 1984, Garry Winogrand covered New York city primarily, with detours to Texas and California. He was a massively prolific artist, leaving canisters of undeveloped film, or unprocessed negatives.
Freyer tells Winogrand’s rich personal story, and provides a dizzying montage of images throughout her film. Viewers watching on home video will find themselves pausing frequently to study and admire his work.
“Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable” is a captivating, well-lauded film that inspires its viewers to explore the art of street photography—and, perhaps, see what they can do with their camera.
To learn how to view the film, stay in touch with its website, send a query via the CONTACT link.
Facebook 1: https://www.facebook.com/Garry-Winogrand-All-Things-Are-Photographable-2018-296712741147016/
Facebook 2: https://www.facebook.com/WinograndAllThings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/winograndfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/garrywinogrand/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7977594/reference
October 6, 2018
The Reluctant Radical: Fighting for All of Our Lives
In my old age I’ve become a reductionist—reducing various and sundry matters to their essence. In the matter of our Earth’s environment, I make the analogy of a chess board. Us humans are the players—the board, our environment which supports the play. Us players are rapidly destroying our board. I reduce my emotional response to this destruction to one of pure pain.
In Lindsey Grayzel’s "The Reluctant Radical" I have found a brother I didn’t know I had. His name is Ken Ward. He practices civil disobedience in support of our environment. His specific focus is stopping our consumption of fossil fuel. His quixotic goal is saving our ecosphere.
The narrative spine of the film is a trial in which Ward has been charged with a felony for having shut down a tar sands oil pipeline. The film’s substance includes a bit about Ward’s personal life, his path to civil disobedience, and his reflections on his role as an activist. Regarding his personal life, I was most moved by Ward’s relationship with his son, Eli—and with Eli’s strong character.
“The Reluctant Radical” is the most striking environmental documentary I’ve seen to date—and I have seen plenty.
It is an absolute must-see.
Note: To learn more about climate activism visit Shut It Down.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantRadical/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheReluctantRad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereluctantradical/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7370004/reference
D. Schwartz October 3, 2018
Quincy: The Life and Times of…
You go to the IMDB site for Alan Hicks’ and Rashida Jones’ “Quincy” and count the number of celebrities who appear in this documentary about the legendary Quincy Jones, and you will find at least 76 people who, like yours truly, are in awe of the talent and accomplishments of this iconic showbiz survivor.
Quincy Delight Jones, Jr. was born in 1933, and is still very much with us. The impact of his contributions to our world transcends the countless musical talents he has supported over the 70+ years of his career. The list of awards and nominations he has received is so long that Wikipedia created a separate page from his primary Wiki site to house those honors.
In a too-short two hours, Hicks and Jones provide an outline of Jones’ biography, affectionate and reverential lauds by the aforementioned 76 people, and a soundtrack that sparks the viewer’s impulse to get up and dance. Jones tells his story through narration and archived interviews.
The film has an arc. Between the various scenes there are references to an upcoming event, the opening ceremonies and celebration of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture of which Jones is the primary producer—a fitting conclusion to the film. There is more information about that celebration here.
"Quincy" is as jaw-dropping as it is delightful.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuincyJones/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7440432/reference
Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80102952
D. Schwartz September 24, 2018
A Leaf of Faith: Kill the Pain, Not the Patient
Directed by Chris Bell and David Baca, Jr., “A Leaf of Faith” explores the legal issues of, and personal use of ‘Kratom’—also known as Mitragyna speciosa, a tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia.
Various and sundry concoctions are made from the plant’s leaves, and are consumed for recreational and medicinal purposes. The highest profile use, though, is to replace opioid drugs, and in the withdrawal of same.
Bell is our host as he interviews a cornucopia of interested parties speaking on crucial issues of safety, effectiveness, and regulation. The take away appears to be an acceptance of some measure of regulation, and a blanket objection to the proposal of damning the leaf as a Category One substance along with heroine. The film’s aspiration is that research of the plant’s physiological impacts will help find a balanced regulatory approach that makes Kratom available to those who want or need it for their well being—especially in the treatment of pain and addiction.
Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81009815
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALeafOfFaith/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leaf_of_faith?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaf_of_faith/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8412232/reference
American Kratom Association: https://www.americankratom.org/
D. Schwartz September 9, 2018
Forgotten Plague: M.E. and the Future of Medicine
“There’s not nearly enough press coverage. There’s not nearly enough attention paid to this illness—for when you consider the degree of suffering that people are going through, for the degree of disability, the degree of cost to society, for all of us who aren’t able to work, aren’t able to be contributing members that we were when we were healthy. It’s as though we’ve disappeared—we’ve just dropped out of society and then were forgotten.” ME/CFS sufferer.
It was 1981. I was in my early 30s, and had a full-time job. Although this was the prime of my life, I found myself crawling around my apartment after work, weak and tired. Unlike the above sufferer, I was lucky. My chiropractor was skilled in the use of nutritional supplements. After a few weeks of taking pills from 9 bottles of various supplements my energy began to gradually return.
Produced and directed by Ryan Prior and Nicole Castillo, “Forgotten Plague” is a much-needed examination of the mysterious, devastating illness called chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis—ME/CFS for short.
This illness continues to ravage the lives of countless millions of people around the world. For decades our medical industrial complex did everything it could to deny the existence of this illness, or to diminish its effects on humans, and its impact on society.
Prior is the film’s host. In addition to those of several interviewees, he tells—and shows—his own harrowing story of suffering from and struggling with ME/CFS. His story, of course, had a happy resolution. He is having a distinguished, well-lauded career as a journalist, and has given us this powerful film.
In a short 80 minutes “Forgotten Plague” presents heart-rending interviews with sufferers, and crucial information about the realities of this disease. The information that struck yours truly the most was that although the costs of resources lost due to Parkinson’s and ME/CFS are nearly equal, the amount of resources given to research into ME/CFS is negligible compared to those given to Parkinson’s.
Although the film covers current research, efforts to draw attention to the disease, and concludes on a hopeful note about potential scientific advances in research, the film’s point is simple. People are still suffering, lives are being destroyed, and mainstream American society continues to ignore the tragedy.
Like so many compelling documentary films, “Forgotten Plague” is a call to action. The filmmakers suggest a starting point: #MEAction
I heartily suggest you remember, and see this film which I found on Amazon and Amazon Prime.
On a personal note, I wish there had been some mention in the film of a little-known—to doctors, at least—off-label treatment, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) that has helped many people with ME/CFS. In our soon-to-be published book, The Power of Honest Medicine, Julia Schopick and I include contributions from three ME/CFS patients who were helped by LDN. There is even a Facebook group, with nearly 3,000 members, devoted to LDN’s use for ME/CFS.
Film's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CFSDocumentary/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4223204/reference
D. Schwartz August 24, 2018
A Song for You: The Austin City Limits Story
Keith Maitland’s “A Song for You: The Austin City Limits Story” does just what the title indicates—tells the story of the legendary television show up until his documentary’s 2016 release.
The film’s de facto host is Austin City Limits long-time producer Terry Lickona. Although the primary focus of “A Song for You” is the PBS show—the longest running music show on television, Austin City Limits is more than a music show; rather, it is an international entertainment brand.
Since the its PBS debut on October 17, 1974, emerging from the show’s success are:
• Austin City Limits Music Festival
• A series of CDs and DVDs called ‘Live from Austin, TX’
• The Austin City Limits store at Austin Bergstrom International Airport
• Austin City Limits Hall of Fame
• A digital archive at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio
• The expansion of the brand to Australia (Sydney City Limits Music Festival) and New Zealand (Auckland City Limits Music Festival).
In addition to this institutional expansion, the show itself has dramatically expanded its music genres from Americana to ‘anything goes’—as producer Lickona says. There was even a standup comedy episode featuring Dave Chappell and Morgan Freeman.
As of this writing Austin City Limits is in its 44th year of PBS broadcasts.
“A Song for You” is thoroughly engaging, fascinating and entertaining.
The film can be found on Amazon Prime.
D. Schwartz August 21, 2018
Paying the Price for Peace: The Story of S. Brian Willson
“The United States has been at war under every President since 1941. However, since the end of World War II, US Presidents have authorized illegal and unconstitutional wars of aggression. According to the US Constitution, only Congress can declare war. But, Presidents have consistently found ways to wage war without Congressional approval. Between 1950 and 2000, the US government has overthrown 60 democratically elected governments, dropped bombs on over 30 nations, and attempted assassinations of over 60 foreign leaders. Millions died in these undeclared wars.” from Paying the Price for Peace
S. Brian Willson was a pure bred, highly skilled Republican Conservative until his first week in Viet Nam when he observed the horrors of the war, of our attacks on villages peopled by women, children, and the elderly—killed by 500 pound bombs followed by napalm. The military authorities did not court-martial Willson, they did not want to give him a public platform to reveal the insanity of violence perpetrated by the United States. It did not work. He took that platform.
Willson’s name came to the foreground when he lost his legs while protesting. It was 1987, another US intervention in another Third World country, Nicaragua. The United States, as always, was supporting the bad guys, the Contras. Surrounded by protestors, the train carrying a shipment of weapons for the Contras was rolling down the tracks. The engineer was ordered to not stop. Willson refused to get off the tracks. Supported by his heightened profile, he became a powerful domestic and international activist.
Directed by Bo Boudart, and narrated by the ubiquitous Peter Coyote, “Paying the Price for Peace” tells Willson’s story, and covers decades of antiwar activism. The film includes interviews of several activists including Ron Kovic, author of “Born on the Fourth of July” which was subsequently made into a narrative film directed by Oliver Stone, and stared by Tom Cruise. Willson was also born on the fourth of July.
“There are over 1,000,000 American military personnel stationed in 175 countries. The US government has increased its military budget by nearly 90% since 2001. That budget is now 700 billion dollars per year. Add in health costs and interest for 1.5 million veterans, the US is now paying one trillion dollars per year for war and the preparations for war. Our government spends ten times more per citizen on average for military costs than most industrial nations. This increased military spending has not made the US safer at home or abroad.” from Paying the Price for Peace.
“Paying the Price for Peace” is a compelling clarion call for more, much more political activism on behalf of peace and non-violence.
“Paying the Price for Peace” is distributed by Cinema Libre.
Note: When I watched “The Most Dangerous Man in America”—a documentary about legendary activist Daniel Ellsberg—who appears in “Paying the Price for Peace"—I hoped Hollywood would eventually produce a respectful, standard-bearing film of his story. Instead, Steven Spielberg made “The Post” about the publication of Ellsberg’s ‘Pentagon Papers’ by the Washington Post. Ellsberg’s story is far more dramatic and engaging than newsies struggling with issues of free press. Hope Springs Eternal—perhaps Ellsberg’s story will be produced.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PayingThePriceForPeace/
Twitter: @PayPrice4Peace
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5068830/reference
D. Schwartz August 19, 2018
Hello, I Am David!: A Journey with David Helfgott
In 1996, writer/director Scott Hicks gave us “Shine” about the storied Australian concert pianist David Helfgott, portrayed by Geoffrey Rush.
In 2015, Cosima Lange gave us, "Hello, I Am David!"—a documentary about Mr. Helfgott who continues touring to this day.
For those unfamiliar: Helfgott was on a fast-track to concert stardom when he had an emotional breakdown which led to eleven years of institutionalization. Hicks’ film focuses on the troubled relationship between father and son that appears to be the root of Helfgott’s struggles.
Lange’s documentary follows the maestro on a European tour. She presents clips of his performances, interviews with admirers—especially, with Helfgott’s wife, Gillian, who became something akin to a savior.
Helfgott is a one-in-a-billion phenomenon. He appears to be deeply disturbed, yet plays piano with high skill. He presents with ADHD—attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome—despite his late 60s/low 70s age. He speaks and moves compulsively, ignores personal physical boundaries—he touches and/or hugs virtually everyone he meets—and appears to be a bit of a kleptomaniac.
David Helfgott is also a kind, loving, gentle, caring human being who talks and mumbles whilst playing masterly piano for thousands of people around the world. Normally what would be considered a performance sin has become an endearing aspect of his music.
Available on Netflix, "Hello, I Am David!" is a spectacular film about an unforgettable character.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloIamDavidHelfgott/
German Website: http://www.helloiamdavid.de/
German Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HelloIamDavidHelfgott/
D. Schwartz August 16, 2018
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
“Relations between police and negroes across the country are getting worse. One of the cities most troubled by animosity between police and negroes is Oakland, California.” 1960s black-and-white network news report
Donald J. Trump and his Republican cohorts have ripped off the thin, translucent scab that covers America’s congenital racism. Although Stanley Nelson’s “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” tells a five-decade old story, its current relevance screams.
Nelson introduces his history of the Black Panther Party with a montage of black-and-white 1960s clips of brutal, oppressive police practices against African Americans. The behaviors presented in each clip can be seen and heard in living color on our national news—on practically a daily basis.
The film follows the rise and fall of the Party, identifying endogenous and exogenous factors in its demise the largest of which seems to be J. Edgar Hoover’s COINTELPRO, a ‘counter intelligence program’ directed against ‘Black Nationalist Hate Groups.’ The program’s stated purpose was to ‘expose, disrupt, misdirect, or otherwise neutralize the activities of black nationalists.’ The program was, of course, prima facie illegal—and successful in planting seeds of the Party’s destruction.
“The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” presents a well-produced, crucially important chapter in the history of racism in the United States of America.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackPanthersDoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/panthersdoc
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4316236/reference
D. Schwartz August 12, 2018
Beyond the Fear of Singing: Unlock Your Voice. Release Your Song.
“Most children learn very, very quickly that they don’t have that kind of sound. They don’t have that kind of voice to compare with that. Most children just stop at some point. There’s also a sort of a ritual that happens at some time where in the school, or at home, the children are put in front of a crowd of people—their school mates, their family—where they’re asked or forced to sing a song. For many, many children—but also adults—this is like an execution.” (Singer/author Mark Fox, from the film.)
Under the arch of their Song Without Borders and Inner Harmony, Michael Stillwater, together with wife Doris Laesser Stillwater, produce documentary films about songs, music, and singing. Their latest, “Beyond the Fear of Singing: Unlock Your Voice. Release Your Song.” will be released this Fall/Winter, 2018/2019.
The film begins with a montage of people speaking of the time they were informed that they could not sing, that their singing voice was inferior, and not to be heard. The film moves on to feature many interviewees speaking of the values and virtues of just that, singing—no matter the sad input we have received about our voice. By film’s conclusion, we hear those same voice-squelched people singing beautifully. Like the Stillwaters’ previous films, “Beyond the Fear of Singing” features beatific images of nature and a soundtrack of beautiful music.
This documentary is not just about song, it is about us—our relationship to our God- or nature-given ability to sing.
See this film! Hear this film! Sing Your Song!
You may place an advance order for “Beyond the Fear of Singing” here.
D. Schwartz August 7, 2018
The Bleeding Edge: Injury and Death Caused by Medical Devices
iatrogenic: (adjective of a medical disorder) illness, injury or death caused by the diagnosis, manner, or treatment of a physician
In “The Bleeding Edge” well-lauded director Kirby Dick focuses on the harm that has been done, and is being done on patients who are treated with medical devices—a $400 billion industry. The injuries are life-changing or fatal. The perpetrators are physicians inspired and supported by our medical industrial complex—specifically the FDA and device manufacturers.
The film profiles several patients who have been victimized—including a well-respected orthopedic physician who was severely injured by his own choice of hip replacement device. Essure, a birth control device, receives most of the attention. It has caused extensive harm in women's bodies, been banned in Europe, and yet still legal and in use in the United States.
Dick also covers initiatives by victims to hold both the FDA and manufactures responsible for the harm they cause, and to fight for reform. The Essure case is emblematic, of course, of the corruption fueling this greed-driven attack on our corporal bodies. Hopefully, this case along with other patient initiatives will lead to significant reform. Obviously, the Republican take-over of our federal government makes significant reform at this time unlikely, if not impossible. But, that circumstance cries for greater and faster actions.
The film’s website offers a link to a petition drive for reform which, of course, yours truly signed. Here is the initiative’s Facebook Page.
“The Bleeding Edge” is a hard-hitting exposé of our corrupt health-care system. The more people who see the film, the faster the reform.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bleedingedgedoc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bleedingedgedoc
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8106576/reference
D. Schwartz August 6, 2018
Alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins: The Truth Behind the Fiction
Scott O’Dell’s childrens book "Island of the Blue Dolphins” was published in 1960. Every November, half a million fourth graders read this classic tale of loss and survival.
The book is a speculation of what life may have been like for a 12 year old girl stranded on San Nicolas Island, off the coast of southern California, in 1835. She lived there for 18 years, was rescued in 1853, brought to the mainland, and died seven weeks later, probably from a radical change in her diet—from sea food to the California diet of that time.
Veteran filmmaker Paul Goldsmith’s “Alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins” covers the anthropological and historical information available to discern what life would likely have been like for ‘The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island’—a Nicoleño Native Californian who was given the Christian name ‘Juana Maria’ upon her ‘rescue.’
In addition to the story of the girl whose given name is unknown, Goldsmith highlights the passion, dedication, and utter tenacity of those who study the island, and seek every bit of information about the Lone Woman’s life and her island home. The Lone Woman has countless friends and admirers.
I see ‘special features’ on a documentary film disc as integral to the story, rather than separate and distinct. This aptly applies to Goldsmith’s film.
The First Run Feature’s disc includes several bonus features:
• Lone Woman Artifacts Found in Santa Barbara
• Nicoleños before the Island of the Blue Dolphins
• Ernestine De Soto on Religion
• More about Scott O'Dell and His Novel
• The Cache - The Archeology Story
D. Schwartz August 2, 2018
Forbidden Films & Hitler’s Hollywood: 2 Docs about Cinema and Propaganda in Wartime Germany
For history and war buffs, cinephiles, politicos, and other interested parties, Kino Lorber has released “Hitler’s Hollywood” by Rudiger Süchsland and “Forbidden Films: The Hidden Legacy of Nazi Film” by Felix Moeller.
Both films cover the period of 1933-1945, a time in which about 1,200 films were produced. “Forbidden Films” includes interviews of German film historians, archivists, and film goers. “Hitler’s Hollywood” explores the impact of this cinematic period on viewers and future German cinema.
To state the obvious, in consideration of the emergence of an authoritarian national government in the United States, these two documentaries also shed light on current American politics and culture.
D. Schwartz July 26, 2018
Invisible Hands: The Destruction of Childhood
“Willfull ignorance”—That is the term one speaker in Shraysi Tandon’s “Invisible Hands” calls our attitude toward the use of 200 million children around the world to manufacture the products the ‘civilized’ world consumes with utter abandon. The hands, of course, are not invisible, we simply have yet to remove our self-inflicted blinders.
Shraysi Tandon’s directorial debut rips those blinders from our heads. She takes us around the world—Indonesia, United States, Africa, China, India—to document this global heart-breaking horror. No, the mean-spirited, blinded-by-greed will not lift a finger. Her film is for those of us suffering the cognitive dissonance of caring about the damaging influence of our purchases, and struggling to rationalize our inaction.
Tandon confronts our dissonance with her film and these resources:
Transparentem: https://www.transparentem.com/
goodweave: https://goodweave.org/
Fairtrade: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/
Bachpan Bachao Andolan: http://www.bba.org.in/
Worker Rights Consortium: https://www.workersrights.org/
Child Labor Free: https://www.childlaborfree.com/
The Great Palm Oil Scandal: https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/ASA2151842016ENGLISH.PDF
“Invisible Hands” is a First Run Features release.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InvisibleHandsMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_invisiblehands
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblehandsmovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6980550/reference
D. Schwartz July 24, 2018
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
“His pathos was seeking to entertain and please. He felt when he wasn’t doing that, he was not succeeding as a person, and that was hard to see. Because in so many senses, he is the most successful person I know, and yet he didn’t always feel that.”
Zak Williams
When Robin died I felt like I’d lost a beautiful friend I met in 1979, when I joined the rest of the world and bought his first record, ‘Reality... What A Concept’. Over the decades I’d read the headlines, saw the reports of his struggles and triumphs. I celebrated and grieved as the story of his life played out in the mediasphere. His suicide cut me to the quick. It is a bitter-sweet experience when at least once a week I see the sign as I drive through Robin Williams Tunnel to and from the City.
Marina Zenovich’s “Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind” is the best possible documentary film about Robin Williams. The prolific filmmaker specializes in biography, and her latest about the brilliant and tragic comedian demonstrates a finely honed ability to tell a long story in a short period of time—and to keep viewers’ eyes, minds, and hearts fixed to the screen.
Pam Dawber, Steve Martin, Eric Idle, Billy Crystal and many other friends and family echo Zak Williams' observation about his father—an emptiness that could never be filled, but could be temporarily eschewed by performing for people in virtually any context. What happened in his childhood to install this feeling so deep in his psyche, to foster his destructive addictions? Whatever the answer, why couldn’t all his money find its way to master therapists who would help him escape Hotel California, to find a deeper ground of being?
“Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind” is an HBO film. I hope non-HBOers will find their way see this superbly produced film about a beautiful heart, mind, and spirit.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robin-Williams-Come-Inside-My-Mind-Documentary-247017076091194/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7689966/reference
D. Schwartz July 22, 2018
All The Queen’s Horses: Small Town. Large Fraud. Global Problem.
Antisocial Personality Disorder: The presence of a chronic and pervasive disposition to disregard and violate the rights of others. Manifestations include repeated violations of the law, exploitation of others, deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggressiveness, reckless disregard for the safety of self and others, and irresponsibility, accompanied by lack of guilt, remorse, and empathy. It is among the most heavily researched of the personality disorders—and the most difficult to treat. (from the APA Dictionary of Psychology)
Produced and directed by Kelly Richmond Pope, PhD—and, more significantly, CPA—“All the Queen’s Horses” tells two stories: 1) How one person stole $53.7 million from the town of Dixon, Illinois, over her 22 years of employment. 2) About fraud in America, and around the world. Fraud costs the US $50 billion annually. A 2015 report from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners states that global fraud is an annual $3.7 trillion dollar problem.
High school graduate Rita Crundwell was Dixon’s comptroller during this 22 years, and smoothly relieved Dixon of the aforementioned funds until she was caught. The town’s mayor wisely eschewed local law enforcement and went right to the FBI.
A major aspect of the FBI investigation was the search for additional perpetrators. None were identified. However, the film covers questionable practices by Dixon’s auditing firm and the town’s bank. It is possible, if not probable, that individuals at those two businesses were culpable.
The film’s title refers to Crundwell’s love, horses. She bred, cared for, and traded in quarter horses. Her vast estate evaporated, Crundwell is in federal prison, serving a 19+ year sentence.
“All the Queen’s Horses” tells a jaw-dropping story, features excellent production quality, is distributed by Gravitas Ventures, and is available on Netflix.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queenshorses/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/queens_horses
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5709852/reference
D. Schwartz July 17, 2018
Antarctica: In the Footsteps of the Emperor
“Antarctica: In the Footsteps of the Emperor” contains three films on a 2-DVD set: “Antarctica: In the Footsteps of the Emperor” /// “Antarctica: Living on the Edge” and “Antarctica’s Secrets”. The combined running time for the three films is 193 minutes. All three feature exquisite cinematography and photography.
The films are derived from an expedition led by “March of the Penguins” director Luc Jacquet. The central focus of ‘In the Footsteps of the Emperor’ is the unprecedented photography by Laurent Ballest and Vincent Munier who cover both the land and deep down in the surrounding sea. The film is in French with English subtitles.
‘Living on the Edge’ contains a substantial amount of the same footage in ‘In the Footsteps of Emperor’—only without English subtitles which are replaced by overdubbed English spoken words. This film is invaluable for us folks who want to see the whole picture minus subtitles.
“Antarctica’s Secrets” focuses on the continent’s fauna, and moves between the continent and biological research facilities. The scientific information provided is no less astounding than the three films’ images.
The bravery and fortitude of both the cinematographers and still photographers are inspiring. The results of their work, jaw-dropping.
To state the obvious, the deleterious impact of human-driven global warming haunts every frame of these films—as it does over our lives and world.
“Antarctica: In the Footsteps of the Emperor” is distributed by MHZChoice.
D. Schwartz July 3, 2018
A Good American: The Odyssey of William Binney
Buried within terabytes of data at one or more of Netflix’s server farms is the most incendiary documentary film I’ve seen to date: “A Good American”—a film about malfeasance, corruption, and ineptitude at our National Security Agency, and above.
Director Friedrich Moser tells the story of a tragically terminated NSA program called ThinThread which was designed to provide national security and protect privacy. The program was shut down a few weeks before the 9/11 attacks. A test to see if the shuttered program would have probably prevented 9/11 proved positive.
Add to that agonizing revelation the self-aggrandizing power politics that led to subsequent massive waste and incompetence at the NSA, and you will understand why almost every reviewer of this film expresses outrage in various and sundry forms.
Bill Binney, the film’s central character, is the originator of ThinThread. His NSA support team were Ed Loomis, Diane Roark, and J. Kirk Wiebe. Jesselyn Radack—National Security and Human Rights Director at ExposeFacts—supported the team when they experienced horrific governmental retaliation. Raddack is also one of the three whistle-blowers featured in the film, “Silenced”.
“A Good American” is another absolute must-see documentary film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agoodamerican/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/agamovie
D. Schwartz June 4, 2018
The Farthest: Voyager In Space
Prologue: It is rare that I play a movie at home and not press pause. I did not press pause, nor avert my attention as I watched Emer Reynolds’ “The Farthest”—his feature documentary about the Voyager missions through our solar system, and the first penetration into interstellar space by human-created objects.
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Launched in 1977, the two Voyager spacecraft explored Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Voyager 1 entered interstellar space on August 25, 2012.
Key participants in the Voyager program tell the story of the building of the vehicles and their controlled wanderings through the solar system. There are several points in the interviews where various interviewees come to tears as they tell their story. The raw fact that human beings and some of our creations have left the Earth is awesome. As “The Farthest” tells its story with voices and images, that feeling of awe, of overwhelm, of humility deepens.
Near films beginning, one of the interviewees relates that as the Voyager program was initiated, and the craft were being built, the public’s attention was diverted from the craft and their journey to something called ‘The Golden Record’—a phonograph record of music, voices and images—placed on each of the craft. The story of that recording is worthy of its own documentary film.
Coda: Soon after the film began flowing on my television screen, I was reminded of ‘The Inner Light’—an episode from the ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ series. In it, Enterprise Captain Jean Luc Picard collapses unconscious on the bridge. As his crew attempt to revive him, he lives another lifetime, as another person, on another planet. The planet’s sun is on the verge of going nova. The advanced civilization orchestrated this mental kidnapping of Captain Picard in order to have at least one entity in the multiverse remember their existence, their world.
There are two or three oblique references in "The Farthest" to the environmental degradation of Earth by human beings. It is clear that our ignorance, greed, and carelessness has done and continues to cause irreversible damage to our ecosphere. The only question is the scale of impact this damage will eventually create. But, we can peacefully rest in the knowledge that somewhere in the multiverse, human-created radio waves and space craft may be found, and that someone, somewhere will acknowledge our existence.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voyagerinspace/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefarthestfilm?lang=en
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6223974/reference
Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwT3QgKORuQ
D. Schwartz May 28, 2018
ACORN and the Firestorm: The Brief Tumultuous History of the Association of Community Organizations
“I think there’s bigger fish to fry out there than them.” Travis Munnerlyn
In “ACORN and the Firestorm”, directors Reuben Atlas and Samuel D. Pollard present the history of ACORN focusing on the surreptitious video recording by Hannah Giles and James O’Keefe of a staged attempt to secure support from the organization in the creation of a brothel utilizing underage girls. The American Right jumped on the story, and ACORN was forced to reorganize with severely limited scope.
A political activist organization working on behalf the disenfranchised—the lower socio-economic class of the United States—ACORN grew into a movement of 450,000 members, receiving both private and governmental support.
Internal forces and massive external initiatives assured its demise.
The two stars of this show are the aforementioned Munnerlyn and Bertha Lewis.
Munnerlyn, the ironic star, is an elderly Floridian, a died-in-the-wool Republican, and an ACORN member. His home was on the chopping block during the 2008 financial fiasco, and it was ACORN that saved his home. Brooklyn’s Lewis rose through ACORN’s ranks to the CEO position. Lewis left that position, and founded The Black Institute.
A First Run Features release, “ACORN and the Firestorm” is a classic David and Goliath story, only both combatants are still alive—in various forms—and still fighting over the heart and soul of the United States. Goliath is winning, and, above that, seems to be destroying the game board.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACORNandtheFirestorm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5957104/
D. Schwartz May 27, 2018
The Work: Intensive Group Therapy at Folsom Prison
“So, let’s remember Don, he talked about the intent. Right there, next to the wound, right there, next to the pain. When we go deep, when we go down to the bottom, right there next to where we hurt the most is where our medicine is at. Let’s remember that.” Group Therapy Participant at Folsom Prison.
Thirty miles north east of Sacramento, California, in an area called Represa, lies the legendary maximum security Folsom State Prison. Inside the prison is another prison called New Folsom Prison where inmates participate in weekly group therapy as part of an overall rehabilitation program. Twice a year, with prison approval, members of the public are invited to join inmates for four days of intensive group therapy.
Directors Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous cover one of these four-day programs in their documentary, “The Work”. McLeary and Aldous capture gut-wrenching moments of human beings delving into the genesis of their inner wounding.
This is as must-see a movie as a must-see movie can get.
Yes, the movie is about a progressive state-run program that is garnering positive results. It is also about you and me. If you are not deeply moved by experiencing the work done in “The Work”, you simply haven’t seen the movie.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworkmovie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_work_movie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theworkmovie
D. Schwartz May 25, 2018
Bird of Prey: Saving the Rarest and Largest Eagle on Earth
Eric Liner’s “Bird of Prey” covers herculean efforts to save the endangered Philippine eagle. There is very little old forest left in the Philippines. Consequently, the numbers of this magnificent avian creature are estimated between 100 and 800 individuals.
Neil Rettig is the film’s central human character. In 1977, he provided the first moving images of the Philippine eagle. The current film is peppered with shots from that footage. Most of the film covers Rettig and team’s recent return to find and film the eagle again, as well as to cover Philippine-based conservation efforts.
The film’s cinematography is exhilarating, but I’m used to excellence in nature photography and cinematography. I am, however, in awe of the balance achieved by “Bird of Prey”. The majority of environmental documentaries provide disturbing, if not horrific, information about and images of our destruction of the Earth’s ecosphere—followed by a little something you can do.
At the moment there is not enough forest to support the numbers of individuals it takes to sustain the Philippine eagle population, and it is not clear what can or will be done. But, efforts are being done, and the filmmakers provide a significant amount of coverage to those Philippine-base initiatives. Let it not go unsaid that this film is also a monumental effort to bring attention to the Philippine Eagle.
Adding up the beautiful cinematography, the skill and danger required to capture this very rare footage, and the carefully balanced editing, I do not hesitate to say that “Bird of Prey” is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking. I truly hope that the film finds a monumental audience.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdofpreymovie/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7245458/reference
May 16, 2018
Strangers on the Earth: Walking the Camino
Triston Cook’s first feature documentary—“Strangers on the Earth”—introduces the uninitiated viewer to El Camino de Santiago, a UNESCO World History Site. This 500 mile walking path—or pilgrimage, depending on one’s beliefs—is located in northern Spain.
The film also introduces cellist Dane Johansen, one of the film’s producers, and one of several walkers featured in the film. Johansen serves as an unofficial host of the documentary, and provides the film’s music—solo cello, of course. Johansen carries his cello in a large white container on his back, providing concert performances along the way.
Johansen and his walking peers share their thoughts about the Camino—especially its meaning and impact on their lives. After hearing so many ideas about the walk, one may conclude completing this trek is a metaphor for an entire life lived.
While hearing all the voices, and listening to Johansen’s music, Cook provides dramatic and beatific visuals of people, and, especially, places throughout northern Spain. I was jealous of all the wind farms Spain has installed, wishing Quixotically that our nation would be so conscientious.
Caution: Many viewers will likely consider walking the Camino, pondering life, death, God, spirit, and blisters.
“Strangers on this Earth” is a First Run Features release.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotefilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sotefilm?lang=en
D. Schwartz May 16, 2018
Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf
“For me, garden design isn’t just about plants, it is about emotion, atmosphere, a sense of contemplation. You try to move people with what you do. You look at this, and it goes deeper than what you see. It reminds you of something in the genes—nature, or the longing for nature.” – Piet Oudolf”
“Five Seasons” is a documentary film for people who love flora, and for people who are curious about same.
Director Thomas Piper profiles garden designer Piet Oudolf. Through the aforementioned five seasons we see Oudolf drafting illustrations of garden designs, hear him waxing philosophical and telling his story, and view garden creation from the ground up.
“Five Seasons” is an expertly produced film the quality of which is mirrored by the beauty of Oudolf’s creations—and his character. You may see samples of his work here.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pietoudolfmovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PietOudolfMovie
D. Schwartz May 14, 2018
Morgenthau: Three Men. Three Generations. One Fight
Released in 2015, 7th Art’s “Morgenthau” is one of a countless number of documentaries that deserve a much wider audience. The film is both a series of history lessons that encompass three centuries, and profiles of three noble human beings: Henry Morgenthau Senior, United States Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire; Henry Morgenthau Junior, United States Secretary of Treasury under Franklin Roosevelt’s administration; and Robert M. Morgenthau, District Attorney of New York County for over 30 years. Their professional lives played out on highly public local, national, and international stages.
In addition to their shared DNA, all three found their way to a shared ethos which can be glibly-yet-accurately described as ‘do the right thing.’ In the case of the three gentlemen, they would expand this simplistic ethical principal by prefacing the adage with ‘When in power.’
The not-so-sub subtext of this film is: Look at who and what are in power in the United States now. That contrast is the most important reason to see “Morganthau” and to bathe in a little inspiration contemplating the possibilities of noble leadership.
Having released hundreds of feature documentaries through his company, Seventh Art Releasing, Jake Bart is one of many unsung heroes in the documentary film world. I’ve seen several 7th Arts titles, and intend to see many more.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgenthaufilm/
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3057334/
D. Schwartz May10, 2018
Tribal Justice: An Innovative Approach to Justice for Native Americans
Yours truly brings a bias to the understanding and reviewing of Anne Makepeace’s “Tribal Justice”. That bias is one of being a champion of ‘restorative justice’—a compassionate approach to justice, one not based on revenge and punishment. There are elements of restorative justice in the stories Makepeace tells in her moving film of lives renewed.
The setting is California, two Native American tribes—the Yurok in the north, and the Quechan in the south. Our heroes are Claudette White, the Quechan judge, and Abby Abinanti, the Yurok judge. We see both judges at work supporting people who are struggling with themselves and their world, helping them avoid our nation’s conventional system of justice with its violence, high recidivism rates, and injustice.
California tribes have the option of coordinating their judicial proceedings with the State's. You can learn more about the genesis of this tribal/state cooperation here.
Makepeace follows several Native Americans through the tribal judicial process which includes crucial elements of societal support to these individuals. The impact is simple and clear, this judicial system promotes dramatically positive outcomes. Tribal society wins, as does the greater society.
There are no adjectives strong enough to encompass our nation’s treatment of Native Americans. One small but meaningful gesture we all can make is to inform ourselves of this treatment and its horrific impact by simply viewing documentary films on the subject. “Tribal Justice” is that rare documentary film which highlights an enlightened approach to justice for Native Americans, one which I hope will spread throughout the United States.
Coda: Composers of music for documentary films rarely get acknowledged. The music of Chris Ruggiero perfectly encompasses the beautiful stories told by Makepeace's film.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tribaljusticefilm/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6557368/reference
D. Schwartz April 29, 2018
The Cinema Travellers: Life with an Indian Traveling Movie Theatre
Mohammed runs a travelling movie theater in India. Prakash repairs 35mm film projectors—and has designed and built one of his own. These are the two principals in Shirley Abraham’s and Amit Madheshiya’s “The Cinema Travellers”. The two filmmakers hang out with Prakash, and follow Mohammed’s theatre around India. They do not provide narration, none is needed.
Sometimes called ‘Akshay Touring Talkies’ or ‘Sumedh Touring Talkies,’ the entire theatre—including a very large tent—fits into a barely drivable truck. Everything in this traveling movie house is all rusted and dusty, worn and torn, crumbling, barely functional. But, it still works with the blessings of vibhuti and incense, turmeric and vermillion.
Loud speaker announcements of the evening’s entertainment are blared throughout the day. After the tent is raised, and there is still plenty of day time, children gather, dance, and play in its abundant shade. The canvas covered theatre cannot protect its audiences from the occasional elements of wind and rain. Prakash’s business, too, is victimized by rain and heat—invaluable 35mm prints are damaged beyond repair.
Prakash steals this entire show, though, as he emanates irresistible charm when speaking of his work and the projector he designed.
“The Cinema Travellers” is a documentary about people who love movies, for people who love movies.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecinematravellers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cinematravelers
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5109326/
D. Schwartz April 28, 2018
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story
Written and directed by Alexandra Dean, “Bombshell” is a straight-forward biography of Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler, also known as Hedy Lamarr. Although there are biographies about Lamarr, her life has not been covered in documentary form.
There is an inciting incident in the production of this film—the one-in-a-million chance discovery of four audio tapes of Lamarr speaking of herself. A gentleman by the name of Fleming Meeks—a journalist who responded to Dean’s world-wide call for any biographical information directly by Lamarr—is the back-story hero in this film. Dean carpets her film with interstitials of Lamarr’s voice derived from these tapes.
A strong character, and way ahead of her time, the famous and infamous actor had more than her fair share of tragedies. She seems to have weathered them all, including the most expensive one—the loss of her patent that could have and should have netted her about 3 hundred million dollars.
Lamarr’s secret life was that of a frustrated scientist/engineer. Together with her composer, George Antheil, she conceived something called ‘frequency hopping’—an electronic phenomenon that enables secure, wireless electronic communications. The patent was absconded, of course, by the United States government. Frequency hopping is foundational to virtually all the world’s electronic communications between and amongst devices and people.
“Bombshell” is a Kino Lorber/Zeitgeist Films release.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BombshellDoc/
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6752848/
D. Schwartz April 21, 2018
Lives Well Lived: Celebrating the Secrets, Wit, and Wisdom of Age
There are certain filmed stories that will stay with us the rest of our lives. First time feature film director Sky Bergman’s “Lives Well Lived” is one of them.
Bergman interviews 40 people between the ages of 75 and 100. Each tells her or his story. Between some interviews are interstitials in which a few interviewees respond to questions like ‘What is your secret for a happy life?’ As the interviewees tell their stories, Bergman includes archival footage of times and places in their lives. Many of these stories warrant their own feature documentary. Again, this is another documentary film I want to be twice as long as its current running time.
I passionately want young people to see "Lives Well Lived" I realize, of course, that is a tall order—and that that is an understatement! If I were young and somewhat aware at this time, I would understand that us humans have seriously damaged our ecosphere, that the damage is continuing, and, therefore, I would be skeptical of having an old age, or of having one that is meaningful, gratifying and productive. If I was not somewhat aware, I might not care at all about aging and the aged.
What Bergman has captured in her interviewees are people who have a youthful spirit as well as the ‘wit’ and ‘wisdom’ referenced in the film’s subtitle. “Lives Well Lived” is gold for those young people who chose to turn off their phone, place it in another room, and really listen to the people tell their stories. It could dramatically change some young lives.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveswelllived/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/liveswelllived
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveswelllived/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5528880/reference
D. Schwartz 4-13-18
Wild Wild Country: Love and Hate in the State of Oregon
“She is drugged,” the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh states emphatically, “she is on hard drugs. I have never made love to her, that much is certain. Perhaps that is the jealousy. She always wanted... (pauses) but I have made it a point never make love with a secretary.” (His large group of followers laugh loudly.) “Love affair never ends. It can turn into a hate affair. She did not prove to be a woman. She proved to be a perfect bitch.” (More laughter.) She is just going more and more insane before she goes to imprisonment. You just wait. Either she will kill herself—out of the very burden of all the crimes that she has done—or she will have to suffer her whole life in imprisonment.”
The enlightened guru is expressing vitriol about his recently departed ‘secretary,’ Ma Anand Sheela. The two are the leading actors in a years-long passion play which is covered by brothers Chapman and Maclain Way in their “Wild Wild Country”. One of the two wilds refers to the vast country side of Oregon, and the other refers to the small town—called ‘Rajneeshpuram’—Rajneesh and Sheela created in that country side after leaving India and a trail of allegations. Sheela was, of course, more than his secretary. Rajneesh was the King, and she, the Prime Minister. Sheela departed when she saw her power fading—and, perhaps, knew their community’s lifespan was limited.
Rajneeshpuram’s internal strife was matched by the external strife provided by the people of Antelope who became very unhappy with the propinquity of this ill-conceived attempt at a utopian community to their tiny town. That unhappiness spread to Wasco County, to the State of Oregon, and to the political leadership of the United States of America.
Abandoned by its 7,000 residents, Rajneeshpuram became a Christian retreat teaching abstinence to young people.
“Wild Wild Country” is utterly fascinating, jaw dropping—in contemporary terms, we say the film is ‘binge-worthy.’ It evokes thoughts and ruminations about ethics, morals, religion, law, cults, politics, psychology, social psychology, and human frailty.
Here is a link to a ‘Vanity Fair’ article about the film.
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7768848/
D. Schwartz April 10, 2018
$our Grapes: Stories of the Elegant Hustle
Directed by Reuben Atlas, Jerry Rothwell, “$our Grapes” tells the story of a massive heist in the American wine industry—the sale, at auctions, of phony rare bottles of wines. The perpetrator was Rudy Kurniawan, a charming young man of Chinese descent, based in Indonesia, and living in the United States.
Early in the film we learn our anti-hero has a great ‘palate’—he knows wine. Kurniawin ingratiated himself into the world of fine wines and wealthy people. He partnered with John Kapon who had inherited his parents’ Manhattan-based business, Acker Merrall and Condit, the first formal wine shop in the United States. Kurniawin supplied both real and fake bottles of wine, and Kapon auctioned them off to the unsuspecting. Between 2003 and 2006 John Kapon sold more than $35 million of wine from Kuniawin’s ‘cellar.’ For a period of time Acker Merrall and Condit became the number one wine auction house in the world.
Even after Kurniawin’s malfeasance had become well-known, Christie’s Auction House got in bed with him—a testament to his boyish charm and power.
Two very different gentlemen discovered the con and each went about busting it. Laurent Ponsot is a Burgundy winemaker, and Bill Koch, and very, very wealthy man deeply devoted to the consumption of wine, and the curating of 43,000 unopened bottles of wine in his jaw-breakingly gorgeous cellar. He estimates that he spent $4 million on 400 fake bottles. Koch is brother to his two infamous brothers, Charles and David.
Ponsot initiated and carried out his own one-man investigation—both on principle and because his wines were being forged. He took several trips between France and the United States. Koch hired a top-of-the-line investigator who, in turn, hired a staff of investigators.
Rudy Kurnianwin is serving a ten-year sentence in a federal penitentiary.
Others, though, have taken up the slack. It is estimated there may be as many as 10,000 bottles of forged wine bottles still in private collections.
“$our Grapes” is distributed by Netflix.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourgrapesfilm/
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5728684/
D. Schwartz March 25, 2018
Arthur Miller: Writer
When asked what he would like his obituary say about him, Arthur Miller responded with just one word, ‘writer.’ Hence, the documentary’s one-word subtitle.
In “Arthur Miller: Writer” accomplished writer/actor/director, and Miller’s daughter Rebecca Miller tells her father’s story—in a too-short 90 minutes running time. She captures his genius, flaws, and, especially, the arc of his character over his 90 years of life. It is that character portrait I found most engaging. As I watched the film progress I found myself looking for that something deeper that gave me a sense of the driving force of Arthur Miller’s creativity. I found it in this brief dialog between father and daughter:
“You were prone to walk away from conflict, naturally,” comments Rebecca Miller, addressing her father, “but in your plays, there’s a continual kind of return to conflict.”
“I suppose it’s because there, I could live it out—in the literature, in the writing. Whereas in life, it was too painful, you see. So, the pain went into the writing, whereas it was hard to sustain it in real life. I think that’s part of what happened.”
“Why do you think that is?”
“I don’t know, I just couldn’t bear the idea of people trying to destroy each other, ‘cause I sensed very early on that all real arguments are murderous. There was a killing instinct in there that I feared. So, I put it into the theater.”
Like many of us compassionate humans, Miller was fearful of his id—our narcissistic and destructive impulses. At film’s conclusion it appears Miller has found peace and wisdom, living a secluded life. His legend is well established.
“Arthur Miller: Writer” is an HBO documentary film.
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7302488/
D. Schwartz March 23, 2018
Take Your Pills: For the Love of Addy
$13 Billion Annually
That’s the upside to the marketing and sales of prescription performance enhancing drugs. Alison Klayman’s “Take Your Pills” is an exploration of what we’re getting for our money.
The primary focus is on Adderall (referred to by high schoolers as ‘Addy’) and, secondarily on Ritalin—as used by people who do not have ADHD or ADD. It’s relatively easy to secure a prescription, however, without the actual presence of those syndromes.
Klayman’s interviewees point out the plusses and minuses of what seems to be a ubiquitous use of these drugs by students and adults. At film’s end she takes a quick look at ‘nootropics’—nutritional supplements to enhance brain functioning—and ‘micro-dosing,’ the use of small doses of psychedelic substances to enhance job performance. ‘Brain hacking’ one interviewee calls it.
Researcher Martha Farah and company from the University of Pennsylvania decided to test the impact of Adderall on students’ cognitive performance. The study was done only on students without a formal diagnosis of ADHD or ADD. “It was across a huge battery of different tasks,” Farah states, “and in the end we found no significant difference between Adderall and placebo except for one question: Do you feel that the pill you took today enhanced your cognition?”
Yes, they did. The drug “boosts their false self-confidence in how well they’re learning,” another researcher concludes.
Whatever the motivations or rationales are to take what is nothing more or less than amphetamine—its use seems deeply entrenched in various layers of American society. One interviewee predicts Adderall and its cousins will take opioids’ place in the media world when people finally develop opioid coverage fatigue. From the information in “Take Your Pills”, in an ‘end-stage capitalism’ world, I doubt controversy in the media is going to hinder its prescription and use.
“Take Your Pills” is a Netflix documentary film.
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7983844/
D. Schwartz March 19, 2018
Notes from the Field: The School-to-Prison Pipeline
Anna Deavere Smith interviewed more than 250 people to write and perform her epic one-woman play, “Notes from the Field”.
Smith culled through this 300 hours of interviews, choose 19 interviewees, selected interview segments of each, and performed them as the interviewee. She began work on this project in 2012, performed it as a one-woman show, and had it filmed for HBO. It premiered on February 24, 2018.
The central topic is the school-to-prison pipeline which has become an integral part of American society. There is also a broader focus on racism. The film juxtaposes Smith’s performances with archival footage of police abuse, riots, and protests.
“Notes from the Field” is stunning from beginning to end. Smith’s acting is the strongest single performance I have experienced to date.
For more information about the show, here is her interview. For more information about Anna’s activism visit her personal website.
D. Schwartz March 15, 2018
Speed and Angels: The Adventures of Meagan and Jay
When Jay Consalvi went home from the hospital—at two days of age—his father took the infant flying for 20 minutes before going home. By the time he was five he wanted to fly, and by 11, he wanted to be a Navy fighter pilot—although he didn’t know what a fighter pilot does.
Meagan Varley wanted to fly Navy jets since the age of 12. “Top Gun” was the trigger of that aspiration. Her two sisters are confirmed pacifists—as am I. “It’s kind of extreme,” comments one of the sisters, “when your twin sister’s a fighter pilot.”
Varley and Consalvi were accepted into the Naval Academy. As of 2007, only one in a thousand Academy applicants are accepted. After graduation they were accepted into flight school—only one in a thousand applicants are accepted. Only 30 to 40 percent of those who enter flight school complete that training program. Of those who complete, only 15% get jets, and out of that 15% only 1% are accepted into fighter training. I did not find what percentage of fighter trainees complete their training.
Consalvi and Varley became carrier-based fighter pilots, and were deployed to Iraq.
In “Speed and Angels” director Peyton Wilson tells the stories of these two rare birds from the beginning of their fighter training through their deployment to Iraq. She had the cooperation of the Navy, and captured rare—for public consumption—video and audio footage of aerial combat training as well as the carrier landing practice of our two heroes.
Like so many other documentary features I’ve seen, I wanted much more of the story. I am grateful, though, for being able to see these two stories.
(The second “Top Gun” movie lands in 2019.)
I found "Speed and Angels" on Amazon Prime Video.
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1112756/ (This reference provides a website for the film, but I was not able to access it via Firefox or Chrome. For the record the URL is: http://www.speedandangels.com/ )
D. Schwartz March 11, 2018
A River Below: The Road to Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions
If I were teaching a graduate course in ethics I would have my class see "A River Below". The students would then be required to write a comprehensive examination of the ethics of the five principals: The director, the two ‘stars,’ an impoverished Amazonian river community immersed in a Brazilian environmental controversy, and the Amazon river dolphin.
In addition to habitat loss and inadvertent deaths from fishing, the Amazon river dolphin was being hunted and slaughtered by fishermen solely to be used as bait to attract a particular species of commercially viable fish.
Enter our two stars: Richard Rasmussen and Fernando Trujillo. They are passionate about nature in general, and, specifically about saving the river dolphin. Rasmussen is a television star who uses his media platform to promote the value of the natural world. He is as passionate about his own legend as he is about the world’s fauna. Trujillo is a biologist.
Frustrated at a lack of awareness of the ongoing slaughter, Rasmussen reasons the only way to generate public awareness of the slaughter is to have a visceral image of its demise on national television. His idea is realized. Governmental protections are put in place. Then all hell breaks loose—well, since the destruction of the Amazon’s watershed is already hell, let’s just say even more hell breaks loose. The utterly sincere Trujillo ends up having a body guard, and to wear a bullet-proof vest.
The producers of "A River Below" are well aware their film is not your father’s environmental documentary film. The making of the film becomes its own meta-story. If my hypothetical students did a good job on their ethical analyses, they would be exploring both the micro and macro ethics of the actions of our five principals. Only the dolphins would emerge free of any ethical concerns.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ARiverBelow/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARiverBelow
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6599588/
D. Schwartz March 8, 2018
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World
Written and directed by Catherine Bainbridge and Alfonso Maiorana, “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World” brings to light the significant impact of Indigenous Americans on rock and pop music—and since American music found its way around the world, this impact is global in nature.
The film features Robbie Robertson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Jimi Hendrix, Charley Patton, Mildred Bailey, Link Wray, Jesse Ed Davis, Redbone, Randy Castillo, and Black Eye Peas rapper Taboo. The artists acknowledge the presence of and, especially, the impact of their Native American genetic and cultural heritage on their music. The legendary Tony Bennett appears acknowledging the crucial impact Mildred Bailey had on his musical development. Miami Steve Van Zandt also appears in interview sharing his thoughts and experience of artists with Indigenous heritage.
“Rumble” is another one of those documentary films that could have been twice as long as its hour and 43 minutes run time. So much of the information is revelatory, I simply wanted to learn more, and to hear more of their musics. The film also serves as a reminder of the horrific treatment Native American’s received—and still receive—from the country's post-Columbian immigrants.
I am always gratified when the world agrees with me on something. In this case, when you go to the film’s homepage you will see how well “Rumble” was received in its festival run. Go to the film’s press page and see how well the film has been received globally.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RumbleTheFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RumbleFilm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxIoGtmwMWofFcZ3QdM8Bw/
Kino Lorber: https://www.kinolorber.com/film/rumble
D. Schwartz March 6, 2018
Atomic Homefront: The Poisoning of an American Community
There was a time when the poisoning of an American suburban community—like Love Canal—would receive so much national news coverage, that the US government would, eventually, be forced to take effective action. Those days are long gone.
With the consolidation of powers by the federal government and corporations, our national news media have been stifled. We are left with a few alternative news outlets—and documentary films. Given the massive proliferation of media outlets and content, it is nigh impossible to draw enough attention to a slow-rolling disaster to catalyze effective, large-scale action.
Like The Little Drummer Boy, I do what can.
Rebecca Cammisa’s “Atomic Homefront” opens with this information:
In 1942, the U.S. government choose St. Louis, Missouri as a processing center of uranium for the first atomic bombs. The radioactive waste from this processing was eventually dumped into a landfill near suburban communities of St. Louis. The waste was then moved to a two-part landfill in North St. Louis County called West Lake Landfill. An underground fire—called Subsurface Smoldering Event (SSE)—started on the Bridgeton side of this landfill. The West Lake side contains 47,000 tons of lethal, cancer-causing radioactive waste. Natural events such as rain, are shifting the waste; and if the SSE hits the waste, it will be a catastrophic event beyond the local community. Residents were not aware of the lethal radioactive waste until a stench wafted into their neighborhoods. Foul aromas infect the air, cancer rates are high.
Cammisa documents the suffering of this community, and the people’s attempts to have the waste fully removed and/or to be relocated. They confront a careless federal government. But, they are indomitable.
You can help.
The primary action website is Just Moms STL. Their two Facebook Pages are Just Moms STL Facebook and West Lake Landfill Facebook.
The film’s sites are:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtomicHomefront/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/atomichomefront
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomichomefront/
“Atomic Homefront” is an HBO documentary.
D. Schwartz February 27, 2018
Water & Power: A California Heist
It is February 19, 2018, and California is facing another drought year.
National Georgarphic, documentary god Alex Gibney, and director Marina Zenovich have produced an incendiary film about water in California. They tell the story about how the influence of private enterprise became nearly paramount in the development of the state’s water management.
"Water & Power" starts in Tulare County, a small town called East Porterville which has no drinkable water because there is not enough ground water or aquifers to supply it. The water has gone to agriculture. The story expands to Kern County, a company called Paramount Farms, and its owner, Stewart Resnick.
This story of private enterprise having so much influence in California’s water management policies—to the detriment of its people—is nefarious enough. Trumping that reprehensible ambition is the long-term business strategy of expanding food crop and tree agriculture to its maximum, not just for those profits, but for the long-term rights for access to the massive amount of water associated with the massive amount of land. Water as a commodity rather than a public resource, and the human rights to that resource.
The California story’s end provides cold comfort—structural changes to bring justice to the state’s water management are agreed upon and signed. But, they are not to be fully implemented for 20 years.
The film concludes with the following text:
“Over one million California residents are currently without access to clean, drinkable water. In less than ten years, two-thirds of the world’s population could be living under water-stressed conditions. 1.8 billion people could face absolute water scarcity.”
The film’s website provides several ‘extras’ to be viewed directly from its homepage.
"Water and Power" is distributed by Netflix and YouTube.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterPowerACaliforniaHeist/
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6290202/
D. Schwartz, February 19, 2018
Ukraine On Fire: The Geopolitical Football Tossed by Russia and the United States of America
The first 26 minutes of Igor Lopatonok’s “Ukraine On Fire” offers a brief history of Ukraine, nesting the country’s position as a flash point between East and West. The remainder of the film covers recent headline stories of strife and conflict which includes a bloody civil conflict in 2014, the annexing of Crimea from Ukraine to Russia, civil conflict in eastern Ukraine, and the rocket attack on Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.
The film’s narrator speaks over images of these conflicts. The violence is juxtaposed with interviews of key players conducted by executive producer Oliver Stone. Recently deceased Consortium News founder and editor Robert Parry has much to say about the US role in Ukraine.
The information provided by “Ukraine On Fire” moves at breakneck speed. Viewers are advised to keep a notebook available to note key players and events. Yours truly was overwhelmed by this rapid flow of information. I gleaned the essential struggle, though, between the United States and Russia. That point is burnished with references to the US/Russia Cold War in the latter half of the 20th century as well as information about the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists ‘Doomsday Clock’ which moves a symbolic hand closer toward or farther away from a ‘midnight’ that indicates global catastrophe. The film’s nuance-free final image is of a nuclear explosion. At the moment we’re 2.5 minutes away from ‘midnight.’
“Ukraine On Fire” opens with a title sequence featuring a nude dancing woman surrounded by strategically placed images of fire. She represents, of course, Ukraine—if not the world. As her dance continued I felt embarrassed for the filmmakers, knowing that many, if not most, people would consider the nude dancing fire woman both clichéd and gratuitous. The film was released in 2016, and some may forgive the filmmakers who could not know they were producing a tone deaf introduction to a deadly serious film about geopolitics.
“Ukraine On Fire” is available via Amazon, and iTunes. It is coming soon to, or has arrived at Vimeo, Xbox, Vudu, and Google Play.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UkraineOnFireDocumentary/
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5724358/
D. Schwartz February 15, 2018
Seeing Allred: The Life and, Especially, Times of Gloria Allred
Through either intention or serendipity, the February 9, 2018 release of Roberta Grossman’s and Sophie Sartain’s “Seeing Allred” is perfectly timed. The issue of women’s rights is reaching deeper into American culture, media; and higher into the halls of corporate and governmental power. The impact of attorney Gloria Allred’s lifetime of crusading for women’s rights has reached into those heights and depths.
The two filmmakers incorporate a brief outline of Allred’s biography, and focus on her accomplishments. In the film’s 90+ minutes we see and hear our heroine present at critical points in the nation’s cultural and political history. Allred’s highly public advocacy for sexual abuse victims and those who have been deprived of civil rights is complimented by her participation in women’s rights policy-making by legislative bodies, and in public protests.
The film includes interviews with Allred’s daughter, Lisa Bloom; her two partners at Allred, Maroko & Goldberg; and Gloria Steinem.
Via the film’s non-stop stream of media appearances, Allred is utterly fearless as she places herself into the white glowing white arc of controversy as her indomitable spirit addresses individuals, governments, and her stock-in-trade, media.
I was thoroughly captivated by Grossman’s and Sartain’s film from beginning to conclusion. The editor(s) deserve(s) major credit in producing this engrossing film. His, her, or their names, however, do not appear in the film’s IMDB record.
“Seeing Allred” is distributed by Netflix.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Seeing-Allred-Documentary-2018-136502137148621/
D. Schwartz February 12, 2018
Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold
Griffin Dunne’s biographical documentary about his aunt Joan is a bolt of lightning that pierces the heart, gut, and soul. That is how I felt at film’s conclusion as I sat stunned reflecting on the personal challenges and losses prolific writer Joan Didion faced with grace, dignity, and inspiration to write for us her experiences and learning.
In "Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold" Dunne interviews the living legend, and gathers those close to her to provide stories and perspectives on her character, work, and life.
The film’s primary foci are Didion’s writings and her family—husband John Gregory Dunne and daughter Quintana Roo Dunne. John died in 2003, and Quintana in 2005.
The film’s subtitle refers to Didion’s early life experiences. This was at a period of time when she felt “paralyzed by the conviction that writing was an irrelevant act, that the world as I had understood it no longer existed. It was the first time when I had dealt directly and flatly with the evidence of atomization—the proof that things fall apart. If I was to work again at all, it would be necessary for me to come to terms with disorder.”
I immediately thought of the concept of entropy—lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder. I also thought of the Hindu triumvirate of gods: Brahma, creation; Vishnu, preservation; and Shiva, destruction. Didion was addressing Shiva. Obviously, Joan Didion did deal directly with the fall into disorder as evidenced by her cornucopia of magazine articles, essays, books, produced film scripts, and her play, ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ based upon her book of the same name. The play was produced by Scott Rudin, directed by David Hare, and performed as a one-woman show by Venessa Redgrave.
Yet, we have the subtitle ‘the center will not hold.’ The meaning and implication of those words are up for conjecture. It seems that Didion’s center held throughout her life. Perhaps it is the world’s the title references.
“Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold” engages the viewer from its first moments to the credits. Kudos to Dunne, and, especially, editor Ann Collins.
The film is distributed by Netflix.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Joan-Didion-The-Center-Will-Not-Hold-Documentary-Film-2017-1662249177127927/
IMDB Reference: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7253506/
D. Schwartz February 10, 2018
Beyond Iconic: Photographer Dennis Stock
“Beyond Iconic” is Hanna Sawka’s introduction to the work and thought of Dennis Stock, a photographer who, by the way, opines that the word, ‘iconic,’ is overused.
Sawka provides an outline of Stock’s biography, and focuses on his work and teaching. We see Stock teaching various classes and speaking on-camera. Through it all he reflects on his work, life, and American culture.
Through a twist of fate, Stock became close friends with legendary actor James Dean. The two spent a considerable amount of time together providing the photographer with countless opportunities to shoot Dean. Sawka presents many of Stock’s photographs of Dean in a variety of contexts.
‘Zen’ is how I describe Stock’s approach to photography. That’s my fallback conclusion being that I was confounded as to how to summarize his approach. He shot in black-and-white for most of his career, and did not hesitate to disparage Photoshop when given the opportunity.
Stock is a co-founder of the photographers cooperative Magnum Photos, and, in addition to this film, you can find much of his work here. The relationship between Dean and Stock was covered in a narrative film entitled “Life” starring Robert Pattinson. One Magnum photographer expressed his opinion that the movie mischaracterizes their relationship as adversarial, that the two had a collegial friendship. Having seen "Beyond Iconic” I suspect that photographer’s opinion is accurate.
Stock was a jazz aficionado, and Sawka's inclusion of original jazz tunes by composers John Menegon and Teri Roiger provides a fitting backdrop to the photographer's work and world.
"Beyond Iconic” is distributed by Emphasis Entertainment Group.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondIconic/
IMDB Listing: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1708389/reference
D. Schwartz February 7, 2018
City of Ghosts: Either We Will Win, or They Will Kill All of Us
“City of Ghosts” covers a group of citizen journalists from the now-infamous Syrian town of Raqqa who cover the takeover of their region by ISIS aggressors. The dozen or so men call themselves Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS). Veteran filmmaker Matthew Heineman follows the group and their activities from the horrors of ISIS in their home town, to their attempted refuge in Turkey and Germany. The group’s founding father, Naji al Jerf, was assassinated in Gaziantep, Turkey. ISIS tortured and killed some Raqqa-based RBSS members and their close relatives.
Working from safe houses in Turkey, Germany, and within Raqqa, RBSS continued to provide images and stories to international media—despite ISIS’s efforts to completely isolate the people of Raqqa, people who also struggled against the oppression of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
At film’s beginning Heineman paints a picture of Raqqa as a joyful community seeking freedom, justice, and safety. At film’s conclusion Raqqa is the giant pile of rubble and debris that is now seen in moving and still images shared around the world.
The members of RBSS won the International Press Freedom Award in 2015, from the Committee to Protect Journalists, as well as The Civil Courage Prize from The Train Foundation. Their work continues.
Heineman won the 2017 Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentaries. As of this writing, the film is a leading contender for the Academy Award’s Best Documentary Feature.
“City of Ghosts” is distributed in the United States by Amazon Studios.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofGhosts/
