Film tip 'Land Rush'

This documentary of the excellent 'Why Poverty?' series addresses the serious issue of land grabs in Mali.

So called land grabs are a great international human rights concern which affects many people on the planet, especially in Africa. Big corporations are buying huge plots of land for agricultural developments. The problem is that local farmers are loosing their land and become depended on foreign corporations for work to feed their families.

Land grabs are of one the biggest drivers of poverty and dependency for small-scale farmers in Africa today. For more information about land grabs check the website of Oxfam.

You can watch the full film here...

Film tip 'Earthrise'

Earthrise is a series of short documentaries by Al Jazeera which explores positive solutions to the environmental challenges of today.

While most other environmental films would highlight what goes wrong in the world, these films attempt the opposite by looking at innovative ecological, technical, social or design solutions which help to save the environment. From revolutionary recycling products, farming without pesticides or collecting waste oil, Earthrise looks at the positive achievements which are often overlooked. Many examples not only benefit nature but also also the local population.

Here you can watch one of the short films which looks at the issue of mountain top removal where hilltops are blown up with dynamite in order to extract oil. What is left is a wasteland. But a project in the US shows how these barren areas can be re-transformed into greening forests.

For plenty more positive examples of green initiatives and developments visit the Earthrise website.

 

Film tip 'Future of Food - Part 1: India'

This is the first part of a very informative series by the BBC about issues related to food. Traveling not only to India but Mexico, Cuba and Ethiopia the first episode of the series gives a very good overview about food related problems at present and in future.

The documentary looks at the environmental impact of food production, the water shortages it causes, oil consumption as well as health issues. Britain imports about 40% of its food from abroad which means that our choice in the supermarket has global consequences. Waste of food, unhealthy eating choices and overconsumption are other factors which contribute to that.

A well recommended watch...


Here you can watch Part 2: Senegal and here Part 3: Cuba.

Film tip 'Blood in the Mobile'

This is an extraordinary and brave piece of filmmaking which traces back the impact of our much loved mobile phones.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the main exporter of minerals used in mobile phones. But the Congo is a place of fierce conflict and civil war where more than 5 million people died in the last 15 years.

Despite the risks, the film crew manages to get inside one of the many mines where people work under appalling, slave-like conditions. The film is like an oddysey trying to get big player Nokia to take action to tackle the issue.

It is a stunning and exciting documentary which should not be missed, but also a stark reminder of our power and responsibility as a consumer.

Watch the trailer here...

 

Here you can watch the full documentary.

Don't forget to visit the official website www.bloodinthemobile.org where you can find more info, buy the DVD or take action yourself.

Film tip 'Black Gold'

What coffee do you like the most? Espresso, latte, macchiato with cinnamon on top?
But what is the real price of it, and who profitates the most from coffee trade?

Going deeper into world's coffee trade reveals shocking facts and necessity for fair trade as a global solution.




Watch the whole film here

It is also possible to download this film from official website and find out more.
Check it out here

Film Tip 'Story of Stuff'

A short film explaining the process of production and later disposal, usage of natural resources and why our global economy is in such imbalance. Great stuff! The story of Stuff, highly recommended.
Film available with subtitles in various languages.


See full film here:
Story Of Stuff


Know more about group behind the film and see their other films:
Free Range Studios


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