What makes us human? This is the question that was driving filmmaker Yann-Arthus Bertrand and his crew when they travelled to no less than 60 different countries around the globe.
The result is really amazing - a must-see for everyone!
Bertrand who brought us 'Home' to raise awarenesss about climate change again uses stunning areal footage to tell the story. But this time it's combined with some truly captivating interviews with women and men from around the world, exploring different human adventures and insights of the human experience.
This is the first part out of a series of three which are all available online to watch. Enjoy fellow human!
Showing posts with label human rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label human rights. Show all posts
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...
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 'The Internet Indians'
'The Internet Indians' is part of the documentary series by Al Jazeera called 'The Fight for Amazonia'. This interesting documentary tells an usual story where a small tribe near the border of Peru and Brazil is resisting illegal logging by the means of using the internet.
There is a lot at stake. Every year an area of 2 million hectares is destroyed in the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest is the largest in the world and home to most land species on the planet.
The Ashaninka tribe has giving up fighting the logging companies with bows and arrows and found that, since their villages have been connected to the internet, they can oppose much more effectively the ongoing destruction of the forests.
Watch the full film here...
There is a lot at stake. Every year an area of 2 million hectares is destroyed in the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest is the largest in the world and home to most land species on the planet.
The Ashaninka tribe has giving up fighting the logging companies with bows and arrows and found that, since their villages have been connected to the internet, they can oppose much more effectively the ongoing destruction of the forests.
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.
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 'Years of Living Dangerously'
This is the first part of a documentary series about human stories connected to climate change. The well produced film features celebrities such as Don Cheadle and Harrison Ford.
We learn about droughts in Texas USA and how believe systems can be challenged by science about climate change. Another trip takes us to the depth of the Indonesian rainforests where even national parks are not safe from incredibly fast and ruthless deforestation for palm oil. And journalist Thomas L. Friedman tries to find out how climate change has provoked the revolution in Syria.
And interesting watch, addressing some important issues around climate change from an unusual perspective.
We learn about droughts in Texas USA and how believe systems can be challenged by science about climate change. Another trip takes us to the depth of the Indonesian rainforests where even national parks are not safe from incredibly fast and ruthless deforestation for palm oil. And journalist Thomas L. Friedman tries to find out how climate change has provoked the revolution in Syria.
And interesting watch, addressing some important issues around climate change from an unusual perspective.
Film tip 'Elsipogtog: The Fire Over Water'
Fracking in the US has become a big issue since the controversial method of extracting shale gas and oil from underground is widespread.
But a native American community in New Brunswick in Canada don't want their rivers to be polluted by environmentally damaging drilling practices. Clashes with the police and peaceful protest, the people are determined to protect their land and livelihoods.
The documentary tries to give an objective account by including voices - both for and against fracking. The film is not only about the environmental impact of fracking but even more so about the mistreatment of a marginalised native culture.
But a native American community in New Brunswick in Canada don't want their rivers to be polluted by environmentally damaging drilling practices. Clashes with the police and peaceful protest, the people are determined to protect their land and livelihoods.
The documentary tries to give an objective account by including voices - both for and against fracking. The film is not only about the environmental impact of fracking but even more so about the mistreatment of a marginalised native culture.
Film tip 'The Dark Side of Chocolate'
This engaging documentary explores what is behind the sweet taste of chocolate. As the film crew travels to African countries such as Mali and Ivory Coast it becomes apparent that child trafficking, child labour and even slavery is all to common on cocoa plantations.
As Ghana and Ivory Coast alone supply 75% of the world's cocoa market the scale of the problem is hard to ignore. But while the problem seems obvious and is supported by evidence, large corporations like Nestle continue to make huge profits without making efforts to tackle the issue.
You can watch the whole film here...
Read more about the issue here. Find out more about child slavery on cocoa plantations here.
As Ghana and Ivory Coast alone supply 75% of the world's cocoa market the scale of the problem is hard to ignore. But while the problem seems obvious and is supported by evidence, large corporations like Nestle continue to make huge profits without making efforts to tackle the issue.
You can watch the whole film here...
Read more about the issue here. Find out more about child slavery on cocoa plantations here.
Film tip 'To The Last Drop'
This is an excellent documentary about the devastating environmental and health impacts of tar sand developments in Canada.
The people of the small town Fort Chipewyan in Alberta struggle with very unusually high cancer rates. The tar sand exploitation areas are incredibly vast - already larger than Greece - many more future developments are planned. But the river and air is being polluted to a large extend causing significant health risks to nature, animals and humans alike.
Despite the fact that the First Nation people of the Cree have native land rights in the region they face the powerful and rich oil industry as their opponent who is determined to deny health risks claims and expand their production.
Watch the whole film in two parts here...
The Tar Sands Solutions Network is one of many websites where you can learn more about tar sand projects and get involved to take action.
The people of the small town Fort Chipewyan in Alberta struggle with very unusually high cancer rates. The tar sand exploitation areas are incredibly vast - already larger than Greece - many more future developments are planned. But the river and air is being polluted to a large extend causing significant health risks to nature, animals and humans alike.
Despite the fact that the First Nation people of the Cree have native land rights in the region they face the powerful and rich oil industry as their opponent who is determined to deny health risks claims and expand their production.
Watch the whole film in two parts here...
The Tar Sands Solutions Network is one of many websites where you can learn more about tar sand projects and get involved to take action.
Film tip 'Canned Dreams'
Fancy some ravioli? Even if not, you should watch this amazing documentary which shows how the ingredients for this cheap canned food are sourced.
From metal in Brazil to beef in Poland or tomatoes in Portugal, this film travels all through Europe and beyond to track down the people who are involved in the production.
We not only witness some shocking production processes but also learn about the people and their dreams. A very intimate insight into their lifes makes this a unique experience which extends our views on what and who is behind our every day food.
From metal in Brazil to beef in Poland or tomatoes in Portugal, this film travels all through Europe and beyond to track down the people who are involved in the production.
We not only witness some shocking production processes but also learn about the people and their dreams. A very intimate insight into their lifes makes this a unique experience which extends our views on what and who is behind our every day food.
Film tip 'Damocracy'
Despite its controversy more megadams are still being built around the world and sold as being green. In reality most projects are harmful to the environment, contributing to climate change and threatening wildlife and indigenous communities.
This documentary explores the controversial subject on the examples of megadam projects in Brazil and Turkey.
Watch the film here...
This documentary explores the controversial subject on the examples of megadam projects in Brazil and Turkey.
Watch the film here...
Film tip 'Waste Land'
Waste Land is an inspiring documentary by artist Vik Muniz about an amazing art project featuring the people in the world's largest waste dump on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
The artist works closely with the characters in the film as they recreate photographic images of themselves out of garbage. A revealing journey begins which is not only concerned with environmental issues but even more so with the people themselves and their human spirit and dignity.
You can watch the trailer here...
Here you can visit the official website at www.wastelandmovie.com
The artist works closely with the characters in the film as they recreate photographic images of themselves out of garbage. A revealing journey begins which is not only concerned with environmental issues but even more so with the people themselves and their human spirit and dignity.
You can watch the trailer here...
Here you can visit the official website at www.wastelandmovie.com
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.
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 'Seeds of Freedom'
This 30 minute documentary presents the history of seeds as a part of community life all over the world. From being a basis of our agriculture, some species of seeds became a part of ruthless business, game of control and domination by corporations involved in genetic modifications of plants.
Watch the film here...
Find out more about the film on the official website of Seeds of Freedom.
Film tip 'The Crying Forest'
The Crying Forest is the touching story of Amazon rainforest activist Ze Claudio Ribeiro da Silva and his wife Maria. In their fight to protect the forests they paid the ultimate price.
An insightful and emotional story which sheds a light on how difficult it is for locals to resist the ongoing destruction of ancient forests for logging and cattle ranches. Since 1996 an average of 12 activists a year have been murdered.
Watch the full film here.
An insightful and emotional story which sheds a light on how difficult it is for locals to resist the ongoing destruction of ancient forests for logging and cattle ranches. Since 1996 an average of 12 activists a year have been murdered.
Watch the full film here.
Film Tip 'Panama: Village of the damned'
Another strong case study, this time about the impact of megadams on indigenous communities in Panama.
Panama has the fastest growing econmomy in South America and has currently more than 50 dam projects on the drawing board.
By law the government has to consult local communities before giving the green light to projects which litereally washes away their villages. However this never happened and any protest is forcefuly oppressed.
The hydro-energy projects affect not only countless of communities but also endangered species and wildlife.
Watch the full film here...
You can sign a petition to help protect the Ngobe Rainforest here at the Rainforest Rescue website.
Panama has the fastest growing econmomy in South America and has currently more than 50 dam projects on the drawing board.
By law the government has to consult local communities before giving the green light to projects which litereally washes away their villages. However this never happened and any protest is forcefuly oppressed.
The hydro-energy projects affect not only countless of communities but also endangered species and wildlife.
Watch the full film here...
You can sign a petition to help protect the Ngobe Rainforest here at the Rainforest Rescue website.
Film Tip 'Bolivia: Fighting the Climate Wars'
This short documentary is a telling case study about the affects of climate change in a South American country.
We get to know more about the situation in Bolivia, encountering problems of farmers to grow crops and landslides destroying villages.
This is one of the films produced by The Guardian who cover social and environmental subjects around the world. Watch the full film here...
We get to know more about the situation in Bolivia, encountering problems of farmers to grow crops and landslides destroying villages.
This is one of the films produced by The Guardian who cover social and environmental subjects around the world. Watch the full film here...
Film tip 'The Canary Effect'
The 'Canary Effect' is an in depth investigation into US policies and the devastating effect it has on the Native American population.
This well made documentary effectively connects historic accounts with the present situation. The film fulfills an important educational role by sheding light on the realities of a neglected minorty of US society.
The film deals with a widely under-reported subject and well deserved to win the Stanley Kubrick Award in 2006.
Watch the full film here...
Read more about the history of Native Americans here on Wikipedia.
This well made documentary effectively connects historic accounts with the present situation. The film fulfills an important educational role by sheding light on the realities of a neglected minorty of US society.
The film deals with a widely under-reported subject and well deserved to win the Stanley Kubrick Award in 2006.
Watch the full film here...
Read more about the history of Native Americans here on Wikipedia.
Film tip 'A World Without Water'
Water shortages are widely predicted for the future. But even today one in eight people in the world do not have access to safe water.
This documentary is about the privatisation of water and the impact it has on the people. We get an insight into personal tragedies caused by water shortages around the world.
Watch the whole film here...
This documentary is about the privatisation of water and the impact it has on the people. We get an insight into personal tragedies caused by water shortages around the world.
Watch the whole film here...
Film tip ' Sustainability Lie'
As oil prices are soaring biofuels are praised as the new environmentally friendly option. But what's behind the green image?
Indonesia is the world's hot spot for palm oil production which is then used to make biofuel. Every day rainforest is burned down or clear cut to make place for massive palm oil plantages. Also many indigenous people are forced to leave their ancient homelands. As a result Indonesia has the highest deforastation rate worldwide.
But despite the devastating impact on the environment, palm oil production is officially labeled as being 'sustainable'.
Inge Altmeier, the director of the German film company 'Global Film', produced a 12 minute documentary exploring the reality of palm oil production in precious terrains of Indonesia.
We also recommend to have a look at the website of the German organisation Rainforest Rescue. Their online petitions are an easy and effective way to take action for the world's forests.
'Sustainability Lie' the movie
Indonesia is the world's hot spot for palm oil production which is then used to make biofuel. Every day rainforest is burned down or clear cut to make place for massive palm oil plantages. Also many indigenous people are forced to leave their ancient homelands. As a result Indonesia has the highest deforastation rate worldwide.
But despite the devastating impact on the environment, palm oil production is officially labeled as being 'sustainable'.
Inge Altmeier, the director of the German film company 'Global Film', produced a 12 minute documentary exploring the reality of palm oil production in precious terrains of Indonesia.
We also recommend to have a look at the website of the German organisation Rainforest Rescue. Their online petitions are an easy and effective way to take action for the world's forests.
'Sustainability Lie' the movie
Film tip 'Power of Community: How Cuba survived peak oil'
When an economy based on oil and import of food products to Cuba collapsed dramatically people of this country decided to take lives in their own hands and sustain themselves.
For us this documentary transfers a very important message - local solutions are not a only a hope for the global situation but a very practical way to reverse upside down financial systems.
For us this documentary transfers a very important message - local solutions are not a only a hope for the global situation but a very practical way to reverse upside down financial systems.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)