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 indigenous people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indigenous people. 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 'Origins'
'Origins' looks at the ways of our ancestors and what can we learn from their ancient wisdom for our life today. Living healthy, sustainable and in symbiosis with nature are values which are equally important today.
Most people are disconnected from nature and live unhealthy lifestyles. In contrast to that our ancestors and indigenous people of today have to become part of nature in order to survive. If we want to stop the destruction of the environment and our living habitat then there is a lot to learn from theses ancient wisdom when it is combined with useful modern technology.
'Origins' encourages us to question the modern way of life which is often unhealthy and unsustainable. Well worth a watch!
Most people are disconnected from nature and live unhealthy lifestyles. In contrast to that our ancestors and indigenous people of today have to become part of nature in order to survive. If we want to stop the destruction of the environment and our living habitat then there is a lot to learn from theses ancient wisdom when it is combined with useful modern technology.
'Origins' encourages us to question the modern way of life which is often unhealthy and unsustainable. Well worth a watch!
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 '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.
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 '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 'Brazil: The Amazon's Golden Curse'
The price of gold has reached record levels. As a result more illegal miners push deeper and deeper into the Amazon rainforest.
The minework does not only have an environmental impact causing deforestation and pollution but has a devastating impact on indigenous communities.
Their ancient traditions are washed away rapidly by the western influences the miners bring with them. Moreover it causes a serious increase in malaria and other diseases which before had only very little or no impact on the tribes.
Find out more and watch the film here...
Here you can read more about the impact of gold mining on the Amazon rainforest.
The minework does not only have an environmental impact causing deforestation and pollution but has a devastating impact on indigenous communities.
Their ancient traditions are washed away rapidly by the western influences the miners bring with them. Moreover it causes a serious increase in malaria and other diseases which before had only very little or no impact on the tribes.
Find out more and watch the film here...
Here you can read more about the impact of gold mining on the Amazon rainforest.
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 'Gross National Happiness in Bhutan'
Bhutan is a small country between China and India with a population of about 700.000 people. It is not only a special place of fascinating landscapes, wildlife and culture but perhaps even more so for its different political approach.
Since 1971 Bhutan has rejected GDP as the only way of measuring progress. Instead the primary aim is the wellbeing of the people, measured through formal principles of gross national happiness (GNH) and the spiritual, physical, social and environmental health of its citizens and natural environment.
As a result Bhutan is at the forefront of implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of living. It is the first country in the world to allow only organic crop cultivation.
The country is deeply embedded in Buddhist principles and culture, and despite being one of the poorest countries in the world it is also ranked as one of the happiest in the world - a challenging example as what we perceive as progress.
Since 1971 Bhutan has rejected GDP as the only way of measuring progress. Instead the primary aim is the wellbeing of the people, measured through formal principles of gross national happiness (GNH) and the spiritual, physical, social and environmental health of its citizens and natural environment.
As a result Bhutan is at the forefront of implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of living. It is the first country in the world to allow only organic crop cultivation.
The country is deeply embedded in Buddhist principles and culture, and despite being one of the poorest countries in the world it is also ranked as one of the happiest in the world - a challenging example as what we perceive as progress.
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 'The Battle for the Arctic'
As oil resources become increasingly scarce the reservoirs under the melting ice of the Arctic become a target for oil exploitation. The battle for resources has begun despite alarming risks of oil drilling in these sensitive environments.
Also with climate change and the ice melting new potential shipping routes open up which make the area even more commercially attractive.
The documentary explores not only environmental risks and the political background but gives a voice to local indigenous communities which are directly affected by the changes to their land.
You can watch the full film here.
Watch other episodes of 'Fault Lines' here.
Also with climate change and the ice melting new potential shipping routes open up which make the area even more commercially attractive.
The documentary explores not only environmental risks and the political background but gives a voice to local indigenous communities which are directly affected by the changes to their land.
You can watch the full film here.
Watch other episodes of 'Fault Lines' here.
Film tip 'Milking the Rhino'
Wildlife and nature conservation are important, but what is the impact on indigenous communities who live in these areas?
Conservation can mean relocation of tribes and compromising ancient traditions on the other hand it can be a sustainable source of income and benefit the wildlife. This is a crucial but ambivalent issue which raises questions of how indigenous people can be integrated in the progress rather than being excluded.
This is the first major documentary which explores the subject from the point of view of indigenous tribes. On the example of African conservation areas in Kenya and Namibia we learn about the pros and cons of nature conservation for local communities.
This excellent documentary gives a voice of to the varying opinions of indigenous people which are rarely heard and understand. Highly recommended. Watch the trailer here.
Visit the official website milkingtherhino.org here.
Conservation can mean relocation of tribes and compromising ancient traditions on the other hand it can be a sustainable source of income and benefit the wildlife. This is a crucial but ambivalent issue which raises questions of how indigenous people can be integrated in the progress rather than being excluded.
This is the first major documentary which explores the subject from the point of view of indigenous tribes. On the example of African conservation areas in Kenya and Namibia we learn about the pros and cons of nature conservation for local communities.
This excellent documentary gives a voice of to the varying opinions of indigenous people which are rarely heard and understand. Highly recommended. Watch the trailer here.
Visit the official website milkingtherhino.org 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 'Nomadak tx'
Two musicians from the Basque Country are on an extraordinary mission. Playing their traditional music on woodsticks they travel to different countries in the world to merge with other deep rooted traditional musicians.
They visit nomadic tribes in India, the Sami Country, Morocco and Mongolia. A festival of different cultures and musicians evolves as they travel through the vary different terrains.
This film is full of magical musical experiences and wonderful moments when people connect through their music.
Watch the trailer here.
You can watch the full film here.
Visit the official Nomadak tx website for more info on the project.
They visit nomadic tribes in India, the Sami Country, Morocco and Mongolia. A festival of different cultures and musicians evolves as they travel through the vary different terrains.
This film is full of magical musical experiences and wonderful moments when people connect through their music.
Watch the trailer here.
Nomadak tx Trailer from Luke Wassermann on Vimeo.
You can watch the full film here.
Visit the official Nomadak tx website for more info on the project.
Film tip 'Powaqqatsi'
Here we have a film triology which challenges the ordinary documentary to the very day. Powaqqatsi means 'Life in Transformation' in Hopi language and is considered a cult film.
The films are without any comment or narration and simply impresses with its stunning images, slow motion, time-lapse shots and brilliant music.
The viewer is taken on an trip of observation of humanity. Powaqqatsi focuses on the conflict between traditional ways of life and the new ways of life introduced with industrialisation.
The film is the second film of a trilogy. The first part Koyaanisqatsi (1982) means 'Life out of Balance. The triology is finished by Naqoyqatsi meaning 'Life as War' in 2002. The films take a close look at the relationship between human beings, nature and modern development. A strong, serious and at the same time beautiful experience.
You can watch the film here.
Powaqqatsi Life in Transformation 1/5 by nature-boy-79
Here we also give you links to the other parts Koyaanisqatsi and Naqoyqatsi. Enjoy!
The films are without any comment or narration and simply impresses with its stunning images, slow motion, time-lapse shots and brilliant music.
The viewer is taken on an trip of observation of humanity. Powaqqatsi focuses on the conflict between traditional ways of life and the new ways of life introduced with industrialisation.
The film is the second film of a trilogy. The first part Koyaanisqatsi (1982) means 'Life out of Balance. The triology is finished by Naqoyqatsi meaning 'Life as War' in 2002. The films take a close look at the relationship between human beings, nature and modern development. A strong, serious and at the same time beautiful experience.
You can watch the film here.
Powaqqatsi Life in Transformation 1/5 by nature-boy-79
Here we also give you links to the other parts Koyaanisqatsi and Naqoyqatsi. Enjoy!
Film tip 'Full Circle'
We are inviting you to have a look at life of women working and living in Pune in India. They are working in a recycling co-operative called SWaCH. This documentary uncovers their everyday lives and contribution to their children and state of environment - which after all effects us all.
The film was directed by Amit Kumar Thavaraj. Visit the website of Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat for more information.
Film tip 'The World is a Horse'
This time we take you for a journey to Nigeria. Annually there is a ceremony which glorifies beauty and elegance. Among men. The one who wins gets a high position as a crowned represenative of mythical Fulani family - a group of tribes where Wodaabe - nomads of Nigeria - belong.
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