Group items tagged

* Released 2004 * Running time: 85 minutes * The film places these children's stories in the broader context of the worldwide struggle against child labor. Stolen Childhoods provides an understanding of the causes of child labor, what it costs the global community, how it contributes to global insecurity and what it will take to eliminate it, available as a DVD http://store.galenfilms.com/un.html and, perhaps more useful, clips can be viewed on line, for example, this one about children working on an onion farm in Texas http://www.stolenchildhoods.org/mt/archives/videostories/texas_fields/inde x.php

* Released January 2008 * Running time: 60 minutes * Description: The entire 60 minute video of "On Our Watch," which addresses the humanitarian crisis in Darfur that has been labeled the first genocide of the 21st century, can be accessed at the following web site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/darfur/view/main.html This video examines the emerging crisis in Darfur beginning in 2003 and continues to examine the dynamics of this complex situation as a UN official presses the world to act, the United Nations makes numerous ineffective efforts to intervene, and flickers of hope emerge in 2007. This powerful and informative video is supported by web links to additional information about the crisis in Darfur. (DVD also available for $30 from web site at http://www.shoppbs.org/) * Rating: excellent ; used selected sections in class, related to conflict revolution

* Originally released November 2006 * Running time: 96 minutes * Description: Former Vice President Al Gore presents a compelling look at the state of global warming in the fascinating and startling documentary. Director Davis Guggenheim eloquently weaves the science of global warming with Al Gore's personal history and lifelong commitment to reversing the effects of global climate change in the most talked-about documentary of the year. An audience and critical favorite, An Inconvenient Truth makes the compelling case that global warming is real, man-made, and its effects will be cataclysmic if we don't act now. Gore presents a wide array of facts and information in a thoughtful and compelling way: often humorous, frequently emotional, always fascinating. In the end, An Inconvenient Truth accomplishes what all great films should: it leaves the viewer shaken, involved and inspired. Description from http://www.climatecrisis.net/aboutthedvd/ and from amazon.com, where it is available for $16 * Rating: excellent; used inside and outside class; directly related to climate change topic within "resource management" revolution

* DVD available April 2009 * Running time: 80 minutes * Description: Through the eyes of former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker, I.O.U.S.A. daringly examines the history and rapid growth of the U.S. national debt and the effects that it will have on U.S. citizens and the world. A thirty minute version of the movie can be seen online at http://www.iousathemovie.com/.

* Released February 2007 * Running time: 240 minutes * Description: China from the Inside is a series of four documentaries that survey China through Chinese eyes to see how history has shaped them and where the present is taking them. Episodes include Power and the People which deals with the governance of China, The Women which talks about the past and future for Chinese women, Shifting Nature, a look at China's environmental challenges, and Freedom, an exploration of China's conflict between personal freedom and governance. Produced in 2006 with 240 minutes on one DVD. Description from web site at http://www.shoppbs.org/ Video available for $30. * Rating: very good * Used outside class as optional learning activity; related to several revolutions

* Released: September 2008 * Running time: 103 minutes * A phone sales manager must travel to India to train operators and his own replacement.

* Released March 2007 * Running time: 110 minutes * Based on the 1993 novel by P.D. James, the movie is a cautionary tale of potential things to come. Set in the crisis-ravaged future of 2027, humanity has become infertile, immigration is a crime, refugees are caged like animals, and the world has been torn apart by nuclear fallout, rampant terrorism, and political rebellion.

* Released July 2002 * Running time: 360 minutes * Description: This three-part, six-hour documentary focuses on the history and impact of the new global economy, explaining macroeconomics and their current political and social importance without ever causing a loss of consciousness for the viewer. Segments include the history of economic thought, deregulation, and consequences of globalization. Interviews with several world leaders are featured.

* Released June, 2006 * Running time: 98 min * Description: Why We Fight features interviews and observations by experts on the military, including Senator John McCain, Gore Vidal, and Dan Rather. It begins with the prophetic speech by President Dwight D. Eisenhower's warning of the rise of the "military industrial complex." The film discusses the forces - political, economic, and ideological - that drive us to fight against an everchanging enemy? This film won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. Although it brings in experts from a number of different ideologies, the film does tend to have a left leaning viewpoint on the military and war. * Rating: Very good. * 7-Revolutions Section: Conflict

* Released April, 2008 * Running time: 92 min * Description: In this documentary several of the world's experts on climate change and sustainability are interviewed including: former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking, progressive CEO Ray Anderson, and scientist and activist David Suzuki. It contains wonderful video footage and a very high production value. It is hosted by Leonardo DiCaprio and it appears to be intended for a younger, college-age, audience. In this documentary they discuss both the science and philosophy of the future of our planet. It starts off a bit depressing, but ends with some practical ways for individuals to enact change. * Rating: Excellent: Students rated The 11th Hour as their favorite video of the semester. * 7-Revolutions Section: Resources, Population, Technology

* Filmed: February 2008 * Running Time: 4:03 * Description: This talk gives a short description about how Function MRI and neuroimaging techniques will soon enable us to control a greater part of our brain and could replace, in part, the need for psychotherapy and drugs for depression and pain. Has a good "future" feel to it. * Rating: Very Good (It's short so it good for showing during class) * 7-Revolutions: Technology

* Released 1998 * Running time: 106 minutes * In this science fiction film, being genetically engineered is an asset while those naturally born are considered flawed. It is part thriller, part futuristic drama and cautionary tale.

* Released 1999 * Running time: 60 minutes * Produced by Berkeley Media and available through their website http://www.berkeleymedia.com/ * Educational discounts are available; be sure to ask. A review quoted on their site says: "This film manages, miraculously, not to fall into the simplistic trap of equating population growth with abstract numbers that count up doom and disaster. Rather, it reminds us that this is the most human of all subjects, and its future depends above all on the human lives of young women, who live in many different circumstances in many parts of the earth. It depicts these young women, appropriately, as looking ahead to lives very different from those of their mothers -- lives at a global turning point toward lower birth rates and population stabilization." -- Donella Meadows, Prof. of Environmental Studies, Dartmouth Univ.

NOVA - Car of the Future: Engineering for the Environment * Released April, 2008 * Running time: 54 min * Description: This documentary is hosted by the radio hosts for NPR's program, Car Talk. The hosts Tom and Ray visit several manufacturers and entrepreneurs who are creating more efficient, eco-friendly cars, such as new versions of hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric cars. The hosts add some humor that makes the documentary more enjoyable for students, while discussing serious issues. * It can be viewed in six different parts at: PBS.org - specifically: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/car/program.html * Rating: Very good * 7-Revolutions Section: Technology

* Released June, 2004 * Running time: 120 minutes * Description: This documentary discusses how countries such as, Africa, India and Japan are facing different problems related to their current and changing population demographics. It provides a number of good graphics (population pyramids) and statistics, but also relates these issues to individual, very personal, stores. The film discusses birth control and women's rights in India, how HIV/AIDS in Africa has resulted in tragic cases that change the role of extended Draft 78 families, and how modernization has caused dramatically decreased fertility rates in Japan. * PBS.org has a great interactive site dealing with this issue: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/worldbalance/ * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Population

* Released April 2007 * Running time: Eleven 50 minute episodes * According to multiple reviews, this is THE best nature and wildlife series ever made. The film covers the world's different habitats in 50 minute pieces, including mountains, caves, and desserts, ending with a three-part discussion of sustainability and the current environmental threats that our world faces. This series is not to be missed by anyone interested in natural resources, the environment, sustainability, and the future of our planet.

* Released December 2008 * Running time: 84 minutes * Description: This is a powerful documentary of the current state of freshwater ownership, privatization and distribution around the world. The film discusses the conflict between "predatory" corporations and engaged citizens over water rights and usage. For example, it discusses how companies like Coke and Pepsi use of water in India and Nestles use of water in Michigan for bottled water. This film also documents water wars in Bolivia, privatization in Africa, and issues of pollution of freshwater around the world. It promotes lively and emotional discussion in class. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Resources, Technology, Economics, Conflict.