Tag: environment

Award Season :: Cherry Blossoms

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Did you see the Oscars this last Sunday?  I haven’t been this excited about the ceremonies in a long time- I actually saw most of the films this year.  I was thrilled to see “Searching for Sugar Man” won this year’s feature documentary category, although any of the nominated films deserved to win.  I’m always torn between the selected films.  Congratulations to all!

Now for my final post for February and with the theme off “Award Season”:

Dir. Lucy Walker

Another film that you have probably heard about as it has screened all over the world in the last year.  The Tsunami and the Cherry blossom brought a tear to my eye when I saw it a year ago.  It reminded me of how fortunate I am to have never had to endure a natural disaster or had to watch loved ones being swept away, completely helpless.  I hope I never have to.  It also reminded me that there is always hope and regeneration, even after complete devastation.  Nature endures.  I thought this was a beautiful tribute the strength of the Japanese people… to anyone who has survived a disaster.

Award Season :: Freedom of Speech

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Dir. Fredrik Gertten

Did you ever see the documentary BANANAS!* ?  If you haven’t, its not too surprising- especially if you’re living in US.  Swedish director Fredrik Gertten made a film about the treatment of workers on Dole Food Company banana plantations in Central America.  Right before the film’s release at the Los Angeles film festival, Dole threatenend a lawsuit against Gertten for slander if he did not cease and desist the showing of his film.  BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS!* documents the personal and company experience through the legal ordeal for Gertten to show his film. Although not viewable depending on your location, this film is an important reminder of how vulnerable filmmakers can be and questions how free are we to speak our mind.

Fresh Start :: Rushing water

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[vimeo https://vimeo.com/34169308 h=360&w=640]

by Andy Maser

This video is special to me for a several reasons:

  1. Dam removal is restoring the ecology and culture to Washington state- my home state.
  2. It reminds me of summer adventures in Rainier National Park and motivates me to head outside more.
  3. Last year I was part of a video project that delved into something related to this topic.  Someday I will share more about the project.
  4. I’m a huge fan of water sports- swimming, sailing, rowing, kyaking etc.  Ironically enough this video features river rapids, which I’m not a fan of, but I blame that on getting trapped under a raft during a rafting accident a couple of years ago.  River rapids aside, I love rivers for their beauty, for giving us life and their ability to take us back to nature.

This film is a new start for rivers in Washington state, for the salmon and demonstrates how we’re looking back on our actions and attempting to restore something that we originally ruined.

Chasing Ice

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Check out the movie website and find where it’s screening near you at http://www.chasingice.com/

I don’t think there was anything I didn’t like about this film (yes, I saw the film in its entirety at the Sheffield Doc Fest last June)- except for the grave condition that our climate is in.  Even if you aren’t interested in environmental documentaries, the cinematography is gorgeous and the story of how the team put their well-being at stake to capture these images is inspiring.  I won’t say any more in case I spoil it for those of you who haven’t seen it.  But I leave this question to you: What lengths would you go to to tell the world of something that you are passionate about?