| Located in America's Pacific Northwest is one of nature's most rare ecosystems, the temperate rainforest, a place where over 140 inches of rain falls each year. This timely documentary provides an illuminating portrait of this quickly vanishing treasure, which offers important opportunities to protect biodiversity and slow climate change. Retaining nearly 13% of its old-growth Douglas fir forests, the temperate rainforest is one of the most efficient storehouses of carbon; also it provides critical breeding and feeding habitat to a range of species. Produced by Forte Films, Inc. 08DR IJSCA 30 min. |
| America's only national, tropical rainforest is located in Puerto Rico and represents one of the most complex ecological systems on earth. Here we are introduced to the El Yunque National Forest, which is home to over 250 species of plants, and is named for the island's most well known mountain; it is maintained by the US Forest Service and has well maintained hiking trails, where you will see a wide variety of trees, plants and waterfalls; also, if you listen carefully, you will hear the sounds of the coqui, a tiny tree frog which is indigenous to Puerto Rico. Produced by Chip Taylor. 08DR/CL IJSCA 15 min. Also available in Spanish. |
| Deforestation is a serious problem in temperate forests, such as those found in Washington state's Olympic Peninsula. Clear-cutting of old-growth evergreens can destroy the continuity of the forests, which are vital not only for their role in maintaining biological diversity, but also because of their role in taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. This program underscores the importance of sound environmental policy decision-making. Produced by Forte Films, Inc. 07DR IJSCA 30 min. |
| Ten students from across North America set off on an expedition of a lifetime, camping, not on land, but on the frozen ice of the Arctic Ocean. Their goal is to experience one of our planet's best-kept secrets and to learn how people can live in harmony with the natural world. We witness how they foster a new understanding and respect for the planet and for each other. In this way, viewers will not only be left with the excitement of the journey, but with insight on how the members of the group gain fresh perspectives, connect with the natural world, and increase their awareness of the earth as a global ecosystem. After their initial meeting, when the trekkers arrive at the Arctic and discover how cold it can be, they navigate the cracks in the ice as they blaze a trail across the frozen ocean; at the ice flow edge, they remain on polar bear alert; during a storm they see some unexpected wildlife; they experience a traditional seal hunt; study climate change in North America and the impact of global warming; then as the ice beneath them begins to melt, the travelers face a dangerous journey home, where they share their final thoughts on their adventure. Produced by TV Ontario. 2008 IJSCA 60 min. |
| The Arctic is warming up twice as fast as the rest of the planet; its frozen world is one of the last refuges of the unknown land on Earth and the Arctic, as we know it, is, literally, disappearing. Under the threat of global warming, this vast expanse of water and ice, and its inhabitants, are facing unprecedented upheavals. This timely documentary, the first of two on climate change, follows the year-round trip of the CCGS Amundsen, a Canadian research ice-breaker, on an unparalleled scientific mission - the most important it has ever carried out - where some 40 scientists from a dozen countries study the area's fragile ecosystem; here they travel on an Arctic odyssey, endeavoring to better understand the future of the world around us. Produced by Anémone Chroma Inc. 2007 JSCA 45 min. |
| The reality of climate change is now beyond any doubt. The most dramatic upheavals are occurring in the Earth's northern polar regions, where communities there are facing unprecedented changes. This timely documentary, the second of two on climate change, goes beyond the issue of global warming, exploring many of the development situations, which are already occurring in the Canadian Arctic, making it a key region of the globe. The question raised is, will this frozen land become the New World of the 21st century? Produced by Anémone Chroma Inc. 2007 JSCA 52 min. |
| Narrated by John Huston, this classic documentary takes us to Heron Cove, Washington, to explore the ecology of the land between oceans and fresh waters - the estuary. Estuaries are a dramatic part of the environment, and no other wetland has such diversity of life. Here we see trumpeter swans, which are the world's largest waterfowl; also we visit Puget Sound, an estuary that consists of four interconnected basins; here salt water from the ocean is mixed with fresh water draining from the surrounding watershed. Produced by Heron Cove Productions. 08DR/CL IJSCA 60 min. |
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"Recommended. Offers hands-on suggestions for students to
help the environment." -Science Books & Films The subject of this how-to program is the planning of ecologically sound landscaping projects, such as tree and flowerbed plantings, and the development of a nature trail for a high school property. Here we see important planting techniques and project that everyone can do; also we are introduced to a Conservation Ecology Club. Produced by AVIO Video Productions. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
| Narrated by Lorne Greene (Bonanza), this classic documentary presents the biography of Aldo Leopold (1887-1948), a renowned scientist, educator, philosopher, scholar and writer, who has been called the "father of wildlife ecology," as well as the "father of wildlife management"; the thoughts and reflections of this important naturalist have guided millions to discover what it means to live in harmony, not only with the land, but also with each other. Born in Burlington, Iowa, Leopold learned as a boy from his father how to look for and appreciate the many mysteries of nature. After graduating from Yale with a degree in Forestry, he joined the U.S. Forest Service as a ranger and supervisor in New Mexico and in 1924 succeeded in having the Gila National Forest designated as the first extensive wilderness area in the U.S. In 1933 he accepted a position to teach game management at the University of Wisconsin. In 1935 he moved his family into a run-down cabin, known as "The Shack," and for years they planted trees in the area to help restore the land; also that year he and 7 other conservationists started The Wilderness Society, which continues today as an advocate to restore America's wilderness areas. All of these experiences led Leopold to write down his observations and thoughts about this new concept known as "land ethic," and although he died one year before his famous book, A Sand County Almanac, was published, his ideas about nature and the environment continue today as his lasting legacy. Produced by Ron Meyer. 08DR/CL JSCA 30 min. |
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"If the eco of ecology has literary cornerstones, they
are Thoreau's 'Walden,' Marsh's 'Man and Nature,' Carson's 'Silent Spring,'
and Leopold's 'A Sand County Almanac.'"-Sierra Club Magazine "The power of 'A Sand County Almanac' is that it helps us see in so many ways that the land is an organism, a circulating system, of which we are but a part. If and when we tinker, we must exercise ultimate care." -Woodnotes Published the year after Aldo Leopold died, A Sand County Almanac, a literary landmark in conservation, which blends poetic prose with keen observations of the natural world, was the naturalist's most influential work. Having been translated into nine languages, it has sold millions of copies worldwide and is considered to be a cornerstone for modern conservation science, policy, and ethics. This classic program, narrated by Lorne Greene (Bonanza), is based on the ecologist's famous book and includes his personal collection of beautiful nature sketches and philosophical essays on ecology and ethics. Produced by Ron Meyer. 08DR/CL JSCA 30 min. Associated Book: A Sand County Almanac |
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"Silver Plaque Award" -Chicago
IFF "Highly Recommended. Shows the real conflicts that can arise regarding the logging issue." -Video Librarian This candid documentary takes us to the Tsitka Valley of British Columbia, Canada, where we see protesters attempting to block the logging of a pre-approved site; also efforts of some protesters often translates into hardships for the loggers' families. Unfortunately, for the loggers, the efforts of some protesters often translates into loss of jobs and economic hardships for the loggers' families; also this program is an excellent example of how fringe environmentalists can hurt the efforts of activists attempting to help find positive answers. Produced by Claudia Ferris. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
| Sewage. Not your most popular topic, but certainly an important one; especially since it's created every day, not just by individuals in homes and apartments, but also by institutions, hospitals and commercial and industrial establishments. Fortunately, sewage treatment, or domestic wastewater treatment, is a modern-age triumph of technology, and people can take heart that a marriage between nature and modern sewage treatment technology has taken place. In this informative program we learn of the stages involved in sewage treatment, as well as the physical, chemical and biological processes required for removing contaminants from wastewater. Produced by Eric Stavney. 08DR JSCA 20 min. |
| A classic program ahead of its time, the information in this documentary confirms what most transportation professionals today agree on, that we cannot simply build our way out of urban congestion problems. Here we see highlights of innovative transportation systems, as well as interviews with national experts. Its goal is to raise awareness of the lack of public transportation and to encourage serious planning for the future. Overall we learn that intelligent transportation systems provide the technology to enable people to make choices for travel, which will be better for our overall environment. Produced by Transportation 2000. 09DR/CL JSCA 30 min. |
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CINE Golden Eagle
Award John Forsythe narrates this classic program that reflects on man's responsibility to wildlife as a question of duty. Presented with a classical music track complementing poetry of Walt Whitman and William Cullen Bryant. Produced by Master's Mark, Inc. 09DR/CL IJSCA 30 min. |
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"Recommended. This documentary examines the health and
disease issues arising in human populations from the current deforestation
of the Amazon. According to estimates, almost 30% of the Amazon rain forest
will have disappeared by 2010. As a result, there are many mysterious
viruses and incurable diseases occurring among the human inhabitants. The
indigenous peoples believe that this is the forest taking revenge." -
EMRO Review The wave of destruction in the Amazon has increased dramatically over the past 30 years; this compelling documentary looks at a curious and troubling side affect from this serious situation. From the 16th century to 1970, only 1% of the total Amazonian forest was felled, since then 14% of the rainforest has been cut down, and that percentage continues to increase; every eight seconds an area equivalent to a football field is chopped down, set on fire, and turned into pasture or agricultural land. Now mysterious viruses and incurable diseases are killing people at an alarming rate. The indigenous Indio people who live in the forest believe the Amazon is getting its revenge; also medical staffers in the region are beginning to think there may be some truth in the native people's thinking. Produced by TSI, Inc. 08DR JSCA 25 min. |
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Gold Award -Houston Intl. Film
Festival A unique visual exploration of our planet earth, this eye-opening, Spielberg-like program puts audiences of all ages in a position to experience earth through the eyes of a "visitor" from another world. Just imagine seeing the earth with all its natural beauty for the first time; but, too, imagine seeing its problems. The expert camerawork and editing, along with the originally composed soundtrack, perfectly combine to make a production that works as a narrated or non-narrated piece. Either way, the point of the program is perfectly clear: humans have an environmental responsibility for our planet, for ourselves and for future generations - let's get on with the business of saving the Earth! Produced by Robert Marien. Also available in Spanish or Non-narrated. 08DR IJSCA 30 min. Also available in Spanish. |
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"Recommended. An ahead-of-its-time program whose time has
arrived." -Science Books & Films Electric cars will be an important part of the 21st century. Global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain - all are attributable to the automobile. It is obvious the time has come to find alternative ways to preserve our planet. Solar electric cars are one possible answer, but are they for real and can they really work? This classic program reminds us how ahead-of-their-time people had visionary ideas about cars, and we see that these vehicles are for real and how progress has been made in developing them. We meet well-intended novices who experiment with solar energy and electric cars; also we witness a "Tour de Sol," an excellent example of how everyday people can get first-hand experience with engineering design. Produced by Nashville Video Productions. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min. |
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Featured Screening Award -NAAEE
Festival The world needs to use coal and many mineral ores; however, when strip mining occurs, this form of surface mining can destroy the local environment and conflicts arise. This classic program documents a conflict between the people of a small Colorado mining town and an international corporation, which was intent upon mining the molybdenum in the mountains overlooking the town. Today, thanks to programs such as this that raised awareness, the U.S. Government demands that mining companies reclaim the land where mining is done. Produced by Robert Godfrey. 08DR/CL JSCA 30 min. |
| This poetic short offers two lasting objectives: to inspire viewers to look for the magic and mystery of the forest, and to explore the nature and feeling of the forest as a living organism. Produced by Eric Stavney. 08DR/CL IJSCA 10 min. |
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Best of Show -NAAEE F&V
Festival Sacile Prize -Ambiente-Incontri IFF Conservation Award -Int'l. Wildlife FF This multi-award winning documentary brings us to the Tram Chim Nature Reserve, which is in the Plain of Reeds, located in the Mekong River Delta of southern Vietnam's Dong Thap Province. Prior to the devastation, which occurred during the French-Vietnam and American-Vietnam Wars, as well as agricultural abuse after the wars, this wetlands area supported humans and wildlife for hundreds of years. Today, we see a major conservation project that is succeeding because of the commitment of local residents, politicians, and scientists, who are coming together to agree on management plans. Produced by Worthwhile Films. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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Gold Apple Award -NEMN
Festival "Recommended. This program is uncommonly good. Gale Ciardi is a self-described "jack of all trades" whose work renders her part scientist, part enforcement officer and part firefighter. She is a fourth generation protector of watersheds who loves her job despite many unfortunate encounters with sexism." -EMRO Review "Recommended. A strong, lush and forceful documentary." -Akira Lippit, Univ. of CA/Irvine The importance of clean, safe to drink, water is necessary for all living things, thus one of the most valued environmental resources for humans is our watersheds. So who's watching our watersheds? Fortunately, there are trained watershed keepers dedicated to that task. This documentary chronicles a typical day of work for Gayle Ciardi, the first woman watershed keeper for the San Francisco Water Department. More than a profile of her vocation, this program strives to inspire people to learn more about watersheds, restoration, and water resource management, which are so vital to our overall well being. Produced by Sandra Lee Sheffield. 08DR JSCA 15 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. This program's clear explanations,
illustrated by live-action shots and diagrams where necessary, allow even
the novice to grasp the elements of the process of wetland creation; it is
certainly suitable for anyone interested in preserving and developing the
wetlands in their jurisdiction." -VRG Review This timely program introduces viewers to a wetlands area and underscores the importance of wetlands to our communities, as well as the imminent danger of disappearing altogether if controls in development are not in place. Here we see that wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or where water is present either at or near the surface of the soil either all year long or during various times of the year. It is the quantity of water and the timing of the water's presence, which in part determine the functions of a wetlands as well as its role in the environment. Wetlands we see often provide critical habitat for wildlife, especially for breeding purposes. Produced by AVIO Video Productions. 08DR IJSCA 15 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. An outstanding program that
underscores the importance of the world's trees." -SECA Review Nobody wants to give up paper or the thousands of other products made from trees, and nobody wants to see the forests disappear. This important documentary, vividly illustrates the problems we face as we try to reconcile our dependence on forest products and the jobs they create with our concern for natural resources. We are introduced to two groups with common sense approaches to improving the environment, Project Learning Tree and Wildlife Action. Overall, we discover the challenge is to make decisions in our daily lives that ensure our forests remain a renewable natural resource and a place of beauty for all to enjoy. Produced by Lauren Stone. 08DR IJSCA 30 min. |
| Taking a walk in the woods is more than good exercise; it can be a very educational and rewarding experience. Here naturalists Paul and Judy Crimmins help us discover the wonders found on a pondside nature trail. During our guided nature walk, we discover the history of the trail, as well as learning about the trees, plants, animals and their preservation; also we see a parasitic plant, listen to a beetle and even watch a King Snake at lunch. Produced by Pond Publishing & Productions. 08DR IJSCA 60 min. |