| Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia, situated in the east Mediterranean basin just south of Turkey and west of Greece. The Republic gained its independence from Britain in 1960; however, after a coup in 1974 nearly 40% of the island remains under Turkish rule. This "Cyprus Problem" has become a major dispute in the sensitive Middle East. Cyprus is indeed a divided island, and here we learn how Greek Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktash must put aside decades of animosity in order to join the European Union in 2004. Produced by ABC Australia. 08DR JSCA 20 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. This program reports on the
excavation of KV5, a tomb thought to be constructed by Ramseses II as a
burial place for his first 12 sons. Using diaries, 19th-century maps,
photography, common sense, and a lot of old-fashioned digging, a team led by
Kent Weeks, a professor of Egyptology at American University in Cairo,
uncovered the tomb. It is an exciting find because of the likelihood that
the tomb has not been plundered by grave robbers and will present complete,
undisturbed burial areas." -VRG Review This unique film feature Dr. Kent Weeks and documents the re-discovery of the forgotten tomb, KV5, in the Valley of the Kings. Here we learn that the once overlooked tomb is not only one of the largest found in Egypt, but also it is unique in plan and purpose. From the wall reliefs and objects found on the floors, archaeologists have discovered that KV 5 was the burial place of the sons of Ramseses II. Produced by Jyl Baldwin. 07DR IJSCA 15 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. This voyage on the Nile presents an
excellent look at Egypt." -Booklist 50 centuries ago - the Egypt of the Pharaohs. Of ancient Greeks and Romans. Of Christian Egypt. Of Islamic Egypt. All these people's lifeblood was and remains the Nile, the longest river in the world; nowhere is this more true than in Egypt, the most populated country in the Middle East and the second-most populous in Africa. The magnificent river flows northward, almost entirely through desert, from Sudan into Egypt, where since ancient times its civilization has depended on the Nile; here, along the banks of the river, you will find nearly all the cultural and historical sites of Ancient Egypt; even today, except for Mediterranean coastal towns, most of its population lies near the Nile. This cinematic study tells us the story of Egypt and the Nile, taking us on a memorable journey to incredible destinations such as the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, ancient Memphis, Alexandria, the Suez Canal, holy Sinai, the Red Sea, the Temples of Luxor, Karnaw and Aswan. Produced by International Film & Video. 08DR IJSCA 45 min. Associated Programs: Egypt 1 & 2 |
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A robed horseman, leading his camels across desert sands,
guides us into 5,000 years of human history. We begin in the city of Cairo
with its spectacular Egyptian Museum; next in Memphis we learn of the fable
of the Apis Bulls; on the Suqqara Plain we visit the oldest stone structure
on Earth, the great step pyramid; then to Giza, home of the famous pyramids
and Sphinx, and to learn about papyrus making. Next, we explore ancient
Nubia, today known as the Sudan; then to Elephantine Island and the Temple
of Philea; next Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser, the world's largest
man-made lake; then the temples of Pharaoh Ramses II; also the magnificent
temples at Karnak and Luxor, once known as Thebes. Next, we explore the
Valley of the Kings to relive finding Pharaoh Tutankhamun's treasures; then
in Tell El Amarna we view a variety of temples; next we view life at an
isolated oasis; then we visit Alexandria and its underground catacombs; next
the Sinai Peninsula and Mount Sinai; and in conclusion we meet the
tent-dwelling Bedouin, the nomads of Arabia. Produced by Trailwood
Productions, Inc. 08DR/CL SCA 90 min. Associated Programs: Egypt1 & 2 |
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"Highly Recommended. This excellent program provides
valuable information about the current status of Egyptology and the
archaeology of this important region." -EMRO Review "Highly Recommended. This is an exciting documentary that aims to shed new light on the misty origins of Ancient Egypt. New images from space of the Sahara Desert show that the region was once widely irrigated - indicating an advanced civilization once existed there. There is also evidence to suggest why the desert is the site of ancient burial grounds. With the help of this new data, scientists are beginning to piece together a theory that suggests that it was the race that lived in this region which moved into the Nile delta after environmental changes made their home too arid, bringing with them the technologies that laid the foundation for the great Egyptian civilization that created the pyramids." -National Media Review Egypt's Pyramids have dominated the Giza plateau for more than five thousand years. And as we learn in this eye-opening documentary, most of the ancient world's secrets are yet to be revealed; experts estimate that only about 30 per cent of ancient Egyptian monuments have so far been uncovered. Reporter Jennifer Byrne joins an international team of archeologists sifting through the sands of Giza as they piece together the lifestyles of the people of ancient Egypt. Here we meet Egyptologist Naguib Kanawati, who, after 25 years in the field, is one of the select few permitted to work at Giza; he and his small team are sifting through a vast cemetery. We learn that Ancient Egyptians believed in eternal life and the cemetery was laid out as a city of the dead, complete with streets and whole squares belonging to individual families. Scarcely a fifth of the cemetery has been excavated so far and the work will take many decades. Next we meet the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Director of the Giza Pyramids Excavation, Dr. Zahi Hawass; no run-of-the-mill archaeologist, he is the impresario of Egyptology, "and no one touches a grain of Giza sand without his say-so." This famous archeologist and author (Secrets From the Sand; Mountains of the Pharaohs; The Royal Tombs of Egypt) explains how new discoveries are constantly being made and old presumptions shattered. For instance, the Cecil B de Mille version of the construction of the pyramids is a myth - they were not built by slaves, but by ordinary Egyptian workers. Also we visit the tomb Ka-em-ankh, an overseer of the treasure, and we see the painstaking reality of an Egyptologist's life. Produced by ABC Australia. 08DR IJSCA 20 min. |
| When the fundamentalist Mullahs seized power in Iran back in 1979 they urged the country to pro-create. They wanted lots of young revolutionaries, and they wanted them now. Now Iran has a massive population problem. From 34 million in 1979 to 73 million today, over 60% are under 25. Now the Mullahs, in a remarkable display of political pragmatism, have made a complete turn by instituting one of the world's most enlightened population control programs. Vasectomies are encouraged and condoms are distributed free. Even sex education classes of surprising candor are now compulsory for all couples about to get married. This program investigates a surprising development in deeply religious Iran, providing a fascinating look at the contrast between secular and traditional Iran. Produced by ABC Australia. 08DR SCA 15 min. |
| This documentary takes us to the landlocked mountains of Northern Iraq to investigate the new democracy that is flourishing in Kurdistan. In 1988 Saddam Hussein's chemical weapons killed over 5000 Kurds and today congenital abnormality rates are 4-5 times higher than post atomic populations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Still the Kurds have rebuilt 80% of their villages and Iraqi Kurdistan is undergoing a mini boom. Western style shopping malls are springing up and university students have independent newspapers and Internet access. In 1992 the Kurds held elections, formed a parliament, and see themselves as a model for a democratic Iraq. However, the society they have built is incredibly fragile because the Jund al-Islam, part of the Al Quaida network, presents a new threat. Produced by Journeyman Pictures. 08DR SCA 32 min. |
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"Recommended. A small but devoted sect of Jews has been
trying to get rid of the Islamic presence on Mount Moriah, rebuild the
Temple, and re-institute the sacrificial system to achieve their goal. This
struggle, which began between Isaac and Ishmael, is at the root of the drama
in this production. Here we gain some theological insight into the struggle
in the Middle East." -EMRO Review This documentary offers a rare insight into the extreme right-winged Jewish organization in Jerusalem that surrounds the Dome of the Rock, Islam's second holiest site. It reveals for the first time how a group of scholars from Harvard University concluded that the third world war would erupt on the Temple Mount due to a bombing on the Dome of the Rock. Author (Blood on the Mountain) and historian Richard Andrews searches for the Ark of the Covenant and travels to Israel to meet with Jewish sect members, Moslems, and Wendell Phillips (the real-life inspiration for Indiana Jones) to find out what this means to them. Produced by G.N. Communication, Ltd. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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"Recommended. Journalist Sandra Jordan's street level
look at the hell that is Gaza. She reports on the exalted status enjoyed by
suicide bombers and their families, and explains why Arafat's Palestinian
Authority is unable to control Hamas, the radical Islamic group that
recruits and trains young bombers who view martyrdom as a ticket to
heaven." -School Library Journal In Gaza, politics and religion define every aspect of daily life, and it's a place where suicide bombers have the status of rock stars in the West. This documentary attempts to answer why the Palestinian leadership cannot control the fanatics of Hamas, and to understand what propels ever-greater numbers of Palestinians towards suicide? At a mosque we see eager faced youngsters who listen with rapt attention as a white shrouded fighter speaks of his wish to die. Also we are shown the forces that drive youngsters towards the harsh extremists who reject any peace process with Israel. At a public meeting, organized by the Palestinian administration, officials get into fistfights with one another. Set against the order and mass popularity of Hamas' rallies, it's a graphic example of just how limited Palestinian's powers are. Produced by Journeyman Pictures. 08DR SCA 25 min. |
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"Recommended. This program is well documented and
highlights some serious issues such as disparity in economics, social
services, and governance. In addition, one begins to understand the
complexity of a city by looking at its geographic position and the intricate
make-up of its population. Both sides of the arguments are well represented
and organized. Also the program's technical qualities are more than adequate
in all areas." -EMRO Review "Recommended. This program examines the Israeli-Palestinian struggle in Jerusalem. The tone of the program is objective and the correspondent explains the conflicting claims to the city and its holy places." -School Library Journal "Recommended. Introduces viewers to the complex situation in Jerusalem via a color-coder map; however, it's the human face behind the map that makes this documentary worth watching." -Video Librarian This documentary delves behind the headlines to chronicle the daily battle over the city both Israelis and Palestinians passionately claim as their capital, Jerusalem. Here we meet the Schwartz family, Israeli settlers who have moved into the Muslim quarter of East Jerusalem, and the Khalaf family, Palestinians who since 1967 have been fighting for residency rights and access to health services - a serious issue, especially since their teen-age son, Yasser, has cancer. Mixed with ample historical archive, the program explores human tragedy on both sides. Produced by ABC Australia. 08DR/CL JSCA 22 min. |
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Computerworld Medal -The
Smithsonian Gold Medal, Best Documentary -Aurora Awards Best Educational Program -Telly Awards EEN Award for Excellence -EEN Best of Show, Writing - Aurora Awards "Highly Recommended. The production is excellent, part historical and part mystical; the tone is low key but exciting; also a wonderful introduction to the study of archaeology." -EMRO Review Nearly 2000 years ago the Romans destroyed the ancient city of Yodefat, Israel, during the first Jewish Revolt against Rome. Today, because Yodefat was never resettled, the archaeological excavation of the walled city, thanks to the tireless campaign of district archaeologist Mordechai Aviam, yielded a nearly pristine site. This compelling documentary, narrated by Academy Award winning actress Anne Bancroft, uses these artifacts, along with state-of-the-art digital imaging techniques, to piece together the story of the battle which inflamed a six-year war that helped change the course of Western civilization. Produced by WXXI Public Broadcasting Council. 08DR/CL/CC JSCA 60 min. |
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"Recommended. An exhilarating program - even more
engrossing being shot entirely in Israel." -Ed. Media Review The Israel Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta, performs Mahler's 8th Symphony; plus viewers get to join the chorus members as they rehearse, perform and sing in the holy shrines of Israel. Produced by Quin Mathews. 08DR PIJSCA 30 min. |
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A cultural tour of the city three religions call home,
Jerusalem; plus side trips to Bethlehem, to the lowest spot on earth, the
Dead Sea, to the business center of Israel, Tel Aviv, to historic Yafo
(Joppa). Produced by Quin Mathews. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Program: Israel 1: Jerusalem |
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"Great heart went into the making of this. It gets top
marks." -The Seattle Times Israel's history is filled with stories and a new history is still evolving today. Here we experience many of those ancient and contemporary stories. First, we travel from Tel Aviv to Joppa, where Jonah set sail; then we visit Nablos, Mount Gerizim, Caesaria, to explore Roman and Crusader ruins, Carmel National Park, Haifa's Baha'i Shrine, Acco's Mosque of El-Jazzar, Rosh Hanikra's sea-carved caves and Montfort's Crusader Castle. Next, an archaeological dig in Banias; then many New Testament sites, including Capernaum, the Church of the Beatitudes, the Church of the Multiplication, and Nazareth; also we tour the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church of St. Joseph, Cana, Mt. Tabor, Belvior, and the archaeological digs at Bet Shean. Next to 10,000-year-old Jericho, the Judean Desert, the Monastery of St. George, the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, Masada, Eilan, Hai Bar, and Bethlehem. Our program concludes in Jerusalem where we visit the Knesset, the Supreme Court Building, Yad Vasheum, the Garden Tomb, Arab Suq (market), the Western (Wailing) Wall and the Church of the Holy Seplicar. Produced by Trailwood Productions, Inc. 08DR/CL JSCA 90 min. Associated Programs: Jordan and Israel: More Stories From the Holy Lands and Israel 1 & 2 Associated Book: The Wit and Wisdom of the Talmud |
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The Kingdom of Jordan's history, like Israel's, dates back
thousands of years; each is filled with ancient names, places and stories
that are commonly known today, including many with religious significance.
Our journey begins in Jordan, where we explore the Roman ruins of Pella; Umm
Quis; Ajlun Castle, the base for Muslim Leader Saladin; the capital city of
Amman, where we view its mosques, markets, Roman Theater, Temple of Hercules
and Cave of the Seven Sleepers. In eastern Jordan we visit the desert
castles of Qasr Amra; Qasr Kharanah; and Asraq, where T.E. Lawrence
(Lawrence of Arabia) made his base. We see the remarkable mosaic floors in
Madaba and Um er-Rasas; then Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have died.
Next Mukawir, where Herod the Great imprisoned John the Baptist; Kerak and
Sobek, two 12th century Crusader castles; we meet Bedouins at Petra and
desert police on camels in Wadi Rum; tour the Marine Science Station in
Aqaba. In Israel we view King Solomon's Pillars in Timna Park; visit an
alpaca and llama farm in the Negev Desert; explore an underground tunnel
along the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem; enter the Druze village of Beit Jann;
then, in the Jordan Valley, we view the Jobback River and end with the ruins
at the Roman city of Jerash. Produced by Trailwood Productions, Inc. 08DR/CL
JSCA 82 min. Associated Programs: Israel: Stories From the Holy Lands and In Search of Lawrence (of Arabia) |
| More than 300 000 Palestinians in Lebanon still live in subhuman conditions. That is more than in any other Arab country. The plight of these people was once a central concern of the Arab world. Today, they feel forgotten. They are unwanted in Lebanon and have no place in the new Palestine. Many Palestinians in Lebanon feel abandoned by the PLO and the world. One old man who has lived most of his life in exile says: "Our land is still occupied. The Palestine of 1967 gives us nothing. We're the Palestinians of 1948. We want to go back to our land, to our homes." Will these people pay the price for a new Palestine? Produced by Journeyman Pictures. 08DR JSCA 15 min. |
| Middle East correspondent Chris Clark offers a candid profile of Yasser Arafat, the first popularly elected Palestinian leader, combining the Chairman of the PLO's comments along with the perspectives of Marwan Barghouti, head of FATAH in the West Bank, Mounier Maqdah, head of the FATAH militia in Lebanon, and Sari Nussebieh, a Palestinian academic and politician. Collectively, we see first hand the complexity of the situation between the Israelis and Palestinians, and gain a clearer insight into the position of Palestinian leaders. Produced by ABC Australia. 08DR/CL JSCA 20 min. |