The greatest human rights disaster in the world is happening 10 feet from the U.S.A. An investigation of the political, social, and economic forces that have left tens of thousands of innocent Mexicans dead.
Public schools don’t have to be a minefield of metal detectors, minimal expectations, and mind-numbing routine. An alternative exists right here in Chicago, at the Dixon Elementary Public School in the Chatham neighborhood, where former principal Joan Crisler and her successor Sharon Dale have implemented the idea that art should be an integral part of the learning environment, with museum-quality works openly adorning the halls. The results, in terms of student performance and morale, have been spectacular, but, as this inspiring but pragmatic documentary demonstrates, there are no miracle solutions: Crisler’s protégé Carol Briggs has an uphill battle applying the same approach at another school, and recent budget cuts have left even the most successful programs vulnerable to the axe.
American Artifact chronicles the rise of American rock poster art since it's birth in the'60s. Award-winning director, Merle Becker crosses the country interviewing the rock poster artists from the different eras to discover that America is currently in the midst of a 21st century "rock poster art movement", where thousands of artists around the country are doing silk screened rock poster art inspired by their local scene, the music of our time, and the spirit of our era.
The latest production of Moriah Films is It Is No Dream: The Life of Theodor Herzl, exploring the life and times of Theodor Herzl, father of the modern state of Israel. Narrated by Academy Award winner, Sir Ben Kingsley and starring Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz as the voice of Theodor Herzl, the film examines how Herzl, a well known journalist and playwright, an assimilated, Budapest born Jew, horrified by the Dreyfus trial in Paris and the anti-Semitism he saw spreading across Europe, took upon himself the task of attempting to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine against all odds. Over the span of 8 years, Herzl organized and led a worldwide political movement that within 50 years led to the establishment of the state of Israel. The film follows Herzl as he meets with Kings, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors, a Sultan, a Pope and government ministers from Constantinople to St. Petersburg, from Paris to Berlin, from Vienna to Vilna in his quest to build a Jewish nation.
Holy Man is the story of Douglas White, an 88 year old Lakota Sioux medicine man from Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, who spent 17 years in federal prison for a crime he did not commit. During the making of this film, filmmakers uncovered new evidence of White's innocence and brought the case back to Federal Court. Holy Man offers a rare glimpse into the mysterious world of Lakota religion, their intimate connection to the land, and a provocative expose of the systemic injustice that Native Americans face in the criminal justice system.
The story of three men's life-long search for a diet which is good for our health, the environment and the future of our planet - showcasing some of the best food you have ever seen.
Take to the sky in Washington the Beautiful and come face-to-face with Washington state’s majestic mountains, including one of the Pacific Northwest’s most well-known symbols: Mount Rainier. Celebrate the diversity of the state’s landscapes from the glittering Puget Sound in the west to the rolling Palouse in the east and everything in between — all in high definition to display brilliant detail. Continue the journey by foot in this spectacular film with cultural events, recreational activities, and everything that makes Washington state a Pacific Northwest treasure.
Velvet Underground Under Review is a 75 minute film reviewing the music and career of one of rock musics most influential collectives; a band which esteemed music journalist Lester Bangs claims started modern music. It features rare musical performances never available before as well as obscure footage, rare interviews and private photographs of and with Lou Reed, Andy Warhol, Sterling Morrison and John Cale. The film also features; rarely seen promo films; material from Andy Warhols private film collection; interviews with colleagues, producers, musicians and friends; TV clips; location shots and a host of other features.
Queen Under Review 1973 - 1980 features rare live and studio performances of the band playing some of their best known hits; rare and classic Queen interview footage, and a host of other features, all interspersed with the independent review and criticism from a panel of esteemed experts.
Soil tells the story of a son of a chief, who after being banished from his village, is asked to return as his dying fathers last wish. It is woven around a blend of love, deceit, and African wit to deliver a truly on-screen African experience.
Seven years later the original artists plus members of Wilco and KT Tunstall, gather together one summer in New Zealand as Neil's guests to record an album and perform it. All in twenty days. With proceeds to Oxfam. A unique and intimate, inside-look at these artists at work and play.
In South Africa between Durban and J.Bay lies approx 1000kms of untamed topographical and oceanic paradise, locally called 'Wild Coast'. For local surfers Lungani Memani, Andrew Lange and Avuyile Ndamase, it's their home. Every Year in June the ocean swells to it's peak, hosting the countries largest surf conditions and also becomes host to the sardine run bringing together a huge marine bio-diversity including many species of sharks. This documentary goes up close with Pro Surfers Lungani, Andrew and Avuyile, the family traditions and tribulations alongside a hand selected group of the best shark experts from the region to uncover the real secrets and stories that surround the shark stigma that exists in South Africa.
"American Cafe" is a look into Cafe Racer motorcycle culture in the United States. Transplanted from Europe, the term "Cafe Racer" describes both a type of motorcycle as well as the personality of those who ride them. American Cafe tells the story of this culture in America by following two motorcyclists attempting to build Cafe Racers to ride in the Slimey Crud Motorcycle Gang Cafe Racer Run; one of the most well known, yet least understood, cafe racer events in the country.
Paraguay's lush soy farms are battlegrounds between huge agri-business and small farmers. The GMO beans fatten up cattle in rich countries so steaks remain cheap. But the pesticides used are destroying the crops of the campesinos and harming their kids.