EarthDance Environmental Film Festival
2009 Official Film Selections
• Stunning Animation starring Whoopie Goldberg - 14 minutes
• Directed by Heiko van der Sherm, Germany
this intriguing animation is set deep in an enchanted forest
and tells the story of some wild wildflowers whose lives
are rich with Friendship, deceit, longing and betrayal.
this intriguing animation is set deep in an enchanted forest
and tells the story of some wild wildflowers whose lives
are rich with Friendship, deceit, longing and betrayal.
• Funny, Quirky Documentary - 22 minutes
• Directed by Christa Carnell, USA
A wonderfully wacky portrayal of Key West, Florida, and
it’s culture of feral chickens. Great story of a town divided
by chicken-lovers and chicken-haters and the barber hired to
rid the city of a pest in paradise.
it’s culture of feral chickens. Great story of a town divided
by chicken-lovers and chicken-haters and the barber hired to
rid the city of a pest in paradise.
• Empowering, Hip Documentary - 8 minutes
• Directed by Thea Mercouffer, USA
An empowering tale of an intrepid kayaker turned unwitting activist.
Experience Heather’s journey as she illuminates the intertwining of
nature and culture in this battle over the L.A. River. Can one person
change the course of history? Clearly.
An empowering tale of an intrepid kayaker turned unwitting activist.
Experience Heather’s journey as she illuminates the intertwining of
nature and culture in this battle over the L.A. River. Can one person
change the course of history? Clearly.
• 360 Degrees
• Inspiring Documentary - 18 minutes
• Directed by Caroline Monnet, Canada
Caught between modernity and tradition, Sébastien Aubin lives in
a Winnipeg loft and works as a graphic artist. He's also a French
speaking member of Manitoba's Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Alongside his
professional life, he's on a spiritual and identity quest. In a bid to
transcend the material world, he has begun an apprenticeship in
traditional Aboriginal medicine.
a Winnipeg loft and works as a graphic artist. He's also a French
speaking member of Manitoba's Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Alongside his
professional life, he's on a spiritual and identity quest. In a bid to
transcend the material world, he has begun an apprenticeship in
traditional Aboriginal medicine.
• One of the Last
• Touching, Insightful Documentary - 10 minutes
• Directed by Paul Zinder, Italy
Evoking a simplicity and equanimity seldom seen in our
contemporary lives, this special film presents Mauro, an Italian
farmer who has never severed his relationship to the land and
its bounty throughout the rhythm of his days. You will fall in
love with this 78 year old elder. I know I did.
• Our Wonderful Nature
contemporary lives, this special film presents Mauro, an Italian
farmer who has never severed his relationship to the land and
its bounty throughout the rhythm of his days. You will fall in
love with this 78 year old elder. I know I did.
• Our Wonderful Nature
• Tongue-in-Cheek computer animation - 5 minutes
• Directed by Tomer Eshed, Germany
This hilarious animated short takes a close look at the mating
habits of the water-shrew. Surprising, shocking, side-slapping.
This hilarious animated short takes a close look at the mating
habits of the water-shrew. Surprising, shocking, side-slapping.
• Cheat Neutral
• Cult Classic Comedy - 12 minutes
• Directed by Beth Stratford, United Kingdom
Cheat Neutral is about offsetting infidelity. It is also flat
out hilarious, in a Monty Python let me pull the wool over
your eyes kind of way. Carbon off-setting is about paying for
the right to carry on emitting carbon. The carbon offset
industry sold £60 million of offsets last year, and is rapidly
growing. Cheat Neutral makes the case that maybe carbon
offsetting is also a joke.
out hilarious, in a Monty Python let me pull the wool over
your eyes kind of way. Carbon off-setting is about paying for
the right to carry on emitting carbon. The carbon offset
industry sold £60 million of offsets last year, and is rapidly
growing. Cheat Neutral makes the case that maybe carbon
offsetting is also a joke.
• Loop Pool
• Seductive, Moody Animation - 3 minutes
• Directed by Daiki Aizawa, Japan
Gorgeous animation illustrating the eternal tale of life told
with an enchanting harmony between image and music.
Gorgeous animation illustrating the eternal tale of life told
with an enchanting harmony between image and music.
• Balancing Point
• Art Nature Fantasy - 5 minutes
• Directed by Danny Brown, USA
An amazing short film that is played entirely in reverse. The films
main character appears to magically create an array of incredible
rock sculptures. Although the film is played backwards, it appears
as if the protagonist is moving forward in time. Balancing Point is a
main character appears to magically create an array of incredible
rock sculptures. Although the film is played backwards, it appears
as if the protagonist is moving forward in time. Balancing Point is a
manipulation of gravity and time though the simple effect of
reordering the expected. Visually stunning - not to be missed!
reordering the expected. Visually stunning - not to be missed!
• Urban Farming Documentary - 14 minutes
• Directed by Jules Dervaes, USA
HOMEGROWN follows the Dervaes family who built a small organic
farm in their front yard (which happens to be in the heart of Los Angeles).
These urban homesteadersharvest over 6,000 pounds of produce
on less than a quarter of an acre, make their own bio diesel,
power their computers with the help of solar panels, and maintain a
website that gets 4,000 hits a day. This film and the Dervaes family
are an inspiration.
HOMEGROWN follows the Dervaes family who built a small organic
farm in their front yard (which happens to be in the heart of Los Angeles).
These urban homesteadersharvest over 6,000 pounds of produce
on less than a quarter of an acre, make their own bio diesel,
power their computers with the help of solar panels, and maintain a
website that gets 4,000 hits a day. This film and the Dervaes family
are an inspiration.
• La Revolution Des Crabes
• Tongue-in-Cheek Animation - 5 minutes
• Directed by Arthur de Pins, France
The crabs from the Gironde estuary have a serious problem: they can’t
change direction. When one innovative crustacean decides to change
his fate, he is pressured into returning to the old ways. A hilarious gem,
in the french philosophic tradition.
The crabs from the Gironde estuary have a serious problem: they can’t
change direction. When one innovative crustacean decides to change
his fate, he is pressured into returning to the old ways. A hilarious gem,
in the french philosophic tradition.
• Trial & Error
• Adventure Documentary - 8 minutes
• Directed by Bjorn Enga, Canada. Trial & Error
Mountain biker Ryan Leech sets out to ride an incredibly difficult
trail in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. With the valley
slated for clearcut logging, Trial & Error combines Ryan’s
extraordinary riding with his thoughts about the very special
location. What this guy can do on a bike will blow your mind!
Mountain biker Ryan Leech sets out to ride an incredibly difficult
trail in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. With the valley
slated for clearcut logging, Trial & Error combines Ryan’s
extraordinary riding with his thoughts about the very special
location. What this guy can do on a bike will blow your mind!
2008 Official Film Selections
• Badgered
• Academy Award Nominated Animation - 7 minutes
• Directed by Sharon Colman, United Kingdom
The tale of a grumpy badger who just wants the world to let him sleep.
You’ll never guess the surprise ending. Awards: Best Short Animation
Oscar nomination; Best Film on Mountain Environment, Banff Mountain
Film Festival.
• For the Next 7 Generations: The Grandmothers Speak
• Heartwarming Documentary - 6 minutes
• Directed by Carole Hart, USA
The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers is deeply concerned with the contamination of our air, waters, and soil, the atrocities
of war, the global scourge of poverty, the threat of nuclear weapons and
waste, the prevailing culture of materialism, the epidemics which threaten
the health of the Earth’s peoples, the exploitation of indigenous medicines,
and with the destruction of indigenous ways of life. They believe that if
we don’t change the way we relate to each other and to our Mother
Earth, there will be catastrophic consequences. This touching film
is at once inspiring and nurturing, just like your grandmother’s
chicken noodle soup!
Earth, there will be catastrophic consequences. This touching film
is at once inspiring and nurturing, just like your grandmother’s
chicken noodle soup!
• Kaka’win
• Powerful documentary - 17 minutes
• Directed by Leah Nelson, USA
In the remote waters of Nootka Sound, Canada, a lone baby orca,
orphaned from his pod and desperate for social contact, arrives in
the quiet logging town of Gold River, and becomes the catalyst for
a conflict of cultural rights, and scientific responsibility. Kaka’win
is a short but powerful documentary that tells the story of how
this unique animal changed the lives of all those whom he touched.
orphaned from his pod and desperate for social contact, arrives in
the quiet logging town of Gold River, and becomes the catalyst for
a conflict of cultural rights, and scientific responsibility. Kaka’win
is a short but powerful documentary that tells the story of how
this unique animal changed the lives of all those whom he touched.
• Safari
• Animal Spy-Cam - 7 minutes
• Directed by Catherine Chalmers, USA
Award winning author, photographer, and sculptor, the multi-talented
Chalmers graces us with a fanciful and poetic close-up look at a few of
our creepy crawly cousins.
Chalmers graces us with a fanciful and poetic close-up look at a few of
our creepy crawly cousins.
• kis-ka-Dee
• uniquely touching documentary - 18 minutes
• Directed by Ryan Fitzgibbons, USA
Every spring, the blind birders of the Rio Grande Valley of southern
Texas gather to compete in the Outta Sight Tournament. For one day,
the teams leave behind most of the challenges of blindness and compete
alongside seasoned birders. Told through the “eyes” of Gladie, Jessica,
and Raul, this unique story follows their everyday lives and
aspirations leading up to the birding tournament. An inspiration
on many levels, do not miss this film!
Texas gather to compete in the Outta Sight Tournament. For one day,
the teams leave behind most of the challenges of blindness and compete
alongside seasoned birders. Told through the “eyes” of Gladie, Jessica,
and Raul, this unique story follows their everyday lives and
aspirations leading up to the birding tournament. An inspiration
on many levels, do not miss this film!
• Carpa Diem
• Family Drama - 2 minutes
• Directed by Sergio Cannella, Italy
a child in her apartment is looking lovingly upon her pet fish. In the
meantime, her younger brother is being mindless of the water flowing
out of the bathroom sink. All things are connected, and sister has to
act fast to avoid a tragedy. Many awards,including: Best Short,
Vatavaran FF; Best Spot, Festival International Du Film Sur L’Énergie
de Lausanne.
out of the bathroom sink. All things are connected, and sister has to
act fast to avoid a tragedy. Many awards,including: Best Short,
Vatavaran FF; Best Spot, Festival International Du Film Sur L’Énergie
de Lausanne.
• Cry From the Past
• Poetic Animation - 6 minutes
• Directed by Susan Stamp, Australia
This animated reflection is of an elderly woman in 1940 in the whaling
This animated reflection is of an elderly woman in 1940 in the whaling
village of Twofold Bay, Eden, Australia. Seated beside the roaring
fireplace watching the calm sea under the stars, she recalls the town,
its old trees and lighthouse, its gathering places, and most of all, the
partnership between the killer whales and local whalers in pursuit.
• Nomads: Wandering Women of the Whitewater Tribe
• Amazing action adventure Documentary - 20 minutes
• Directed by Polly Green & Chris Emerick, USA
Polly Green has passion for traveling and working around the world.
She has been on the road for the past ten years. She was a part of
the film crew and team member on a National Geographic 5 week sea
kayaking expedition in Vietnam, completed an all female first descent of
rivers in Bhutan, and has completed kayaking expeditions in Nepal, India,
New Zealand, Australia, Italy, France, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria,
Vietnam, Chile, Norway, Germany, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Canada,
the film crew and team member on a National Geographic 5 week sea
kayaking expedition in Vietnam, completed an all female first descent of
rivers in Bhutan, and has completed kayaking expeditions in Nepal, India,
New Zealand, Australia, Italy, France, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria,
Vietnam, Chile, Norway, Germany, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Canada,
Uganda, and Zambia. Her travels brought her to a small village in Uganda
where she wrote the script for the documentary Nomads. She funded and produced Nomads herself on a tight budget. Nomads was a finalist
for best film on Mountain Culture and Environment at the Wanaka
Mountain Film Festival, New Zealand.
where she wrote the script for the documentary Nomads. She funded and produced Nomads herself on a tight budget. Nomads was a finalist
for best film on Mountain Culture and Environment at the Wanaka
Mountain Film Festival, New Zealand.
• CO2 or You?
• Dramatic Short - 1 minute
• Directed by Tama Gempton, Canada
With climate change becoming a reality, humanity’s faith in technology to
solve our climate problems is challenged by our inability to give up our
reliance on harmful technologies. Filmed on Earth Day 2007 CO2 or you? humorously asks, in a blue man group kind of way - where do we turn?
• Organism
• Visual Poetry - 5 minutes
• Directed by Ken Glaser, USA
A few years ago, filmmaker/songwriter Ken Glaser witnessed nature
putting on an unusual show for the residents of Diamond Bar, CA.
For several balmy August days, tens of thousands of birds descended like raindrops from cruising altitude at dusk and gathered near the local
K-mart. Floating on air currents like swimmers carried by waves, they
played in the wind for hours, at times acting like a single, pulsating
organism, before finally settling into a large tree for the night.
putting on an unusual show for the residents of Diamond Bar, CA.
For several balmy August days, tens of thousands of birds descended like raindrops from cruising altitude at dusk and gathered near the local
K-mart. Floating on air currents like swimmers carried by waves, they
played in the wind for hours, at times acting like a single, pulsating
organism, before finally settling into a large tree for the night.
Ken captured this unusual event on film, and wrote the original
score that complements the hypnotic activity of the flock.
score that complements the hypnotic activity of the flock.
• Islenska
• Adventure Documentary - 17 minutes
• Directed by Cecile Cusin, France
Lured by timeless volcanoes, sweeping glaciers and medieval landscapes,
three journalists, adventurers, and friends discover the other-worldliness
of Iceland: an island of mystery and intrigue, isolated high in the North
Atlantic Ocean, cresting the Ardtic Circle. Gnomes, bone throwing
grandmothers, and geysers, oh my!
• Nasty Girl
• A psychedelic Unicorn Adventure - 2 minutes
• Anonymous Entry, USA
Unicorns, mystery, and rainbows, oh my! Will have you either
rolling in the aisles, slightly offended, or both!
• Rhythm Sketch
• Visual poem - 5 minutes
• Directed by Paul Ritt, Netherlands
This close-up look at textures and patterns in the natural world
explores the rhythm of the relationship between sound and movement
through vivid, colorful, and intriguing images. Ritt, a mixed-media artist,
has shown videos and computer animations at various international
venues, including the Darklight Digital Film Festival, Filmfest Venio,
and the KunstFilmBiennale.
through vivid, colorful, and intriguing images. Ritt, a mixed-media artist,
has shown videos and computer animations at various international
venues, including the Darklight Digital Film Festival, Filmfest Venio,
and the KunstFilmBiennale.
• Girl Stars: Suryamani the Environmental Activist
• beautiful & inspiring documentary - 7 minutes
• Directed by Umang Bhattacharya, Going to School, India
Suryamani is about a young Indian woman who become a national
folk-hero. filmed in the beautiful forest of Jharkhand, in a land
of green trees, beautiful flowers and birds, Suryamani loved
the forest and knew that she had to do something to save it. In
college she became a part of the Save the Forest movement.
Today, Suryamani fights for the rights of her community to live
in forests. She also runs her own organization, Torang, to help
Suryamani is about a young Indian woman who become a national
folk-hero. filmed in the beautiful forest of Jharkhand, in a land
of green trees, beautiful flowers and birds, Suryamani loved
the forest and knew that she had to do something to save it. In
college she became a part of the Save the Forest movement.
Today, Suryamani fights for the rights of her community to live
in forests. She also runs her own organization, Torang, to help
preserve her tribal culture. Suryamani has inspired thousands of
girls in India to stay in school, and follow their dreams.
Go Suryamani!
girls in India to stay in school, and follow their dreams.
Go Suryamani!
• Diablo: Sealing his Fate
• beautiful & inspiring documentary - 2.5 minutes
• Directed by Gio, USA
Gio and Diablo return to EarthDance extra flirty in the Galapagos!
This devil puppet-cum-naturalist gets more action than I do!
Gio and Diablo return to EarthDance extra flirty in the Galapagos!
This devil puppet-cum-naturalist gets more action than I do!
• Drunk Bees
• A Tipsy documentary - 7 minutes
• Directed by Wholphin, USA
Is naturally occurring alcohol to blame for colony collapse?
Is naturally occurring alcohol to blame for colony collapse?
Produced by San Francisco native, Wholphin, Drunk Bees is a funny
and important
gem that is, dare I say is all the buzz!
and important
gem that is, dare I say is all the buzz!
• Tyger
• A mixed media extravaganza - 4.5 minutes
• Directed by Guilherme Marcondes, Brazil
Inspired by William Blake’s poem of the same name, Tyger is a
unique mixed media adventure, combining puppetry, photography,
and animation into a most original animated short. In light of
recent events, watching this giant jungle cat transform the city
into a jungle, strikes a chord close to home.
unique mixed media adventure, combining puppetry, photography,
and animation into a most original animated short. In light of
recent events, watching this giant jungle cat transform the city
into a jungle, strikes a chord close to home.
2007 Official Film Selections & Workshops
• Project Grizzly
• Cult Classic Documentary - 72 minutes
• Directed by Peter Lynch
Before Grizzly Man, there was Project Grizzly, one of Quentin
Tarantino’s favorite films. An underground phenomenon,
Project Grizzly takes audiences on a quest with Troy Hurtubise,
a "close-quarter bear researcher" obsessed with going face-to-
face with a deadly grizzly bear. Director Peter Lynch master-
fully explores the territory between documentary and drama,
where the dividing line between fact and imagination is as thin as
a knife edge. You want twisted nature film? You got it.
Don’t miss this one.
• Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
• Documentary - 83 minutes
• Directed by Judy Irving
The Award Winning true story of a Bohemian St. Francis and
his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild red-and-green
parrots. Mark Bittner, a dharma bum, former street musician
in San Francisco, falls in with the flock as he searches for
meaning in his life, unaware that the wild parrots will bring
him everything he needs. That rare documentary that has
romance, comedy, and a surprise ending that makes you feel
as though you could fly out of the theater.
• Muskrat Lovely
• Documentary - 57 minutes
• Directed by Amy Nicholson
Every skinning competition needs a queen...And for 40 years in
Golden Hill, contestants gather for two important competitions
in the National Outdoor Show. Local high school girls compete
to become “miss outdoors”, and on the very same stage, the
world’s best muskrat skinners compete to see who’s skinning
skills are the sharpest. It’s an ironic and tender look at a
close-knit community in a remote area of the Chesapeake Bay.
• Flying Over Everest
• Documentary - 60 minutes
• Directed by Robert Dallangelo
For the first time ever a man has flown over Mt. Everest on a
hang-glider. The story, the myth and the legend of this ancient
Himalayan land will form the backdrop to a story that grows in
tension as Angelo D’Arrigo, approaches the moment of truth.
He can expect to find winds of over 200 kilometres an hour,
unpredictable climatic changes, and suddenly find that cannot
turn back. Angelo will take two splendid raptors with him,
Steppe Eagles, now extinct in this region, as part of an attempt
to reintroduce them to this area. A film on the preparation, the
tension and extreme risk of this exploit, with exclusive footage
of Everest shot from a hang-glider.
• Plagues and Pleasures of the Salton Sea
• Documentary - 71 minutes
• Directed by Chris Metzler & Jeff Springer
Hungarian revolutionaries, christian nudists, Sonny Bono, land
sharks, hard drinkers, empty cities, failed resort towns, tons of
dead fish, a dying cafe, & a man who built a mountain. yup, weird.
• Killers in Eden
• Documentary - 53 minutes - Australia
• Directed by Klaus Toft
From "Grizzly Man" to "Flipper", people have been always been
From "Grizzly Man" to "Flipper", people have been always been
fascinated with inter-species communication. This film
dramatically explores the relationship between orcas and
humans living in Eden, a coastal community in southern
Australia.
Short-Attention-Span Environmental Film Compilation
• IDEO does Sustainability
• Documentary - 8 minutes
• Directed by Bob Adams
IDEO is one of the world’s leading Design and Innovation
companies. See and hear what IDEO employees are doing to
integrate sustainability throughout their professional
practice & personal lives.
integrate sustainability throughout their professional
practice & personal lives.
• Ballistic Jaw Propulsion of Trap-Jaw Ants
• Documentary - 4 minutes
• Research by Sheila Patek, Joe Baio, Brian Fisher, Andy Suarez
Edited by Encyclopedia Pictura
The fastest predatory strike in the animal kingdom is no longer
the brutal claw punch of the peacock shrimp. Armed with a
$60,000 camera shooting 100,000 frames per second, this amazing
short film captures for the first time on film the jaws of the
trap-jaw ant moving at an incredible 145 cricket-decapitating
miles per hour!
• Serious Comedy - 3 minutes
• Directed by Mark Dixon & Ben Evens
Imagine two Borats on an environmental mission. With video
camera in hand and tongue in cheek, this hilarious film is a mix
of outrageous antics and hard hitting global warming truths.
These guys believe that the U.S., if it tries really hard . . .
can melt everything.
• Tree Robo
• Animation - 14 minutes - South Korea
• Directed by Young-Min Park and Moon-Saeng Kim
This lavishly animated, award winning film is a hopeful
post-apocalyptic environmental allegory about the resilience
of nature. Tree Robo tells the story of a boy's separation
from his best friend - a solar-powered robot - at the dawn of
the oil age. As always, nature gives a second chance.
• Eric Prydz vs. Pink Floyd - Proper Education
• Drama - 3.5 minutes - United Kingdom
• Directed by Marcus Adams
Swedish dance legend Eric Prydz has remixed Pink Floyd’s
classic track for this music video focuses on taking action
against climate change. Set in a London estate, this edgy film
features a gang of young people breaking into local flats, in
order to switch appliances, change light bulbs, and place
bricks in toilet cisterns. Saving the planet never felt so
vigilanty.
• Deep in Black Canyon, Himalayas, & Thailand’s Deep Water
• Rockumentaries - 5 minutes each
• Directed by Peter Mortimer & Sender Films
Loose boulders, poison ivy, vertigo, elite alpinists, virgin rock
faces, and limestone crags - witness the death-defying exploits
of today’s top climbers.
• The Mouth Revolution
• Live-action Dramatic Satire - 4 minutes
• Directed by Free Range Graphics
From the people who brought you STORE WARS and The Meatrix,
comes The Mouth Revolution. See what these mouths have to
say.
say.
• Spiders on Drugs
• Documentary - 2 minutes
• Directed by Andrew Struthers
In the 1960s, Dr. Peter Witt gave drugs to spiders and observed
their effects on web building. This short film about the results
of the experiment was created by First Church Of Christ,
Filmmaker.
Filmmaker.
• Mysterious Muckfish
• Documentary - 3.5 minutes
• Directed by Sean Duran
Brazilian Ichthyologist, Dr. Paulo Petry has discovered a new
species of fish in a place where no one thought to look for one -
under wet piles of rotting leaves. The fish has yet to be named.
For now they call it muck fish. Get dirty in the name of science.
• The Shape of Sound
• Whale songs made visible - 2 minutes each
• Directed by Mark Fischer - AguaSonic Acoustics
Ever wonder what the song of a Humpback or Bowhead whale
looked like? Me neither. Thank heavens Mark Fischer did.
• Motel
• Dramatic Comedy - 8 minutes
• Directed by Thor Freudenthal
It’s late at night, you’re alone on the highway, and pull over
to spend the night. There’s no one to help you, yet it seems as
if they knew you coming. Everything a guy could want. But it’s
a little too good to be true.
• Animal Nightmares: Sex, Frogs, and Rock and Roll
• Music & Animation by Paul Watson - 6 minutes
• Directed by Peter Lynch
One of Canada’s leading filmmakers, Peter turns his lens on the
spiritual connection between man and nature, and the
precariousness of our existence. This “epic short” explores the
conflict between man and animal states, extinction and existence.
precariousness of our existence. This “epic short” explores the
conflict between man and animal states, extinction and existence.
• Christmas in the Bait Shop
• Documentary - 6.5 minutes
• Directed by Judy Irving
Witness the Bay Area like you’ve never seens it. Rivaling the
Everglades in scope & importance, the restoration of San
Francisco Bay will benefit numerous species of migratory
birds, fish, and people.
birds, fish, and people.
• Guilty by Nature
• Eco-Fable - 10 minutes
• Directed by Joseph Barnett
Set on a militant horticultural nursery, Guilty By Nature
follows the life cycle of a wild and vigorous shrub; exploring
ideas of individuality and persecution. The film is shot with
extreme close-ups, varied frame rates and an exaggerated
soundscape.
follows the life cycle of a wild and vigorous shrub; exploring
ideas of individuality and persecution. The film is shot with
extreme close-ups, varied frame rates and an exaggerated
soundscape.
End of Short-Attention-Span Compilation
• The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
• Documentary - 53 minutes - Cuba
• Directed by Faith Morgan
A must see investigation of global oil consumption, highlighting
Cuba as a model of how to successfully address the challenges
we will all face. This truly great film, emphasizing tangible
examples, provides hope and inspires action.
• The Chances of the World Changing
• Documentary - 90 minutes
• Directed by Eric Daniel Metzgar & Nell Carden Grey
A revealing and haunting tale of one man’s passion to
protect a slew of endangered turtle species. "Brilliantly
and thoughtfully realized...exceptionally beautiful
storytelling" - Planet In Focus
• The Disappearing of Tuvalu
• Documentary - 40 minutes
• Directed by Christopher Horner
A detailed overview of contemporary life in the tiny South
Pacific country of Tuvalu, this film documents the earth's
first sovereign nation faced with total destruction due to
the effects of global warming. With a population of about
11,000 living on a total landmass of only 20 square miles –
less than Manhattan – spread over nine low-lying atolls
600 miles to the north of Fiji, Tuvalu has been inhabited for
over four millenia. The warm-spirited and highly community-
oriented people of this ex-British colony struggle to survive
economically while confronting the likelihood of having to
evacuate their homeland en masse within the next 50 years.
• Ray Bandar: A Life with Skulls
• Documentary - 30 minutes
• Directed by Beth Cataldo
See where a healthy obsession can lead - with over 7,000 in
his collection, Ray Bandar has been collecting skulls since
1953. Inspired by the artistry of Georgia O'Keefe and Henry
Moore, Ray and his wife, Alkmene, have a basement filled with
skulls from anteaters to elephants – discovered on the road,
along the shore, and in the zoo. This gem of a film pays
tribute to a local legend.
• Oil on Ice
• Documentary - 90 minutes
• Directed by Dale Djerassi & Bo Boudart
Oil on Ice is a vivid, compelling and comprehensive documentary
connecting the fate of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to
decisions America makes about energy policy, transportation
choices, and other seemingly unrelated matters. Caught in the
balance are the culture and livelihood of the Gwich’in people
and the migratory wildlife in this fragile ecosystem.
• Hunting for Ngotto
• Documentary - 50 minutes
• Directed by Fabio Toncelli
33-year-old Italian Andrea Ghiurghi is an Olympic beach
volleyball champion and a field biologist. This dramatic
environmental saga tells the story of the Ngotto rainforest
in Central Africa and its human inhabitants: pygmies and
the Yanguere. Hunting with nets and lethal traps, these meat
traders have an extraordinary relationship with the jungle,
and this tall italian scientist turned professional athlete.
• The Story of Chocolate
• Documentary - 15 minutes
• Directed by Michael Endy
Journey to South America and experience the fascinating
and delicious process of growing, harvesting, and
refining chocolate.
• Texas Gold
• Documentary - 21 minutes
• Directed by Carolyn Scott, California
This inspiring film tells the story of Diane Wilson, a fourth
generation fisherwoman and mother of five. She began her
fight with the giants of the petro-chemical industry in 1989
when she discovered that her small Texas county had been
named the most toxic place in America.
• The Naturalist
• Documentary - 32 minutes
• Doug Hawes-Davis & High Plains Films
In the spirit of Thoreau, Leopold, and Muir, Kent is a gonzo
naturalist. This biography unfolds like a long walk in the
woods to show the remarkable depth of one “strange” man’s
knowledge and his obsession with living things. Amazing,
Powerful, and touching.
• Sin Embargo
• Documentary - 49 minutes
• Directed by Judith Grey
Shot entirely in Cuba, Sin Embargo is a tender and poetic look
into the hearts and dreams of several resourceful (and
hilarious) Cuban’s: Andres the sculptor; Tomas the canary
breeder; Edwardo the guru of toilets; and Maria the
choreographer. What do you do when your oil supply is cut?
You get creative.
• Asparagus! (A Stalk-umentary)
• Documentary - 74 minutes
• Directed by Anne de Mare & Kirsten Kelly
Journey to Oceana County, the Asparagus Capital of the
World, and discover the world’s tallest asparagus
cake, “The Stalk” disco dance, and how the war on drugs
has changed everything. An amazing story of a feisty farm
community fighting to preserve their way of life.
• Fridays at the Farm
• Documentary - 19 minutes
• Directed by Richard Power Hoffmann
Featuring lush time-lapse and macro photography sequences
compiled from 20,000 still images, this personal essay is a
moving meditation on blossoming family and harvesting
community.
• The Ecological Footprint: Accounting for a Small Planet
• Documentary - 30 minutes
• Directed by Patsy Northcutt
Ecological Footprint founder Mathis Wackernagel explores the
implications of ecological deficits and provides examples of how
governments, communities, and businesses are using the Footprint
model to improve their ecological performance.
• Lost in the Woods: The Movie - Family Friendly - 30 minutes
• Directed by Laura & Robert Sams (Sisbro)
• Based on the Award Winning book by Carl R. Sams &
Jean Stoick
Winner of 30 National & International Awards, including
Best Picture Book 2005, this HILARIOUS film will delight
children of all ages - adults as much as kids. It is the
journey of growing up in spring, getting lost, finding your
way, and the animals and friends you make along the way.
• Adventures of Morty the Mosquito
• Family Friendly Animation - 3.5 minutes
• Directed by Bruce Dear
Best friends, Morti and Sammy awake to the sweet smell of
breakfast, and their antic filled pursuit of a meal may just
cause them to pay the ultimate price.
• Roberto the Insect Architect - Family Friendly
• Animation based on Best Selling book - 11 minutes
• Directed by Galen Fott & Jerry Hunt
This uniquely animated film tells the story of Roberto, a
termite who likes to build with wood, not eat it. And so he sets
off for the big city to pursue his dream of becoming an
architect. Despite hard times Roberto eventually finds a way
to build his dreams.
Workshops
• The Vulcan science consulate, special studies in planetary evolution: Human alterations of sol-3
A collaboration between Federation and Vulcan Scientists will make a presentation at the Oakland Museum in Oakland, CA on April 14th, 2007. Bill Riley, Ph.D. (Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Climate Change Scientist), Dan Gluesenkamp Ph.D. (Audubon California Plant Ecologist and Naturalist Extraordinaire) and Eric Berlow, Ph.D. (UC Merced Yosemite Field Station Manager and extreme skier) will reveal their findings after visiting planet Earth/California. These are real scientists, who will be role playing in official Star Fleet / Vulcan garb. Should be hilarious and informative. Audience participation encouraged!
• ECO-ART Roundtable Sponsored by WEAD, the Women’s Environmental Artists Directory
Renowned Environmental artists Andree Thompson, Praba Pilar, Sharon Siskin, and others discuss their works, inviting audience participation. Many of the same panel members from the eco-art presentation
at the Bioneers Conference.
• Who Will Cry for the Ice? A look at Climate Change and Imagination
Climate expert Carter Brooks, one of the first 50 people in the world to be trained by Al Gore on this topic, brings his unique brand of edutainment to the stage.
• WiserEarth & Women’s Earth Alliance
Melinda Kramer from Paul Hawkin’s Natural Capital Institute will share her innovative work that is bringing people together from all over the planet.
• Alternative Energy
Expert energy analyst, Alice LaPierre from the City of Berkeley, and Biodiesel aficionado, Ryan Lamberg from CommunityFuels, will give practical, cost saving advice and make energy efficiency more exciting than a fuel-celled pogo stick.
• Media with a Message
This dynamic and eclectic panel will discuss the various applications of media for social change, community building, education and invention. Panelist will discuss the ways they have utilized media from environmental video installations and multi-media events, to a web of environmentally conscious film distribution channels, eco-friendly fashion and social change TV.
2006 Official Selections
Grocery Store Wars: The Organic Rebellion – 5 minutes
Louis Fox, Director (Free Range Graphics, San Francisco)
It’s the classic story of Cuke Skywalker, Princess Lettuce,
Chewbroccoli, and other organic rebels - played by live action
vegetable puppets dressed as Star Wars characters - battling
it out with Darth Tater, evil Lord of the dark side of the farm.
Chickens in the City – 7 minutes
Christie Herring, Director (San Francisco)
Somewhere beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, the cable cars
and the coffee bars, San Francisco is teeming with chickens.
Are they pets, food, or something else?
Tracking the Pacific Fisher – 11 minutes
Thomas Winston, Director (Montana)
Hidden among the lush forests of Northen California, the
Pacific Fisher struggles for survival. First People foresters
from the Hoopa Valley and scientists are working together to
ensure the survival of this unique creature.
Zoltan – 4 minutes
Brendan Kiernan, Director
International lover of rivers and "professional" tuber, Zoltan
is on a passionate mission. You can't help but feel sympathy for
this whitewater misfit as you catch a glimpse of his hilariously
self-imposed torment.
The Lost People of Mountain Village – 15 minutes
Neal Marlens Carol Black, Directors
When a lost backcountry skier high in the Rocky Mountains
stumbles on a monumental complex of structures - apparently
uninhabited - world-renowned anthropologist, Wade Davis,
calls it the "most spectacular discovery of our lifetimes."
This mockumentary makes some important environmental points
while making you bust a gut.
Nature's Blueprints – 9 minutes
Mike Seely, Director
Eco-Architect, Eugene Tsui, designed his parents house to
resemble a tardigrade, or water bear - a microscopic
invertebrate related to arthropods. This talented, eccentric
designer is not afraid to wear a cape as he looks to nature
for inspiration.
Wombat – Animation - 2 minutes
Jason Ables, Director
Good advise from a straight talking wombat.
The Great Hopkins Rescue – 8.5 minutes
Tyler Young & Ben Cornish, Directors
October 1941. George Hopkins parachutes to the rocky summit
of Wyoming's Devil's Tower to win a $50 bet. Only one problem -
he can't get down! This little gem of a story will leave you
wondering, “Why hadn’t I heard that story before?”
Garpenfargle – Drama - 4 minutes
Bill Kersey & Edward Kim, Directors
Watch Hobbes, arguably the world's cutest dog, discover the
pleasures and perils of being home alone. Macaulay Culkin
never had it so good.
Dining in the Dump – Performance - 5.5 minutes
Robin Lasser, Director
Creatively compares our insatiable appetites with one of the
largest fill companies in the United States. Recalls Lucille
Ball on the chocolate assembly line and Wheel of Fortune –
Can you be the first to guess what she is spelling?
Bug Girl – Fantasy - 5.5 minutes
Su Rynard, Director
A visual tumble through nature, biology and consciousness,
this psychedelic ecological fable is about more than a little
girl who loses her cat... and swallows a bee….
Alive – Animation - 3 minutes
Lucy Blackwell, Director (New York)
Two Dragonflies are born into a lusciously animated world
of food. As they explore, they realize that they are actually
living inside a bubble. All is hunky dory until one of
the insects decides to escape…
The Last Race – 20 minutes
Alex Gabbay, Director (England)
A tale of friendship and evolving mountain culture set amidst
the breathtaking backdrop of the Annapurna mountain range.
Watch how the landscape is seamlessly woven into the
community’s daily existence. But even at this Shangri La life’s
tribulations abound.
Project Insect – 8 minutes
Chad Arganbrigh, Director
Documentary about artist Jessa Huebing-Reitinger, who paints
larger than life images of bugs and beetles. Creepy, beautiful,
or both?
Hush – 5 minutes
Mike Seely, Director
A sumptuous black and white documentary about the search
for natural quiet.
