WINTER’S BONE
A powerful film with great performances based on the novel of the same name.
Visit the film’s website here.
THE COVE
Japanese far right tries to block film.
There is an interview with Ric O’Barry and a review of the film by David Edelstein here
Visit the film’s website.
BRONX PRINCESS
Vodpod videos no longer available.YES MEN FIX THE WORLD
I just watched the documentary The Corporation wich makes a great companion piece to Food Inc as well as this one by the Yes Men.
The Yes Men are famous for putting out a fake announcement shown on the BBC news, stating that the company Dow Chemical accepted responsibility for the worst industrial accident in Bhopal, India. The announcement added there was a $12B compensation package for all affected people. Before BBC discovered the hoax, Dow stocks took a nose dive losing $12 million in half an hour.
Here is an interview with the Yes Men on Democracy Now
Visit their website and their film site where you can find teacher guides as well.
FRONTLINE
Frontline is an excellent source of topical documentaries. These are shown on Tuesday nights on PBS, but you can also watch them online. There are useful teacher resources available on the site. Check out Frontline World where one hour covers several stories.
FOOD INC.
Food Inc. is a highly teachable documentary. This film presents several examples of how our food is compromised by corporate control and monetary greed. There are controversial elements and many supporting facts. The documentary is divided into segments which makes it easy to stop and discuss or to assign for further research. Documentaries present an excellent vehicle for fact checking and learning how to present arguments persuasively. In a text called Good Reasons: Designing and Writing Effective Arguments (Faigley,Selzer) outline “fallacies in arguments” such a bandwagon appeals, false analogies, as well as straw man, oversimplification and slippery slope. These are excellent terminologies for students to learn as well as rhetorical devices such as visual argument and logos, pathos and ethos that support debate and persuasive writing. Learning these terms to weigh in on the accuracy and truth of a documentary would be an excellent and relevant learning activity. The film’s website has excellent support as well.
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WONDROUS OBLIVION
A charming film filled with rich characters and strong messages of tolerance over racism and the importance of friendship.
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THIS BLOG CREATED BY
Hellen Harvey
Sarasota, Fl.
Media Literacy 