Films

By Ayaita (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

By Christian Dory from Crivitz, Wisconsin (Cuna Woman sewing) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The Spirit of Kuna Yala (1991)

This film is a documentary about the Kuna Indians of Panama and their efforts to protect their homelands and cultural traditions in the face of modernization and development. By allowing the Kunas to tell their own story in their own words it provides a window into Kuna culture and the importance of conservation that could not be communicated the same way using other methods. It is available from the CWU library via Summit.

By Härmägeddon (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Red Gold (2008)

http://www.feltsoulmedia.com/thewire/redgoldfilm/

This film is about a conflict over natural resource use in the Bristol Bay area of Alaska. Two rivers, which empty into the bay, are home to the greatest sockeye runs left in the world. The area also houses the second largest deposits of copper and gold ever discovered. The film is about the conflict between the interests of mining companies and those of local community members who are concerned about the environmental impacts of new mines. Representatives of both sides are included, but the focus is on the impacts to salmon and the local community, including fishermen and indigenous people. The film impresses viewers with more of the significance of the environment and the significance of salmon to ways of life than could be gained from reading an article or interview. It is a good example of how visual anthropology methods can be used to improve decision-making or advocacy efforts. Copies may be available from the CWU Anthropology or Geography departments. It can also be obtained through Summit.

By Kenny Muir (http://www.flickr.com/photos/krmuir/142110701/) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Dreamland (2009)

http://www.dreamland.is/

This documentary is about the expansion of hydropower and energy-intensive industry in Iceland. It focuses on the environmental impacts of the massive Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Project. One aspect of this documentary which makes it unique is that it was based on the book Dreamland: A Self-Help Manual for a Frightened Nation by Andri Snær Magnason. This provides an opportunity to compare how information is conveyed differently through visual imagery than written words. It can be purchased online for download and is also available from Summit.