When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba’s economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half and food imports cut by 80 percent, people were desperate. This fascinating and empowering film shows how communities pulled together, created solutions, and ultimately thrived in spite of their decreased dependence on imported energy (2006, 53 mins.)
Award-winning documentary. As the Arab Spring protests for justice and democracy spread through the middle east in early 2011, people long repressed by the Bahrain monarchy spontaneously gathered at the central Pearl Square to join in the call for their rights. Al Jazeera were the only journalists there to cover the story. (2011, 51 mins.)
In 1994, the Zapatista National Liberation Army, made up of impoverished Mayan Indians from the state of Chiapas, took over five towns and 500 ranches in southern Mexico. The government deployed its troops and at least 145 people died in the ensuing battle. Filmmaker Nettie Wild travelled to the country's jungle canyons to film the elusive and fragile life of this uprising. (1998, 92 mins,)
Oliver Stone sits down with Presidents Hugo Chávez (Venezuela), Evo Morales (Bolivia), Lula da Silva (Brazil), Cristina Kirchner (Argentina), as well as her husband and ex-President Nestor Kirchner, Fernando Lugo (Paraguay), Rafael Correa (Ecuador), and Raúl Castro (Cuba) to explore the social and political movements as well as the mainstream media’s misperception of South America. (2010, 77 mins,)
Venezuela's Hugo Chavez’s strongly-worded criticisms of the US government have made him powerful enemies, both at home and abroad. Filmed in Caracas in November 2008, on the eve of the 10th anniversary of Chavez’s controversial presidency, this documentary takes a journey into the heart of Venezuela’s revolution to listen to the voices of the people driving the process forward. (2009, 64 mins.)
Rarely are Americans given a chance to see inside the world of this socialist leader. This documentary offers a unique opportunity to view the man through exclusive interviews with Castro himself, historians, public figures and close friends, with rare footage from the Cuban State archives. (2001 100 mins.)
