2008

This documentary, directed by Abby Epstein, examines the ways that the American health care system approaches childbirth. The traditional form of U.S. birth involves hospitals, drugs and obstetricians, while births in many other countries utilize midwives. Interviews with parents and medical experts explain the realities of maternity care. When Epstein discovers that she is pregnant herself, the discussion becomes less theoretical, as she must decide which form of birthing she will employ.

The story of the Green Belt Movement of Kenya and its founder Wangari Maathai, the first environmentalist and first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She reconnected with the rural women of her youth, and they found themselves working successively against deforestation, poverty, ignorance, embedded economic interests, and government corruption.

Richard Avedon wrote of fellow photographer Sylvia Plachy,”She makes me laugh and she breaks my heart.” This is a rare film portrait of Ms. Plachy, who is, ironically, camera-shy.

In this true story, a baby male killer whale gets separated from his family. When he seeks companionship from people he becomes beloved. To Native Americans he is the spirit of a chief; to conservationists he is a cause; to scientists he is trouble; to officials he is a danger.

This film presents a funny and touching look at Sarah who notices she is losing her memory. In a last attempt to maintain control of her life, she begins to videotape everything: from momentous events to the tiniest details of daily living.

For over sixty years, children have been born and raised here. Parents and grandparents eat and survive here. Thousands of families have thrived in the largest and most toxic area in all of Central America. For decades, the Guatemala City Garbage Dump and its inhabitants (“guajeros”) who recycle the city’s trash have been shunned by society …

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