Documentary Films For Teaching Psychology

Documentary Films
for Teaching Psychology
Sylvie Taylor, Ph.D.

Antioch University Los Angeles
(2009 Instructional Resource Award Recipient)
Authorcontactinformation:SylvieTaylor,Ph.D.,AntiochUniversityLosAngeles,400CorporatePointe,CulverCity,CA,90230
(staylor@antioch.edu)
Copyright2011bySylvieTaylor.Allrightsreserved.Youmayreproducemultiplecopiesofthismaterialforyourownpersonaluse,
includinguseinyourclassesand/orsharingwithindividualcolleaguesaslongastheauthorsnameandinstitutionandtheOfficeofTeaching
ResourcesinPsychologyheadingorotheridentifyinginformationappearonthecopieddocument.Nootherpermissionisimpliedorgranted
toprint,copyreproduce,ordistributeadditionalcopiesofthismaterial.Anyonewhowishestoproducecopiesforpurposesotherthanthose
specifiedabovemustobtainthepermissionoftheauthor.
Introduction
DearColleague:
Thepurposeofthisresourceistoprovideyouwithanannotatedlistingofdocumentaryfilmsfor
teachingpsychologycourses.Documentaryfilmisapowerfulmediumforpsychologycourse
instruction,providingexamplesofconcepts,issues,andtheoreticalprinciples,embeddedinthe
realworldhumanexperience.Documentariesarealsoexcellenttoolsforpresentingcomplex
conceptsthatdonotlendthemselvesreadilytodescriptionorexplanation.
Thisresourceisnotinanywayintendedtobeacomprehensivelistingofalldocumentariesthat
containcontentrelevanttotheteachingofpsychology.Thenumberofdocumentaryfilms
producedinthepastdecadehasincreasedexponentially.Atpresentthereisnoentitythattracks
thenumberofdocumentariesproducedeachyear,noristhereanentitythatmaintainsamasterlist
ofalldocumentariesproducedwithintheUnitedStates,letalone,internationally.Inpreparingthis
resourceIscreenedover1,000films.Thefilmsincludedinthisresourcewereselectedusingthe
followingcriteria:thematiccompatibility(thecontentofthefilmreflecttopicsofinterestwithin
thedivisionsoftheAPAandsubjectmattercoveredinpsychologycourses);contemporarycontent
(thecontentofthefilmreflectscontemporaryissues,themes,andtheoreticalperspectives);length
(therunningtimeoftheentirefilmorsegmentsofthefilmarecompatiblewithtypicalcourse
meetingschedules);andavailability(thefilmisreadilyavailableinDVDformatthroughlibraries,
distributors,retail,and/orrentaloutlets).
ThisresourcedoesnotincludematerialexclusivelyavailableonVHStape.Manycollegesand
universitiesacrossthecountryarephasingoutVHStechnologyandlibrariesarepurgingVHS
materialsfromtheircollections(Russell,2010).InscreeningfilmsforthisresourceIfoundthatthe
majorityoffilmsthatIborrowedthroughinterlibraryloanthatwereinVHSformatwerehighly
degradedwithpictureandsoundissuesthatwouldbetoodistractingforclassroomuse.
PleasetakeafewmomentstoreviewHowtoNavigatethisResource.Itwillprovideyouwith
informationonhowtonavigatethedocumentusingAdobeReader.Inaddition,Ihaveprovided
somebackgroundonthedocumentaryfilmgenreandpedagogicalstrategiesforusingdocumentary
films(seeDocumentaryFilmandPedagogy),andTipsforUsingDocumentariesasTeaching
Tools,whichyoumayalsofindhelpful.
Ihopethatyouwillfindthisresourceasausefultoolforteachingyourcourses.Iwould
appreciateanyfeedbackaboutthisresourcethatyouwouldliketosharewithme,andIamalways
interestedinhearingaboutnewdocumentaries.
Sylvie Taylor
LosAngeles
November,2010
staylor@antioch.edu
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychologyi
DocumentaryFilmandPedagogy
DocumentaryFilm
Documentaryfilmsareadistinctgenre,setapartfromnarrativefiction(featurefilms)andavant
gardefilmsbyfivemajorcharacteristics:subjects;purposes,viewpoints,orapproaches;forms;
productionmethodsandtechniques;andaudienceresponse(Ellis&McLane,2005).Documentaries
areaboutspecific,factualmaterialandgenerallyexploremattersofpublic,ratherthanprivate
concern.Thesefilmsdocumentsocioculturalphenomenainordertoeducateorraisethe
consciousnessoftheaudiencesunderstandingandinterestinthepeople,events,places,
institutions,and/orproblemstheyhighlight.Forthemostpart,thesefilmsareunscriptedtheir
contentislimitedtowhatthefilmmakercanactuallyobserveandcaptureonfilm.Thesefilmsare
aboutrealpeopleandareshotintherealworld.Finally,theintentofdocumentaryfilmisnot
onlytoprovideviewerswithanaestheticexperience,buttoimpactorinfluencetheattitudesof
theiraudiences,andperhapseveninspirethemtoaction(Ellis&McLane,2005).
Itisimportanttonotethatmostdocumentaryfilmmakersaretrainedasfilmmakersorcometothe
genrefromsomeothercloselyrelateddisciplinesuchasjournalismorcommunications.Theyare
not,asagroup,trainedinpsychologymost,wouldconsiderthemselvestobeartists.Sowhile
manydocumentaryfilmscontaincontentandinformationrelevanttopsychology,thefilmsarenot,
forthemostpart,createdwithpsychologicalprinciplesinmind.Documentaryfilmsaresimilarto
naturalisticobservationorethnographyinthatthefilmmakersdocumentwhattheyseeand
experience.Becausethesefilmsdocumentreallifeexperiencesoftheirsubjects,somethemesare
difficulttocapture.Forexample,therearealimitednumberoffilmsthatdepictvulnerable
populations(individualswithpsychiatricdisorders,abusedandneglectedchildren,prisoners,
refugees,etc.)becauseissuesofconsentandexploitationoftencomeintoplay.Despitesomeof
thelimitationsofthegenre,thesefilmsarestillvaluableresourcesfortheteachingofpsychology.
Pedagogy
Asnotedintheintroductiontothisresource,documentaryfilmsareapowerfultoolforinstruction
inpsychology.Theycanexposestudentstoaspectsofthehumanexperiencethatmaybe
unfamiliarorprovideexamplesofconceptsthataredifficulttoexplainordescribe.Belowyouwill
findvariouspedagogicalapproachesfortheuseofdocumentaryfilmsinteachingpsychology
courses.
UseofClipstoReinforceConceptsorProvideExamples
Thisisoneoftheeasiestwaystousedocumentariesinteaching.Clips(typicallyunderfive
minutesinlength)canserveasbriefexamplesofcomplexconceptsandreinforcewhathas
beencoveredinreadingsandlecture.Forexample,studentsinanabnormalpsychologyor
psychopathologycoursemayreadandhearaboutclinicalsymptomssuchaspressured
speechandflightofideas.Usingabriefclipofanindividualdemonstratingthesesymptoms
canservetostrengthenyourcoverageofthismaterialinclassandreinforcestudents
understandingoftheconcepts.Thiscanbedoneintwoways.Ifstudentshavealreadyread
materialthatdescribestheconcepts,youmaywanttoshowtheclip,priortodiscussingthe
conceptsinclass,anduseitasanopportunitytoassessifstudentsunderstoodthereading
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychologyii
andrecognizetheconcepts(orinsomecasesiftheydidthereadingatall).Another
approachistopresentanddefinetheconceptsandthenshowtheclipasanexample.
Eitherway,theuseoftheclipprovidesareallifeexampleoftheconceptsinorderto
supplementthereadingandlecture.
Althoughthisisahighlyeffectiveuseofdocumentarymaterial,itisimportantnottooverdo
itinanyoneclass.Youdontwanttofindyourselfinacircumstancewhereyouneedtocue
upmultipleDVDsforoneclasssession.Studentswillloseinterestandyouwilllosealotof
classtime.
UseofSegmentsoranEntireFilmtoLayaFoundationforUnfamiliarContent
Studentsoftenlackexperiencewithorexposuretoarangeoftopicsandissuespresentedin
psychologycourses.Forexample,manystudentsenrolledindevelopmentalpsychology
courseshavehadlittleexposuretoinfants.Usingdocumentarysegments[upto20minutes
inlength]ofinfantsinteractingwiththeircaregiversandtheenvironmentaroundthem,can
layafoundationforstudents,ensuringthatatminimum,allstudentsintheclasshavesome
exposureinfantbehavior.Thiscanalsoservetoreinforcewhatiscoveredinlectureand
readings,especiallyifyoureferbackthefilminyourclassexamples.
Youmayfindthatyouteachcoursesontopicsthatyourstudentsarelikelytohavelittle
knowledgeorunderstandingabout,suchasthepsychologyofhomelessness.Inthis
example,showinganentirefilmthatdepictstheexperiencesofhomelesspeople,howthey
meettheirbasicneeds,andtheimpactthathomelessnesshasontheirphysicaland
psychologicalwellbeingwouldservestudentswellinorientingthemtokeyissuesthatwill
beaddressedinyourcourse.Therawrealismthatadocumentarycanbringtothisissue
(andmanyothers)canservetoconnectyourstudentstorealworldhumanchallengesina
waythatdramaticfilmscannot.
UseofClipsorSegmentstoIntroduceDifficultorControversialIssues
Psychologycoursesoftenaddressissuesofdiversityorcontroversialsubjects(e.g.,ageism,
racism,gaymarriage).Usingdocumentaryfilmtointroducethesetopicscaninform
studentslessfamiliarwiththeissuesandprovidematerialfordiscussionandfurther
exploration.Thiscanbeachievedwithoutputtingstudentswhorepresentmarginalized
groupsorperspectivesinthepositionofeducatingtheirpeersbyusingthemselvesortheir
opinionsasexamples.Thisapproachalsoprovidesyouwiththeopportunitytointroduce
issuesorperspectivesthatarenotrepresentedinyourclass.
Itisimportantwhenscreeninganyfilmthatdepictsemotionallyorsocioculturallychargedmaterial
thatyouensurethatyouprovideadequateclasstimeforstudentstodiscusswhattheyhaveseen.
Itisequallyimportantforyoutohaveenoughtimetocontextualizewhatstudentshaveseenwith
respecttothecoursecontent.InthefollowingsectiononTipsforUsingDocumentariesas
TeachingTools,youwillfindadditionalinformationabouthowtomosteffectivelyuse
documentariesinyourclassroomandbeyond.
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychologyiii
FurtherReadingontheUseofFilminthePsychologyClassroom
FeatureFilms(Fiction)
Anderson,D.D.(1992).Usingfeaturefilmsastoolsforanalysisinapsychologyandlawcourse.
TeachingofPsychology,19,155157.
Bolt,M.(1976).Usingfilmsbasedonliteratureinteachingpsychology.TeachingofPsychology,3,
189190.
Boyatzis,C.J.(1994).Usingfeaturefilmstoteachsocialdevelopment.TeachingofPsychology,21,
99101.
Conner,D.B.(1996).FromMontyPythontoTotalRecall:Afeaturefilmactivityforthecognitive
psychologycourse.TeachingofPsychology,23,3335.
Dorris,W.,&Ducey,R.(1978).Socialpsychologyandsexrolesinfilms.TeachingofPsychology,5,
168169.
Fleming,M.Z.,Piedmont,R.L.,&Hiam,C.M.(1990).Imagesofmadness:Featurefilmsinteaching
Psychology.TeachingofPsychology,17,185187.
Green,R.(2003,July).Teachingpsychologythroughfilm,video.Observer,16.Retrievedfrom
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2003/july03/teaching
psychologythroughfilmvideo.html
GrossDavis,B.(1993).Toolsforteaching.SanFrancisco:JosseyBass.
DocumentaryFilm
Lim,R.F.,Diamond,R.J.,Chang,J.B.,Primm,A.B.,&Lu,F.G.(2008).Usingnonfeaturefilmsto
teachdiversity,culturalcompetence,andtheDSMIVTRoutlineforculturalformulation.
AcademicPsychiatry,32,291298.
RoskosEwoldsen,D.R.&RoskosEwoldsen,B.(2001).Usingvideoclipstoteachsocialpsychology.
TeachingofPsychology,28,212215.
Simpson,K.E.(2008).Classicandmodernpropagandaindocumentaryfilm:Teachingthe
psychologyofpersuasion.TeachingofPsychology,35,103108.
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychologyiv
TipsforUsingDocumentariesasTeachingTools
TipsforUsingDocumentariesasTeachingTools
Previewfilmsbeforeyoushowtheminclassorassignthemtoyourstudents.While
documentaryfilmmakersattempttodocumentissues,theyoftenhaveapointofviewand
somemightarguethattheirfilmshaveaparticularslant.Itisthereforeimportantforyoutobe
familiarwiththefilmtoensurethatwhatitdepictsisinlinewithwhatyouhopetoteach.In
addition,familiaritywiththefilmallowsyoutobeselectiveaboutwhatyoushowinclass.Some
filmscanbequitelong.Showingselectedsegmentsofafilmcanhelpyoutoarticulateyour
pointordemonstrateakeyconceptwithouttakinguptoomuchpreciousclasstime.
Somefilmscontaingraphiccontent,andasaninstructoryoumustdetermineifthe
contentisappropriateforyourstudentsandacademicinstitution.Filmsinthisresource
containinggraphicdepictionsofviolence,sexualcontent,explicitlanguage,etc.areidentified
withthesymbolabove.
ReviewSceneSelectionsprovidedontheDVD.Allofthefilmslistedinthisresourcecontain
SceneSelectionsthatcanbeaccessedfromtheMainMenuontheDVD.TheScene
Selectionsbreakupthefilmintosmallerthematicsegments(typically5to10minutesin
length)thatmakeiteasiertonavigatethefilmandareidealforclassroomviewing.
Testclassroomequipmentbeforeyoushowthefilm.Thereisnothingmorefrustratingfor
studentsthantowatchyoufumblearoundwithaudiovisualequipmentnottomentionhow
anxietyprovokingitwillbeforyou!Besurethattheequipmentworkstesttheimage,sound,
etc.
Viewthefilmwithyourclass.Watchingthefilmwhileyourstudentsarewatchingitallowsyou
toobservetheirreactionstothefilmandtoanswerquestionsiftheyarise.Documentaries
oftenreferencehistoricaleventsorconceptsthatmaynotbefamiliartoyourstudents.This
alsogivesyoutheopportunitytopausethefilminordertoaddyourowncommentary.
Thisdocumentcontainsfilmsthatstreamonline.Insituationswhereyouwillshow
onlysegmentsofanentirefilm,itcanbehelpfulforstudentstohavetheopportunityto
viewtheentirefilmontheirown.Althoughitismostdesirabletowatchfilmswithyour
students,youmaywanttoconsiderassigningfilmstowatchonlineashomework.Thisismost
effectivewhenyouprovidestudentswithsomebackgroundinformationaboutwhattheywillbe
watchingandwhy.Providingalistofguidingquestionsasstudentswatchcanbequitehelpful
aswell.Thisapproach,complementedwithsometimetodiscussthefilminclass,canbean
effectivealternativetousingclasstimetoviewafilm.
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychologyv
WheretoObtainDocumentaryFilms
YourCollegeorUniversityLibrary
Yourcollegeoruniversitylibraryisoneofthebestsourcesforobtainingdocumentaryfilms.
TheselibrariesoftenmaintainlargecollectionsofdocumentaryfilmsonDVD.Manycollegeand
universitylibrariesalsomaintainfacilitiesforviewingfilmsthathavebeenplacedonreservefor
classes.
InterlibraryLoan:Collegesanduniversitiesoftenparticipateinlargenetworksofacademic
librariesthatloanmaterialstoeachother.Whilethiscanbeahighlyeffectivevehiclefor
acquiringhardtofindfilms,itisimportanttonotethattheavailabilitycanbeunpredictableand
youmaynotbeabletoobtainthedesiredfilmwhenyouwanttoshowit.
Yourlocalpubliclibrary
PubliclibrariesoftenmaintainlargecollectionsofdocumentaryfilmsonDVD,particularlyfilms
producedbyPBS.Publiclibrariesinmajormetropolitanareasareexcellentsourcesforfilms
abouttheirownmetropolitanareasandmayhavehardtofindfilmsaspartoftheirpermanent
collections.
PublicBroadcastingSystem(PBS)Onlinewww.pbs.org,forpurchasewww.shoppbs.org
ThissiteisthegatewaytoallPBSdocumentaryseries.PBSnowproducesfivedocumentaryfilm
seriesexploringthehumanconditionincluding:AmericanExperience(ahistoryseriesthat
featurespeopleandeventsthatshapedU.S.History,pastandpresent),FRONTLINE(public
affairsfilmsexploringcriticalissuesofourtimes),IndependentLensandP.O.V(bothfeaturing
independentfilms),andWideAngle(internationalcurrentaffairs).Manyofthefilmsinthese
seriesareavailableforviewingonline(followlinkstoeachseriesthroughAZprogramlistingson
thepbs.orghomepage)andmanyvideosareavailableforpurchasethroughwww.shoppbs.org.
HomeBoxOffice(HBO)Documentarieswww.hbo.com/docs
HBOproducesawiderangeofawardwinningdocumentaryfilms.Thefilmsfrequentlyreairon
HBOnetworksandthroughtheirOnDemandservicethroughcabletelevisionandsatellite
providers.TheHBO.comwebsitealsohasashopfeaturewheremanyoftheirfilmsare
availableforpurchaseonDVD.
Amazon.comwww.amazon.com
Amazon.commaintainsalargecollectionofdocumentaryfilms,availableatdiscountprices.
AmazontypicallycarriesallPBSdocumentariesavailableonDVD.
Netflixwww.netflix.com
Netflix,theonlineDVDrentalsubscriptionservice,maintainsalargecollectionofdocumentary
films,manyofwhichareavailabletostreamonlineatnoadditionalchargetosubscribers.
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychologyvi
Filmdistributors
Thefollowingcompaniesdistributedocumentaryfilmsforeducational/institutionaluse.
o BerkeleyMediaLLCwww.berkeleymedia.com
o CaliforniaNewsreelwww.newsreel.org
o DocumentaryEducationResourceswww.der.org
o Docuramawww.docurama.com
o FanlightProductionswww.fanlight.com
o FilmsfortheHumanitiesandScienceswww.films.com
o FirstRunFeatureswww.firstrunfeatures.com
o IndieFlixwww.indieflix.com
o NewDayFilmswww.newday.com
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychologyvii
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Entriesforeachfilmincludethefollowinginformation:
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Runningtime:Thelengthoftheentirefilmfrombeginningtoend.DVDsincludescene
selections(usually5to10minutesegments)thatareidealforclassroomuse.
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The Films
Addictions&SubstanceAbuse
Addiction
Hoffman,J.,Froemke,S.(Producers),&Alpert,J.,Berlinger,J.,Davis,K.,Froemke,S.,Garbus,L.,
Hegedus,S.,...&Yu,J.(Directors).(2007).Addiction[DVD].NewYork:HomeBoxOffice.
Runningtime:90minutes[CenterpieceFilm]+13supplementaryshortfilms[2030minutes
each]on4DVDs
Courses:Addiction;ChemicalDependency;SubstanceAbuse;SubstanceAbuseTreatment
Subjects:Drugaddiction;Alcoholism;Substanceabusetreatment;SubstanceRelated
Disorders;Drugabuse;DrugAbusetreatment.
Availability:Amazonwww.amazon.com,ShopHBOhttp://store.hbo.com,
Eachsegmentofthecenterpiecefilmandall13supplementaryfilmsstreamonline
(free)at:http://www.hbo.com/addiction/thefilm/index.html?current=5
HBOmaintainsawebsiteforthefilmthatincludesresourcesandadditional
informationonunderstandingaddiction,adolescentaddiction,treatment,aftercare,
stigmaanddiscrimination:http://www.hbo.com/addiction/index.html
ThisHBOdocumentaryfilmseriesbringstogethersometotheUnitedStatesforemostexpertson
substanceabuseandaddictionwith16ofthecountysmosttalenteddocumentaryfilmmakers.
Thefilmemphasizesthebiologyandphysiologyofaddictionandtreatmentapproachesinformedby
thisknowledgebase.Thescopeoftheproblemofsubstanceabuseishighlightedthrough
juxtapositionsofstatisticaldataontheprevalenceoftheproblemandpersonalstoriesofthedirect
tollonindividuals,families,andcommunities.Throughinterviewswithcurrentandformeraddicts,
theirfamilymembers,andtreatmentprofessionals,thefilmexploresthedifficultiesfacedby
individualsseekingtreatmentandthechallengesfacedbyindividualsstrugglingtoremainalcohol
anddrugfree.Thefilmfeaturessegmentsfilmedinahospitalemergencyroomwherehalfofall
visitsinvolvedrugsandalcohol;amothersstruggletogether23yearolddaughterintotreatment
foropiateaddition;brainresearchondrugcuesandrelapse;adolescentaddiction;theuseofbrain
imagingtounderstandaddiction;drugtreatmentforopiateuse;drugtreatmentforalcoholism;
workplaceaddictionandtreatment;andthechallengesofobtainingtreatmentwithlimitedorno
insurancecoverage.
Thirteen(13)supplementaryshortsfilmsexplorespecificissuesinaddictionresearchand
treatment:
WhatisAddiction?[20minutes]
Dr.NoraD.Volkow,DirectorofNationalInstituteonDrugAbuse(NIDA),conductsaninformal
discussionaboutaddictionwithaddictsandtheirfamilymembers.Dr.Volkowfocuseson
addictionasabraindisease,usingbrainimagingtoillustratehowthebrainisstructurally
alteredbyprolongedexposuretodrugsandalcohol.Shealsodiscussesgenetic,environmental
andbehaviorfactorsthatincreaseindividualvulnerabilitytoaddiction.Addictsparticipatingin
thegroupsharetheirstruggleswithaddiction.
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychologyPage1
UnderstandingRelapse[22minutes]
Thisshortexploresfactorsthatleadtorelapse.Expertsdescribetheimpactthatrepeateddrug
usehasonthebrainsstopsystem,makingitdifficultforaddictstoresisttriggerstousedrugs.
CognitiveBehavioralTherapy(CBT)isidentifiedasaneffectiveapproachtostrengtheningthe
brain's"stop"system.
TheSearchforTreatment:AChallengingJourney[21minutes]
Inthisshortaddictionexpertsdiscussfactorsthatshouldbeconsideredinselectingan
appropriatetreatmentoptionsforanaddict.Theyemphasizeevidencebasedtreatmentmodels
ultimatelyrecommendingtreatmentthatcombinesmedicationandbehavioraltherapy.
TheAdolescentAddict[26minutes]
Thisfilmemphasizesthevulnerabilityoftheadolescentbraintoalcoholanddrugaddictionand
thechallengespresentedbycooccurringpsychiatricdisorderssuchasdepressionandanxiety.
Thefilmprofilestwotreatmentmodalities:MultiSystemicTherapyprovidedonanoutpatient
basisandThePhoenixAcademy(alongtermresidentialtreatmentprogram).Thisfilmalso
providesinterviewswithparentsstrugglestoaddressandcopewiththeiraddictedchildren.
AnInterviewwithNoraD.Volkow,M.D.[25minutes]
Inthisshortfilm,Dr.NoraVolkow,DirectoroftheNationalInstituteonDrugAbuse,emphasizes
thataddictionisachronicdiseaseofthebraincharacterizedbyrelapse.Shediscussesavariety
ofissuesincludingadolescentaddiction,theeffectivenessofcombiningmedicationand
behavioraltherapiesintreatment,thesocialstigmaofaddiction,andthebrainsabilityto
recoverfromaddiction.
AnInterviewwithMarkL.Willenbring,M.D.[22minutes]
Dr.MarkL.Willenbring,DirectorofTreatmentandRecoveryResearchattheNationalInstitute
onAlcoholAbuseandAddiction(NIAAA),discussesgeneticandpsychiatricfactorsthatleadto
alcoholism.Intheinterviewheaddressesthesocialstigmaofalcoholismandtheimportant
treatment.Dr.Willenbringdescribesthecharacteristicsofeffectivetreatmentprograms,how
individualscanfindsuchprograms,andidentifiessupportgroups(12stepprograms)foraddicts
andtheirlovedones.Inaddition,hediscussesanumberofnewlyFDAapprovedmedications
thatcanreducerelapse.
AnInterviewwithMichaelL.Dennis,Ph.D.[22minutes]
Dr.MichaelDennis,SeniorResearcheratChestnutHealthSystemsandanexpertinthe
treatmentofadolescentaddicts,discussesthevulnerabilityoftheadolescentbraintoaddiction
andtheprevalenceofcomorbidityamongadolescentaddicts.Heemphasizestheimportanceof
earlyidentificationandtreatmentofbothaddictionsandcooccurringpsychiatricdisordersin
youngpeople.
AnInterviewwithKathleenT.Brady,M.D.,Ph.D.[19minutes]
Dr.KathleenBrady,ProfessorofPsychiatryattheMedicalSchooloftheUniversitySouth
Carolinadiscussestheroleofcooccurringpsychiatricdisorders(depression,anxiety)and
traumaonaddictionandrelapse.Sheemphasizestheimportanceoftreatmentthataddresses
bothaddictionandpsychiatricdisorderssimultaneously.
GettinganAddictintoTreatment:TheCRAFTApproach[18minutes]
Dr.RobertMeyersdiscusseshisCRAFTapproachtohelpingfamiliesgettheiraddictedloved
onesintotreatment.CommunityReinforcementandFamilyTraining(CRAFT)helpsfamily
memberstochangethewaysthattheyinteractwiththeiraddictedlovedones,supportingthem
togetintotreatment.
TreatingStimulantAddiction:TheCBTApproach[23minutes]
ThisfilmdocumentstheeffectivenessofCognitiveBehavioralTherapy(CBT)forthetreatment
ofstimulantaddiction(e.g.,methamphetamineandcocaine).TheMATRIXInstituteon
AddictionsinSanBernardino,CAisprofiledforitsintegrationofindividualandfamilytherapy,
recoveryskillsgroups,mutualsupportand12stepgroups,anddrugtestingaseffective
comprehensivetreatmentofstimulantabuse.
OpiateAddiction:UnderstandingReplacementTherapy[19minutes]
Inthisfilm,ScottFarnum,ofAcadiaHospitalinBangor,Maine,discussesthehospitalsmodel
programforthetreatmentofopiateaddiction.Histalkemphasizestheeffectsofopioidson
brainandtheroleofreplacementmedicationsintreatment,recovery,andrelapseprevention.
SouthBostonDrugCourt[20minutes]
ThisfilmprofilestheSouthBostonDrugCourtanditsapproachtosupervisingtreatmentofnon
violentdrugoffenders.Ratherthanservetimeinjail,thecourtsmandatesoffendersinto
comprehensivetreatment,whichhasbeendemonstratedtoreducerelapsesandrearrests.
AMothersDesperation[24minutes]
Thisfilmprovidesfeaturesthestrugglesofamotherseekingtreatmentforheraddicted
daughter.Thefilmprovidesadditionaldetailtothestoryintroducedinthecenterpiecefilm,
providinginsightsintotheemotionalturmoilexperiencedbyfamilymembersofaddicts.
ClosetoHome:MoyersonAddiction
OriginallyproducedforPBS,this5partseriesexploresdrugandalcoholaddictionintheUnited
States.HostedbyBillMoyers,eachepisodeintheseriesfocusesonadifferentaspectofaddiction
andrecovery,withinsightsprovidedbyaddictsandthepeoplewhosupporttheminachievingand
maintainingsobriety.
PortraitofAddiction
Schatz,A.(Producer/Director).(1998).Closetohome:Portraitofaddiction[DVD].Princeton,
NJ:FilmsfortheHumanities&Sciences.
Runningtime:57minutes
Courses:Addiction;ChemicalDependency;SubstanceAbuse
Subjects:SubstanceRelatedDisordersPersonalnarratives;SubstanceabusePsychological
aspects;SubstanceabusePhysiologicalaspects
Availability:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandScienceswww.films.com
Thisfilmfeaturesagroupofninemenandwomenrecoveringfromalcoholand/ordrug
addiction.Thesubjectsofthisfilmcomefromdiversebackgroundssocioculturalbackgrounds
andoccupations,illustratingthatsubstanceabuseandaddictioncanimpactanyoneinour
society.
TheHijackedBrain
Schatz,A.(Producer/Director).(1998).Closetohome:Thehijackedbrain[DVD].Princeton,NJ:
FilmsfortheHumanities&Sciences.
Subjects:SubstanceabusePhysiologicalaspects;DrugsPhysiologicalaspects
Thisfilmexploresscientificeffortstounderstandtheimpactofdruguseonthebrainandthe
influenceofgeneticsonsubstanceabuseandaddiction.Moyersvisitsabrainscanning
laboratoryaviewsimagesofacocaineusersbrainasthedrugbeginstotakeeffect.Thefilm
alsofeaturesgeneticistwhoseworkattemptstoidentifygeneticfactorsthatleadtoalcoholism.
ChangingLives
Schatz,A.(Producer/Director).(1998).Closetohome:Changinglives[DVD].Princeton,NJ:
FilmsfortheHumanities&Sciences.
Subjects:Substanceabuse;SubstanceabuseTreatment;AlcoholicsRehabilitation
Thisprogramexploresvariousapproachestothetreatmentofdrugandalcoholabuse.Moyers
travelstoRidgeviewInstitutenearAtlantatointerviewrecoveringaddictsandtoobservea
grouptherapysession.MoyersalsovisitsProjectSAFE,treatmentprogramlowincomeaddicted
mothersandtheirchildren.
TheNextGeneration
Schatz,A.(Producer/Director).(1998).Closetohome:Thenextgeneration[DVD].Princeton,
Subjects:SubstanceabusePrevention;DrugabusePrevention;YouthDruguse
Prevention
Thisprogramexploreseffortstopreventdrugandalcoholuse.Theprogramfeaturesinnovative
preventionprogramsthattargetchildrenandyouth.Oneoftheprogramsfeaturedteaches
parentsaddictedtoheroinhowtostrengthentheirrelationshipswiththeirchildren.AFlorida
programcarefullymonitorsyouthatriskforaddictionandprovidescounselingandsupportfor
studentswhohavebeguntoexperimentwithdrugsandalcohol.Aprogramfocusingon
nicotineaddictionandsmokingcessationinyouthisalsopresented.Thefilmincludes
interviewswithyoungpeople,counselors,andschoolofficials.
ThePoliticsofAddiction
Schatz,A.(Producer/Director).(1998).Closetohome:Thepoliticsofaddiction[DVD].
Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanities&Sciences.
Subjects:DrugabuseGovernmentpolicyArizona;DrugabuseGovernmentpolicy
UnitedStates;DrugaddictsRehabilitation
Thisprogramexplorespublicpolicyinitiatives,offeringinsightsintohowgovernmentofficialsat
thestateandfederallevelsusesubstanceabuseresearchtoinformpublicpolicyinitiativesthat
emphasizetreatmentoverincarcerationfornonviolentdrugoffenders.
CrackedNotBroken
Powers,T.(Producer),&Perrier,P.(Director).(2005).Crackednotbroken[DVD].Toronto,Canada:
BlatantExposureFilmsandOpenDoor.
Subjects:WomendrugaddictsCasestudies;Compulsivebehavior;Substanceabuse
Availability:Filmwebsitehttp://www.crackednotbroken.com/index.php
ThisfilmfocusesonLisa,abright,articulate,andvivacious37yearoldwoman,addictedtocrack
cocaine.FilmedalmostentirelyintheTorontohotelroomwhereshelivesandengagesin
prostitutiontosupporthercostlydrughabit,Lisaisfilmedandinterviewedbythehusbandofone
ofheroldestfriends.Raisedinanuppermiddleclassfamily,withalloftheprivilegesand
opportunitiesthatcomethisstatus(therightschools,friends,etc.),Lisanowfindsherselfestranged
fromheronlychild,cutofffromfriendsandfamily,strugglingtomendherlife.Thefilmprovides
powerfulinsightsintothechaoticandoftenbrutallifeofanaddict.
Graphicdepictionofdrugusage,stronglanguage,violence,adultsituation
DopeSickLove
Alpert,J.(Producer),&Conte,F.,Renaud,B.,&Renaud,C.(Directors).(2004).Dopesicklove
[DVD].NewYork:DowntownCommunityTelevisionCenter.
Subjects:DrugaddictsNewYork(State)NewYork
Availability:DCTVhttp://www.dctvny.org/documentaries/dopesicklove
ThisfilmexploresthelivesoftwoNewYorkCitydrugaddictedcouplesfor18monthsasthey
navigatetheiraddictionsandrelationships.ThefilmmakersfollowMatt&TracyandSebastian&
Michellethroughalleys,thecorridorsandelevatorsofbuildings,andpublictoiletstosmokeand
shootcrack.Thefilm,whichisbasedonraw,largelyuneditedfootage,withoutmusicornarration,
brilliantlycapturestheharshrealitiesofaddictionandthelengthstowhichaddictswillgo(hustling,
stealing,prostitution)toscoretheirnextfix.Incontrast,thefilmalsoprovidesamovingportraitof
thefundamentalhumanneedforloveandcompanionshipeveninthemostbrutalof
circumstances.
Graphicdepictionofdrugusage,stronglanguage,violence,adultsituations
FooFooDust
Levy,G.,&Johnson,E.(Producers/Directors).(2003).Foofoodust.Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:Addiction;ChemicalDependency;SubstanceAbuse;FamilyDynamics
Subjects:Cocainerelateddisorders;Crackcocaine;Motherchildrelations
Availability:NewDayFilmshttp://www.newday.com
Filmavailableforonlinestreaming(feesapply)atNewDayDigital
http://newday.iriseducation.org
ThisfilmfocusesonStephanie,aprostituteinher50swhohasbeenonlongtermmethadone
maintenance,butsmokescrackcocaineforrecreation,andher22yearoldheroinaddictedson
Tony.TheyliveinaoneroominahotelinSanFranciscosTenderloindistrict.Thefilmbeautifully
juxtaposestheharshnessoftheirhandtomouthexistencewiththeintenseemotionalbondof
motherandson.
Graphicdepictionofdrugusage,adultsituations,stronglanguage
MessingwithHeads:MarijuanaandMentalIllness
Belsham,B.,&AustralianBroadcastingCorporation(Producers).(2005).Messingwithheads:
Marijuanaandmentalillness.Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanities&Sciences.
Subjects:Marijuanaabuse;Mentalillness;Braindrugeffects
OriginallyproducedforAustraliantelevision,thisfilmexplorestherelationshipbetweenmarijuana
useandmentalillness(paranoidpsychosisandschizophrenia)amongyoungpeople.Modernday
useofmarijuanaismuchmorechronicandaddictive.Thefilmpresentsevidencethatmarijuana
todayismuchstrongerthanitwasinthepast,withhigherconcentrationsofTHC,themain
chemicalthatencouragesthereleaseofdopamine.Interspersedwithinterviewsandcasestudiesof
youngpeoplewithhistoriesofearly,chronicuseofmarijuana,thefilmfocusesonresearchthat
demonstratesthatmarijuanacandamagetheteenagebrain,increasingvulnerabilitytobipolar
disorder,schizophreniaandpsychosis.
Meth
Ahlberg,T.(Producer/Director).(2006).Meth[DVD].NewYork:BabaluPictures.
Subjects:Methamphetamine;Methamphetamineabuse;Drugabuse;GaymenDruguse
Availability:Amazonwww.amazon.com,Netflixwww.netflix.com
Thisfilmexplorestheuseofmethamphetamine(Meth)amonggaymen.Twelvegaymenfrom
acrosstheUnitedStates(California,Florida,Illinois,Texas,etc.)areinterviewed,describingtheir
ownexperiencesusingthedrugandprovidinginsightsintoitsappealwithinthegaycommunity.
Themeninterviewedforthisfilmprovidegraphicdescriptionsoftheeuphoriaandsenseofpower
experiencedthefirsttimetheyusedthedrug,aswellasthewaysinwhichthedrugtookovertheir
lives,leadingtoaddictionanddevastatingpersonallosses(e.g.,family,friends,partners,jobs,
savings,homes,etc.).Inaddition,themenprovidegraphicdescriptionsoftheirownbehaviorwhile
undertheinfluenceofmethamphetamine.
Graphicdepictionofdrugusage,descriptionsofsexualsituations,stronglanguage
TheMethEpidemic
Byker,C.(Producer/Director).(2006).Themethepidemic[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Subjects:Methamphetamine;Methamphetamineabuse;DrugabuseSocialaspects
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.org,Amazonwww.amazon.com,Netflixwww.netflix.com
Thefullprogramisavailableforonlineviewing(free)at:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/
Frontlinemaintainsawebsiteforthefilmthatincludesresourcesandadditional
informationonepidemicofmethuse:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/
ThisepisodeofPBSFrontlineexploresthegrowingepidemicofmethamphetamineuseinthe
UnitedStatesanddrugsdestructiveimpactonindividuals,familiesandcommunities.Thefilm
tracesthehistoryofthedrugsemergence,legislativeattemptstocontroltheavailabilityof
pseudoephedrine,thekeyingredientofmethamphetaminethatisfoundincountlessoverthe
countercoldremedies,andthegrowingroleofMexicandrugcartelsinthedrugsproliferation.In
thefilmsexplorationofthedrugsimpact,mugshotstakenoveraperiodofyearsdepictthe
physicaldeteriorationofmethamphetamineaddicts.
Methadonia
HomeBoxOffice(Producer),&Negroponte,M.(Director).(2005).Methadonia[DVD].NewYork:
FirstRunFeatures.
Runningtime:88minutes+twobonusshorts:AddictiontoMethadone101andFollowUps
Subjects:MethadonemaintenanceUnitedStatescasestudies;HeroinabuseTreatment
UnitedStatescasestudies;HeroinabuseUnitedStatescasestudies
Availability:FirstRunFeatureshttp://firstrunfeatures.com/index.html,Amazon
www.amazon.com,Netflixwww.netflix.com
Methadoniaisdescribedastheborderlandbetweenhighandstraight,forheroinaddictson
methadonemaintenance.Filmedover18monthsonManhattansLowerEastSide,thefilm
chroniclesthechallengesfacedbyeightaddicts,strugglingtoeventuallybecomedrugfree,while
theyaugmenttheeffectsofmethadonewithtranquilizerssuchasValiumandXanax.Viewersof
thisgritty,intimateportraitofchronicaddiction,willwitnessfirsthandhowdifficultitisforaddicts
torecover.Thefilmalsoshedslightontheinherentflawsofmethadonemaintenanceasa
treatmentoptionforheroinaddiction.
Graphicdepictionofdrugusage,stronglanguage
Rehab
HomeBoxOffice(Producer),&Okazaki,S.(Director).(2005).Rehab.Princeton,NJ:Filmsforthe
Humanities&Sciences.
Subjects:Rehabilitation;Drugaddictsrehabilitation;Alcoholicsrehabilitation
Thisfilmfollowsfiveyoungaddictsthrough30daysofdrugrehabilitationandtheirstrugglesto
remaindrugfreeinthemonthsthatfollow.Featuredinthefilmare:Brannon,a23yearoldheroin
addictwhoexperimentedwithalcoholanddrugsformorethanadecadeandwhosealcoholic
fatherdiedinthelastyear;Tiffani,a21yearoldheroinaddictwhowasonceaGirlScout;Anitra,a
20yearoldmethamphetamineaddictwhohasstruggledtomeetherfather'shighexpectations;
Josh,a20yearoldcocaineaddictwhohasbeenwarnedthathisnextdrugoffensemaylandhimin
jail;andAlly,a22yearoldwho"met"heroinasanartstudentinSanFrancisco.Throughcandid
interviewswitheachsubject,heartwrenchingindividualandfamilycounselingsessions,and
intimateglimpsesintoeachsubjectslifeafterrehab,thefilmoffersararelookatthechallenges
recoveringaddictsfacetoremaincleanandsober.
Graphicdepictionofdrugusage,stronglanguage
ARevolvingDoor
Braverman,C.(Producer),&Braverman,M.(Director).(2006).Arevolvingdoor[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Runningtime:39minutes+bonusmaterial,chapters,internetweblinksforhelpsources,alternate
audiotrackforyoungeraudiences.
Subjects:Drugabusetreatment,Drugaddictsrehabilitation;Drugaddictsfamily
Relationships;Mentalillnesstreatment,Mentalillnessfamilyrelationships
Availability:NewDayFilmshttp://www.newday.com,BravermanProductions,Inc.
http://www.arevolvingdoor.com/order.html
ThisfilmchroniclestheexperiencesofTommyLennon,ayoungmaninhis30swhohasbattled
mentalillness(bipolardisorder)andsubstanceabuseforoveradecadearevolvingdoorof
addiction,mania,delusions,homelessness,psychiatrichospitalizations,andjail.Featuredinthefilm
aremembersofTommyslovinganddedicatedfamily,theirstrugglestounderstandhim,andtheir
frustrationinattemptstoaccesscarefromsystemsthathaverepeatedlyfailedTommy.
Child,Youth,andFamilyServices
Child,Youth&FamilyServices
AgingOut
Weisberg,R.,&Roth,V.(Producers/Directors).(2004).Agingout[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Courses:ChildandAdolescentDevelopment;HumanServices
Subjects:FosterchildrenCaliforniaLosAngeles;FosterchildrenNewYork
Availability:Docuramawww.docurama.com,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
PBSmaintainsawebsiteforthefilmthatincludesresourcesandadditional
informationaboutthefilmsparticipantsandthefostercaresystem:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/agingout/indexhi.html
AgingOutreferstothetimewhenyoungpeopleinthefostercaresystemmustexitandliveon
theirownforthefirsttime.Formanyyoungpeoplethisisadauntingexperience,astheyareoften
illpreparedforindependentlivingwithlittleornofinancialresources,limitedlifeskills,
inconsistentacademichistories,andnofamilytofallbackon.Thefilm,whichoriginallyairedon
PBS,focusesonthreeyoungpeopleastheybegintoliveindependently:David,whowas
abandonedbyhismotherwhenhewassixweeksoldandhaslivedhislifeinmorethan20foster
care,mentalhealth,andjuvenilejusticefacilitiesintheLosAngelesarea;Risa,whowasabusedand
molestedasachild,haslivedinmorethanadozenfostercarehomesintheLosAngelesarea;and
Daniellawhospentfiveyearsin10differentgrouphomesinNewYorkCityafterreportingher
abusivefathertochildwelfareauthoritieswhenshewas15.Thefilmfollowstheseyoungpeopleas
theystruggletosupportthemselves,relyingontheresiliencetheydevelopedwhileinthesystem.
Thefilmincludesinterviewswithfosterparents,fostercareagencyandgrouphomedirectors,and
childwelfarecasemanagers.AgingOutshedslightonthevicissitudesofthepublicsystems(foster
care,familycourts,juvenilejustice,andmentalhealth)thatarechargedwiththewelfareofyoung
peopletakenintotheircareandthesignificantrolethatcommunityorganizationsandcaring
individualscanplayinsupportingtheseyoungpeople.
Girlhood
Garbus,L.,Kennedy,R.(Producers)&Garbus,L.(Director).(2003).Girlhood[DVD].NewYork:
MoxieFirecracker.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,JuvenileDelinquency,JuvenileJustice
Subjects:Femalejuveniledelinquents;Juveniledelinquentsrehabilitation;Juvenilejustice
Maryland
GirlhoodfollowstwogirlsincarceratedattheWaxterJuvenileFacility,hometoMaryland'smost
violentjuvenileoffenders,foraperiodofthreeyears.Shanaewasgangrapedbyfiveboyswhen
shewastenanddealtwiththetraumaofthiseventbyselfmedicatingwithdrugsandalcohol.At
age11shewasconvictedofstabbingafriendtodeath.Megan,abandonedbyherheroinaddicted
mother,ranawayfromtendifferentfosterhomesbeforeshewasarrestedforattackinganother
fosterchildwithaboxcutter.Thefilmfollowsthegirlsastheystruggleforredemptionandto
rebuildtheirfragilelives.ForShanae,withtheunwaveringsupportofherfamily,theoutcomeis
promisingshegraduatesfromhighschoolfourthinherclass,andmanagestocopeeffectively
withcontinuedadversity.Meganontheotherhandcontinuestostruggletobuildarelationship
withthemotherwhoabandonedherandtoekeoutanexistenceonthestreetsofEastBaltimore.
JuvenileJustice
Tobias,J.,&BarOn,L.R.(Producers/Directors).(2001).JuvenileJustice[DVD].Alexandria,VA:
PBSVideo.
Courses:AdolescentDevelopment,JuvenileDelinquency,JuvenileJustice
Subjects:Juvenilejustice,administrationofUnitedStatesEvaluation;Juveniledelinquents
UnitedStates
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.com
Withunprecedentedaccesstojuvenilecourtproceedings(whichareusuallyclosedtothepublic
andrarelyseenontelevision),thisfilm,originallyproducedbyPBSFrontline,followsfourjuvenile
offendersthroughtheCaliforniajuvenilecourts.Filmedoveraperiodof15months,thefilmfollows
fouryoungmen:Manny,17,chargedwiththeattemptedmurderofapregnantwomanandher
family;Jos,a15yearoldLatinogangmembersentencedtoJuvenileHallforhisroleinthebeating
deathofanotherteen;Shawn,amiddleclasswhiteteenwhopleadedguiltytotheattempted
murderofhisfather;andMarquese,anAfricanAmericanteenwhohasseventheftrelatedfelonies
onhisrecord.Twooftheyoungmearetriedinjuvenilecourtandtwoaretriedasadults.Featured
areinterviewswithjudges,prosecutors,caseworkers,theyoungmen,thefamiliesoftheyoung
men,andsomeoftheirvictims.Thisfilmraisesimportantquestionsaboutthejuvenilejustice
system,thedifferentialtreatmentofyouthasafunctionofsocialclass,ethnicityandfamily
background,whetheryouthshouldbetriedasadults,andifrehabilitationisapossible.
TakeitFromMe
Abt,E.(Producer/Director).(2001).Takeitfromme[DVD].NewYork:PurelandPictures.
Courses:FamilyStudies,ChildDevelopment,HumanServices
Subjects:PersonalResponsibilityandWorkOpportunityReconciliationActof1996;Welfare
recipientsNewYorkBiography;PublicwelfareNewYorkCasestudies
Availability:PurelandPictureswww.purelandpictures.com
TakeitFromMeexplorestheimpactofthePersonalResponsibilityandWorkOpportunity
ReconciliationActof1996anditsfiveyearlimitonpublicassistance.Thefilmprofilesfourwomen
whostruggletofindeconomicstabilityfortheirfamilies:Abbyisa19yearoldmotherofthreewho
cantgetanapartmentofherownbecausesheliveswithherparents,whoarewelfarerecipients;
Teresawholiveswithherteenageson(bothofwhommayhaveuntreatedpsychological/psychiatric
problems)andhasdifficultyfindingwork;Iyoka,whohasacommunitycollegeeducation,andher
husbandLouis,whoneverfinishedschool,struggletoholdontotheirmarriageandtheonejobthey
areabletogetbetweenthemwhilecaringfortheiryoungdaughter;andValentina,a20year
welfarerecipientandsinglemotherinrecoveryfromsubstanceabuse,whoreliesonherlocal
churchtosupplementherincomeasadishwasher.Thefilmpresentstheharshrealitiesofthe
welfaresystemandthevulnerabilityoffamilieswhohavebecomedependentonthemeager
supportprovided.ThestakesforeachofthesewomenisveryhighAbbystwoolderchildrenare
takenintofostercare(becauseshecannotprovidehousingforthem)whereheroldestsonis
physicallyabusedinthefosterhome.Apowerfulfilmthatraisesimportantsocialpolicyquestions
abouthowtosupportsomeofourcountysmostvulnerablecitizenspoorwomenandchildren.
ClinicalPsychology
ClinicalPsychology
TheAlzheimersProject
Hoffman,J.(Producer).(2007).TheAlzheimersproject[DVD].NewYork:HomeBoxOffice.
Runningtime:533minutes[4corefilms]]+15supplementaryshortfilms[2030minutes
each]on3DVDs
Courses:ClinicalPsychology;FamilyStudies;Aging
Subjects:Alzheimersdisease;Biomedicalresearch;Caregiverspsychology
Availability:Amazonwww.amazon.com,ShopHBOhttp://store.hbo.com,Netflix
www.netflix.com
Eachcorefilmandall15supplementaryfilmsstreamonline(free)at:
http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/thefilms.html
HBOmaintainsawebsiteforthefilmthatincludesresourcesandadditional
informationonunderstandingAlzheimersdisease,itstreatment,andresourcesfor
caregivers:http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/index.html
ThisHBOdocumentaryfilmseriesbringstogethersometotheUnitedStatesforemostexpertson
Alzheimersdiseasetoexplorethedebilitatingeffectsofthediseaseonbothonthosewith
Alzheimer'sandontheirfamilies.Thisprojectcentersaroundfourcorefilmsthataddressthe
scientificadvancesinAlzheimersresearch,thecourseofthedisease,anditsimpactonlovedones.
TheCoreFilms:
TheMemoryLossTapes[85minutes]
Thefirstofthecorefilms,TheMemoryLossTapesexploresthelivesofsevenpeoplelivingwith
Alzheimersdisease.Eachindividualfeaturedisatadifferentstageofthedisease,providing
insightsintotheprogressionofthedisease.Interviewswithfamilymembersandcaregiversarealso
included.
MomentuminScience[120minutesintwoparts]
Thisstateoftheartsciencefilmvisitstheclinicsandlaboratoriesof25leadingphysiciansand
scientistsworkingtodevelopinnovativetreatmentstodelaythedeteriorationofthediseasewhile
othersstrivetofindacure.
Grandpa,DoYouKnowWhoIAm?withMariaShriver[30minutes]
Thisfilmfeaturesfivechildrenaged615whoarecopingwithagrandparentdiagnosedwith
Alzheimers.Thefilmprovidesinsightsintohowchildrenofdifferentagesunderstandandcope
withthephysicalandcognitivedeteriorationofagrandparent.
Caregivers[48minutes]
Thisfilmfocusesonadultcaregiversthespouses,adultchildren,andextendedfamilymembers
ofAlzheimerspatients.Thefilmprovidesinsightsintothesacrificesthatthesepeopleoftenmake
toensurethattheirlovedonesarewellcaredforwithdignityandrespect.
ClinicalPsychology
Fifteen(15)supplementaryshortsfilmsexplorespecificissuesinAlzheimersresearchand
treatment:
UnderstandingandAttackingAlzheimers[12minutes]
Thisfilmexploresthetoxicbetaamyloidproteinwhichisassociatedwithcognitivedeclinein
Alzheimersdisease.Thepossibilitiesofavaccinearealsoexplored.
HowFarWeHaveComeinAlzheimer'sResearch[15minutes]
ThisfilmprovidesanoverviewofadvancesinAlzheimersresearchoverthepast30years.
IdentifyingMildCognitiveImpairment[20minutes]
ThisfilmdocumentstheevaluationoftwopatientsattheMayoClinic,emphasizingthe
importanceofdistinguishingbetweenthedifferenttypesofdementiasthatcanoccurinoldage.
TheRoleofGeneticsinAlzheimer's[14minutes]
ThisfilmexploresthegeneticsofAlzheimersandhereditaryfactorsassociatedwiththedisease.
AdvancesinBrainImaging[13minutes]
Thisfilmprovidesanoverviewofadvancesinbrainimagingtechnologiesandhowtheyhelp
scientiststounderstandmemorylossandcognitivedeclinesassociatedwithAlzheimers.
LookingintotheFutureofAlzheimers[10minutes]
Inthisfilm,theDirectortotheNationalInstituteonAging,RichardJ.Hodes,discussesthe
urgencyforadvancesinAlzheimersresearchasourpopulationages.
TheConnectionBetweenInsulinandAlzheimer's[22minutes]
ThisfilmexploresthelinksbetweenunhealthyinsulinlevelsandAlzheimersdisease.
Inflammation,theImmuneSystem,andAlzheimer's[30minutes]
Thisfilmdescribeshowinflammationandimmunesystemfunctionmaybeinvolvedinthe
etiologyofAlzheimers.
TheBenefitofDietandExerciseinAlzheimer's[17minutes]
Thisfilmexplorestheroleofhealthylifestylechoices(dietandexercise)andtheirrolein
Alzheimersprevention.
CognitiveReserve:WhattheReligiousOrdersStudyisRevealingaboutAlzheimer's
[22minutes]
ThisfilmreviewsthefindingsofastudyontheSistersoftheBlessedVirginMaryinDubuque,
Iowa,andhowpersonalitytraitsmayinfluencebrainfunction.
SearchingforanAlzheimer'sCure:TheStoryofFlurizan[31minutes]
ThisfilmexplorestheresultsofrecentdrugtrailsinAlzheimerstreatment.
ThePulseofDrugDevelopment[16minutes]
ThisfilmexploresprogressinthedevelopmentofdrugstotreatAlzheimersandtheevaluation
ofherbalremedies.
TheDeMoeFamily:EarlyOnsetAlzheimer'sGenetics[26minutes]
ThisfilmprofilesmembersoftheDeMoefamilyinwhichfiveofthesixsiblingshaveagenetic
mutationassociatedwithearlyonsetAlzheimers.Thisshortfilmexploresthepsychologicaland
emotionaltollthishashadonthefamily.
ClinicalPsychology
TheNanney/FeltsFamily:LateOnsetAlzheimer'sGenetics[22 minutes]
ThisfilmprofilesmembersoftheNanney/Feltsfamilyinordertobetterunderstandlateonset
Alzheimers.
TheQuestforBiomarkers[17minutes]
Thisfilmprofilesscientistsearchingforgeneticandbiologicalmarkerstoimproveunderstanding
ofAlzheimersanditsprogression.
AutismisaWorld
StateoftheArt(Producer),&Wurzburg,G.(Director).(2004).Autismisaworld.[DVD].NewYork:
CNNProductions.
Courses:ClinicalPsychology;AbnormalPsychology;
Subjects:AutisticdisordersPersonalnarratives;AutismCasestudies
Availability:Amazonwww.amazon.com
AutismisaWorldtakestheviewerintotheexperienceofSueRubin,a26yearoldwomanwith
autism.Diagnosedwithautismasayoungchild,Suewasnotcommunicativeuntilshewastrained
touseafacilitatedcommunicationdevicewhenshewas13.Oncepresumedmentallyretardedand
uncommunicative,Suebegantocommunicateandshareherexperienceswithothers.Shewasable
toattendandcompletehighschool,attendsjuniorcollege,travelsthecountrylecturingabout
autismandadvocatingfortheneedsofthedisabled,andlivesindependentlywiththeassistanceof
ateamofaides.Thenarrationsofthefilm,performedbyanactress,arewrittenbySue,providing
viewersofthefilmwithuniqueinsightsintowhatitisliketohaveautism.Suesharesher
experiencesofisolation,socialsituations,herdiscomfortwithunfamiliarsettings,andneedfor
routines.
BoyInterrupted
Perry,D.(Producer/Director).(2008).Boyinterrupted[DVD].NewYork:HBOVideo.
Courses:ClinicalPsychology;Depression;Psychopathology;LifespanDevelopment
Subjects:Depression;MensHealth;Depressioninmen
Availability:ShopHBOhttp://store.hbo.com,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
BoyInterruptedisapowerfulfilmthatinretrospect,chroniclesthestrugglesofEvanPerrywhowas
diagnosedwithbipolardisorderasachildandcommittedsuicideatage15.Thisfilmisnotsomuch
aboutbipolarillness,itisabouttheimpactthatbipolardisorderandsuicidehaveonthelovedones
ofthepersonwiththedisorder.Thefilmmaker,Evansmother,gatheredhomemovies,
photographs,andavarietyofdifferentdocumentstotellthestoryofherson,Evan:hisbipolar
illness,hislife,andhisdeath,andtheirimpactonthosewholovedhimthemost.Sheinterviewshis
ClinicalPsychology
siblingsandfriends,hisdoctorsandhisteachers,andintheprocess,shechroniclesaharrowingand
difficultjourneythatendsinaparentsworstnightmare.
Depression:OutoftheShadows
Garmon,L.(Producer/Director).(2008).Depression:Outoftheshadows[DVD].Alexandria,VA:
PBSVideo.
Courses:ClinicalPsychology;Depression;Psychopathology;LifespanDevelopment
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/videoch_01.html
informationonmenanddepressionhttp://www.mengetdepression.com/index.cfm
Thisfilm,originallyproducedforPBS,exploresthescience,diagnosis,andtreatmentofdepression.
Takingacomprehensiveapproach,thefilminterspersesinterviewswithadiversegroupofpeople
diagnosedwithdepressionandtheirfamilymembers,drivinghomethepointthatdepression
impactspeopleofallagesandfromallethnicandsocioeconomicbackgrounds.Thesenarratives
servetodemonstratetheallencompassingnatureofdepressionanditsimpactonrelationships,
theworkplace,andthetollittakesonindividualswhosufferfromit.Anumberofexpertsprovide
commentaryonscientificadvancementsinourunderstandingofdepressionanditstreatment.
DiagnosisBipolar:FiveFamiliesSearchforAnswers
Davis,K.,&Heilbroner,D.(Producers/Directors).(2009).Diagnosisbipolar:Fivefamiliessearchfor
answers[DVD].Hamilton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanities&Sciences.
Courses:ChildClinicalPsychology,ChildPsychopathology,AbnormalPsychology
Subjects:Bipolardisorderchildren
Filmedoveraperiodoffivemonths,thisfilmfollowsfivefamilies,threeofwhomhavemultiple
childrendiagnosedwithbipolardisorder.Thechildrenrangeinagefromeightto15andexperience
awiderangeofsymptomsassociatedwiththedisorderincludingsuicidality,hypersexuality,violent
outbursts,mania,depression,andpsychoticepisodes.Inadditiontointimateinterviewswiththe
childrenandtheirfamiliesandfootageshotinthefamilieshomes,anumberofexpertsare
interviewed.Theinterviewswiththeparentsunderscoretheirstrengthastheymakewrenching
medicaldecisions,experienceprofoundsocialisolation,andstruggletohelptheirchildrenmanage
adisorderthatispoorlyunderstood.
ClinicalPsychology
DyingtobeThin
McPhee,L.(Producer/Director).(2004).Dyingtobethin[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Courses:ClinicalPsychology,Psychopathology,EatingDisorders
Subjects:Eatingdisordersinwomen;Bodyimage;AnorexiaNervosa;Bulimia
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.org,Amazonwww.amazon.com
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/thin/
NOVAmaintainsawebsiteforthefilmthatincludesresourcesandadditional
informationoneatingdisorders:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/thin/
ThisepisodeofPBSNOVAexploreseatingdisorders(anorexiaandbulimia)amongyoungwomenin
theUnitedStates.Thefilmprovidesfootageofyoungwomeninindividualandgrouptreatment
interspersedwithinterviewsofyoungwomen(includingmodels,dancers,andathletes)inrecovery
andexpertsdiscussingtheetiology,course,andtreatmentofanorexiaandbulimia.Alsoincludedin
thisfilmisadiscussionofculturalinfluencesthatreinforceunrealisticidealsofthinnessinwomen.
TheForgetting:APortraitofAlzheimers
Arledge,E.(Producer/Director).(2004).Theforgetting:AportraitofAlzheimers[DVD].
Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Courses:FamilyStudies;ClinicalPsychology
Subjects:Alzheimersdisease
http://www.pbs.org/theforgetting/
informationonAlzheimers:http://www.pbs.org/theforgetting/
ThisfilmexplorestheimpactofAlzheimersdiseaseonindividualsdiagnosedwiththediseaseand
theirfamilies.Ascientificoverviewofthediseaseandhowitprogressesisincludedaswell.
Powerfulprofilesoffamiliesstrugglingtocarefortheirlovedonesarethecornerstoneofthisfilm,
demonstratinghowdifficultitisforfamilymemberstocometotermswiththecognitiveand
physicaldeteriorationthatcharacterizesAlzheimersdisease.
ClinicalPsychology
TheMedicatedChild
Gaviria,M.(Producer/Director).(2008).Themedicatedchild[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Courses:FamilyStudies;ClinicalPsychology
Subjects:Pediatricpsychopharmacology;Attentiondeficithyperactivitydisordertreatment;
Attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorderdiagnosis
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.org,Amazonwww.amazon.com],Netflixwww.netflix.com
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/medicatedchild/
information:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/medicatedchild/
Thisfilmexplorestheproliferationofearlypsychiatricdiagnosisinyoungchildrenandthe
controversiessurroundingtheuseofpsychotropicmedicationstotreatthem,despitethefactthat
manyofthesepowerfuldrugshavenotbeentestedonchildren.Thefilmprofilesseveralchildren
thathavebeendiagnosedwithbipolardisorderandADHD,chroniclingthecourseoftheirtreatment
andtheimpactthatthedisordershavehadonthefunctioningoftheirfamilies.Thisfilmraises
importantquestionsaboutchildpsychiatryandfeaturesinterviewswithpsychologistsand
psychiatristsonbothsidesofthedebate.
MenGetDepression
Watts,G.(Producer/Director).(2008).Mengetdepression[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Courses:ClinicalPsychology;Depression;Psychopathology;Men;AdultDevelopment
informationonmenanddepressionhttp://www.mengetdepression.com/index.cfm
Thisfilm,originallyproducedforPBS,exploresdepressioninmen.Featuringanethnicallyand
socioeconomicallydiversegroupoftenmenfromtheirearly20sintotheir70sdiscusstheir
personalexperienceswithdepression,howtheywerediagnosed,andtheirpersonaljourneysin
receivingtreatment.Segmentsofthefilmfocusonmenindifferentagegroups:1830,3055,and
55+,providinginsightsintodevelopmentalandsocioculturalissuesthatmaycontributetomens
reluctancetoseektreatment.
ClinicalPsychology
Thin
Cutler,R.J.(Producer),&Greenfield,L.(Director).(2006).Thin[DVD].NewYork:HBOVideo.
Subjects:AnorexiaNervosatherapy;AnorexiaNervosa;Residentialtreatment
Availability:ShopHBOhttp://store.hbo.com/,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
Thisfilmfollowsfouryoungwomen(ages1530)inresidentialtreatmentforanorexianervosaat
theRenfrewCenterinCoconutCreek,Florida.Withunprecedentedaccesstotheirsubjects,the
filmmakersfilmthewomenintreatment,grouptherapy,duringweightchecksandathomeafter
discharge.Theyalsocaptureteammeetingswithsocialworkers,psychologists,psychiatrists,
psychiatricnursesandotherCenterstaffastheydiscusstheprogressoftheirpatients.Viewerswill
gaininsightsintohowdifficultanorexiaistotreatandtheimpactthatithasonthewomenwiththe
disorderandtheirfamilies.Inaddition,thefilmprovidesinsightsintohowdifficultforthesewomen
tomaintainthegainsachievedinresidentialtreatmentwhentheyreturnhome.
ShadowVoices:FindingHopeinMentalIllness
MennoniteMediaProductions(Producer).(2005).Shadowvoices:Findinghopeinmentalillness
[DVD].Harrisonburg,VA:MennoniteMedia.
Courses:ClinicalPsychology,Psychopathology
Subjects:MentalillnessPersonalnarratives;MentalillnessTreatmentHistory;Community
mentalhealthservices
ThisfilmfeaturesagroupoftendiverseindividualsfromacrosstheUnitedStateswhodiscusstheir
experienceswithmentalillness.Thefilmprovidesinsightsintothewaysinwhichtheseindividual
andtheirfamilieshavenavigatedtheirwaythroughmedical,governmental,societalandspiritual
issues.Thefilmparticularlyemphasizeshowplacesofworshipandcommunityorganizationscan
providesupporttopeoplewithpsychiatricdisordersandtheirfamilies.Alsofeaturedinthefilmare
mentalhealthprofessionals,researchers,mentalhealtheducationspecialistsandpolicymakers,
whodiscusssupportandthebreakingdownofdiscriminationtargetedatindividualsdiagnosedwith
mentalillness.
ClinicalPsychology
ASummerintheCage
Selkow,B.(Producer/Director).(2007).Asummerinthecage[DVD].UnitedStates:Summerinthe
CageProductions.
Courses:ClinicalPsychology,Psychopathology
Subjects:MentalillnessPersonalnarratives;MentalillnessTreatmentHistory;Community
mentalhealthservices
ASummerintheCagedocumentssevenyearsinthelifeofSam,ayoungmandiagnosedwith
bipolardisorder.ThefilmbeginsbeforeSam'sdiagnosiswithbipolardisorderandfollowshim
throughhissevenyearbattletorepairthedamageofdelusionalmanicepisodes,overcome
paralyzingdepressions,andescapethelegacyofabipolarfatherwhocommittedsuicidewhenSam
waseight.Duringthesevenyearsofdocumentingthisstory,viewershaveunprecedentedaccessto
theSamsphysicalandpsychologicaldeterioration,withuniqueinsightsintohowbipolardisorder
manifestsitself,andtheimpactthatithasonindividualsdiagnosedwiththedisorderaswellas
thosearoundthem.Thefilmalsoraisedethicalquestionsaboutthefilmmakingprocessinworking
withindividualswithmentalillness.
Graphiclanguageanddisturbingimages
CommunityPsychology
CommunityPsychology
ADaysWork,ADaysPay
Skurnik,J.,&Leichter,K.(Producers/Directors).(2002).Adayswork,adayspay[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:CommunityPsychology;Poverty
Subjects:PublicwelfareNewYork;WelfarerecipientsEmploymentNewYork
Availability:NewDayFilmswww.newday.com
ProfilesthreeNewYorkCitywelfarerecipientsforcedtoparticipateinthecitysWelfareExperience
Program(WEP)developedduringtheGiulianiadministration.Workersintheprogramwere
requiredtoworkfulltimeinmenialjobs,performingthesamedutiesasworkersemployedbythe
city,inordertoreceivetheirwelfarebenefitsamountingtoonefourthofthepayreceivedbycity
workerswithnobenefits.Noncompliancewouldresultinalossofwelfarebenefits.Inaddition,the
programprovidednochildcareforworkerswhowererequiredtoworkfulltime,nordiditsupport
participantsacademicpursuits.Eachofthethreeindividualsprofiledgetsinvolvedingrassroots
initiativestoachievelivingwagesandequityforWEPworkers.
AllfortheTaking
McCollough,G.(Producer/Director).(2005).Allforthetaking[DVD].Berkeley,CA:Berkeley
Media.
Courses:CommunityPsychology;NativeAmericans
Subjects:UrbanrenewalPennsylvaniaPhiladelphia;EminentdomainPennsylvania
Philadelphia;CityplanningPennsylvaniaPhiladelphia;
Availability:BerkeleyMediawww.berkeleymedia.com
AllfortheTakingisapowerfulexplorationofurbanrenewalandgentrification.In2001,theCityof
PhiladelphiaapprovedtheNeighborhoodTransformationInitiative(NTI),a1.6billiondollarurban
renewalproject.TheNTIgavethecitythepowertoseizethousandsofhomes,mostlyownedor
rentedbypeopleofcolor,theelderly,andthepoor,usingeminentdomain.Theseizedlandcreated
alandbankthatthecityusedtoenticedeveloperstorebuildhistoricneighborhoodsof
Philadelphia.Thefilmprofilesanumberofresidentsandhousingactivistsastheyfightthecityto
keeptheirhomesandcallsattentiontothefactthateminentdomainismostoftenusedin
communitieswhereresidentsarethemostvulnerablepoorlyinformedabouttheirrightsand
possessinglimitedresourcestomountafighttosavetheirhomes.
CommunityPsychology
BrickCity
Levin,M.,&Benjamin,M.(Producers/Directors).(2009).Brickcity[DVD].NewYork:FirstRun
Features.
Runningtime:260minutes(5episodes)on2DVDs
Courses:CommunityPsychology
Subjects:Newark(NJ)History21stcentury;Newark(NJ)Socialconditions21stcentury;
Newark(NJ)economicconditions21stcentury
Availability:FirstRunFeatureswww.firstrunfeatures.com,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
BrickCity,whichoriginallyairedontheSundanceChannel,isafiveepisodedocumentarythat
chroniclestheeffortsofNewark,NewJerseyresidentsandcityofficialstotransformtheir
communityafternearlyfivedecadesofdeclinecharacterizedbyviolence,poverty,andcorruption.
Eachepisodefeaturesordinarycitizensandcityofficialstacklingthewiderangeofseemingly
intractableissuesthatplaguethecommunity:adolescentpregnancy,gangs,underperforming
schools,poorhousingconditions,unemploymentandunderemployment,communityviolenceetc.
Prominentlyfeaturedthroughouttheseriesisthecityscharismaticyoungmayor,CoreyBooker,as
wellashostofcommunityresidents,youngandold,strivingtomakechangesintheirownlivesand
inthecommunity.
BrownsvilleBlackandWhite
Black,L.,Broadman,R.(Producers),&Broadman,R.(Director).(2002).Brownsvilleblackandwhite
[DVD].Berkeley,CA:BerkeleyMedia.
Subjects:BrownsvilleNewYorkRacerelations;BrownsvilleNewYorkSocialconditions
BrownsvilleBlackandWhiteexploresthecomplexhistoryofresidentialsegregation,whiteflight,
schoolreform,andBlackJewishalliancesandrivalriesintheBrownsvilleneighborhoodofBrooklyn,
NewYork.Brownsville,whichhasbeencalled,TheFirstAmericanGhetto,byhistoriansand
membersofthemedia,Brownsvilleisacommunitycharacterizedbyurbandecay,crime,violence,
chronicpovertyandunemployment.Usingarchivalfootageandinterviewswithresidents,thefilm
presentsanintimateportraitofacommunitystrugglingtofacesomeofourmostintractablesocial
issues.
CommunityPsychology
CaliforniaandtheAmericanDream
Thisfourpartseriesexplorestherolesofcommunity,cultureandidentityinshapingCalifornia.
Arguablyoneofthemostdiverseregionsoftheworld,Californiaisatoncearolemodeland
cautionarytaleforotherpartsoftheUnitedStatesandtheworld.Californiaisattheforefrontof
thepost911Americanagendafromdramaticshiftsinthedemographicstonewmodelsofcivic
engagement,fromtheroleofimmigrantsinneighborhoodlifetodemocracythroughtheinitiative
process,fromNativeAmericangamingandsovereigntytosustainableagriculture.
CaliforniasLostTribes
Riffe,J.(Producer/Director).(2005).Californiaslosttribes[DVD].Berkeley,CA:Berkeley
Media.
Subjects:NativeAmericansofNorthAmericanGamingCalifornia;GamingonIndian
reservationsLawsandlegislationCaliforniaHistory;CasinosCalifornia
California's"Lost"Tribesexploresthecontroversialissueoftribalgaminganditsdevelopmentin
Californiaoverthepast30years.Thefilmexaminesthehistoricalunderpinningsoftribal
sovereigntyandtheimpactofgamingonIndianselfdetermination,andthechallengesthat
Nativepeoplefaceininsuringthattheirnewfoundprosperitywillbesustainedforfuture
generations.Thefilmalsoprovidesinsightsintothethinkingandmotivationofthosewho
opposetheexpansionofIndiangamingincludinghomedevelopersandorganicfarmers,who
findthemselvesincompetitionwithtribeoverthedevelopmentofwhatlittlerurallandremains
inthestate.
ThePriceofRenewal
Espinosa,P.(Producer/Director).(2005).Thepriceofrenewal[DVD].Berkeley,CA:Berkeley
Media.
Subjects:Communitydevelopment,UrbanCaliforniaSanDiego;Neighborhoodplanning
CaliforniaSanDiego;UrbanrenewalCaliforniaSanDiego
ThePriceofRenewalfocusesontheSanDiegocommunityofCityHeights,knownlocallyasthe
EllisIslandofSanDiego,California,hometopoorimmigrantsfromMexico,CentralAmerica,
SoutheastAsiaandEastAfrica.Plaguedbydecadesofurbandecayandneglect,thecommunity
embarksonlongtermredevelopmentplantorevitalizetheneighborhood.Thefilmexplores
thecomplexissuesofcommunitydevelopment,public/privatepartnerships,philanthropy,civic
engagementandtheunintendedconsequencesofgentrificationonlongtermresidentsofthe
community.
CommunityPsychology
TheNewLosAngeles
Goldfarb,L.(Producer/Director).(2005).ThenewLosAngeles[DVD].Berkeley,CA:Berkeley
Media.
Subjects:MinoritiesCaliforniaLosAngelesPoliticsandgovernment
ThisfilmexplorestheturbulenthistoryofthecityofLosAngeles,describedasthelargest
majorityminoritycitywiththegreatestdiscrepancybetweenrichandpoor.Thefilmtraces
thecitysupsanddownsfromthe1973electionofTomBradley,thefirstAfricanAmerican
mayorofamajorcitywithoutanAfricanAmericanmajority,tothe2005electionofAntonio
Villaraigosa,thefirstLatinomayortobeelectedin130years.TheNewLosAngeleschronicles
howthecityaddressessomeofitsmostpressingissues:immigration,globalization,de
industrialization,economicinequality,andashrinkingmiddleclass.Thefilmalsoprofilesthe
effortsofthecitysworkingpoor,incoalitionwithcommunityorganizations,laborunions,and
electedofficials,totransformtheenvironmentinwhichtheyliveandtomakethecityofLos
Angelesmoreaccountabletoitsresidents.
RipeforChange
Riffe,J.,Omori,E.(Producers),&Omori,E.(Director).(2005).Ripeforchange[DVD].Berkeley,
CA:BerkeleyMedia.
Subjects:AgricultureandstateCaliforniaHistory20thcentury;Foodindustryandtrade
CaliforniaCaliforniaHistory20thcentury
ThisfilmfocusesonthedebatesthatdominatethestateofCaliforniaaroundtheissueoffood
anditsproduction.Throughinterviewswithfarmers,wellknownchefs,scientistsandauthors,
RipeforChangeexploresthesocial,environmental,andpoliticalissuesaroundtheincreasing
demandforinexpensivefood.Thefilmjuxtaposesthosewhosupportlargescaleagriculture,
geneticengineering,andtechnologyasthemeanstomeetthesegoals,versusotherswhocall
fororganic,sustainable,andlocallyfocusedstyleoffarmingthatconsiderstheimpactof
agricultureontheenvironment,oncommunities,andonworkers.
CommunityPsychology
CripsandBloods:MadeinAmerica
Davis,B.,Halstead,D.,Murphy,S.,Roxburgh,G.,Warren,C.(Producers),&Peralta,S.(Director).
(2009).Cripsandbloods:MadeinAmerica[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Courses:CommunityPsychology;SocialPsychology
Subjects:GangsCaliforniaLosAngeles;Youthandviolence;Violenceinmen
Availability:Docuramafilmswww.docurama.comAmazonwww.amazon.com,
CripsandBloods:MadeinAmericaexaminesthesocial,psychologicalandsociopoliticalfactorsthat
havegivenrisetotwoofthemostinfamousAfricanAmericangangs,LosAngelesCripsandBloods.
Througharchivalfootageandpresentdayinterviewswithcurrentandformermembersofboth
gangs,ganginterventionexperts,writers,activistsandacademicsthefilmtracesthehistoryofthe
riseofthegangsthatinthepast30yearshaveresultedinover15,000murdersinanongoingcycle
ofgangviolencethatcontinuesunabatedintheLosAngelescommunityofSouthLosAngeles.The
filmprovidesinsightsintothefunctioningofthegangscharacterizedbyturfwarsandterritorialism,
theinterganghierarchyandfamilystructure,therulesofbehavior,thecultureofguns,deathand
dishonor.Inaddition,thefilmanalyzesthesocioculturalfactorsthatcontributetothepersistence
ofthegangsinthecommunity:persistentpoverty,lackofeducationalandoccupational
opportunities,theerosionofidentitythatfuelstheselfperpetuatinglegacyofblackselfhatred,the
disappearanceoftheAfricanAmericanfatherandanalmostpervasiveprisoncultureinwhichone
infourblackmenwillbeimprisonedatsomepointinhislife.
Maturethemes,graphiclanguageanddescriptionsofviolence
EveryMothersSon
Anderson,K.,&Gold,T.(Producers/Directors).(2004).Everymothersson[DVD].Harriman,NY:
NewDayFilms.
Subjects:WomenpoliticalactivistsNewYork;MothersNewYork;PolicebrutalityNewYork
Filmedoveraperiodofsevenyears,EveryMothersSonchroniclesthetransformationofthree
womenfromgrievingmotherstoactivists.InezBaez(whosesonAnthonywaskilledinanillegal
policechokehold),KadiatouDiallo(whosesonAmadouwasunarmedwhenhewasshot41times
bypolice),andDorisBuschBoskey(whosesonGaryBuschwaspeppersprayedandshottodeath
whileholdingasmallhammer)joinforcestocombatpolicebrutalityandtoadvocatetovictimsand
theirfamilies.ThewomenhaveinspiredagrassrootsmovementinNewYorkthatischallengingthe
CommunityPsychology
militarizationoflawenforcementandtheerosionsofconstitutionalprotections.Whenpolicekill
someoneundersuspiciouscircumstances,themothersassembletohelpthefamilydealwithits
griefandtoseekthetruthandaccountability.Themothershavealsobecomeadvocatesforpolice
reforms,includingbettertrainingandmorecitizenoversight,andhaveconnectedtoalarger
nationalmovementagainstpolicebrutality.
Farmingville
Sandoval,C.,&Tambini,C.(Producers/Directors).(2004).Farmingville[DVD].NewYork:
Docurama.
Subjects:MexicansNewYorkFarmingville;ImmigrantsNewYorkFarmingville;RacismNew
YorkFarmingville
Availability:Docuramafilmswww.docurama.com,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
ChroniclesthechallengesfacedbytherelativelyhomogeneouscommunityofFarmingville
(population15,000),locatedoncentralLongIsland,NewYork,aslargenumbersofundocumented
Mexicandaylaborersmoveintothecommunity.ManyofthemeneasilyfindworkinSuffolk
County'sthrivinglandscaping,construction,andrestaurantlowwageindustries.Asthenumberof
workersincreases(to1,500),longtimeresidentsorganizethemselvestoprotesttheinfluxofthe
workersintotheircommunity,lodgingcomplaintsaboutlargenumbersofmenstandingonstreet
cornersandextremeovercrowdinginrentalhousing.Astensionsinthecommunityrise,verbaland
physicalintimidationtowardtheworkersrises,culminatingabrutalattackagainsttwoofthe
workers.Thecommunitybecomesincreasinglydivided,ascommunityresidentsonbothsides
organizearoundtheissue.ThefilmmakersspentnearlyayearinFarmingville,talkingtoallsides
andfilmingtheconflictasitunfoldedinlegalandpoliticalmaneuverings,communityorganizing,
vigilanteaction,andmosttragically,violence.
CommunityPsychology
FlagWars
Bryant,L.G.,&Poitras,L.(Producers/Directors).(2003).Flagwars[DVD].Berkeley,CA:Berkeley
Media.
Subjects:GentrificationOhioColumbusCasestudies;GentrificationSocialaspects;Inner
citiesOhioColumbus
Availability:BerkeleyMedia www.berkeleymedia.com
Filmedoveraperiodoffouryears,FlagWarschroniclesthegentrificationofaColumbus,Ohio
neighborhood.Theneighborhood,onceastableworkingandmiddleclassBlackcommunity,nowin
decayandeconomicallydepressed,isbeinggentrifiedbypredominantlyWhite,gayhomebuyers.
Theresultingconflictsareacasestudyofdifferencesinperception.Whererealtorsandbuyerssee
rundownhomes,blackresidentsseeevidenceofinstitutionalracismthatsteeredresourcesaway
fromthiscommunity.Whatnewerresidentsseeasabeneficialefforttorenovateandrestorevalue,
veteranresidentsseeasanassaultontheirheritageandathreattotheirabilitytoholdontotheir
homes.Astheconflictsplaythemselvesout,flagssymbolizingtheunityandsolidarityofthe
duelingcommunitiesbegintoappearthroughouttheneighborhood.Throughinterviewswith
newcomersandlongtimeresidents,realtorsandcommunityofficials,thefilmisathoughtfulcase
studyofgentrificationanditsimpactonacommunity.
HoldingGround:TheRebirthofDudleyStreet
Mahan,L.,&Lipman,M.(Producers/Directors).(1996).Holdingground:TherebirthofDudley
Street[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:DudleyStreetNeighborhoodInitiative;CommunityorganizationMassachusetts
Boston;UrbanrenewalMassachusettsBoston.
HoldingGroundfeaturestheworkofresidentsofthemulticultural(AfricanAmerican,Latino,Cape
Verdean,Haitian,PuertoRican,andEuropeanAmerican)BostonareacommunityofRoxbury,to
revitalizetheirneighborhood.Theneighborhood,longredlinedbybanks,marginalizedbythecity,
andplaguedbyillegaldumping,drugdealinginacommunitypark,andaproliferationofabandoned
lotscreatedbytheburningdownhouses.ResidentsformedtheDudleyStreetNeighborhood
Initiative(DSNI)wentontogainnationalrecognitionasresidentsfoughttoclosedownillegal
dumps,gainunprecedentedcontroloflandfromCityHallandcreateacomprehensiveplanto
rebuildthefabricoftheircommunity.Thefilmfeaturesinterviewswithresidents,activistsandcity
officials,interspersedwitharchivalfootageofcommunityeventsandactivities.Thisfilm
CommunityPsychology
exemplifiesthepowerofcommunitymobilizationtoeffectsustainablechangewhenneighborhood
residentscreateandimplementtheirownagendaforchange.
HomelessinParadise
Braverman,C.,Braverman,M.(Producers)&Braverman,M.(Director).(2006).Homelessin
paradise[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:CommunityPsychology;SocialPsychology;Homelessness
Subjects:HomelessnessCaliforniaSantaMonica;HomelesspersonsCaliforniaSantaMonica;
HomelesspersonsServicesforCaliforniaSantaMonica
HomelessinParadisetacklestheissueofhomelessnessthroughcasestudiesoffourindividuals
livingonthestreetsofSantaMonica,Californiawhereanestimated25%ofthecityspopulation
ishomeless.AsRick,Donna,Simon,andFayestrugglewiththementalillnessesandaddictionsthat
arecontributorstotheirlivingonthestreets,thecitystruggleswithhowtoaddresstheproblem.
WhilemostcitiesintheUnitedStatesbudgetlessthan$1.00peryearperhomelessperson,Santa
Monicabudgetsmorethan$100.00perhomelessperson,yetgettingahandleontheproblem
continuestoalludecityofficialsandserviceproviders.Thefilmprovidesinsightsintofactorsthat
contributetohomelessnessandthewaysinwhichcommunities,socialserviceagenciesand
providersattempttoaddressthisgrowing,intractablesocialissue.
Homes&Hands:CommunityLandTrustsinAction
Chasnoff,D.,Cohen,H.S.(Producers)&Cohen,H.S.(Director).(2006).Homes&hands:
Communitylandtrustsinaction[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:LandtrustsUnitedStates;LanduseUnitedStates;HousingUnitedStates
ThisfilmfeaturescommunitiesinNorthCarolina,NewMexicoandVermontwherecommunityland
trustshavebeenusedtoassistlowincomeresidentstobecomehomeowners.Buyerspurchase
homesonlandownedbyacommunitylandtrust(CLT)andenjoythetaxbenefitsof
homeownershipandtheopportunitytobuildequity.Intheeventthataresidentdecidestomove,
theysellthehomebacktothetrust.Theendresultisrevitalizationofaneighborhoodwithout
CommunityPsychology
gentrification,providinglowincomeresidentstocontinuelivingintheircommunitiesasthose
communitiesimprove.
LivingBrokeinBoomTimes:LessonsfromtheMovementtoEndPoverty
Yates,P.,&Kinoy,P.(Producers/Directors).(2007).Livingbrokeinboomtimes:Lessonsfromthe
MovementtoEndPoverty[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:DudleyStreetNeighborhoodInitiative;CommunityorganizationMassachusetts
Boston;UrbanrenewalMassachusettsBoston.
LivingBrokeinBoomTimesdocumentsthedecadelongmovementofpoorAmericanstoend
povertyandachievesocialandeconomicjustice.Thefilmcondensesthreefulllength
documentaries(Takeover,PovertyOutlawandOutriders)intosegmentsidealforclassroomuseand
includesnewcommentaryfromkeyfigureswholedthemovement.IntheTakeover(1990)groups
ofpoorpeopleacrossthecountryorganizetotakeoverabandonedHousingandUrban
Development(HUD)housesforpoorandhomelesspeopleandfamiliesinanefforttocallattention
tolocalgovernmenttotheplightofthesevulnerableindividuals.PovertyOutlaw(1997)features
theeffortsoftheKensingtonWelfareRightsUnion(Philadelphia),amultiethnicorganizationofpoor
womenworkingtoempowerpoorwomenwithinthecityinsupportoftheireffortstolocateand
secureaffordablehousingforthemselvesandtheirchildren.Outriders(1999)followsthePoor
PeoplesEconomicHumanRightsCampaignNewFreedomBusTourashomelessandpoorpeople
rideabusacrosstheUnitedStates(some10,000miles)todocumenthumanrightsviolations(denial
offood,shelter,livingwages)againstthepoor.Thetourendsasthegrouptakestheirfindingsto
theUnitedNations,chargingtheUnitedStatesgovernmentwithcrimesagainsthumanityunderthe
UniversalDeclarationofHumanRights.Thefilmsdepictsoutstandingexamplestheobstaclesthe
organizersfaced(fear,fragmentation,etc.).CheriHonkala,WillieBaptistandLizTheoharisdiscuss
thestrengthsandweaknessesoftheorganizing,andthelessonslearnedfromhardwonexperience.
CommunityPsychology
TheLostChildrenofRockdaleCounty
Goodman,R.D.&Goodman,B.(Producers/Directors).(1999).ThelostchildrenofRockdaleCounty
[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Courses:CommunityPsychology,AdolescentDevelopment;FamilyStudies
Subjects:TeenagersSexualbehaviorGeorgiaRockdaleCounty;TeenagersDruguse
GeorgiaRockdaleCounty;SexuallytransmitteddiseasesGeorgiaRockdaleCounty
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.org,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
TheLostChildrenofRockdaleCounty,whichoriginallyairedonPBSFrontlineexploreshowa1996
syphilisoutbreakinawelloffAtlantasuburbaffectedover200teenagersandrevealedtheirlives
unknowntoparents:groupsex,bingedrinking,drugsandviolence.Somewereasyoungastwelve
andthirteenyearsold.Althoughtheprogrambeginswithanenquiryintohowandwhythesyphilis
outbreakhappened,itbecomesintheendawider,deeperexaminationoftheworldofteenagers
emerges.Thereportinterweavesfrankconversationswiththeteens,parentsofteens,aswellas
interviewswithcommunityleaders,educators,andmedicalprofessionalswhoinvestigatedthe
syphilisoutbreak.Thefilmprovidesinsightsintotherelativeisolationofyouthwithinacommunity
thatpridesitselfonmeetingtheirmeetingtheneedsofitschildren.
Graphicdiscussionofsexualactivity
MadresUnidas:ParentsResearchingforChange
Dyrness,A.(Producer/Director).(2003).Madresunidas:Parentsresearchingforchange[DVD].
Berkeley,CA:BerkeleyMedia.
Courses:EthnicStudies;MinorityMentalHealth;AdultDevelopment
Subjects:SmallschoolsCaliforniaOakland;EducationParentparticipationCalifornia
Oakland;EducationResearchCaliforniaOakland
ThisfilmdocumentstheeffortsoffiveLatinaimmigrantmotherstostartasmallschoolintheir
Oakland,Californianeighborhood.Aspartoftheirworkontheproject,themothersbecome
engagedinparticipatoryresearch,chroniclingtheirprocessthroughdatacollectionand
videography.MadresUnidashighlightstheirparticipationincitywideschoolreformeffortsand
communityorganizingaroundtheissue.Thefilmeffectivelyhighlightsthepersonaltransformation
ofthefivemothers,astheyworktocreateaschoolfortheirchildrenanddeveloptheirskillsas
socialactivistsandresearchers.Indocumentingtheprocessundertakenbythewomen,thefilm
demonstrateshowtheexperienceofengaginginresearchwastremendouslyempoweringand
transformingforthemandservesasastrongtestamenttothevalueofparticipatoryresearchasa
methodthatexpandsthepossibilitiesfordemocraticparticipationandsocialchange.
CommunityPsychology
TheNewHeroes
Malone,M.,&Grove,R.(Producers/Directors).(2005).Thenewheroes[DVD].Portland,OR:
OregonPublicBroadcasting.
Runningtime:240minutes(four60minuteepisodes)ontwoDVDs
Subjects:Socialentrepreneurs
Availability:OrderfromOregonPublicBroadcastingat:
http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/about/index.html
TheNewHeroestellsthedramaticstoriesof14socialentrepreneurswhoaresuccessfullyalleviating
povertyandillness,combatingunemploymentandviolence,andbringingeducation,light,
opportunityandfreedomtopoorandmarginalizedpeoplearoundtheworld.Theseriesconsistsof
fourepisodesorganizedaroundthefollowingthemes:
Episode1:DreamsofSanctuary
DreamsofSanctuaryfeaturesthreesocialentrepreneursworkingtocreatenewbeginningsfor
someoftheworldsmostdesperateanddestitute.SegmentsinthisepisodetraveltoMoses
ZulushomeandschoolforAIDSorphansinZambiaandtoMimiSilbert'sSanFranciscobased
DelanceyStreetfoundation,whichhelpsdrugaddicts,exconvictsandhomelesspeopleturn
theirlivesaround.ThisepisodealsofeaturestheworkofKailashSatyarthitoendforcedlabor
andchildslaveryinIndiathroughanetworkofchildfriendlyvillages.Viewerswitnessa
harrowingraidonaslavecampholdingchildren.
Episode2:TechnologyofFreedom
TechnologyofFreedomfeaturestheworkof"compassionatecapitalists,"whohavecreated
selfsustainingbusinessestomaximizehumanbenefitratherthanprofit.Segmentsinthis
episodeprofileMartinFisherandNickMoon,thefoundersofApproTEC,whoinventedan
economicalwaterpumpthatbenefitsAfrica'ssubsistencefarmers,providingthemwiththe
opportunitytomakeameaningfulliving.ThisepisodealsotravelstoBrazilwheremodern
Braziliancowboy,FabioRosa,battlesgovernmentmonopoliestobringelectricitytoremote
regionsinhiscountry.Finally,thisepisodereturnstoIndiatomeetGovindapaVinKataswami,
knownasDr.V.,who,workingwithsocialentrepreneurDavidGreen,hasappliedthelatest
industrialtechniquestomakesightsavingsurgeryavailableforthepoor.
Episode3:PowerofEnterprise
Thethirdprogramintheserieslooksathowsocialentrepreneursareworkingtobreakthecycle
ofpovertybyempoweringpeopletoearnaliving.FeaturedinthisepisodeareMuhammad
Yunus,"thebankertothepoor,"whoseGrameenBankhasprovided4.7billiondollarsinloans
to4.4millionfamiliesinBangladeshandinspiredsimilarcreditoperationsinahundred
countries.InthejunglecityofPucallpa,Peru,AlbinaRuizRioshasbeenworkingwithlocal
residentstoformmicroenterprisestocleanupgarbagethatiscontaminatingwaterandcausing
diseaseinpoorneighborhoods.InthisepisodeviewersalsotraveltothefavelasofRiode
Janeiro,whereMariaTeresa"Tete"LealleadstheCoopaRocasewingcooperative,afairlabor
shopthatcreateshighfashionclothingsoldaroundtheworld.
CommunityPsychology
Episode4:ThePowerofKnowledge
Thefinalepisodefeaturessocialentrepreneurscreatingeducationalopportunitiesforchildren
insocietieswhereeducationisnotaccessibleforsignificantnumbersofchildren.InThailand
SompopJantrakahasstartedaschoolforyoungThaigirlswiththegoalofsavingthemfrom
enteringintoorbeingsoldintoprostitution.InEgyptDinaAbdelWahabwhohasstarted
schoolschildrenwithdisabilitieswhoareoftenneglectedbyEgyptseducationsystem.Andthe
programreturnsoncemoretoIndia,thistimetoCalcutta,whereInderjitKhuranahassetoutto
bringeducationtochildrenwhobeginthetrainstationsbysettingupaschoolrightonthe
railwayplatforms.
RootsofHealth
McCollough,G.(Producer/Director).(2009).Rootsofhealth[DVD].Berkeley,CA:BerkeleyMedia.
Subjects:WorldhealthSocialaspects;EqualityHealthaspects;Control(Psychology)Health
aspects
Availability:BerkeleyMedia[www.berkeleymedia.com]
Thisfilmexploreshowpeopleshealthandwellbeingareprimarilydeterminedbywheretheylive,
theireducational,economic,andsocialstatus,andthedegreeofcontroltheyhaveovertheirown
lives.FollowingcasestudiesintheUK,India,andtheUnitedStates,thefilmdemonstratesthe
dramaticinequitiesthatexistworldwideandhowpovertyaffectsthehealthofindividualsand
communitiesaroundtheworld.Thefilmeffectivelychronicleshowcommunitymobilizationand
activismcanbeusedtoovercomehealthdisparities.
ThirdWardTx
Bless,N.,Walker,N.(Producers),&Garrison,A.(Director).(2007).ThirdWardTx[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:Communitydevelopment,UrbanTexasHouston;CityplanningTexasHouston;
PublicartTexasHouston
ThisfilmfeaturesHoustonsProjectRowHouses(PRH),aneighborhoodbasednonprofitartand
culturalorganizationinHoustonsNorthernThirdWard,oneofthecitysoldestAfricanAmerican
communities.In1993agroupofartistsbegandisplayingartonaseriesofblightedshotgunhouses
intheneighborhood.Overtimetheprojectgrewencompassartsandculture,neighborhood
CommunityPsychology
revitalization,lowincomehousing,education,historicpreservation,andcommunityservice.In
additiontoartexhibitionssponsoredbythePRH,theirYoungMothersResidentialProgram(YMRP)
isprominentlyfeatured.YMRPprovidesasocialsafetynetforlowincomeyoungmothers
betweentheagesof18and26,including:afullyfurnishedrowhousewithrentsubsidyforoneto
twoyears;weeklyworkshopsfocusingonparentingandlifeskills;aprogrammentor(aprofessional
womanwhohasvolunteeredtobeavailabletoamotherasafriendandadvisor);counseling
supportservices;andthestructuretoestablishhealthyenvironmentsforraisingtheirchildrenand
communitynetworkstosustainthemwhentheyexittheprogram.
TwoTownsofJasper
Williams,M.,&Dow,W.(Producers/Directors)(2007).TwotownsofJasper[DVD].Alexandria,VA:
PBSVideo.
Subjects:Byrd,James;MurderTexasJasper;AfricanAmericanmenCrimesagainst;Hate
crimesTexasJasper.
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.org,DocumentaryEducationalResourceswww.der.org
OnJune7,1998,threewhitemenfromJasper,Texas,chainedAfricanAmericanJamesByrdtoa
pickuptruckanddraggedhimforthreemilesonacountryroaduntilhisbodydisintegrated.This
filmexploresracialtensionsinthecommunityofJasperoverthecourseoftheyearwhenthethree
whitemenstoodtrialforthedeathofMr.Byrd.Twofilmcrewsinterviewedresidentsofthe
community:anallwhitecrewinterviewedwhiteresidentsandanallblackcrewinterviewedblack
residents.Theemergingnarrativesprovidepowerfulinsightsintothelongstandingmutualdistrust
thatexistsbetweenblacksandwhites,andtheirdiametricallyopposedperspectivesonrace
relationsinthecommunity.
AVillageCalledVersailles
Chiang,S.L.(Producer/Director).(2007).AvillagecalledVersailles[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDay
Films.
Courses:CommunityPsychology;SocialPsychology;AsianAmericans
Subjects:VietnameseAmericansLouisianaNewOrleans;NewOrleans(LA)Environmental
conditions;NewOrleans(LA)Ethnicrelations
ThisfilmchroniclesthestrugglesofaworkingclassVietnameseAmericancommunitytoovercome
tragedyandtoeffectmeaningfulsocialchange.Versailles,atightknitneighborhoodontheedgeof
NewOrleans,ishometothedensestethnicVietnamesepopulationoutsideofVietnam.Inthe
aftermathofHurricaneKatrina,residentsrebuildtheirhomesonlytohavethemthreatenedbya
CommunityPsychology
toxiclandfillplannedintheirneighborhood.Asthecommunityfightsback,itturnsadevastating
disasterintoacatalystforchangeandthecreationofabetterfuture.
WhentheLeveesBroke
Lee,S.(Producer/Director).(2006).Whentheleveesbroke[DVD].NewYork:HBOVideo.
Runningtime:257minutes(4acts)on3DVDs
Subjects:HurricaneKatrina,2005;HurricaneKatrina,2005Socialaspects;HurricanesLouisiana
NewOrleans
Availability:HBOvideohttp://store.hbo.com,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
WhentheLeveesBrokeisapowerfulportraitofNewOrleansintheaftermathofHurricaneKatrina.
Incorporatingarchivalfootage,filmedasthecitybracedforwhatwouldbeoneofthemost
destructivehurricanesinthehistoryofthegulfcoastoftheUnitedStates,alongwithinterviews
withresidents,newsreporters,city,stateandfederalofficials,thefilmpowerfullyjuxtaposesthe
devastationofthecommunityandtheresilienceofitspeople.Nearly100peoplefromallwalksof
lifewereinterviewedforthisfilm,whichraisesquestionsabouttherolethatindividuals,
neighborhoods,cityandstateofficials,thefederalgovernment,aidagenciesandtheU.S.military
playedbothduringandafterthehurricane.Thefilmalsoprovidesinsightsintotherichcultural
heritageofthecityanditsroleintheresiliencemanifestedbyordinarycitizenscommitmentto
rebuildandrevitalizetheircity,despitegovernmentredtape,ineffectivedistributionoflimited
resources,andwaninginterestonthepartoftheAmericanpeopleasthemonthspass.Inaddition,
issuesofrace,poverty,socialclass,andmarginalizationarerecurrentthemesinthefilm,as
intervieweesstruggletomakesenseofthepoorlyorchestratedresponseintheaftermathofthis
deadlynaturaldisaster.
CriminalJustice
CriminalJustice
ConcreteSteel&Paint
Burstein,C.,&Heriza,T.(Producers/Directors).(2009).Concretesteel&paint[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:AdultDevelopment,CriminalJustice;Art
Subjects:RestorativejusticeUnitedStates;PrisonersasartistsUnitedStates
ThisfilmchroniclesauniquemuralprojectthatbringstogetherinmatesfromPennsylvanias
GraterfordStatePrisonandvictimsofcrime.Astheyworktogethertodesignandcreateamural
abouthealing,theirviewsofpunishment,remorseandforgivenesscollide.Attimesthetensionand
conflictissogreat,thenotionthatrestorativejusticecanbeachievedseemsimpossible.Butasthe
participantsbegintoworktogether,theyareabletobreakdownmutualbarriersofmistrustand
findthecommonpurposeandeventuallyunderstanding.Themuraltheyproducebrilliantly
capturestherangeofemotion,conflict,andreconciliationachievedthroughtheparticipantswork
together.
CriminalJustice
EveryMothersSon
NewDayFilms.
whileholdingasmallhammer)joinforcestocombatpolicebrutalityandtoadvocatetovictimsand
TheExecutionofWandaJean
Garbus,L.,Simon,C.,Gaither,J.(Producers),&Garbus,L.(Director).(2005).Theexecutionof
WandaJean[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Courses:SocialPsychology;CriminalJustice
Subjects:WomendeathrowinmatesOklahoma
TheExecutionofWandaJeanchroniclesthebattleofWandaJeanAllentooverturnher1989death
sentenceimposedbythestateofOklahomaforshootingherlover,GloriaLeathers,outsidean
OklahomaCityPolicestation.Thefilmfindsherelevenyearslater,herexecutiondatejustmonths
away.Withchillingintimacy,thefilmmakersfollowWandaJean'sfinalmonthsondeathrow,asshe
andherlegalteamprepareforherclemencyhearing,assheandherfamily,friends,andspiritual
CriminalJustice
advisorshavetheirfinalvisits.AtherClemencyhearing,herattorneysarguethatduringheroriginal
trial,herdefensefailedtopresentcrucialandpotentiallylifesavingevidence:WandaJeanhad
borderlinementalretardationandbraindamage.ButtheOklahomaPardonandParoleBoard,
whichinitsthirtyyearhistoryhadnevergrantedclemency,deniesWandaJean'splea.Thefilm
chroniclesWandaJean'sfinalweeksasherlegalteamexhaustseveryoptiontosaveherlife.
ThroughWandaJeansstorythefilmexploresoneofAmerica'smostcontroversialmoraland
politicaldilemmasthedeathpenaltyandtherolethatpoverty,mentalhealth,race,and
sexualityplaywithinthecriminaljusticesystem.
GirlTrouble
Leban,L.,&Szajko,L.(Producers/Directors).(2006).Girltrouble[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDay
Films.
Runningtime:74and57minutes(DVDincludestwoversionsofthefilm)
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology
Subjects:FemalejuveniledelinquentsCaliforniaSanFrancisco;JuvenilejusticeAdministration
ofCaliforniaSanFrancisco;JuvenilecourtsCaliforniaSanFrancisco
Filmedoveraperiodoffouryears,GirlTroublefollowsthreeteenagegirlsthroughSanFranciscos
juvenilejusticesystem.Strugglingwithissuesincludingpoverty,domesticviolence,drugaddiction
andhomelessnessintheirlives,weareintroducedtothegirlsaftertheyhavealreadyhadcontact
withthejuvenilejusticesystem;dealingdrugs,cuttingschool,assaultingothers.Thegirlsall
participateinprogramsofferedbytheCenterforYoungWomensDevelopment,thenation'sfirst
employment,leadership,andadvocacyprogramrunentirelybyandforgirlswhohavebeen
incarceratedandaretryingtochangetheirlives.ThefilmfollowsthemoutoftheCenterandinto
thecourtsandtheirpersonallives,learningoftheirpersonalstories,thechallengestheyfaceand
howtheynegotiateasystemthatatthesametimeseekstopunishandrehabilitatethosewho
comeintocontactwithit.Thefilmoffersinsightsintoourineffectivesystemofjuvenilejustice.
CriminalJustice
Girlhood
Garbus,L.,Kennedy,R.(Producers),&Garbus,L.(Director).(2003).Girlhood[DVD].NewYork:
MoxieFirecracker.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,JuvenileDelinquency,JuvenileJustice
Subjects:Femalejuveniledelinquents;Juveniledelinquentsrehabilitation;Juvenilejustice
Maryland
GirlhoodfollowstwogirlsincarceratedattheWaxterJuvenileFacility,hometoMaryland'smost
violentjuvenileoffenders,foraperiodofthreeyears.Shanaewasgangrapedbyfiveboyswhen
shewastenanddealtwiththetraumaofthiseventbyselfmedicatingwithdrugsandalcohol.At
age11shewasconvictedofstabbingafriendtodeath.Megan,abandonedbyherheroinaddicted
mother,ranawayfromtendifferentfosterhomesbeforeshewasarrestedforattackinganother
fosterchildwithaboxcutter.Thefilmfollowsthegirlsastheystruggleforredemptionandto
rebuildtheirfragilelives.ForShanae,withtheunwaveringsupportofherfamily,theoutcomeis
promisingshegraduatesfromhighschoolfourthinherclass,andmanagestocopeeffectively
withcontinuedadversity.Meganontheotherhandcontinuestostruggletobuildarelationship
withthemotherwhoabandonedherandtoeekoutanexistenceonthestreetsofEastBaltimore.
AHardStraight
Toshima,G.,Sablosky,L.(Producers),&Toshima,G.(Director).(2004).Ahardstraight[DVD].
Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Runningtime:74minutesCourses:AdultDevelopment;CriminalJustice
Subjects:Exconvicts;ParoleUnitedStates;ExconvictsPsychology
AHardStraightexploresthechallengesfacedbyindividualsrecentlyreleasedfromprisonstruggling
toreconstructtheirliveswithintheparametersofthelaws.Thefilmweavesthestoriesofthree
parolees:Regina,Aaron,andRichard.ForRegina,convictedofreceivingstolenproperty,lifeonthe
outsideisfraughtwithconflictwithhereldestdaughterwhohasbeenraisingReginasyounger
childrenwhilehermotherwasinprison,andReginasstruggletokickhermethamphetamine
addiction.Aaron,convictedofarmedrobbery,hasbeeninandoutofprisonforyearsandnowon
theoutsidestruggleswithisolationandtryingtofindsupportfromtheparolesystem.Richard,a
gangmemberandtalentedtattooartist,hasbeenconvictedoftwofeloniesathirdconviction
wouldmeanalifesentence.Thefilmchroniclesthechallengeseachofthefilmssubjectsfaceas
theystruggletogostraightandhighlightsthepersonalandcommunityresourcesnecessaryto
supporttheirrespectivejourneys.
CriminalJustice
JuvenileJustice
Tobias,J.,&BarOn,L.R.(Producers/Directors).(2001).Juvenilejustice[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBS
Video.
Courses:AdolescentDevelopment,JuvenileDelinquency,JuvenileJustice
Subjects:Juvenilejustice,administrationofUnitedStatesEvaluation;Juveniledelinquents
UnitedStates
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.com
Withunprecedentedaccesstojuvenilecourtproceedings(whichareusuallyclosedtothepublic
andrarelyseenontelevision),thisfilm,originallyproducedbyPBSFrontline,followsfourjuvenile
offendersthroughtheCaliforniajuvenilecourts.Filmedoveraperiodof15months,thefilmfollows
fouryoungmen:Manny,17,chargedwiththeattemptedmurderofapregnantwomanandher
family;Jos,a15yearoldLatinogangmembersentencedtoJuvenileHallforhisroleinthebeating
deathofanotherteen;Shawn,amiddleclasswhiteteenwhopleadedguiltytotheattempted
murderofhisfather;andMarquese,anAfricanAmericanteenwhohasseventheftrelatedfelonies
onhisrecord.Twooftheyoungmearetriedinjuvenilecourtandtwoaretriedasadults.Featured
areinterviewswithjudges,prosecutors,caseworkers,theyoungmen,thefamiliesoftheyoung
men,andsomeoftheirvictims.Thisfilmraisesimportantquestionsaboutthejuvenilejustice
system,thedifferentialtreatmentofyouthasafunctionofsocialclass,ethnicityandfamily
background,whetheryouthshouldbetriedasadults,andifrehabilitationisapossible.
MurderonaSundayMorning
Poncet,D.(Producer),&deLestrade,J.X.(Director).(2003).MurderonaSundaymorning[DVD].
NewYork:Docurama.
Subjects:Trials(Murder)FloridaJacksonville;HomicideJacksonville,FloridaCasestudies
Availability:Docuramafilmswww.docurama.comAmazonwww.amazon.com,
ThisAcademyAwardwinningfilmchroniclesthetrailofBrentonButler,a15yearoldAfrican
AmericanboyaccusedofmurderingaCaucasianwomaninhisJacksonville,Floridacommunity.
Withintwohoursofthemurder,Butlerisarrestedandidentifiedbythewomanshusband.Butler
signsaconfession.Everyonesurroundingthecase,prosecutors,journalistsandmembersofthe
communityarepreparedtocondemnButlerforthemurder,withtheexceptionofhisfamilyandhis
attorney.Thetrialraisesimportantquestionsabouteyewitnesstestimony,thecoercionof
confessions,andpoliceineptitudeandcorruption.
DevelopmentalPsychology
PrenatalDevelopment
IntheWomb
PioneerProductions(Producer),&McDonald,T.(Director).(2005).Inthewomb[DVD].
Washington,DC:NationalGeographicChannel.
Runningtime:90minutes[SceneSelections]
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,PrenatalDevelopment
Subjects:Embryonicdevelopment;Fetaldevelopment;Fetusgrowth
Availability:NationalGeographicStorehttp://shop.nationalgeographic.com/,
Amazonwww.amazon.com,Netflixwww.netflix.com
Combining4Dultrasound(3Dincludingrealtimemovement)withcomputergeneratedimages
thisfilmtraceshumandevelopmentfromthemomentofconceptiontobirth.Thefilmprovides
excellentdescriptionsthephasesofprenataldevelopmentgroundedinrealworldterminologythat
enhancestheviewersappreciationforthecomplexityandwonderofthedevelopmentalprocess
(e.g.,bloodvesselsasthinasahumanhair,nowthefetusisthesizeofkidneybean,etc.).In
addition,thefilmfeaturesabriefsegmentofinuterosurgerytocorrectaholeinthefetus
diaphragm.Thefilmculminateswithalive,vaginalbirth.
Graphicdepictionofchildbirth
IntheWomb:IdenticalTwins
PioneerProductions(Producer),&Townend,L.(Director).(2009).Inthewomb:Identicaltwins
[DVD].Washington,DC:NationalGeographicChannel.
Subjects:Embryonicdevelopment;Fetaldevelopmenttwins;Fetusgrowth
thisfilmtraceshumandevelopmentfromthemomentofconceptiontobirth.Highlightedinthis
filmarethesplittingofasinglefertilizedeggintoidenticaltwins,milestonesofthedevelopmentof
thetwinsinutero,thedevelopmentofskincolor,and4Dultrasoundimagesoftwinsinteracting
witheachotherinthewomb.Thefilmalsoexploreshowdevelopmentalabnormalitiessuchas
ambiguousgenitaliaandconjoinedtwinsoccur.Alsofeaturedareadultidenticaltwinsseparated
atbirth,reunitedafter40years.
Graphicdepictionofcaesareandelivery
IntheWomb:Multiples
PioneerProductions(Producer),&Townend,L.(Director).(2007).Inthewomb:Multiples[DVD].
Washington,DC:NationalGeographicChannel.
Subjects:PregnancyMultiple;Embryonicdevelopment;Fetaldevelopment
thisfilmtracesthedevelopmentoftwins,tripletsandquadrupletsfromthemomentofconception
tobirth.Thefilmhighlightsconception,factorsleadingtonaturalmultiplebirths,andthehealth
risksassociatedwithmultiples.4Dultrasoundandcomputergeneratedimagesdepictfetuses
interactingwitheachotherinthewomb.
Graphicdepictionofcaesareandelivery
LifesGreatestMiracle
Cort,J.(Producer).(2001).Lifesgreatestmiracle.[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Subjects:Humanreproduction;FetusGrowth
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/miracle/
informationonprenataldevelopment:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/livingold/
Thisfilm,whichoriginallyairedonPBSsNOVAtraceshumandevelopmentfromthetimeof
conceptionthroughbirth.Combiningcomputergeneratedimagery,thermalphotography,inutero
stillandvideophotography,LifesGreatestMiracledescribesanddepictstheprocessofsexual
arousal,conception,embryonicandfetaldevelopmentinclear,conciselanguage.Amongthemost
strikingimagesaresequencesofspermtravelingtowardtheegg,thefertilizedeggsjourney
throughthefallopiantube,andthetransformationoftheeggintotheblastocyst.
Graphicdepictionofhumansexualarousal(usingthermalphotography)andchildbirth
InfantDevelopment
Babies
Chabat,A.(Producer),&Balmes,T.(Director).(2010).Babies.LosAngeles:FocusFeatures.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,InfantDevelopment
Subjects:Infantsdevelopment
Babiesfollowsthedevelopmentoffourinfantsbornindifferentpartsoftheworldfrombirth
throughtheirfirstyearoflife.HattieisinSanFrancisco,Mari'sinTokyo,Baryarjargallivesoutinthe
Mongoliansteppes,andPonijaoisborninruralNamibia.Filmedverymuchinthestyleofanature
documentary,thefilmcapturesthebabiesintheirnaturalhabitatscapturingtheirdaytoday
experienceswithoutnarrationorinterpretation.Thefilmbeautifullycapturesuniversalsofinfant
development(motormilestones,emergenceoflanguage,etc.)aswellastheuniqueinfluenceof
culturalcontextsondevelopment.
TheBabyHuman
Spidell,K.(Producer),&Thalenberg,E.(Director).(2002).Thebabyhuman.[DVD].Ontario,
Canada:DiscoveryHealthChannel.
Subjects:Infantsgrowth;childdevelopment;Childpsychology
TheBabyHuman,originallyproducedasashortseriesairingontheDiscoveryChannelexplores
physical,cognitiveandlanguagedevelopmentininfancy.Expertlynarratedusingnontechnical
descriptiveEnglish,thisfilmcombinesnaturalisticobservationsofinfantsalongwithlaboratory
experimentsthatdemonstratethevariouscapabilitiespresented.Thefilmconsistsofthreemajor
episodes,ToWalk,ToThink,andToTalk.Eachofthemajorepisodesprogresses
chronologicallyfrombirthtoapproximately24monthsinsixsubsections(whichmaybeviewedas
onecontinuous3540minuteepisodeorasdiscrete510minutesegments,idealforclassroom
viewing).Eachepisodecontainsthesegmentsidentifiedbelow:
ToWalk:TheSteppingPattern,RollingandReaching,SittingandCrawling,Depth&
Perception,Cruising,andWalking.
ToThink:FaceRecognition,Objects,Laws&Mathematics,Perception,
Tools,andUnderstanding.
ToTalk:Sounds,Interaction,Language,Gestures,Imitation,andTheLanguage
Explosion.
TheBabyHuman2
Spidell,K.(Producer),&Thalenberg,E.(Director).(2009).Thebabyhuman2.[DVD].Ontario,
Canada:DiscoveryHealthChannel.
Subjects:Conceptsininfants;Cognitionininfants;Infantsdevelopment
ContinuinginthetraditionofTheBabyHuman,thisthreeepisodefilmexploresemotional,social,
andrelationaldevelopmentininfancy.ExpertlynarratedusingnontechnicaldescriptiveEnglish,
thisfilmcombinesnaturalisticobservationsofinfantsalongwithlaboratoryexperimentsthat
demonstratethevariouscapabilitiespresented.Thisfilmconsistsofthreemajorepisodes,To
Feel,ToBelong,andToRelate.Eachofthemajorepisodesprogresseschronologicallyfrom
birthtoapproximately24monthsinsixsubsections(whichmaybeviewedasonecontinuous3540
minuteepisodeorasdiscrete510minutesegments,idealforclassroomviewing).Eachepisode
containsthesegmentsidentifiedbelow:
ToFeel:FacialReactions,Stimulation,Temperament,Responses,Coping,and
SelfConsciousEmotions.
ToBelong:Attachment,Separation,SenseofSelf,Gender,Pretendingand
Sharing,andCooperation.
ToRelate:Motion,StaticProbabilities,Gazing,Understanding,Perspective,and
Symbolism.
ChildandAdolescentDevelopment
5Girls
Finitzo,M.(Producer/Director).(2001).5girls[DVD].Chicago,IL:KatemquinFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,WomensStudies
Subjects:TeenagegirlsUnitedStatesCasestudies;TeenagegirlsFamilyrelationships;Teenage
girlseducation.
Filmedoveraperiodofthreeyears,thisfilmdocumentstheexperiencesoffivegirlsgrowingupin
thediverseneighborhoodsofChicago.Thefilmtracksthestrugglesandtransformationsthatcome
intothelivesofCorrie,Toby,Amber,Aisha,andHaibinhastheyconfrontthechallengesofgrowing
upfemaleinAmerica.Whilerevealingdifferencesinraceandclassthatprovidedistincttwiststo
eachoftheirstories,thefilmalsorevealsthattheseyoungwomenhaveasomeimportantqualities
incommonresilience,selfawarenessandadeterminationtobethemselves.
BornintoBrothels
RedLightFilms,&HBO/CinemaxDocumentaryFilms(Producers),Kauffman,R.,&Briski,Z.
(Directors).(2005).Bornintobrothels.NewYork:Thinkfilm.
Subjects:ChildrenofprostitutesIndiaCalcutta;ChildphotographersIndiaCalcutta;
BrothelsIndiaCalcutta
AvailabilityAmazonwww.amazon.com,Netflixwww.netflix.com
BornintoBrothelsillustratesthepowerofartasavehicleforfosteringresilienceinyoungchildren.
ZanaBriski,aNewYorkphotographer,documentinglifeinCalcuttasbrothels,taughtchildrenbeing
raisedinthebrothelstousecamerasandencouragedthemtodocumenttheirexperiencesonfilm.
Thefilmfollowsthetransformationofthechildrenastheyviewtheirsurroundingsthroughthelens
oftheircameras,capturingbeautyandhopeamidthesqualoranddangeroftheireveryday
experiences.Thisfilmprovidesexcellentexamplesresilienceinchildrenwhohavebeenlargely
forgottenorignored.
BoysofBaraka
LokiFilms,LLC(Producer),Ewing,H.,&Grady,R.(Directors).(2006).TheboysofBaraka.NewYork:
ThinkFilm.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,MalesandMasculinity
Subjects:AfricanAmericanboysSocialconditions;ProblemYouthEducation(MiddleSchool)
AvailabilityAmazonwww.amazon.com,Netflixwww.netflix.com
ThisfilmfollowsfourAfricanAmerican12and13yearoldboys,Devon,Montrey,Richard,and
Romesh,fromonethecountysmostpovertystrickeninnercitycommunitiesinBaltimore.The
futurefortheseboysisbleak:61%ofAfricanAmericanmalesinthecommunitydonotcomplete
highschooland50%areincarceratedorkilledbeforereachingtheageof18.Theboysareoffered
anopportunitytoescapetheirovercrowded,lowperformingschools,communityviolence,and
unstablehomeenvironmentstoattendBarakaSchool.TheBarakaSchoolisanexperimental
boardingschoolinruralKenya,wheretheteacherstudentratioofonetofive,astrictdisciplinary
programandacomprehensivecurriculumformthecoreoftheeducationalprogram,designedto
breakthecycleofviolenceforinnercityyouth.TheBoysofBarakafollowstheboys(andtheir
families)forthreeyears,bothinKenyaandonvisitshome,astheytransitionfromboystoyoung
men.
BoysWillBeMen
Weidlinger,T.(Producer/Director).(2001).Boyswillbemen[DVD].Oley,PA:BullfrogFilms.
Subjects:MenPsychology;BoysPsychology;Masculinity
Availability:BullfrogFilmswww.bullfrogfilms.com
BoysWillBeMenexploreswhatitmeanstogrowupmaleintheUnitedStates.Thefilmemphasizes
theemotionallifeofboysoftenneglectedinaculturethatreinforcesaboycode(asocial
messagetoboysthattheyneedtobestoic,standontheirowntwofeet,andcuttheapronstrings)
longbeforetheyareemotionallyreadytodoso.Thefilmvisitsafirstgradeclassroom,where
boysstruggletositstillandstayontaskwhichcontributestothereadingachievementgap
betweenyoungboysandgirls.Anoutdoorwildernessprogramfortroubledboysprovidesinsights
intothewaysinwhichadolescentboysareoftencutoffemotionally,leadingthemtouse
aggressionandviolenceastoolsforproblemsolving.Alsofeaturedisathreedaypoetryworkshop
foradolescentmalesinwhichtheyperformtheirworkfortheirteachersandparents.Overthree
daystheboysbecomeincreasinglymorearticulateandoutspokenabouttheirexperiencesofthe
transitionfromboystomen.FeaturedinthefilmarepsychologistsWilliamPollackandMichael
Thompson,whoprovidecommentaryabouttheemotionallifeofboysanditsimpactontheir
development.
ChildGenius:ALongitudinalLookatYoungProdigies
In2005,BritainsChannel4beganaprojecttodocumentthedevelopmentofagroupofhighly
giftedBritishchildprodigiesintotheiradulthood.Thisseriesexploresthelivesofthesechildren,
notonlyhighlightingtheirearlyaccomplishmentsandtalents,butfocusingonhowtheirgiftsimpact
thequalityoftheirsocialandpsychologicallives.Theseriesfollowsseveralofthesamechildren
overtime,providinglongerprofilesofthreechildrenineachepisode,astheynavigatetheir
relationshipswiththeirparentsandpeers,atschoolandwiththeiruniquetalents.
ChildGenius:TheEarlyYears
Channel4(Producer),&Leveugle,L.(Producer/Director).(2008).Childgenius:Theearlyyears
[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,ChildDevelopment
Subjects:ChildprodigiesGreatBritainCasestudies;ChilddevelopmentGreatBritain
Casestudies;TalentinchildrenGreatBritainCasestudies
Thisfilmexploreswhatitmeanstobeachildprodigyandraisesquestionsaboutwhatmakesa
childexceptionalisitmerelyIQorothermoredifficulttodefinequalities?Thisepisode
featuresmathematicallygiftedthreeyearoldMikhail,whocanmultiplyfivefigurenumbersand
istheyoungestmemberofMensa;Michael,Britainsyoungestpublishedauthorwhowas
readingShakespeareandlearningMandarinChineseattheageoffive,andAimee,agifted
pianist.Thefilmexploreshowparentsselectschoolsfortheirchildren,supporttheirtalentsand
ensurethattheirchildrenhaveopportunitiestobekidsthroughinteractionwithpeers,etc.
Specialattentionispaidtothedifficultiesthesechildrenoftenhaveinrelatingtotheirpeers
andsometimesmembersoftheirownfamilies.
ChildGenius:YoungandGifted
Channel4(Producer),&Leveugle,L.(Producer/Director).(2008).Childgenius:Youngand
gifted[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Thisepisodeexploresthestressandfrustrationthatisoftenassociatedwithbeinghighlygifted
forboththegiftedchildandtheirfamily.FeaturedarePeter,and11yearoldchesschampion,
Adam,whoispreparingtoattendaveryprestigiousboardingschool,andMikhail,a
mathematicallygiftedchildwhonowhasdevelopedatalentforspelling.Thisepisodefocuses
ontheeducationofgiftedchildrenandthechoicesthatfamiliesmustmaketoensurethatsuch
childrenareinanappropriateeducationalenvironment.Alsoaddressedinthisepisodeisthe
childrenscapacitytocopewiththestressofhighstakescompetition(oftenacommon
experienceforhighlytalentedchildren)andtheircapacitytocopewithdisappointment.
ChildGenius:AtThirteen
Channel4(Producer),&Leveugle,L.(Producer/Director).(2008).Childgenius:Atthirteen
ThisepisodeoftheChildGeniusseriesexplorestheuniqueexperiencesofgiftedchildrenasthey
enteradolescence.ThisepisodefeaturesmusicallygiftedAimee,whohasjustwonaprestigious
musiccompetition,butisexperiencingsevereconflictwithherparents.Michael,iswritinghis
fourthnovelandisbeinghomeschooled,achoicewhichiscreatingcomplicationsashe
transitionsintoadolescence.ForDante,athirteenyearoldwithanIQof170,controllinghis
temperhasbecomecauseforconcern,promptinghisparentstoseektherapytounderstand
whyhisgiftednesshascreatedsuchstrainintheirfamily.
ChildofOurTime
Thisseriesdocumentsthedevelopmentofagroupof25Britishchildrenfromarangeofsocial,
geographical,andethnicbackgroundsbornintheyear2000.Theproject,commissionedbytheBBC
andcoproducedbyTheOpenUniversity,willfollowthechildrenuntiltheageof20,attemptingto
documentthefactorsthatinfluencethechildrenssocial,cognitive,physical,andemotional
development.HostedbyProfessorRobertWinston,eachfilmintheseriescombinesnaturalistic
observationofthechildrenintheirhomeswiththeirfamilies,atschool,andintheircommunities,
andexperimentsandactivitiesconductedbyDr.Winston.Todate,13episodesareavailable.
ThanksfortheMemories:HowChildrenRemember[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2002).Thanksforthememories:
Howchildrenremember[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,Memory&Cognition
Subjects:MemoryCasestudies;NatureandnurtureLongitudinalstudies;ParentingGreat
BritainLongitudinalstudies
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)explorestheroleofearlymemoriesonthe
developmentofyoungchildren.Atagetwo,thechildreninthisprogramhavehadawiderange
ofexperiences,includingprematurebirthandparentalseparation.Thecentralquestioninthis
episodeishowdoearlymemoriesinfluencechildrenscurrentfunctioning?Ofparticular
interestaretheresponsesofchildrenbornprematurely,whospentseveralmonthsaftertheir
birthinhospitalizedinneonatalintensivecare.
PowerStruggles:Parentsvs.Children[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2002).Powerstruggles:Parentsvs.
children[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,Parenting
Subjects:Parentandchild;Natureandnurture;Identity(psychology)
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)explorestheinevitablepowerstrugglesbetween
parentsandtheirtoddlers.Highlightinghowtoddlersstrivetogaingreaterindependence,the
filmalsoprovidesinsightsintothechallengesthisnewfounddesirepresentstoparents.This
episodefeaturestripletgirlscompetingforattention,tantrumingtwins,andadisabledmother
seekingtoreininheractiveson.
IdentityCrisis:SelfImageinChildhood[ChildofOurTime]
Lord,D.,Chan,A.(Producers),&Chan,A.(Director).(2006).Identitycrisis:Selfimagein
childhood[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,IdentityDevelopment
Subjects:Identity(Psychology)inchildrenGreatBritain;Selfperceptioninchildren;
Personalityinchildren
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploresfactorsthatinfluenceidentity
developmentinyoungchildren.Atage5,thechildrenprovideinsightsintotheirownselfworth
andfutureexpectationsthatarecloselyalignedtotheirgender,skincolor,socioeconomic
status,nationalorigin,familycompositionandthedegreeofconnectiontotheirparents.
Naturalisticobservationsinthechildrenshomesandinterviewswiththeirparentsprovide
insightsintohowthechildrenhavedevelopedtheirsenseofselfworthandtheirprospectsfor
thefuture.Studioexperimentsrevealhowmuchtheseyoungchildrenreallyknowaboutthe
stratificationoftheirsocietyalonggender,ethnic,andsocioeconomiclines.
ZerotoHero:ShynessandSociabilityinChildren[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2004).Zerotohero:Shynessand
sociabilityinchildren[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,SocialDevelopment,SocialCognition
Subjects:SocialskillsinchildrenGreatBritainCasestudies;Interpersonalrelationsin
children;ChilddevelopmentGreatBritainCasestudies
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploresthedevelopmentofsocialskillsamong
threeyearoldtoddlers,manyofwhomarebeginningpreschool.Thisepisodeprovidesinsights
intohowtheseyoungchildrendeterminewhotheylikeandwhotheydislikeandhowthey
navigatetheprocessofmakingfriends.Attentionisalsopaidtotherolethatwatching
televisionanddiethaveonchildrenssocialization.
ReadMyLips:LearningLanguage[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2004).Readmylips:Learning
language[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,LanguageDevelopment
Subjects:InterpersonalcommunicationGreatBritainCasestudies;Languageacquisition
Casestudies;ChilddevelopmentGreatBritainCasestudies
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploreslanguagedevelopmentand
communicationskillsinyoungchildren.Thisepisodefocusesonhowchildrenlearnto
communicateeffectively(bothverballyandnonverbally),emphasizingfactorsthatinfluenceto
rangeofvocabularyandfluencythatexistsacrosschildrenatagethree.Specialattentionispaid
tochildrenwithlimitedlanguageabilityandhowthesechildren,andthosearoundthem
compensateforthesedeficits.
FleshandBlood:SiblingRivalry[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2006).Fleshandblood:Sibling
rivalry[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology;FamilyStudies
Subjects:SiblingrelationsGreatBritainCasestudies;Languageacquisition
Casestudies;ChilddevelopmentGreatBritainCasestudies
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploresthesignificanceofsiblingrelationshipsin
thelivesofyoungchildrenandbeyond.Featuredinthisepisodearetwinsandsiblingswhose
unstablelivingenvironmentisnegativelyimpactingtheirrelationship.Alsoexploredarethe
impactofbirthorderandtheprosandconsofgrowingupasanonlychild.Thisepisode
presentsrecenttheoriesthatsuggestthattherelationshipsbetweensiblingsareofgreater
importancetodevelopmentthanrelationshipswithparents.
RightandWrong:MoralDevelopmentinChildren[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2006).RightandWrong:Moral
developmentinchildren[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology;MoralDevelopment
Subjects:Moraldevelopment;Identify(psychology);Socialization
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploresthemoraldevelopmentinchildren.The
filmpresentsagroupoffiveyearoldswithaseriesofsimpleteststhatassesstheirwillingness
tolie,cheat,andtodestroyaphotographofsentimentalvaluetosomeoneelse.Thisepisode
callintoquestiontherolethatparentsandthelargersocietyplayinchildrensassessmentof
rightandwrong.Specialattentionispaidtosocialclassasamediatingfactorinmoral
development.
RecipeforSuccess:HowChildrenLearn[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2006).Recipeforsuccess:How
childrenlearn[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Subjects:Successinchildrencasestudies;NatureandnurtureLongitudinalstudies;Child
developmentGreatBritainLongitudinalstudies
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploreshowchildrenlearn,focusingonseven
styles(capacities):musicalability,logic,emotionalunderstanding,creativity,narrativeskill,
spatialreasoning,andphysicaldexterity.Thisepisodeishighlyentertaining,inthatitprovidesa
seriesofsevenshortactivitiesthatviewerscandowhilewatchingtheprogramtotesttheirown
learningstyles,astheywatchthechildrenandtheirparentsparticipateintheseactivitiesas
well.Specialemphasisisplacedontheinfluenceofsocioculturalenvironments,parenting,and
motivationonchildrensabilitytolearn.
WilltoWin:HelpingChildrenSucceed[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2007).Willtowin:Helpingchildren
succeed[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Subjects:Motivation(psychology)inchildren;Risktaking(psychology);Resilience(personality
trait)inchildren
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploresfactorsthatleadtoresilienceandbuild
selfconfidence,motivation,andassertivenessinyoungchildren.Thisepisodefocusesona
seriesofteststhatassessthesevenyearoldchildrenscapacitiesintheseareas.Featuredtests
includetheTowerofHanoi(abuildingprojectinvolvingplanningandconcentration),aseries
ofpuzzlesdesignatedwithvariouslevelsofdifficultytoassesschildrensconfidenceintheirown
capabilities,andacardgameriggedtoassesshowchildrencopewithlosing.
FittinginorStandingOut:ConformityinChildren[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2007).Fittinginorstandingout:
Conformityinchildren[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology;SocialDevelopment;SocialCognition
Subjects:Interpersonalrelationsinchildren;Conformity;Influence(psychology)
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploreshowschool,peers,andothersocial
experiencesoutsidethehomeinfluencechildrensbehavior.Sevenyearoldchildrenandtheir
parentsaregivenaseriesoftaskstoidentifywhatleadstoconformityandcomfortwith
nonconformity.Therangeoffactorsthatinfluenceconformityareidentified:includinggender,
familycomposition,familydynamics,school,peers,siblings.
KillingCreativity:AreSchoolsorParentstoBlame?[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2007).Killingcreativity:Areschools
orparentstoblame?[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,Creativity
Subjects:Creativeabilityinchildren;Imaginationinchildren;ChildrenGreatBritain
Longitudinalstudies
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)explorestheimpactofschool,peers,andfamily
onthedevelopmentofcreativityinchildren.Theimportanceofcreativityisdiscussed,despite
thefactthatitoftenfadesaswegrowolder.Atseven,thechildreninthefilmparticipateina
seriesofactivitiesthattesttheirnaturalcreativetendencies.Waysinwhichadultscan
encourageoriginality,curiosityandthepromoteimaginationarealsopresented.
DivideoftheSexes:GenderRolesinChildhood[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2008).Divideofthesexes:Gender
rolesinchildhood[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,GenderStudies
Subjects:Sexrolesinchildren;EducationSexdifferences;ChilddevelopmentGreatBritain
Casestudies
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)exploresgenderrolesinchildhood,withspecial
attentiontotheinfluenceofmediaandcelebritycultureonyoungchildren(thesubjectsofthe
filmsareeightyearsold).Inarevealingsequence,boysandgirlsaregiventheopportunityto
shopinaboutique,setupwithawiderangeofclothingthechildrenthenmodeltheir
selectionsrevealinghowmuchtheyareinfluencedbyimagesinthepopularmedia.Families
inwhichthemothersaretheprimarybreadwinnersandthosethathavemadeaconcerted
efforttoraisetheirchildrenwithoutgenderstereotypesarefeatured.Inaddition,thefilm
profileschildrenwhoconformtostereotypicalgenderroles.
AgeofStress:ChildrenUnderPressure[ChildofOurTime]
BBCEducation&Training&OpenUniversity(Producers).(2008).Ageofstress:Childrenunder
pressure[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,Stress,Coping&Resilience
Subjects:Stressinchildrencasestudies;ChilddevelopmentGreatBritainCasestudies;
ChilddevelopmentGreatBritainLongitudinalstudies
Thisfilm(partoftheChildofOurTimeseries)explorestherangeofstressorsfacingmodernday
children.Amongthestressorsaddressedinthisfilmarebullying,familyturmoil,highstakes
academictesting(inGreatBritainachildwilltakeover100standardizedtestsbeforecompleting
school),andincreasedhomework.Featuredareeightyearoldchildrentryingtoliveuptothe
standardssetbytheiroldersiblings,childrenwhoarebullied,achildwhosemotherhasbeen
diagnosedwithcancerandwhosefatherisrecoveringfrommajorsurgery.Specialattentionis
paidtothewayinwhichthechildrenadapttothestressorstheyexperience.
ChildrenUnderground
Belzberg,E.(Producer/Director).(2002).Childrenunderground.NewYork:Docurama.
Subjects:HomelesschildrenRomaniaBucharest;RunawaychildrenRomaniaBucharest
Availability:Docuramahttp://www.docurama.com,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
ChildrenUndergroundfollowsafamilyoffivehomelesschildrenlivinginthesubwaytunnelsand
streetsofBucharest,Romania.Thefilmfollowsthechildrenforayear,depictingtheirdaytoday
strugglesforsurvivalincluding10yearoldAna,relentlesslymaternaltowardsheryounger
brotherMariandespitedailybeatingsfromshopkeepersandotherstreetchildren,Mihai,an
intelligentandmotivatedtwelveyearoldwhoslashesathisarmsanddreamsofabetterlife,and
their16yearoldleaderwhokeepsthegroupalivewithamixtureofcompassionandbrutality.
Whilethefilmdepictsglimpsesofthechildrensresilience,itisacautionarytalecallingattention
totheplightofover20,000homelessRomanianchildrenvictimsofthefallofcommunismandthe
failedpoliciesofdeposedRomaniandictatorNicoleiCeaucescu,whooutlawedtheuseof
contraceptivesandencouragedhisimpoverishedpopulacetohavemorechildren.
TheEducationofShelbyKnox
CineQuaNon/InCitePictures(Producer),Lipschutz,M.,&Rosenblatt,R.(Directors).(2006).The
educationofShelbyKnox.NewYork:Docurama.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,AdolescentDevelopment
Subjects:SexinstructionTexasLubbockCasestudies
TheEducationofShelbyKnoxisacomingofagedocumentarysetagainstthebackdropof
abstinenceonlysexeducationinthelargelyChristiancommunityofLubbock,Texas.Fifteenyear
oldShelbyKnoxisselfdescribed"goodSouthernBaptistgirl,"whohaspledgedabstinenceuntil
marriage.WhenshelearnsthatLubbockhassomeofthehighestratesofteenpregnancyand
sexuallytransmitteddiseasesinTexas,andhercounty'shighschoolsteachabstinenceastheonly
safesex,shebecomesanadvocateforcomprehensivesexeducation,profoundlychangingher
politicalandspiritualviewsasshebecomesmoreinvolvedintheissue.Thefilmfollowsherstruggle
toworkwithotheryouthinhercommunitytobringcomprehensivesexeducationintotheschools,
andtodevelopgreatertoleranceamongadultsinthecommunityfortheneedsoftheyouth,
includingstudentsstrugglingtoformagaystraightallianceinoneofthehighschools.
Goingon13
GuevaraFlanagan,K.,&Valdez,D.(Producers/Directors).(2008).Goingon13[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:GirlsCaliforniaSanFranciscoBayArea;TeenagegirlsCaliforniaSanFranciscoBay
Area;Puberty
ThisfilmchroniclesthelivesoffourgirlsfromCaliforniasSanFranciscoBayAreaastheytransition
fromchildhoodtoearlyadolescence.FeaturedinthefilmareEsmeralda,MexicanAmerican,firstto
completeherdailyschoolworkandalsofirstinherclasstohaveaboyfriendwithoutherparents
knowledge;Ariana,AfricanAmerican,whotransformsfromatomboyintooneofthepopulargirls
asherfamilystrugglestoleavethepovertyofWestOakland;Rosie,mixedraceLatina,who,at9,is
precociousandsunny,butgrowsintoanalienatedpreteenwhomayhavetorepeatthe6thgrade
duetochronictruancy;andIsha,animmigrantfromIndia,whodespiteherdevotiontoher
traditionalfamily,exploresInternetteenchatroomswithusernameslikeghettogirlandcutie
pie.Throughinterviewsanddocumentationoftheirdaytodaylives,thefilmchroniclesthegirls
growingsenseofresponsibility,theirhopesforthefuture,theirdifficultieslearninghowtolove
themselves,andtheescalatingtugofwarbetweenwhotheywanttobecomeandwhotheir
parentsthinktheyshouldbe.Wehearthegirlstalkaboutthemselves.Theytakeusintotheirworld,
withthemusic,television,digitalmediaandbooksthatrarelyreflecttheirownfamilieseconomic
orculturalbackgroundsprovidingcontextandcontrastforthesocialandemotionalchallenges
theyface.
GrowingUpOnline
Dretzin,R.,&Maggio,J.(Producers/Directors).(2008).Growinguponline[DVD].Alexandria,VA:
PBSVideo.
Courses:AdolescentDevelopment,DevelopmentalPsychology
Subjects:Internetandteenagers;Onlinesocialnetworks;Teenagerssocialnetworks
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.org,Amazonwww.amazon.com,Netflix
www.netflix.com
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/
information:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/
ProducedforthePBSFrontlineseries,thisfilminvestigatesteensandtheircyberexistences.
Throughinterviewswithteensandtheirparents,bothpositiveandnegativeaspectsofgrowingup
onlinearefeatured.Forsociallyawkwardyouth,onlinecommunitiescanprovideopportunitiesfor
connectingwithotheryouthwithsimilarinterestsprovidingvitalsocialnetworksforyoungpeople
whomightotherwisebesociallymarginalized.Forotheryouth,cyberbullyingandthepostingof
personalinformationcanhaveverynegative,sometimesdeadlyconsequences.Asparentsstruggle
tounderstandtheirchildrensnewfoundmethodofcommunicationandsocialization,theirchildren
areactiveparticipantsinitsevolution.Thefilmeffectivelyportraysthechallengesfacedbyfamilies
tomanagetheironlinesocialworlds.
InMyRoom:TheInnerLivesofTeenGirls
Hall,B.(Producer/Director).(2007).Inmyroom:Theinnerlivesofteengirls[DVD].Chicago,IL:
MettaProductions.
Courses:AdolescentDevelopment,DevelopmentalPsychology
girlseducation
Filmedoveraperiodofthreeyears,InMyroomexploresthecomingofagestoriesofthree
teenagegirls,Ana,Sherri,andRachel.Throughoutthefilm,thegirlsareseenonvideoin
theirroomssharingtheirperspectivesandexperiences,whiletheir"outerlives"are
representedexclusivelythroughstillphotographyandaudio.Theexperiencesofeachofthe
girlsareinterwoventhroughoutthefilm,revealingmanycommonalitiesintheirexperiences
andperspectives.Thisfilmprovidespowerfulinsightsintohowtheseyoungwomen
navigatesexualpressure,takingonaparentalroleinthefamily,changingschools,
friendships,loss,depression,bodyimageissues,selfdestructivepatterns,parental
separationanddivorce,losingandgainingfriends,andfallinginandoutoflove.
LetsGetReal
Chasnoff,D.,Cohen,H.S.,Stilley,K.(Producers),&Chasnoff,D.(Director).(2004).Letsgetreal
[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,Bullying
Subjects:BullyinginschoolsUnitedStates;BullyingUnitedStates
Thisshortfilmtakestheviewerintotheworldofmiddleschoolbullying.LetsGetRealfeatures
childrenwhoarethetargetsofbulliesandtheimpactthatbullyinghasontheirdaytodaylivesand
theirsenseofselfandsafety.Thefilmalsoprofileschildrenwhobullyothers,providinginsightsinto
whyandhowtheypicktheirtargetsandtheimpactthatengaginginthesebehaviorshasonthem.
Thefilmpoignantlyrevealsthatethnicandracialdifferences,disabilities,religiousdifferences,and
perceivedsexualorientationoftenplayanroleinbullying.Sexualharassmentasaformofbullying
isalsoexplored.Inaddition,childrenwhointervenewhentheywitnessbullyingarealso
interviewed.IncludedontheDVDisa35minuteuninterruptedversionofthefilm,aninstructional
versionthatincludebreaksfordiscussion,anda135pagecomprehensivecurriculumguide.
Lifeat1and3
Thisseriesdocumentsthedevelopmentofagroupof11Australianchildrenandtheirfamiliesfrom
thetimeofthechildrensbirthtotheageofseven.Tenthousand(10,000)childrenandtheir
familiesarepartofaLongitudinalStudyofAustralianChildren(LSAC)managedbytheAustralian
InstituteofFamilyStudies.Thegoalofthestudyistounderstandtheimpactoffamilyrelationships,
finances,work,healthandeducationonchildrensdevelopment.
ThefilmsareproducedinconjunctionwiththeAustralianBroadcastingCorporation
(Australiasnationalpublicbroadcaster)whichmaintainsawebsiteabouttheseries.
Thewebsitecontainsfilmclips,profilesofthechildrenandfamiliesintheprogram,
laypublicfriendlydescriptionsofthesciencethatunderliessomeofthetopics
addressedintheseries,andinformationaboutLASAC.Thewebsiteislocatedat:
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/life/
Lifeat1:NewExperiences
Cummins,J.(Producer),&Marciniak,C.(Director).(2006).Lifeat1:Newexperiences[DVD].
Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,PersonalityDevelopment
Subjects:ChilddevelopmentAustraliaCasestudies;ChildpsychologyAustraliaCase
studies;ExperienceinchildrenAustraliaCasestudies
Thisfilmexploreshowchildcare,familysize,playgroups,racismandprematurebirthinfluence
thedevelopmentofpersonalityinthefirstyearoflife.Thechildrenareobservedathomeand
inchildcare,interactingwithfamilymembersandpeers.Viewersthenseethesamechildren,
participatingintwoclassicexperiments,TheScaryRobotandtheStrangeSituation,to
assessthechildrensconfidenceinexploringnewcircumstancesandtheirattachmenttotheir
primarycaregivers.
Lifeat1:StressanditsImpact
Cummins,J.(Producer),&Marciniak,C.(Director).(2006).Lifeat1:Stressanditsimpact.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,Stress,Coping&Resilience
Subjects:StressinchildrenAustraliaCasestudies;ChilddevelopmentAustraliaCase
studies;ChildmentalhealthAustraliaCasestudies
Thisfilmexplorestheimpactofstressors(smallandlarge)onyearoldchildren.Through
naturalisticobservationofchildren,theinfluenceofattendingchildcare,familytragedy,illness,
motherreturningtowork,parentaljobloss,andbeingraisedbyteenparentsareexplored.
Expertsprovideinsightsintohowparentsandcaringadultscanhelpveryyoungchildrencope
withstressors.
Lifeat3:FightingFat
Cummins,J.(Producer),&Marciniak,C.(Director).(2008).Lifeat3:Fightingfat.[DVD].
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,Obesity
Subjects:ChilddevelopmentAustralia;ObesityinchildrenAustralia;ParentandChild
Australia
FightingFatexploresthedramaticincreaseofobesityinveryyoungchildren(inAustralia,onein
fourchildrenisoverweight).Throughnaturalistobservationofchildrenintheirhomesand
communities,thefilmexploresfactorsthatcontributetooverweightandobesityinchildren
including:genetics,parenting,poverty,community(neighborhood),fitness,andparental
messagesaboutfood.
Lifeat3:BadBehavior
Cummins,J.(Producer),&Marciniak,C.(Director).(2008).Lifeat3:Badbehavior.[DVD].
Subjects:ChilddevelopmentAustralia;SelfcontrolinchildrenAustralia;Behavior
modificationAustralia
InthisinstallmentoftheLifeat1and3series,factorscontributingtobehaviorchangesin
childrenareexplored.Throughnaturalisticobservationandexperiments,theroleoftantrums,
rules,freedom,andtheimpactofstressfullifeeventsontoddlersbehaviorareconsidered.
Alsopresentedarewaysinwhichadultscansupportchildrentodeveloptheskillsnecessaryto
regulatetheirownbehavior.
LostAdventuresofChildhood:TheHighPriceofHyperParenting
Harper,S.(Producer/Director).(2008).Lostadventuresofchildhood:Thehighpriceofhyper
parenting[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Subjects:PlayPsychologicalaspects;PlaySocialaspects;Successinchildren
AnoriginalproductionofCTV(ChannelCanada),thisfilmexplorestheeffectsofhyperparenting
onchildrenssocial,emotional,andcognitivedevelopment.Theproducersofthefilmtakethe
positionthatunstructuredplayinchildhoodhasbeenreplacedbyplaydates(playbyappointment)
andhighlystructured,supervisedactivities(lessons,sports,themecamps,tutoring,etc.)largelydue
toacultureoffearrootedinmediareportsaboutabductions,schoolshootings,lawsuits,and
decliningacademicperformance.Thefilmfeaturesinterviewswithparents,campcounselors,
children,andexpertsonplay,whopresentscientificfindingsthatsuggestthatthe21stcentury
cloisteringofchildrennegativelyimpactseverythingfromliteracyandcreativitytosocialskillsand
mentalhealth.
RaisingCain
Stern,P.(Producer/Director).(2005).RaisingCain[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Subjects:BoysPsychology;BoysUnitedStates;Emotionsinchildren
http://www.pbs.org/opb/raisingcain/
informationtheemotionallifeofboys:http://www.pbs.org/opb/raisingcain/
OriginallyproducedforPBSandhostedbychildpsychologistMichaelThompson,Ph.D.,coauthorof
thebestsellingbookRaisingCain:ProtectingtheEmotionalLivesofBoys,thisdocumentary
explorestheemotionaldevelopmentofAmericanboys.Thecorepremiseofthisfilmisthatour
boysareintrouble:theyareperformingmorepoorlyinschool,havedifficultyexpressingtheir
emotions,andarethemostviolentboysamongindustrializednations.Thefilmfeaturesinterviews
withawiderangeofexperts(psychologists,socialactivists,researchersandeducators)whoprovide
insightsintotheinnerlivesofboysaswellasinterviewswithandnaturalisticobservationsofboysin
awiderangeofsettings.Alsofeaturedareinnovativeprogramsthatsupportthehealthy
developmentofboysandrecommendationsforparentsandguardiansraisingboys.
SecretoftheWildChild
Garmon,L.(Producer/Director).(2006).Secretofthewildchild[DVD].Boston:WGBHBoston
Video.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,LanguageDevelopment
Subjects:Socialisolation;DevelopmentaldisabilitiesRehabilitationCaseStudies
www.netflix.com
Inthefallof1970,socialworkersinLosAngelestookcustodyofa13yearoldchildwhohadspent
muchofherlifechainedtoapottychairinherbedroom,virtuallyisolatedfromhumancontact.She
couldnotspeak,walk,andwasnotresponsivetootherpeople.Shewascalled"Genie."Hercase
attractedtheattentionofpsychologists,eagertoteststhecriticalperiodhypothesisoflanguage
acquisitionpopularizedbyEricLenneberg.ThisfilmdocumentsGeniesrehabilitation,providing
uniqueinsightshowwedeveloplanguageandothercognitivecapacities.Thefilmisalsoa
cautionarytaleaboutresearchethics,asGeniescaretakerwerenotonlyresponsibleforher
rehabilitation,butfortheresearchabouthercase.ThefilmoriginallyairedonPBSNOVAin1994
andwasdigitizedtoDVDin2007.
VeryYoungGirls
Schisgall,D.,Alvarez,N.,Swaminathan,P.(Producers/Directors)&SwingingTProductions,
ShowtimeNetworks,&GirlsEducational&MentoringServices(Producers).(2008).Veryyoung
girls.NewYork,N.Y:GirlsEducational&MentoringServices.
Subjects:ChildProstitutesNewYork;SexuallyabusedgirlsCounselingofNewYork
Availability:GEMGirlswww.gemsgirls.org/shop;Netflixwww.netflix.com
VeryYoungGirlsexploresthecommercialsexualexploitationofgirlsinNewYorkCityastheyare
soldonthestreetsbypimps,andtreatedasadultcriminalsbypolice.Thefilmfollowsbarely
adolescentgirlsinrealtime,documentingtheirstrugglesandtriumphsastheyseektoexitthe
commercialsexindustry.Featuredarecandidinterviewswiththegirlsandfootageshotbypimps,
providinguniqueinsightsintohowthecycleofexploitationbeginsformanywomen.Thefilmalso
profilesGEMS(GirlsEducationalandMentoringServices),arecoveryagencyfoundedandrunby
RachelLloyd,herselfasurvivorofsexualexploitation.GEMSiscommittedtoendingcommercial
sexualexploitationanddomestictraffickingofchildrenbychangingindividuallives,transforming
publicperception,andrevolutionizingthesystemsandpoliciesthatimpactsexuallyexploitedyouth.
VeryYoungGirlsraisesimportantquestionsaboutthewaylawenforcement,themedia,andthe
largersocietyviewsexualexploitation,streetprostitutionanddomestichumantrafficking.
AdultandLifeSpanDevelopment
DaughterfromDanang
Dolgin,G.(Producer/Director)&Franco,V.(Director).(2003).DaughterfromDanang[DVD].
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,LifespanDevelopment
Subjects:VietnamWar,19611975Children;VietnamWar,19611975Aerialoperations,
American;RefugeesVietnam
www.netflix.com
ThisfilmfollowsthejourneyofayoungAmerasianwoman,raisedinTennessee,asshereturnsto
VietnamtomeetherbiologicalmotherandVietnameserelatives.In1975,shortlybeforetheendof
thewarinVietnam,MaiThiKim,apoor,youngVietnamesewoman,senthersevenyearold
daughtertoAmericaaspartofthecontroversialevacuationprogram,OperationBabylift.Although
thepartingwasdevastatingtobothmotherandchild,KimbelievedherAmerasiandaughter(born
afterabriefaffairwithanAmericanNavalOfficer)wouldbeindangerissheremainedinVietnam.
Thelittlegirlwasadoptedbyasinglewoman,renamedHeidiandbroughtupinTennessee,where
sheconcealedherAsianpastandbecame"101%"American.Twentytwoyearslater,Heiditracked
downherbirthmotherandvisitedDanang.Thelonganticipatedreunionthathadraisedmany
hopesandexpectationsforbothHeidiandherbirthmother,werequicklyovertakenbytensionand
misunderstanding,astheculturalclashesbetweenHeidiandherVietnamesefamilysurfaced.
DaughterfromDanangraisesfundamentalquestionsaboutidentitydevelopment,familyand
culture:Whatshapesoursenseofself?Whatdefinesourconceptoffamily?Andhowdocultural
expectationsinfluenceourchoices?SincethefilmtakesplacesagainstthebackdropoftheVietnam
Waritrevealshowthetraumainflictedbythatconflictcontinuestohauntandharmthosewho
survivedit.
DigitalNation:LifeontheVirtualFrontier
Dretzin,R.(Producer/Director).(2010).Digitalnation:Lifeonthevirtualfrontier[DVD].
Courses:AdolescentDevelopment,DevelopmentalPsychology,LifespanDevelopment
Subjects:Technologyandchildren;Computersandchildren;Internetandchildren
www.netflix.com
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/
information:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/
ProducedforthePBSFrontlineseriesasafollowuptoGrowingUpOnline,thisfilmexploreswhatit
meanstoliveinadigitalworld.Thefilmlooksathowtechnologyhasinfluencedhighereducation
andlearning,thenatureofsocialinteraction,andhowwewagewar.Thefilmmakersvisitthe
campusofMIT,wherestudentsareconnectedtotechnologies24/7.Interviewswithfacultyand
studentsrevealthechallengesthatthisconnectivityplacesontheclassroomlearningenvironment
(withstudentstextingandonlineduringclass)andthelimitedattentionspansthatseemtobea
byproductoftherapidlychangingburstsofinformationthatbombardstudentsandfacultyalike.
Thefilmalsoexplorestheimpactofwebbasedvirtualsocializationthroughsuchmultiplayer
gamessuchasWorldsofWarcraftandSecondLifewhereindividualscreatepersonasoravatars
andinteractwithothersonline.Inaddition,thefilmlooksathowgametechnologiesareusedto
recruitandtrainourmilitary.Thisfilmraisedprovocativequestionsabouthowourdigital
connectivity(totheweb,ouriPods,cellphones,onlinesocialnetworks,etc.)impactsourinvivo
socialrelationships,capacitytolearnandattendtonondigitalmedia(books,newspapers,etc.).
MarriedinAmerica2
MarriedinAmerica,Inc.(Producer),&Apted,M.(Director).(1999).MarriedinAmerica2[DVD].
NewYork:DocuramaFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,LifespanDevelopment,AdultDevelopment,FamilyStudies;
Marriage
Subjects:MarriageUnitedStates;MarriagecustomsandritesUnitedStates
Availability:DocuramaFilmshttp://www.docurama.com,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
FromawardwinningdirectorMichaelApted(seetheUpSeries),MarriedinAmerica2isthesecond
film(unfortunatelythefirstisnotavailableonDVD),inanongoingdocumentaryaboutthe
challengesofmarriageintheUnitedStates.In2001,nineverydifferentsoontobemarriedcouples
werefilmeddiscussinghowtheymet,theirviewsonsex,divorce,children,andtheirdreamsforthe
future.AptedsoughtacrosssectionofAmericanmarriagestoreflectthechangingnatureofthe
institution:womenmakingmoremoneythantheirhusbands,divorcedpeopleremarryingand
blendingtheirfamilies,interfaithandbiracialcouples,andsamesexcouples.Thefilmcombines
presentdayinterviewswithclipsformthoseshotpriortothecouplesmarriagesandexploresa
widerangeofissuesfacedinmarriedlifeincluding:changesinjobs,moving,incomedisparities,the
arrivalofchildren,financialconcerns,andfindingthetimeforintimacyinincreasinglybusylives.
SecretLifeofTwins:NaturalSimilarities
Petterle,D.(Producer),&Williamson,H.(Director).(2009).Secretlifeoftwins:Naturalsimilarities
[DVD].Hamilton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Subjects:TwinsPsychology;TwinsPhysiology;TwinsLongitudinalstudies
Thisfilm,thefirstofatwopartseries,originallyproducedfortheBBC,examinesthegenetics,
physiology,andpsychologyofidenticaltwins.Featuredinthefilmarepairsoftwinswhohave
participatedinastudyof1,500twinpairsconductedatLondonsSt.ThomasHospital.Thefilm
highlightstwodecadesofmedicalresearchonphysicalsimilaritiesintwinsdowntothelocationof
frecklesandagespotsthatdeveloplaterinlife.Alsofeaturedaresimilaritiesthatexistbetween
monozygotictwinsrearedapart(andlaterreunited),twinsthathavecontractedthesameillnesses
atthesametime,andthewaysinwhichtwinsage.
SecretLifeofTwins:NurturedDifferences
Williamson,H.(Producer/Director).(2009).Secretlifeoftwins:Nurtureddifferences[DVD].
Hamilton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Subjects:TwinsPsychology;TwinsPhysiology;TwinsLongitudinalstudies
Thisfilm,thesecondofatwopartseries,originallyproducedfortheBBC,examinestheroleof
environmentonthedevelopmentofdifferencesbetweenidenticaltwins.Featuredinthefilmare
pairsoftwinswhohaveparticipatedinastudyof1,500twinpairsconductedatLondonsSt.
ThomasHospital.Amongthethemescoveredinthisepisodearethewaysinwhichtwinsare
differentiallyimpactedbyuterineconditionsandtheenvironmentsinwhichtheyaresubsequently
raised.Casestudiesfeaturedinthisepisodeincludeslenderandobesetwinsisters,straightandgay
twinbrothers,andtwinsisterswhoareagingverydifferently.Twinbrothers,bothphysicians,
discusstheirdifferencesandsimilarities.
TheUpSeries
TheUpSerieshasfollowedthedevelopmentof14(tenboysandfourgirls)Britishchildrensince
1964whentheyweresevenyearsold.Thechildrenwereselectedfromavarietyofenvironments
torepresenttherangeofsocioeconomicbackgroundsinBritainatthetime.Sixofthechildren
camefromstrugglingworkingclassfamilies,fourfromprivilegedupperclassfamilies,andfourfrom
middleclassfamilies.Theunderlyingassumptionwhenfilmingbeganwasthatthesocialclassand
statusofthechildrenwouldaccountfordifferencesintheirdevelopmentaloutcomes.Thefilm
makerhasrevisitedthechildreneverysevenyears(atage14,21,28,35,42and49)todocument
theirdevelopmentovertime.Eachoftheparticipantsisinterviewedforaperiodoftwodays(about
6hours)ateachfilmingintervalandcontentforeachfilmisselectedfromtheseinterviews.Each
installmentincludespresentinterviewsalongsegmentsofpriorinterviewstoprovidebiographical
continuitytoeachfilm.Itisimportanttonotethatitwasnevertheoriginalintentofthefilms
producersanddirectortofollowthesechildrenovertimetheoriginalproductionwasintendedas
asingleepisodefortheBritishprogramWorldinAction.
TheearlierfilmshavebeendigitizedtoDVDbutareonlyavailableinboxsets(seebelow),while42
Upand49UpareavailableindividuallyonDVDaswell(referenceinformationisprovidedwithfilm
description).56Upisexpectedtobereleasedinlate2011orearly2012.
GranadaTelevision(Producer),&Apted,M.(Director).(2007).TheUpSeries[DVDboxset].New
York:FirstRunFilms.
[Includes:SevenUp,7PlusSeven,21Up,28Up,35Up,42Up,and49UponsixDVDs]
Runningtime:710minutes(eachepisode30135minutes)
Subjects:DevelopmentalpsychologyEnglandCasestudies;ChilddevelopmentGreatBritain
Casestudies;Lifecycle,humanCasestudies
Availability:FirstRunFeatureshttp://www.firstrunfeatures.com/,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
SevenUp
Originallyproducedin1964,thefirstfilmintheUpSeriesintroducestheviewerstothe14
childrenwhowillparticipateinthefilmseries.Thechildrendiscusstheirhopesanddreamsfor
thefuture.WemeetJohn,CharlesandAndrewwhoattendthesameprivateprepreparatory
schoolinLondonswealthyKensingtonneighborhood,whocanallstatewhichprepschoolsand
universitiestheyplantoattend.Suzy,fromawealthyfamily,attendsanexclusiveboarding
school.Jackie,LynnandSueallattendthesameprimaryschoolinaworkingclasssectionof
London.LynnaspirestoworkatWoolworths.Tony,wholivesinLondonsEastEndhas
aspirationsofbecomingajockeywhenhegrowsup.PaulandSymonattendthesamecharity
basedboardingschoolinLondon.Paulendedupattheschoolafterhisparentsdivorcedandhe
wasleftinthecareofhisfather.Symon,theonlynonwhitechildinthegroupismixedrace(his
motherWhiteandfatherBlack),hasnevergottentoknowhisfather.Nicklivesonasmallfarm
andattendsaoneroomschool.PeterandNeilattendamiddleclasssuburbanschoolin
Liverpoolandbothwanttobecomeastronauts.Bruce,whoisattendingaprestigiousboarding
schoolwantstobecomeamissionary.
7PlusSeven
OriginallyproducedforBritishtelevisionin1970,thechildren,now14andenteringadolescence
reflectonthechangesthathavetakenplaceintheirlivessincethefirstfilm.Tony,whostillhas
ambitionsofbecomingajockey,hastakenajobasastableboy,animportantsteptowardhis
goal.PaulsparentshavedivorcedandhenowlivesinAustraliawithhisfatherandstepmother.
Neilisfloundering,andhasabandonedhismostrecentambitiontobecomeatourbusguide.In
theirinterviewseachofthefilmssubjectsreflectsontheirchanginglives,school,friendships
andfamily.Thisfilmprovidessolidinsightsintothehopesanddreamsofadolescencethe
fragilityandresilienceofthisuncertaintimeinhumandevelopment.
21Up
OriginallyproducedBritishtelevisionin1977,thisinstallmentoftheseriesfindsmanyofthe
seriesparticipants,now21,reflectingontheirchildhoodambitionsandtakingstockintheir
achievements,andnonachievements,thusfar.ForCharles,whodidnotmatriculateatOxford,
hecallsintoquestionhisearlierambitions.JackieandLynnhavebothmarried,andLynnis
workingasalibrarian.Neilcontinuestoflounder,andTonyhasallbutgivenuponbecominga
jokeyandisnowworkingasataxicabdriver.Suzydroppedoutofschoolat16andlivedinParis
foratime.Sheiscynicalaboutlifeandthesocialexpectationsthatshewillmarryandhave
children.Thisfilmprovidesaglimpseintothemixtureofdreamsandpragmatismthatoften
characterizesyoungadulthood.
28Up
Releasedin1984,thisinstallmentoftheseriesfindstheseriesparticipants,now28,firmly
establishingtheirlivesadults.Nowwellintotheirearlyadulthood,manyoftheparticipants
havecompletedtheireducations,enteredtheworkforce,married,andarehavingchildrenof
theirown.Neil,whohasstruggledsinceadolescence,isnowhomelessandpossiblystruggling
withmentalillness.Thisfilmprovidesimportantinsightsintotheimpactthatdecisionsatthis
agewillhaveonthelifetrajectoryoftheseriesparticipants.
35Up
ThisinstallmentoftheUpSeries,releasedin1992presentsperhapssomeofthemost
dramaticchangesforthelivesoftheseriesparticipants,now35yearsofage.Severalofthe
participantsdeclinedtofilmedandothersexpressedtheirambivalenceabouttheir
participation.InthisfilmchildhoodfriendsJackie,Lynn,andSueandinterviewedtogether,as
areJohn,Andrew,andCharles.Itisclearthatthewomenhaveremainedfriends,whilethemen
havedriftedapart.SueandJackiehavebothdivorcedandJackieisnowraisingasonshe
conceivedinabriefrelationshipfollowingherdivorce,asasinglemother.Lynncontinuesto
workasalibrarian.Brucehascompletedhismissionaryworkandfindshimselfunmarriedand
lonely.PerhapsthemostcompellingtransformationisthatofNeil,whoisnowisreceiving
treatmentforhispsychologicalconcernsandinvolvedinlocaltheatre.Throughtheinterviews,
viewershearofsuccessesandregrets,astheseriessubjectsapproachmiddleage.
42Up
GranadaTelevision(Producer),&Apted,M.(Director).(1999).42up[DVD].NewYork:First
RunFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,LifespanDevelopment,AdultDevelopment
Subjects:DevelopmentalpsychologyEnglandCasestudies;AdultdevelopmentGreat
BritainCasestudies;Lifecycle,humanCasestudies
Availability:FirstRunFeatureshttp://www.firstrunfeatures.com/,
ThisinstallmentoftheUpSeries,releasedin1999,continuestodocumentthelifecourseof
theseriesparticipants,nowinmiddleageat42.Tony,onceanaspiringjokey,drivesacab,
moonlightsasanactor,andadmitsbeingunfaithfultohiswife.Andrewisapartnerinalaw
firm.Neil,whostruggledforyearswithmentalillnessandhomelessnesshasfoundstabilityand
waselectedasaLiberalDemocraticrepresentativetotheHackneyCouncilinLondon. Bruce,
whohasbeenworkingasateacher,metafellowteacher,andtheyarenowhappilymarried.
Throughtheinterviewsweonceagainviewtheparticipantschallengesinmeetingtheir
expectationsforthemselvesandreconcilingtheirownlifechoicesastheyenterthesecondhalf
oftheirlives.
49Up
GranadaTelevision(Producer),&Apted,M.(Director).(2006).49up[DVD].NewYork:First
RunFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,LifespanDevelopment,AdultDevelopment
Subjects:DevelopmentalpsychologyEnglandCasestudies;AdultdevelopmentGreat
BritainCasestudies;Lifecycle,humanCasestudies
Availability:FirstRunFeatureshttp://www.firstrunfeatures.com/,
ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.org,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
ThemostrecentinstallmentoftheUpSeries,releasedin2006,continuestodocumentthelife
courseoftheseriesparticipantsastheyapproach50.InthisfilmwelearnhowTonyandhis
wife,nowgrandparents,workedtodealwithhisinfidelitytosavetheirmarriage.Paul,happily
marriedwithchildrenpreparestosendhisdaughtertocollege,afirstinhisfamily.Wefind
JackielivingonpublicassistanceinScotlandandsufferingfromrheumatoidarthritis,whileLynn,
alifelonglibrarian,struggleswiththenewsthatherjobmightbeeliminatedandconcernson
howshewillcareforherselfandhertwochildren.Thefilmprovidesupdatesinthelivesof
severalotherparticipants,paintinganhonestpictureofdevelopmentintolateadulthood.
Aging
AlmostHome
Lichtenstein,B.,&Gildehaus,L.(Producers/Directors).(2006).Almosthome[DVD].SanFrancisco,
CA:IndependentTelevisionService
Courses:LifespanDevelopment,AdultDevelopment,Aging
Subjects:Nursinghomes;Nursinghomepatients
Availability:UniversityofWisconsinMilwaukee,CenteronAgeandCommunity
http://cac.obiki.org/products.html
FilmedonlocationattheSaintJohn'sontheLakenursinghomeinMilwaukee,Wisconsin,thisfilm
exploresqualityoflifeamongnursinghomeresidents,theirfamiliesandthestaffofthefacility.The
Directorofthefacilityisworkinghardtoshiftthecultureofthehome,fromasterile,hospitallike
environment,toonethatismorelikehome.Alsofeaturedinthefilmareelderlycouplescoping
withtheimpactofAlzheimersandParkinsonsDisease,adultchildrenstrugglingtocarefortheir
agingwhileraisingtheirownchildren,andpoorlycompensatedstaffwhoworktirelesslytoprovide
compassionatecaretoresidentsofthehome.Thisfilmraisesimportantquestionsaboutthe
importanceofcommunity,connection,andhowthecultureofnursinghomefacilitiescanbe
transformedtoprovidehomelikecareandenvironments.
EagerforYourKisses:LoveandSexat95
Cane,L.(Producer/Director).(2005).Eagerforyourkisses:Loveandsexat95[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment,AdultDevelopment,Aging,HumanSexuality
Subjects:OldermenSexualbehavior;Loveinoldage
Thisfilmfocuseson95yearoldsinger/songwriterandmusicteacher,BillCane.Determinedtokeep
loveandsexinhislifeaftermourningthedeathofhiswifeof50years,Billsoughtoutanew
companionbyputtinganadinthepersonalsandgoingballroomdancing.Soon,Billslifewas
revitalized,fullofmusic,romances,andsex.Asaresulthebegantocomposeandperformmusic
againevencompilingtwoCDsandcreatinganMP3website.ThefilmfeaturesinterviewswithBill
andwomenthathedated,providinginsightsintotheroleofcompanionship,romanceandsex,to
vitalityandmeaninginoldage.
KickingHigh...IntheGoldenYears
Gurievitch,G.(Producer/Director).(1988).Kickinghigh...inthegoldenyears[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:OlderAfricanAmericans;OlderpeopleRecreation
ThisfilmprofilessixmiddleclassAfricanAmericanseniorcitizenswhoaremembersofThe
Marquees,anamateurperformancegroupfromQueens,NewYork.Filmedintheirhomes,with
theirfamiliesandinthecommunity,andduringrehearsalsforanupcomingperformance,thefilm
providesanintimateandupliftingportraitofaging.Theparticipantsreflectontheirlife
experiences,sharewisdomgainedovertheyears,anddiscusshowtheyapproachthechallenges
theyfaceastheyage.Thisfilmprovidesaportraitofhealthyagingcharacterizedbyindependence,
engagementwithfamily,friendsandthecommunity.
LivingOld
Navasky,M.,&O'Connor,K.(Producers/Directors).(2006).Livingold[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBS
Video.
Subjects:OlderpeopleUnitedStates;OlderpeopleCareUnitedStates;OlderPeople
MedicalCareUnitedStates
www.netflix.com
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/livingold/
informationonaging:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/livingold/
ThisepisodeofPBSFrontlineexplorestheconsequencesofincreasedlongevity.Advancesin
medicinehaveledtosignificantnumbersofelderlypeoplelivinglongerandlongerlives.Thevery
old(peopleovertheageof85)areoneofthefastestgrowingsegmentsofourpopulation,yetour
societyisillpreparedtomeettheneedsofthispopulation.Thefilmprofileseightolderadults
betweentheagesof83and100,somelivingindependently,otherswiththeiradultchildrenand
someinnursinghomes.Thefilmeffectivelyhighlightsthedecisionsandchallengesfacedbythese
agingadultsandtheirfamilies.Whilethispopulationcontinuestogrow,theneedforgeriatriccare
isrising,whilethenumberofcaregiversisactuallydecreasing.Thefilmalsodrawsattentionto
inadequaciesofourhealthcaresystemtomeetthehealthneedsofthispopulation.
Stages
MeerkatMediaCollective(Producer/Director).(2009).Stages[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDay
Films.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment,AdultDevelopment,Aging,OlderLatinaWomen,InnerCityYouth
Subjects:OlderHispanicAmericans;Olderpeople
FilmedinNewYorkCitysoldestcommunitycenter,StagesbringstogetheragroupofolderPuerto
Ricanwomenandinnercityyouthtocreateanoriginalplaybasedontheirlifeexperiences.Themes
ofimmigration,agingandcomingofageblendtocreateanintimateportraitofthelivesofthefilms
subjectsandtheimpactthattheirstorytellinghasoneachmemberoftheplayscast.Thefilm
providesanexcellentexampleofthetransformationalpowerofintergenerationalstorytelling.
StillDoingIt:TheIntimateLivesofWomenOver65
Fishel,D.,Holtzberg,D.(Producers),&Fishel,D.(Director).(2004).Stilldoingit:Theintimatelives
ofwomenover65[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment,AdultDevelopment,PsychologyofWomen;HumanSexuality
Subjects:Olderwomensexualbehavior;Loveinoldage
Thisfilmprofilesadiversegroup(partnered,single,straight,gay,blackandwhite)ofnineolder
women(ages6787)whosharehowtheyfeelaboutthemselves,sexandloveinlaterlife.The
womenprofiledprovidehonest,oftenhumorousreflectionsontheirpersonalhistories,agingand
sexuality.Archivalfootage,musicandstillphotographsfromthe1940sthroughthewomens
movementandthesexualrevolutionprovideinsightsintothebroaderhistorythatservedasthe
backdroptothesewomenslives.Thefilmalsoillustratestherealitythatwhilemanyolderwomen
arestillreluctanttospeakabouttheirpersonallivesthereisanewvanguardofwomenover65who
cameintotheirownlaterinlifeandhavetakenthatstrongsenseofthemselvesandtheirsexuality
intotheirolderage.
SunsetStory
Gabbert,L.,Libresco,C.,Wurmfeld,E.H.(Producers),&Gabbert,L.(Director).(2005).Sunsetstory
[DVD].Burbank,CA:CapitalEntertainment.
Subjects:Olderwomen;Womenpoliticalactivists;Womenradicals;Retirementcommunities
ThisfilmfocusesonIrja(81)andLucille(95),residentsofSunsetHall,aLosAngeles"retirement
homeforfreethinkingelderly,"thatintegratesagingwithprogressiveactivism,givingresidentsthe
opportunitytoengagedailywithcausestheyholddear.LucilleandIrjachallengestereotypesof
doddering"oldladies."Sharpwitted,uptodate,andoftenprovocative,thetwoarenotafraidto
weighinwithopinionsonmen,sex,genderroles,andsocialattitudestowardtheelderly.They
operateasaclassiccomicteam,withIrjaplayingthe"straightman,"theeternalidealistandLucille,
theirreverentskeptic,crackingironicdryjokes.Lucilleneedshelpinordertowalk,soshebraces
herselfagainstthebackofIrja'swheelchair,andsimultaneouslypropelsIrja'schairforward.The
filmfollowsIrjaandLucilleforaperiodofseveralmonthsastheyventureoutformanicures,
politicalprotestsandmealsattheirfavoritedeli.Then,whenLucillereceivesaterminalcancer
diagnosis,Irjamustconfrontthepossibilityoflosingherlifeline.Thisfilmisabittersweetportraitof
agingthatpowerfullyjuxtaposesthevitalityandfrailtyofadvancedage.
ToYouSweetheart,Aloha
Chiang,S.L.,&Coats,M.(Producers/Directors).(2006).Toyousweetheart,aloha[DVD].
Thisfilmchroniclesthe94thyearinthelifeofHonolulubornukulelemasterBillTapia.Billisa
charismaticmusician,dapperdresser,consummateshowmanandstoryteller,seekinghisfountain
ofyouth.Whilemourningthedeathofhiswifeandonlydaughter,Billfindshismuseina26year
oldAlyssa,withwhomhesharesapassionforHawaiianmusicandculture.Theirrelationshiphelps
Billreconnecttohispastandrebuildafutureinhismusic.Thisfilmisacomplexandoften
turbulentportraitofanelderlyartistclingingtohisyouthfulspiritdespitelosingthebattleagainst
anagedbodyandlearningtocreateanewlifeforhimselfat94.
Young@Heart
George,S.(Producer),&Walker,S.(Director).(2008).Young@Heart[DVD].BeverlyHills,CA:20th
CenturyFoxHomeEntertainment.
Subjects:Choruses(mixedvoices);OlderpeopleUnitedStates
TheYoung@HeartChorus,basedinNorthHampton,Massachusetts,consistsof22memberswhose
averageageis81.Thechorus,directedbyBobCilman,performscontemporarysongsmadepopular
bysuchartistsasJamesBrown,thePointerSisters,Coldplay,andmore.Thefilm,whichfocuseson
thechoruspreparationforaconcertintheirowncommunity,tapsintothevitalityofolderadults
andtheimportanceofpurposeandsocialrelationshipsasweage.Thefilmalsoprovidesunique
insightsintothefrailtyofoldageasmembersofthechorusfacetheirownmortalitywhentheylose
twooftheirmembers,preparefortheretirementofanother,andstrugglewithhealthissues.
Disability
Disability
BestBoy/BestMan
Wohl,I.(Producer/Director).(2004).Bestboy/Bestman.[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Runningtime:191minutes(BestBoy111minutes,BestMan80minutes)ontwoDVDs
Courses:DisabilityStudies;FamilyStudies;AdultDevelopment
Subjects:PeoplewithmentaldisabilitiesUnitedStates
Availability:DocuramaFilmswww.docurama.com,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
BestBoy,the1980AcademyAwardwinnerforBestDocumentary,followsPhillyWhol,acheerful52
yearoldmentallyretardedmanwhostillliveswithhisagingparents.Whenthefilmmakerinquires
whatwillhappentoPhillywhenhisparentsdie,thefamilybeginstohelpPhillytobecomemore
independent.ThefilmchroniclesPhillyschallengesandtriumphstowardgreaterindependence
andengagementinthecommunity.
BestMan,followsupwithPhilly,20yearsaftertheoriginalfilm.Now70yearsold,Phillylivesina
grouphome,hasagroupofcaringfriends,attendsclasses,andispreparingforhisBarMitzvah.
Together,bothfilmsareatestamenttotheresilienceofthehumanspiritandthepowerofinclusion
andindependenceaskeystoqualityoflifeforpeoplewithdisabilitiesatanyage.
Blindsided
Coleman,D.(Producer)&Osteen,T.(Director/Producer)(2006).Blindsided[DVD].UnitedStates:
TalkingTabs.
Courses:FamilyStudies;DisabilityStudies
Subjects:BlindchildrenFamilyrelationships
Availability:Blindsidedwww.blindsidedthemovie.com
ThispowerfulfilmchroniclestheexperiencesoftheHarafamilywhentheylearnthattheir12year
oldsonJaredisgoingblind.Diagnosedwithararegeneticeyediseasethatwillrenderhimblind,
Jaredthrowshimselfintomusicashisoutlet.Hismotherstrugglestocopewiththeguiltshe
experiences,learningthatshewasthecarrierforthisgenetictrait.Hissister,facesthepossibility
thatshetoomaydevelopthedisease.PerhapsmostpoignantinthisfilmJaredsfathersreaction,
whichistoblamehiswifefordestroyinghisfamily,leadingtodownwardspiralofdepressionand
isolationfromhisfamilyandhisson.ItisJared,whosejoyforlivingandloveofmusicthatbrings
thefracturedfamilybacktogether.AlsofeaturedisJaredsclosefriendshipwithAli,whostandby
Jaredthroughouthisadaptationtoblindnessandfamilydifficulties.Thisfilmprovidesinsightsinto
therangeofpsychologicalreactionstodisabilityandcapacityforindividualandfamilyresiliencein
thefaceofalifealteringdiagnosis.
DocumentaryFilmsforTeachingPsychology
Page73
Disability
BodyandSoul:KathyandDiana
Elliott,A.(Producer/Director).(2007).Bodyandsoul:KathyandDiana[DVD].Harriman,NY:New
DayFilms.
Courses:DisabilityStudies
Subjects:DownSyndromePatientsUnitedStatesBiography;CerebralpalsiedUnitedStates
Biography;WomenwithdisabilitiesUnitedStatesBiography
BodyandSoul:KathyandDianaprofilesKathyBraunandKathyConour,disabilityrightsadvocates
andpoliticalactivists.DianahasDownSyndromeandKathyhascerebralpalsy,for37yearsthey
havelivedtogether,forgingasymbioticrelationshipthathasallowedthemtoremainactiveintheir
communityandtoliveindependently.Thesetwodynamicwomenhaveestablishedthemselvesas
tirelesslobbyistsandactivistsinthedisabilitymovement,serveonanumberofboards,andare
regularlylobbyinWashington,D.C.andintheirhomestateofIllinois.
TheCollectorofBedfordStreet
Elliott,A.(Producer/Director).(2003).ThecollectorofBedfordStreet[DVD].Harriman,NY:New
DayFilms.
Subjects:PeoplewithdisabilitiesUnitedStatesBiography;
TheCollectorofBedfordStreetisanAcademyAwardwinningdocumentaryshortfilmthatprofiles
LarrySelman,adevelopmentallydisabledcommunityactivistwhoraisesthousandsofdollarseach
yearforcharity.WhenLarryselderlyunclewhohasservesashiscaregiver,isnolongerabletocare
forhim,thefilmmakerralliesresidentsofneighborhoodtosetupatrustfortheirbeloved
neighbor,toensurethathecancontinuetoliveindependently.Thefilmexploreshisfamilyhistory
andsomewhatawkwardromancewithadevelopmentallydisabledwoman,providingawarm,
albeitimperfectportraitofacommunityinclusiveofitsresidentswithdisabilities.
Page74
Disability
DisabilityandSexuality:ExploringtheIntimacyOption
Campredon,S.&Chaye,F.(Producers)(2008).Disabilityandsexuality:Exploringtheintimacy
option[DVD].Hamilton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanities&Sciences.
Courses:HumanSexuality,DisabilityStudies
Subjects:PeoplewithdisabilitiesSexualbehavior;Sextherapy;Peoplewithdisabilities
Servicesfor
FilmedinEurope,thisfilmchallengesthecommonlyheldnotionthatindividualswithphysical
disabilitiesdonotdesirephysicalintimacy.Thefilmincludesinterviewswithindividualswith
paraplegia,quadriplegia,neuromusculardisorders,andotherconditionsaswellastheirpartners
andadvocates.Inadditiontotheconstraintstheseindividualsexperienceasaresultoftheir
disabilities,theresidentialandmedicalfacilitiesthatservethemareoftenillpreparedorresistant
torecognizingtheneedforphysicalintimacyandsexualexpressionintheseindividuals.Also
includedinthefilmareprofilesoforganizationsthatadvocateforpeoplewithdisabilitiestohave
lovingexperiences.Filmincludessubtitles.
Maturethemesandclinicallyexplicitlanguage
FreedomMachines
Stobie,J.(Producer/Director).(2005).Freedommachines[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:PeoplewithdisabilitiesRehabilitationUnitedStates;RehabilitationTechnology
FreedomMachinestakesanewlookatdisabilitythroughthelensofassistivetechnology.The
experiencesofagroupofpeoplewithdisabilitiesletusreexamineideasaboutabilityanddisability
groundedinourcultureandattitudes.Engineers,designersanduserschallengebarriersinherentin
ourbuiltenvironments,andrevealthegapbetweenthepromisesofthe1990Americanswith
DisabilitiesActandeverydayrealityfor54millionAmericanswithdisabilities.Whethermainstream
technologyorextraordinaryinventionssuchasstairclimbingwheelchairs,thisfilmrevealsboththe
powerandlimitationsoftechnologytochangelives.Italsoraiseschallengingquestionsaboutthe
costsofsuchtechnologies,thefactthattheyarecostprohibitivetomostpeoplewhocouldbenefit
fromthem,andthatasasocietywehaveyettomakethecommitmentnecessarytoensurethat
Page75
Disability
peoplewithdisabilitieswouldhaveaccesstostateofthearttechnologiesthatwouldenhancetheir
qualityoflife.
TheGillianFilm
Hershfield,J.(Producer/Director).(2006).TheGillianfilm[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:DevelopmentallydisabledBiography;Childrenwithmentaldisabilitiesfamily
relationships
ThisfilmfollowsGillianFink,adevelopmentallydisabledyoungwomanasshepreparestoleave
homeandliveindependently.ForGilliansmotherherdaughtersimpendingdepartureis
bittersweet,andthefilmeffectivelycaptureshermixedfeelingshavingraisedGilliantobe
independent,butherconcernsabouthowshewilldoonherown.Thisfilmprovidesanexcellent
portraitoftheimportanceofsocialinclusionandindependentlivingforpeoplewithdisabilities.
HearandNow
Brodsky,I.T.(Producer/Director).(2007).Hearandnow[DVD].NewYork:HBOVideo.
Courses:DisabilityStudies;FamilyStudies;AdultDevelopment
Subjects:OlderdeafpeopleRehabilitationUnitedStates
HearandNowchroniclestheexperiencesofPaulandSallyTaylorastheydecidetoundergo
cochlearimplantsurgeryattheageof65.Thefilmmaker,theirdaughterwhoishearing,takesthe
vieweronaretrospectiveofthefamilyshistory,interviewingherparentsandsiblingsand
reminiscingaboutfamilylifeinahouseholdwithdeafparentsandhearingchildren.Thesecondhalf
ofthefilmdocumentsherparentssurgeries,recoveryandnewexperiencesastheyhearsoundfor
thefirsttime.Thefilmprovidesinsightsintohowmuchhearingpeopletakesoundforgrantedand
thechallengesPaulandSallyexperienceastheyworktosortoutthemeaningofallofthethings
theyhear.
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Disability
TheKeyofG
Sablosky,L.,Arnold,R.(Producers)&Arnold,R.(Director).(2007).ThekeyofG[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:PeoplewithdisabilitiesCaliforniaSanFranciscoBiography;Peoplewithdisabilities
HomecareCaliforniaSanFrancisco
TheKeyofGtellsthestoryofGannet,a22yearoldmanbornwithMowatWilsonsyndrome(a
geneticconditionwhichresultsinamyriadofphysicalanddevelopmentaldisabilitieswith
symptomsresemblingautism),ashepreparestomoveoutofhismother'shome.Thefilmbegins
withGstilllivingathomewithhismother,Amy.Ghasjustturned22andAmyhascometothe
realizationthathersonisreadytomoveout.G'sconditionpreventshimfrommovingtoa
traditionalgrouphome,soAmyseeksanalternativefamilyforhim,onethatwilloutliveher.
Avoidingtheconventionalcaremodelofpaidprofessionalsexpectedtokeepanemotionaldistance
fromtheirclients,Amyfindsthreeyoungartistswhowillbecomenotjustpaidcaregiversand
roommatesforG,buttruefriends.Togethertheypulltogetherfundingfromanarrayofstate
programs,andattempttocreateanindependentandsustainablehousehold.Intheend,TheKeyof
Gisthecaregivers'storyasmuchasitisGannet's.Astheycometorelyonhimasafriend,they
realizethattheyarebuildingsomethingbetterthanjustanindependentlifeforG:Theyarebuilding
acommunityofinterdependencethatbenefitsthemall.Thefilmprovidesamodelofhowsomeone
withseriousdisabilitiescanbeintegratedintothecommunityandliveatrulyfulllife,andit
challengesconventionalnotionsaboutindependence,empathy,anddisability.
KingGimp
Friesen,T.(Producer)&Klein,B.S.(Director)(2006).Kinggimp[DVD].Baltimore,MD:VideoPress.
Subjects:Artistswithdisabilities;Peoplewithdisabilities
Availability:VideoPresshttp://www.videopress.org/King_Gimp.html
Winnerofthe1999AcademyAwardforDocumentaryShort,KingGimp,chroniclestheexperiences
ofDanKeplinger,fromtheageof13throughcompletionofcollege.Danwasbornwithcerebral
palsyandatthetimethatthefilmbeganshooting,hewasunabletowalk,talk,orusehishands.A
giftedartist,Danpaintswithbrushesattachedtoheadgear.ThefilmpoignantlycapturesDans
strugglesandtriumphsashegainsgreaterindependence,developstheabilitytocommunicate,and
emergesasanaccomplishedartist.
Page77
Disability
Shameless:TheArtofDisability
Hadary,S.H.,Whiteford,W.A.(Producers)&Whiteford,W.A.(Director).(1999).Shameless:The
artofdisability[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanities&Sciences.
Subjects:Artistswithdisabilities;Peoplewithdisabilities
Thisfilmexploresthelivesandexperiencesoffiveartistswithphysicaldisabilities:apainter,a
writer,anactor,atheaterdirector,andafilmmaker.Thefilmchronicleshighlychargeddiscussions
abouttheirartandtheirpersonalgoalsdemonstratingthateachoftheseindividualsisanartistat
heartnotthedisabledpersonthatotherswouldstereotypicallysee.
SoundandFury
Weisberg,R.(Producer)&Aronson,J.(Director).(2001).Soundandfury[DVD].NewYork:
Docurama.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,FamilyStudies;Deafness
Subjects:DeafchildrenFamilyrelationships;Deafparents;Childrenofdeafparents
SoundandFurychroniclestheheartwrenchingconflictthateruptsintheArtinianfamilyover
cochlearimplants.TheArtinianfamilyhashearinganddeafmembersacrossthreegenerations.For
thehearingmembersofthefamily,thepossibilitythattheirdeaffamilymembers,especiallythe
children,wouldhavetheopportunitytohearisasimpledecisiontomake.Fordeafmembersofthe
family,thedecisionisfraughtwithfearandtrepidationpotentiallythreateningtheirconnectionto
thedeafcommunityandperhapseachother.Thisfilmprovidesanintimatelookatthecontroversy
overcochlearimplantsthathasfracturedmanyfamiliesandcreatedafirestormwithinthedeaf
community.[Seefollowupfilm,SoundandFury:6YearsLaterbelow]
Page78
Disability
SoundandFury:6YearsLater
Aronson,J.(Producer/Director).(2006).Soundandfury:6yearslater[DVD].NewYork:Aronson
FilmAssociates.
Availability:AronsonFilmAssociateshttp://soundandfuryfilm.com
ThisfilmfollowsupontheArtinianfamilysixyearsaftertheoriginalSoundandFury.Muchhas
changedforthefamily,asanumberofthedeaffamilymembershavereceivedcochlearimplants.
Foroneofthechildren,Heather,theimplantshaveopenedupanewworldforher,andsheis
effectivelystraddlingthehearinganddeafworldswithenthusiasmandinterest.Forherparents,
whoinitiallyresistedtheidea,theyaredelightinginherabilitytomorefullyengageinschooland
relationshipswithpeers.Viewersalsolearnofthefamilyreconciliationthatmendedfractures
observedinthefirstfilm.
Twisted
Chiten,L.(Producer/Director).(2006).Twisted[DVD].NewYork:BlindDogFilms
Subjects:DystoniaPersonalnarratives;DystoniaTreatment;Brainstimulation
Availability:BlindDogFilmswww.blinddogfilms.com
Twistedfeaturesagroupofadultssufferingfromdystonia,aneurologicaldisorderthatforcesthe
bodytotwistintoabnormal,oftenpainful,movementsorpostures.Thefilmchroniclesthe
challengestheyfaceindealingwithdaytodayactivitiesandtheiradaptationstothispoorly
understooddisorderwhichoftenevokesnegativeresponsesfromotherpeople.Forseveralofthe
filmssubjectsthedisorderthreatenstheirlivelihoodandpersonalrelationships.Thefilm
effectivelyexaminesthemesofcontrol,lossandisolationthatcanimpactindividualschallengedby
disability.
Page79
EatingDisorders
EatingDisorders
DyingtobeThin
McPhee,L.(Producer/Director).(2004).Dyingtobethin[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Subjects:Eatingdisordersinwomen;Bodyimage;AnorexiaNervosa;Bulimia
Availability:ShopPBSwww.shoppbs.org,Amazonwww.amazon.com
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/thin/
informationoneatingdisorders:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/thin/
ThisepisodeofPBSNOVAexploreseatingdisorders(anorexiaandbulimia)amongyoungwomenin
theUnitedStates.Thefilmprovidesfootageofyoungwomeninindividualandgrouptreatment
interspersedwithinterviewsofyoungwomen(includingmodels,dancers,andathletes)inrecovery
andexpertsdiscussingtheetiology,course,andtreatmentofanorexiaandbulimia.Alsoincludedin
thisfilmisadiscussionofculturalinfluencesthatreinforceunrealisticidealsofthinnessinwomen.
Fat:WhatNoOneisTellingYou
Spain,T.(Producer/Director).(2006).Fat:Whatnooneistellingyou.Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Courses:EatingDisorders
Subjects:Obesity;ObesityPsychologicalaspects;ObesitySocialaspects
www.netflix.com
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/fat/index.html
Thisfilm,originallyproducedforPBS,exploresthephysiological,psychological,social,andcultural
factorsthatcontributetotheepidemicofobesityintheUnitedStates(66%ofAmericanadultsare
overweightorobese).Thefilmreviewsscientificknowledgeaboutmetabolism,hunger,eating,and
howwerespondtofoodpsychologically.Inaddition,theproliferationofoversizedfoodportions
andfoodadvertisingareexploredasfactorscontributingtounhealthydietsandovereating.The
filmprofilesthreeindividualsstrugglingwiththeirownweightissuesandtwoprofessionals,apublic
healtheducatorandaphysician,whoworktocombatobesity.
EatingDisorders
FearofFat:EightStoriesofEatingandWeight
Feesley,L.(Producer/Director).(2006).Fearoffat:Eightstoriesofeatingandweight[DVD].
Subjects:Eatingdisorders;Bulimia;Anorexianervosa
Thisfilmintroduceseightadolescentsandyoungadults(sevenfemalesandonemale)whoprovide
afrank,intimatelookintotheirstruggleswithfood,bodyweightandselfimage.Incasual
conversationalstyle,thesubjectsofthisfilmdescribefeelingsofdeephurt,anger,alienationand
hopelessnessthatleadthemtoextremessuchasconsuming15,000to18,000caloriesaday,
starvationdieting,andattemptedsuicide.Theirnarrativeofferpowerfulinsightsintotheirall
consumingnightmarishdriveforunattainablephysicalperfectionthatultimatelyleadstoself
loathingandasoneofthefilmparticipantsdescribes,psychologicaltorture.Thefilmalsoraises
questionsaboutsocietysunhealthyemphasisonthinnessthetollitexactsonthosemost
vulnerabletothesemessages.
KilleratLarge:WhyObesityisAmerica'sGreatestThreat
Pate,E.,Young,B.,Greenstreet,S.(Producers),&Greenstreet,S.(Director).(2008).Killeratlarge:
WhyobesityisAmericasgreatestthreat.NewYork:DisinformationCompany.
Subjects:ObesityUnitedStates;NutritionUnitesStates;FoodHabitsUnitedStates
Availability:Officialfilmsitehttp://www.killeratlarge.com/,afree(pay6.95shipping)20miniute
versionofthefilmisavailabletoeducatorsathttp://www.killeratlarge.com/
ThisfilmexplorestheepidemicofobesityintheStates,whichaccordingtotheCentersforDisease
Controlleadstothedeathofatleast110,000Americansannuallyandplaysaroleinonethirdofall
cancerdeaths.Whilethisissuehasreceivedagreatdealofmediaattention,littlehasbeendoneto
effectivelycombatwhatformerSurgeonGeneralRichardCarmonacallstheterrorwithin.The
filmexploresobesityfrompersonal,medical,politicalandculturalperspectivesinvestigating
contributingfactorssuchasschoollunchesandvendingmachines,ourtoxicfoodenvironment,and
theroleoffoodlobbyistsoninfluencingpublicpolicy.Inadditiontointerviewswithindividuals
battlingobesity,thefilmfeaturesinterviewswithFormerPresidentClinton,RalphNader,Senators
TomHarkinandSamBrownback,ArnoldSchwarzenegger,formerSurgeonGeneralRichard
Carmonaandanumberofbestsellingauthorsandexperts.
EatingDisorders
SupersizeMe
Surlock,M.(Producer/Director).(2004).Supersizeme[DVD].NewYork:KathburPictures.
Availability:ShopHBOhttp://store.hbo.com/,Amazonwww.amazon.com,Netflix
www.netflix.com
ThisfilmchroniclesthephysicalandpsychologicalchangesinMorganSpurlockwhenheundertakes
a30dayallMcDonaldsdiet.At32,Spurlockisconsideredtobeofaboveaveragehealthpriorto
thedietaccordingtoacardiologist,gastroenterologist,generalpractitioner(whotrackhisprogress
forthe30days),aswellasanutritionistandpersonaltrainer.Atthebeginningofthefilm,Spurlock
weighs185.5poundsforhis62frame.WithinfivedaysofhisMcDietSpurlockgains10pounds,
bytheendofthe30daysheisexperiencingheartpalpitations,feelslethargicanddepressed,has
gainedalmost25pounds,andisshowingsignsofliverandheartdisease(whichthecardiologist
informshimmaynotbereversible,evenifhelosestheweight).Allthreeofthephysiciansare
takenabackbytherapidphysicaldeclinethatSpurlockdemonstratesinthe30days.Thisfilmraises
importantquestionsaboutthefastfoodindustryandtheproblemofobesityintheUnitesStates.
Thin
Cutler,R.J.(Producer)&Greenfield,L.(Director).(2006).Thin[DVD].NewYork:HBOVideo.
Availability:ShopHBOhttp://store.hbo.com/,Amazonwww.amazon.com,Netflix
www.netflix.com
Thisfilmfollowsfouryoungwomen(ages1530)inresidentialtreatmentforanorexianervosaat
theRenfrewCenterinCoconutCreek,Florida.Withunprecedentedaccesstotheirsubjects,the
filmmakersfilmthewomenintreatment,grouptherapy,duringweightchecksandathomeafter
discharge.Theyalsocaptureteammeetingswithsocialworkers,psychologists,psychiatrists,
psychiatricnursesandotherCenterstaffastheydiscusstheprogressoftheirpatients.Viewerswill
gaininsightsintohowdifficultanorexiaistotreatandtheimpactthatithasonthewomenwiththe
disorderandtheirfamilies.Inaddition,thefilmprovidesinsightsintohowdifficultforthesewomen
tomaintainthegainsachievedinresidentialtreatmentwhentheyreturnhome.
EthnicMinorities,Diversity,andMulticulturalIssues
AfricanAmericans
BlackIs...BlackAint
Riggs,M.T.,Atkinson,N.(Producers)&Riggs,M.T.(Director).(1995).Blackis...blackaint
[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Courses:EthnicStudies;MinorityMentalHealth;LifespanDevelopment
Subjects:AfricanAmericansRaceidentity;AfricanAmericansAttitudes
BlackIs...BlackAintexploresthemeaningandrealitiesofBlackidentity.Thefilmmaker,Marlon
Riggs,travelsthecountry,bringingtheviewerfacetofacewithAfricanAmericansyoungandold,
richandpoor,ruralandurban,gayandstraight,grapplingwiththeparadoxofnumerous,often
contesteddefinitionsofBlackness.RiggsmixesperformancesbychoreographerBillT.Jonesand
poetEssexHemphillwithcommentarybynotedculturalcriticsAngelaDavis,bellhooks,Cornel
West,MicheleWallace,BarbaraSmithandMaulanaKarenga.Thefilmembracesthediversityof
Blackidentityandthepainthatsomehaveexperiencedbybeinglabeledas"notBlackenough"or
"tooBlack."Throughpersonaltestimony,music,andhistory,BlackIs...BlackAin'tpresentsa
powerfulcritiqueofsexism,patriarchy,homophobia,colorism,andculturalnationalismintheBlack
family,church,andotherBlackinstitutions.
KickingHigh...IntheGoldenYears
Gurievitch,G.(Producer/Director).(1988).Kickinghigh...inthegoldenyears[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:OlderAfricanAmericans;OlderpeopleRecreation
ThisfilmprofilessixmiddleclassAfricanAmericanseniorcitizenswhoaremembersofThe
Marquees,anamateurperformancegroupfromQueens,NewYork.Filmedintheirhomes,with
theirfamiliesandinthecommunity,andduringrehearsalsforanupcomingperformance,thefilm
providesanintimateandupliftingportraitofaging.Theparticipantsreflectontheirlife
experiences,sharewisdomgainedovertheyears,anddiscusshowtheyapproachthechallenges
theyfaceastheyage.Thisfilmprovidesaportraitofhealthyagingcharacterizedbyindependence,
engagementwithfamily,friendsandthecommunity.
OntheDownlow
Child,A.(Producer/Director).(2007).Onthedownlow[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Courses:HumanSexuality;AdultDevelopment
Subjects:AfricanAmericanbisexualmenAttitudes;AfricanAmericanbisexualmenSexual
behavior;AfricanAmericanbisexualmenPsychology
Netflixwww.netflix.com]
ThisfilmexplorestheexperiencesoffourAfricanAmericanmenfromCleveland,Ohiolivingonthe
downlow(secretlyhavingsexwithmen).FeaturedinthefilmareBillywholiveswithamandespite
thefactthathestatesthatthebestsexhehashadinhislifewaswiththemotherofhischildren;
Raywhoprefersdragqueens;Kerwinwhodatesbothwomenandmen;andAntoniowhobeganthe
downlowlifestylewhileincarcerated.Throughinterviewswiththemenandobservationsoftheir
lives,thefilmprovidesuniqueinsightsintothedownlowphenomenonandthediversityofattitudes
abouthomosexualityontheAfricanAmericancommunity.
SilentChoices
Pennick,F.(Producer/Director).(2007).SilentChoices[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies,AfricanAmericanwomen
Subjects:Abortion,inducedEthics;AfricanAmericans;Pregnancy,unwantedethnology
SilentChoicesexploresthecomplexissueofabortionanditsimpactonAfricanAmericanwomen.
Thefilmcombineshistorical,social,andreligiousanalysiswithpersonalinterviews,examiningthe
interplaybetweenracialandreproductivepolitics.Threewomenprofiledinthefilmtellthestories
oftheirabortions,includingagraphic,heartwrenchingstoryofanillegalabortion.Thefilmalso
givesvoicetoAfricanAmericanwomenwhoarestaunchlyprolife.Thefilmconcludeswithaseries
ofresponsestoacommentmadeinthefilmthatabortionisawhitewomansissue.
Graphicdiscussionofabortionprocedure
AsianAmericans
MonkeyDance
Mallozzi,J.(Producers/Directors).(2008).Monkeydance[DVD].Berkeley,CA:BerkeleyMedia.
Courses:EthnicStudies;MinorityMentalHealth;AdolescentDevelopment
Subjects:CambodianAmericanteenagersSociallifeandcustoms;CambodianAmericanteenagers
Ethnicidentity;CambodianAmericanteenagersSocialconditions
MonkeyDanceexploresissuesofacculturationandidentityformationforthreeCambodian
Americanteenagers.TheparentsoftheyoungpeopleprofiledfledCambodiasKhmerRouge
genocideinthe1970s,escapingthroughthejungletorefugeecampsinThailandandfinallysettling
intheworkingclasscommunityofLowell,Massachusetts,hometothesecondlargestCambodian
communityintheUnitedStates.ThetraditionalCambodianmonkeydanceservesastheteens
connectiontotherichcultureandtraumatichistoryoftheirparentswhiletheynavigatetheallure
ofAmericanpopularculture.Thefilmprovidesanuancedexplorationofidentitydevelopmentfor
childrenofimmigrants.
PassingPoston
Fox,J.&Nubile,J.(Producers/Directors).(2008).PassingPoston[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Subjects:JapaneseAmericansEvacuationandrelocation,19391945;WorldWar,19391945
JapaneseAmericansPersonalnarratives;PostonRelocationCenter(Ariz.)
Integratingpersonalnarrativesandarchivalfootage,PassingPostonrecountsthelittleknownstory
ofhowtheU.S.governmentusedJapaneseAmericansrelocatedtoArizonasPostonRelocation
Center(internmentcamp)todevelopaNativeAmericanreservation.ProfiledinthefilmisRuth
Okimoto,wholivedinthecampasayoungchildandreturnstomakesenseofherexperiencethere
andtodiscoverthehowthePostonCampwasdeveloped.Thefilmeffectivelycapturesthe
psychologicalimpactofforcedinternmentanddiscrimination.
StolenGround
Lee,M.W.,&Jang,L.(Producers/Directors).(1993).Stolenground.Oakland,CA:StirFry
Productions.
Subjects:AsianAmericansAttitudes;MenUnitedStatesAttitudes;RacismUnitedStates
Publicopinion
Availability:StirFrySeminarsandConsultinghttp://www.stirfryseminars.com
StolenGroundfollowsthedinnerconversationofsixmenChinese,FilipinoandJapanese
Americanswhosharetheirpersonalexperiencesandthoughtsonhowracism,culturalignorance
andhomophobiahaveaffectedandshapedtheirlives.Themenexplorethepainandtraumaof
assimilation,thecharacterizationofAsianAmericansasamodelminority,andtheimpactthat
theseissueshavehadonthemandtheirfamilies.
UnfinishedBusiness:TheJapaneseAmericanInternmentCases
Okazaki,S.(Producer/Director).(2005).Unfinishedbusiness:TheJapaneseAmericaninternment
cases[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Subjects:JapaneseAmericansEvacuationandrelocation,19421946;JapaneseAmerican
California
Inthespringof1942,ExecutiveOrder9066TheWartimeRelocationAct,orderedtherelocationof
JapaneseAmericanstodesolatecampsinremoteareasofthecountry.Withoutbenefitofhearing
ortrials,morethan110,000AmericancitizensofJapaneseancestrywereforcedtoabandontheir
homesandbusinessesandrelocatetodesolateinternmentcamps.Thisfilmtellsthestoryof
GordenHirabayashi,FredKorematsu,andMinoruYasuiwhodefiedthegovernmentorderand
refusedtogotothecamps.Asaresulttheyweretried,convictedandimprisoned.Through
interviewswiththeprinciplesandarchivalfootageoflifeinthecamps,antiJapanese
demonstrations,andtheevacuations,thefilmcreatesamovingportraitofthispoorlyunderstood
aspectofAmericanhistoryandthepsychologicalimpactithadontheJapaneseAmerican
community.Thefilmalsohighlightsthemensquesttohavetheirconvictionsoverturnedover40
yearslater.
LatinosandLatinas
LettersfromtheOtherSide
Courtney,H.(Producer/Director).(2006).Lettersfromtheotherside[DVD].Harriman,NY:New
DayFilms.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;FamilyStudies
Subjects:WomenMexicoBiography;Foreignworkers,MexicanUnitedStatesBiography;
WomenMexicoSocialconditions
LettersfromtheOtherSideexploresthestoriesofwomenleftbehindinMexicoastheirhusbands
andsonsillegallyentertheUnitedStatestofindworkandeconomicsecurityfortheirfamilies.
Throughvideoletterscarriedacrosstheborder,viewersgaininsightsintothestrugglesofthree
familiestornapartbypoverty,communitiesdyingasaresultofglobalization,andgovernments
unwillingorunabletoaddressthesecomplexissues.Thispowerfulfilmraisesimportantquestions
aboutthestatusofpoorwomenandtheviabilityoftheirfamilies.
MadresUnidas:ParentsResearchingforChange
Mallozzi,J.(Producers/Directors).(2003).Madresunidas:Parentsresearchingforchange[DVD].
Berkeley,CA:BerkeleyMedia.
Courses:EthnicStudies;AdultDevelopment;CommunityPsychology
Subjects:SmallschoolsCaliforniaOakland;EducationParentparticipationCalifornia
Oakland;EducationResearchCaliforniaOakland
ThisfilmdocumentstheeffortsoffiveLatinaimmigrantmotherstostartasmallschoolintheir
Oakland,Californianeighborhood.Aspartoftheirworkontheproject,themothersbecome
engagedinparticipatoryresearch,chroniclingtheirprocessthroughdatacollectionand
videography.MadresUnidashighlightstheirparticipationincitywideschoolreformeffortsand
communityorganizingaroundtheissue.Thefilmeffectivelyhighlightsthepersonaltransformation
ofthefivemothers,astheyworktocreateaschoolfortheirchildrenanddeveloptheirskillsas
socialactivistsandresearchers.Indocumentingtheprocessundertakenbythewomen,thefilm
demonstrateshowtheexperienceofengaginginresearchwastremendouslyempoweringand
transformingforthemandservesasastrongtestamenttothevalueofparticipatoryresearchasa
methodthatexpandsthepossibilitiesfordemocraticparticipationandsocialchange.
MaidinAmerica
Leadingham,K.,Prado,A.(Producers)&Prado,A.(Director).(2006).MaidinAmerica[DVD].
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;EthnicStudies;WomensStudies
Subjects:WomenhouseholdemployeesCaliforniaLosAngelesSocialconditions;Nannies
CaliforniaLosAngelesSocialconditions;WomenimmigrantsCaliforniaLos
AngelesSocialconditions
ThisfilmexploresthelivesofthreeLatinaimmigrantwomenwhoworkasnanniesand
housekeepersinLosAngeles.Oftenleavingtheirownchildrenbehindtocareofotherwomens
childrenandhomes,thefilmprovidesinsightsintothestrugglestheyfaceasaresultoflongperiods
ofseparationfromtheirownfamiliesandthesometimesharshworkingconditions,characterized
bylonghours,lowpay,nobenefits,andsometimesabuseatthehandsoftheiremployers.Thefilm
alsoraisesquestionsaboutmoderndaymotherhood,whichimmigrantwomenleavetheirchildren
behindtoraisethechildrenofAmericanwomen,whointurnleavetheirchildreninthecareofa
nannyinordertogotowork.
MyAmericanGirls:ADominicanStory
Matthews,A.(Producers/Director).(2001).MyAmericangirls:ADominicanstory[DVD].
Harriman,NY:FilmmakersLibrary.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;EthnicStudies;WomensStudies;FamilyStudies
Subjects:Dominicans(DominicanRepublic)NewYorkSocialconditions;Dominicans(Dominican
Republic)NewYorkInterviews;WomenimmigrantsNewYork;Childrenof
immigrantsNewYork
Availability:FilmmakersLibrarywww.filmakers.com
MyAmericanGirlsprofilestheOrtizfamily,afirstgenerationimmigrantfamilyfromtheDominican
RepubliclivinginNewYorkCity.PoorlyeducatedandhardworkingparentsSandraandBautista
eachworktwojobstoprovidefortheirfamily,astheydreamofretiringintheDominicanRepublic.
Theirthreedaughters,struggletobalancesortouttheirownidentities,oftenfeelingcaught
betweentwocultures,witheachoftheAmericangirlsdevelopingtheirownrelationshiptothe
DominicanandAmericancultures.Thefilmprovidesanuancedexplorationofidentity
developmentforchildrenofimmigrants.
TalComoSomos:TheLatinoGBTCommunity
JuneteenthProductions,McCray,J.(Producers)&McCray,J.(Director).(2007).Talcomosomos:
TheLatinoGBTcommunity[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Subjects:HispanicAmericansexualminorities;HispanicAmericansexualminoritiesfamily
relations;HispanicAmericansEthnicidentity
Inaculturecelebratedforitsrichtraditions,closeknitfamilies,andstrongfaith,beingLatinoand
gay,bisexual,ortransgenderisoftenunmentionableandfrequentlyunforgivable.TalComo
Somos(Justasweare)explorestherealitiesoflivingwithinaculturewherestrongbeliefsabout
sexualidentitycanmeancondemnationandrejectionforthosewhosesexualorientationormanner
isdifferent.FilmedinChicago,NewYork,SanFrancisco,andWashingtonDC,thisfilmcandidly
examinesthelivesofsixgayLatinomen,onetransgenderwoman,andthetiesthatbindthem:their
familiesandfriends,religion,andtheculturalexperiencesthatshapethem.Profiledinthefilmare:
GusandMarcelo,aMexicancouplewhograppletheirfaithandachurchthatrejectsthem;
Gabriela,onceaboy,strugglingtoprovetoherMexicanfamilyandherselfthatshesworthyof
acceptanceasawoman;Ernesto,aVenezuelanstrugglingtofindawaytotellhisfamilyhesliving
intheUnitedStatesasanHIVpositivebisexualman;David,Columbianandsingle,burieshispast
andattemptsatsuicidewithanewlifeinlowerManhattan,findingcomfortinfriends,purposein
work;Oscar,theonlysonofCubanimmigrantparents,islearningtonavigatefamilyandsocietal
contradictionsashechallengesacceptedgenderboundaries;andDusty,alongmarried
Panamanianparenttotwoadoptedchildren,whonarratesandinterweavestheirstoriesfromwith
wisdomandtheinsightofexperience.PortionsofthisfilmareinSpanishwithEnglishsubtitles.A
shorter33minuteversionofthisfilmisalsoavailable.
NativeAmericans
Hopi:SongsoftheFourthWorld
Ferrero,P.(Producer/Director).(2008).Hopi:Songsofthefourthworld[DVD].Harriman,NY:New
DayFilms.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;EthnicStudies
Subjects:Hopiphilosophy;IndianphilosophyArizona;HopiIndiansReligion
Hopi:SongsoftheFourthWorldexploresHopitraditionsandcultureasdescribedbyafarmer,a
religiouselder,grandmother,painter,weaversandpotter.Pairingthenarrativeswithimagesof
Hopiland,thefilmprovidesaportraitofapeoplewhosespiritualityisintegratedintoeveryaspect
oftheirdaytodaylives.
SpiritoftheDawn
Ferrero,P.(Producer/Director).(1994).Spiritofthedawn[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;EthnicStudies
Subjects:IndiansofNorthAmericaEducationHistory;CrowIndiansEducation(elementary)
Montana;CrowIndiansMontanaSocialconditions
SpiritoftheDawnexploresthehistoryofNativeAmericaneducationintheUnitedStateswhichfor
generationswasbasedinboardingschoolsdesignedtostripNativepeopleoftheirculturesand
languages.ThisfilmfeaturestwoyoungboysfromtheCrowNationinMontana,whoareattending
aschoolthatencouragesthedevelopmentoftheirculturalheritage.
DiversityandMulticulturalIssues
AClassDivided
Peters,W.(Producer/Director).(2003).Aclassdivided[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Courses:MulticulturalEducation
Subjects:Elliott,Jane;Prejudice
Availability:ShopPBShttp://teacher.shop.pbs.org
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/
informationonthefilm:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/
ThisfilmoriginallyairedonPBSFrontlinein1985.AClassDividedfeaturesaclassreunionof
Riceville,IowaelementaryschoolstudentswhoparticipatedinJaneElliotsblueeyed/browneyed
experimentin1970.Thefilminterspersesclipsfromtheoriginalfilm,EyeoftheStorm,withfootage
oftheformerstudentsdiscussiontheimpactthatparticipatingintheexperimenthadonthemas
childrenandastheybecameadults.Elliotisalsodepictedconductingtheexperimentwithagroup
ofadults.Thisfilmprovidespowerfulinsightsintotheoriginsofprejudiceanddiscrimination.
TheColorofFear
Lee,M.W(Producer/Director).(1995).Thecoloroffear[DVD].Oakland,CA:StirFrySeminars&
Consulting.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;EthnicStudies;MulticulturalEducation
Subjects:RacismUnitedStatesPsychologicalaspects;Racism;PrejudicesUnitedStates
Availability:StirfrySeminarsandConsultingwww.stirfryseminars.com
ThispowerfulfilmexploresissuesofraceintheUnitedStatesthroughtheexperiencesofeightmen
ofAfrican,Asian,Latino,andEuropeandescent.Themen,whoarestrangerstoeachother,come
togetherforaweekendretreatfacilitatedbyLeeMunWah.Themen,overthecourseofthe
weekenddelveintoissuesofrace,prejudice,discriminationandracerelationsastheydiscusstheir
personalexperiencesandprocesstheirinteractionswitheachother.Thefilmeffectivelycaptures
thesocialandemotionaltollthatracismandprejudicehavehadonallofthemenaswellasthe
transformativepowerofopen,honestdiscussionoftheseissues.Themendisplayafullrangeof
emotions(anger,frustration,despair,fear,anguish)astheyinteractwitheachother.
TheColorofFear2:WalkingEachOtherHome
Lee,M.W(Producer/Director).(1995).Thecoloroffear2:Walkingeachotherhome[DVD].
Oakland,CA:StirFrySeminars&Consulting.
Subjects:RacismUnitedStatesPsychologicalaspects;Racism;PrejudicesUnitedStates
InthissequeltotheColorofFear,themenfeaturedinthefirstfilm,delvemoredeeplyintothe
meaningandimpactofracism,especiallyonthemenofEuropeandescent.Throughdialogand
discussion,themenofEuropeandescentexploretheirreactionstotheangerandfrustration
expressedbythemenofcolor.ThemenofEuropeandescentexplorethefearsthatthesedisplays
ofemotionandangerevokeinthem,andhowtheirownunderstandingoftheimpactofracismand
prejudicehavebeenimpactedbytheiropen,honestinteractionswithmenofcolor.
TheColorofFear3:FourLittleBeds
Lee,M.W(Producer/Director).(1995).Thecoloroffear3:Fourlittlebeds[DVD].Oakland,CA:
StirFrySeminars&Consulting.
Subjects:HomosexualityUnitedStatesPsychologicalaspects;HomophobiaUnitedStates
Psychologicalaspects;MenAttitudes
InthissequeltotheColorofFear,themenfeaturedinthefirstfilm,delveexploreissuesofsexual
orientationasanaddeddimensionoftheirinteractionswitheachother.Filmedduringthesame
retreatasthefirsttwofilms,themenexplorehowsexualorientationshapestheirexperiencesand
senseofsafetyandsecurityinoursociety.Theintersectionofraceandsexualorientationisalso
explored,providinguniqueinsightsintotheintersectionofethnic/racialidentityandsexual
orientation.
LastChanceforEden
Lee,M.W(Producer/Director).(2002).LastchanceforEden[DVD].Oakland,CA:StirFrySeminars
&Consulting.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;EthnicStudies;MulticulturalEducation;GenderStudies
Subjects:Racism;Raceawareness;Sexism
Filmedduringaweekendretreat,ninemenandwomenofdiverseethnicbackgroundsdiscuss
issuesofracismandsexismintheworkplace.Astheparticipantsdelvemoredeeplyintothese
issues,theimpactofracismandsexismontheirpersonalrelationships,withintheirfamilies,and
communitiessurface,illuminatinghowtheseissuespermeatevirtuallyeveryaspectofpeoples
lives,yetoftenremainunnamed.Theparticipantsalsodebatethesimilaritiesanddifferences
betweenracismandsexism.
LastChanceforEden2
Lee,M.W.(Producer/Director).(2002).LastchanceforEden[DVD].Oakland,CA:StirFrySeminars
&Consulting.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;EthnicStudies;MulticulturalEducation;GenderStudies
Subjects:Racism;Raceawareness;Sexism
FilmedduringthesameweekendretreatasLastChanceforEden,menandwomendiscussthe
impactthatsexismhashadontheirlives.Theparticipantsdiscusstheprofoundimpactthatthe
attitudeswithintheirfamiliesoforiginhavehadinshapingtheirexperiences,attitudesand
behaviors.Insmallgroupdiscussions,thewomenexploretheirexperiencesofsexism,sexual
harassment,andsafetyplayintheirdaytodaylives.Themen,insmallgroupdiscussion,explore
theimpactthatmaleprivilegeandsexismhaveplayedintheirowndevelopment,andtheprofound
impactthatcontrollingtheiremotionshasplayedintheirrelationshipswiththeirpartnersand
daughters.Theparticipantsalsoexploretheimpactofthemediaonperpetuatinggender
stereotypesandtheinterrelationshipbetweensexismandviolenceagainstwomen.
Race:ThePowerofanIllusion
Adelman,L.,HerbesSommers,C.,Strain,T.,Smith,L.,&Cheng,J.(Producers).(2003).Race:The
powerofanillusion[DVD].SanFrancisco,CA:CaliforniaNewsreel.
Runningtime:3episodes,56minuteseach
Subjects:Race;Humangenetics;Racism
Availability:CaliforniaNewsreelwww.newsreel.org
Thisseriesoffilmschallengethenotionofthebiologicalbasesforracialdifferences.Through
analysesinformedbyanthropology,sociology,biology,history,andculturalstudies,thesefilms
articulatetheconceptthatraceisasociocultural,sociopoliticalconstruct,ratherthanonebasedin
biology.
Episode1:TheDifferenceBetweenUsexploresthecontemporaryscienceofraceandgenetics.
Challengingthenotionthatpeoplebelongtooneoffourracialgroups,thisfilmfeaturesagroup
ofdiversecollegestudentswhocomparetheirgeneticprofilesandcometolearnthatsomeof
thestudentswhowouldperceivedthemselvesasbelongingtodifferentracialgroupswere
actuallymorecloselyrelatedgenetically,thantheyweretopeoplewhoappearedtobelongto
thesamerace.
Episode2:TheStoryWeTellexaminestheoriginsoftheconceptofraceinNorthAmerica.Also
includedisareviewof19thcenturysciencewasusedtosupporttheconceptofraceandthe
superiority/inferiorityofdifferentgroups.Thisepisodetraceshowthesefactorswereusedto
perpetuatesocialinequitiesandthemarginalizationofminoritiesintheUnitedStates.
Episode3:TheHouseWeLiveInexploresraceasasocialconstructthatresultsinthe
disproportionatedistributionofpower,resources,statusandwealth.
WhatsRaceGottodoWithIt?
Cheng,J.(Producer/Director).(2006).Whatsracegottodowithit?[DVD].SanFrancisco,CA:
CaliforniaNewsreel.
Courses:EthnicStudies;MulticulturalEducation
Subjects:MulticulturaleducationUnitedStates;EducationalequalizationUnitedStates;College
students
WhatsRaceGottodoWithIt?chroniclesthediscussionsofadiversegroupofcollegestudentswho
participateina16weekintergrouprelationsdialogueprogramwheretheyexploremulticulturalism
anditslimitations,socialinequities,affirmativeaction,andtheirownexperienceswiththeseissues.
Thefilmraisesprovocativequestionsabouttheshortcomingsofmulticulturalism;aspectsof
structuralandinstitutionalracismthatoftengounnoticed,andwhatitwouldtakeforgenuine
inclusiontooccur.
FamilyStudies
FamilyStudies
Blindsided
Coleman,D.(Producer)&Osteen,T.(Director)Producers)(2006).Blindsided[DVD].UnitedStates:
TalkingTabs.
Courses:FamilyStudies;DisabilityStudies
Subjects:BlindchildrenFamilyrelationships
Availability:Blindsidedwww.blindsidedthemovie.com
ThispowerfulfilmchroniclestheexperiencesoftheHarafamilywhentheylearnthattheir12year
oldsonJaredisgoingblind.Diagnosedwithararegeneticeyediseasethatwillrenderhimblind,
Jaredthrowshimselfintomusicashisoutlet.Hismotherstrugglestocopewiththeguiltshe
experiences,learningthatshewasthecarrierforthisgenetictrait.Hissister,facesthepossibility
thatshetoomaydevelopthedisease.PerhapsmostpoignantinthisfilmJaredsfathersreaction,
whichistoblamehiswifefordestroyinghisfamily,leadingtodownwardspiralofdepressionand
isolationfromhisfamilyandhisson.ItisJared,whosejoyforlivingandloveofmusicthatbrings
thefracturedfamilybacktogether.AlsofeaturedisJaredsclosefriendshipwithAli,whostandby
Jaredthroughouthisadaptationtoblindnessandfamilydifficulties.Thisfilmprovidesinsightsinto
therangeofpsychologicalreactionstodisabilityandcapacityforindividualandfamilyresiliencein
thefaceofalifealteringdiagnosis.
DaddyandPapa
Symons,J.(Producer/Director).(2002).DaddyandPapa[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:FamilyDynamics;LifespanDevelopment
Subjects:GayparentsUnitedStates;GayadoptionUnitedStates
Thisdocumentaryexploresthesocial,cultural,political,andpersonalissuessurroundinggay
fatherhood.Thefilmfeaturesfourgaymalefamilies:acouplenavigatingthequestionofbecoming
parentsandthepotentialimpactofthedecisionontheirrelationship;asinglegayfatherraisingtwo
adoptedsons;adivorcedgaycouplecoparentingtheirdaughter;andasinglegayfatherraisinga
childthestateofFloridathatwillallowhimtobeafosterparentbutwillnotallowhimtoadopt.
Thisfilmbeautifullyintegratesthelifestoriesofthefamilieswithmanyofthesocioculturaland
politicalquestionsthatthefamiliestackle:interracialadoption;surrogacy;marriageanddivorce
withinthegaycommunity;andthelegalitiesofgayparenthood.Thefilmalsohighlightsthe
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challengesgayparentsfacewithinthegaycommunity,whichanumberofthefilmsparticipantsdo
notviewaschildfriendly.
FatherhoodDreams
Ivanova,B.(Producer)&Ivanova,J.(Director).(2007).Fatherhooddreams[DVD].Vancouver,
Canada:InterfilmProductions.
Courses:HumanSexuality;DevelopmentalPsychology;LifespanDevelopment
Subjects:GayfathersCanadaCasestudies;SinglefathersCanadaCasestudies;Gay
adoptionCanadaCasestudies
Thisdocumentary,filmedinCanada,invitesviewersintothedaytodaylivesofgaydadsScott,
Steve,RandyandDrew,whoarefathersthroughsurrogacy,adoption,andcoparenting.Their
privatejourneythroughfatherhoodforcesthemtodealwithmuchlargerissuesthataffectgay
fathers,includingthelegalaspectsofsurrogacy,thecomplexityof"openadoption",andthehuman
rightsbattlesconcerningtheofficialrecognitionofLGBTandmultiparentfamilies.Inadditionto
followingthefathers,thefilmprofilesStevescoparentingpartners,lesbianmothersCoreenand
Wendywhoareraisingtwochildrenonanisolatedisland;thesurrogatemotherexpectingScott's
twins;andthebirthfamilythatchoseRandyandDrew,tobetheparentsfortheirson.Thefilmalso
interviewstwoofthechildrenafouryearoldandteenager.
FortheBibleTellsMeSo
Karslake,D.(Producer/Director)(2008).FortheBibletellsmeso[DVD].NewYork:FirstRun
Features.
Courses:HumanSexuality;LifespanDevelopment,FamilyStudies
Subjects:HomosexualityReligiousaspectsChristianity;Bibleandhomosexuality;GayChristians
ThroughprofilesoffivefamiliesandinterviewswithBiblicalscholarsandprominentmembersofthe
clergy,FortheBibleTellsMeSoexploresthechasmbetweenBiblicalscriptureandhomosexuality.
ThefilmsfeaturestheexperiencesoffiveChristianfamilies(includingthefamilyofformerHouse
MajorityLeaderRichardGephardtandEpiscopalBishopGeneRobinson)reflectingonhowthey
cametotermswiththefactthatoneoftheirchildrenwasgay.Theirstoriesarecompelling,
providingcandidandpoignantinsightsintoeachfamilysjourneyofdiscoveryandreconciliation
withboththeirchildrenandtheirfaith.ThefilmalsofeaturesinterviewswithArchbishopDesmond
Tutu,ReverendPeterGomesofHarvardUniversity,OrthodoxRabbiSteveGreenbergandReverend
JimmyCreech.
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FamilyStudies
Legacy
Lending,T.S.(Producer/Director).(2000).Legacy[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies;FamilyStudies
Subjects:AfricanAmericanfamilies;AfricanAmericanfamiliesIllinoisChicago
LegacychroniclesthestrugglesofthreegenerationsofAfricanAmericanwomentofreethemselves
fromwelfareandpoverty.FilmedininnercityChicagooveraperiodoffiveyearsandtoldfromthe
perspectiveofNickole,ahighschoolstudent,viewerswatchNickole,hermother,auntand
grandmotherworktoovercomethelegacyofpovertyandwelfareinacommunityriddledwith
violence,racism,substanceabuse,unemployment,inadequatechildcare,lowselfesteemand
crumblingpublichousing.ThecatalystforthefamilytochangeistheshootingdeathofNickoles
cousinTerrell.Althoughweonlyseehimthroughhomemoviesandfamilyphotographs,he
becomestherolemodelforhopeandperseveranceforthefamily.Inthefiveyearsmembersofthe
familyhavetheirupsanddowns,butintheendtheypersevere.Nickolebecomesthefirstpersonin
herfamilytograduatefromhighschool,attendcollegeandtomarrybeforebecomingpregnant.
Hermother,afteryearsofstruggle,findsworkandgetsoffofwelfare,whilehergrandmotherfinally
achievesherdreamofleavingtheprojectsandhavingherownhome.Nickolesaunt,Terrells
motherfinallykicksherdecadelongdrughabitandfindsaloveofherown.Thefilmclearly
demonstratesthattheenormouschangesachievedbythisfamilywereduetoacombinationof
social,psychologicalandspiritualhealing,schoolandcommunitysupportstructures,andthe
involvementofallfamilymembersintheprocess.
DayFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology;Immigration;WomensStudies;FamilyStudies
Page97
FamilyStudies
ALionintheHouse
Weisberg,R.(Producer)&Aronson,J.(Director).(2008).Alioninthehouse[DVD].NewYork:
Docurama.
Runningtime:282minutesontwoDVDs
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,FamilyStudies
Subjects:Cancerinchildren;CancerinchildrenOhioCincinnatiCaseStudies
Filmedoveraperiodofsixyears,ALionintheHousefollowsthestoriesoffivechildrenandtheir
familiesastheybattlepediatriccancer.Fromthetraumaofdiagnosistothephysicaltollof
treatment,thisseriesdocumentsthestressesthatcantearafamilyapartaswellasthecourageof
childrenfacingthepossibilityofdeathwithhonesty,dignityandhumor.Thefilmputsviewersin
theshoesofparents,physicians,nurses,siblings,grandparentsandsocialworkerswhostruggleto
defeatanindiscriminateandpredatorydisease.
LostAdventuresofChildhood:TheHighPriceofHyperParenting
Harper,S.(Producer/Director).(2008).Lostadventuresofchildhood:ThehighpriceofHyper
parenting[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Subjects:PlayPsychologicalaspects;PlaySocialaspects;Successinchildren
AnoriginalproductionofCTV(ChannelCanada),thisfilmexplorestheeffectsofhyperparenting
onchildrenssocial,emotional,andcognitivedevelopment.Theproducersofthefilmtakethe
positionthatunstructuredplayinchildhoodhasbeenreplacedbyplaydates(playbyappointment)
andhighlystructured,supervisedactivities(lessons,sports,themecamps,tutoring,etc.)largelydue
toacultureoffearrootedinmediareportsaboutabductions,schoolshootings,lawsuits,and
decliningacademicperformance.Thefilmfeaturesinterviewswithparents,campcounselors,
children,andexpertsonplay,whopresentscientificfindingsthatsuggestthatthe21stcentury
cloisteringofchildrennegativelyimpactseverythingfromliteraryandcreativitytosocialskillsand
mentalhealth.
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FamilyStudies
MaidinAmerica
Leadingham,K.,Prado,A.(Producers)&Prado,A.(Director).(2006).MaidinAmerica[DVD].
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;Immigration;FamilyStudies
MakingGrace
Gund,C.(Producer/Director)(2005).MakingGrace[DVD].NewYork:FirstRunFeatures.
Subjects:LesbianmothersUnitedStatesBiography
ThisfilmchroniclestheexperiencesofAnnandLeslie,alesbiancouple,whowanttohaveababy
together.MakingGraceprovidesuniqueinsightsintothechallengesthatthewomenfaceinorder
torealizetheirdreamofbecomingparentsfromselectingaspermdonor,todecidingwhowill
becomepregnant,andhowtoexplaintwomommiestochildrenintheirextendedfamily.Lighter
momentsincludetheLamazeclassesandthebabyshower.Afterayear,theirdaughterGraceis
bornandthefilmexploreshowAnnandLeslieadjusttomotherhoodandsomeoftheunique
challengestheycontendwithasalesbiancouple.
Page99
FamilyStudies
MaybeBaby
ORourke,S.(Producer/Director).(2007).Maybebaby[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies,Familystudies
Subjects:ChildlessnessUnitedStatesPsychologicalaspects;Fertility,HumanUnitedStates;
HumanreproductivetechnologyUnitedStates
MaybeBabychroniclestheemotionalandphysiologicalexperiencesofsixsinglewomenintheir30s
and40swhoseektogetpregnantthroughAssistedReproductiveTechnology.Havinggivenupon
findingapartnerwithwhomtocoparentand/orconceiveachild,thesewomen,eagertobecome
mothers,decidetogoitalone.Thefilmraisesprovocativequestionsaboutfamilylife,love,and
parenthoodagainstthebackdropofthemultibilliondollarreproductivetechnologyindustry.
OurHouse
DuBowski,S.(Producer)&Spadola,M.(Director)(2002).Ourhouse.[DVD].NewYork:FirstRun
Features.
Courses:FamilyStudies;DevelopmentalPsychology
Subjects:ChildrenofgayparentsUnitedStatesInterviews;ChildrenofgayparentsUnited
StatesCaseStudies;GayparentsUnitedStates
OurHouseexplorestheexperiencesofthechildrenofgayandlesbianparents.Filmedinrural,
suburban,andurbanareasofArizona,Arkansas,NewJerseyandNewYorkthefilmprofilesthesons
anddaughtersoffivediversefamilies.Thefamiliesprofiledarebothethnicallydiverse(African
American,LatinoandWhite)aswellasreligiouslydiverse(Christian,MormonandJewish).The
childreninterviewedinthisfilmrangefromagenineto23andcandidlysharearangeof
experiencesandreflections,bothpositiveandnegative,aboutgrowingupinwithgayorlesbian
parents.
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FamilyStudies
PowerandControl:DomesticViolenceinAmerica
Cohn,P.(Producer/Director).(2010).Powerandcontrol:DomesticviolenceinAmerica[DVD].
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies,Familystudies;Domestic
Violence
Subjects:WifeabuseUnitedStates;AbusivemenUnitedStates;DomesticAbuseIntervention
Project(Duluth,Minn.)
ThisfilmexplorestheseeminglyintractableissueofdomesticviolenceintheUnitedStates.Thefilm
profilesKim,amotherofthreefromDuluth,Minnesota,asshestrugglestoprotectherselfandher
childrenfromherabusivehusband.ThefilmalsoassessestheimpactoftheDuluthModel,
perhapsoneofthemostwellknownandwidelyimplementedmethodsforaddressingdomestic
violence,whichinrecentyearshasincreasinglydrawncriticismfromarangeofsources.Also
includedinthefilmareleadersfromthebatteredwomensadvocacymovementwhohavestrived
tonurturethespiritofsisterhoodthathascharacterizedthemovementforover30years.
SoundandFury
Weisberg,R.(Producer)&Aronson,J.(Director).(2001).Soundandfury.[DVD].NewYork:
Docurama.
SoundandFurychroniclestheheartwrenchingconflictthateruptsintheArtinianfamilyover
cochlearimplants.TheArtinianfamilyhashearinganddeafmembersacrossthreegenerations.For
thehearingmembersofthefamily,thepossibilitythattheirdeaffamilymembers,especiallythe
children,wouldhavetheopportunitytohearisasimpledecisiontomake.Fordeafmembersofthe
family,thedecisionisfraughtwithfearandtrepidationpotentiallythreateningtheirconnectionto
thedeafcommunityandperhapseachother.Thisfilmprovidesanintimatelookatthecontroversy
overcochlearimplantsthathasfracturedmanyfamiliesandcreatedafirestormwithinthedeaf
community.[Seefollowupfilm,SoundandFury:6YearsLaterbelow]
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FamilyStudies
SoundandFury:6YearsLater
Aronson,J.(Producer/Director).(2006).Soundandfury:6yearslater.[DVD].NewYork:Aronson
FilmAssociates.
Availability:AronsonFilmAssociateshttp://soundandfuryfilm.com
ThisfilmfollowsupontheArtinianfamilysixyearsaftertheoriginalSoundandFury.Muchhas
changedforthefamily,asanumberofthedeaffamilymembershavereceivedcochlearimplants.
Foroneofthechildren,Heather,theimplantshaveopenedupanewworldforherandsheis
effectivelystraddlingthehearinganddeafworldswithenthusiasmandinterest.Forherparents,
whoinitiallyresistedtheidea,theyaredelightinginherabilitytomorefullyengageinschooland
relationshipswithpeers.Viewersalsolearnofthefamilyreconciliationthatmendedfractures
observedinthefirstfilm.
WeareDad
Horvat,M.(Producer/Director).(2006).Wearedad[DVD].UnitedStates:TavrohFilms.
Subjects:GayparentsUnitedStatesFamilyrelationships;FosterparentsUnitedStates
Familyrelationships;HIVpositivechildrenFamilyrelationships
Availability:TavrohFilmshttp://wearedad.com/,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
Throughhomevideos,documentaryfootageandinterviews,WeareDadchroniclestheexperiences
LoftonCroteaus,aFloridafamilyheadedbytwogaymenraisingfivefosterchildrenwithHIV/AIDS.
EarlyintheAIDSPandemicStevenLoftonandRogerCroteau,bothAIDSnurses,begancaringfor
childreninFloridasfostercaresystemdeemedunadoptableduetotheirseropositivestatus.The
filmchroniclesthechallengestheyfaceinraisingmedicallyfragilechildreninahostilesocialclimate
thathastargetedgayfamiliesanddeniedthemtherighttoadopt.WhenoneoftheirHIVpositive
childrenseroreverted,theStateofFloridadeemedhimadoptable,buthisfosterparentsineligible
toadoptbecausetheyaregay.ThisdecisionledtoalawsuitLoftonv.TheStateofFlorida,which
wentallthewaytotheSupremeCourt,whichrefusedtohearthecase,allowingFloridastotalban
ongayadoptiontostand.TheLoftonCroteausfamilyisatestamenttothepowerofperseverance
andlovetoprevailinthefaceofseeminglyinsurmountableodds.
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HealthPsychology
HealthPsychology
TheAgeofAids
Simone,R.(Producer),Cran,W.,&Barker,G.(Directors).(2006).TheageofAIDS.[DVD].
Runningtime:240minutesintwoparts
Courses:HealthPsychology
Subjects:AIDSHistory;AIDSGovernmentpolicy;AIDSSocialaspects
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/
informationonAIDSandHIV:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/
ThistwopartfilmwhichoriginallyairedonPBSFrontline,exploresthehistoryoftheAIDS
pandemic.PartOnefocusesontheinitialidentificationofthefirstpatientsfirstpatientswho
appearedfortreatment,totheinitialidentificationofthevirus,toitsproliferationthroughoutthe
world.Thefilmfeaturesinterviewswithscientists,physicians,AIDSactivists,andawiderangeof
peopleinfectedwiththevirusandtheirlovedones,callingattentiontomissedopportunitiesboth
scientificandpolitical,thatmayhaveslowedthespreadofthedisease.PartTwofocusesonthe
globalproliferationofthepandemicandthesocialandeconomicinequitiesthathaveledto
longevityforpeopleinfectedwithHIVinsomecountries,andcertaindeathinothers.
RootsofHealth
McCollough,G.(Producer/Director).(2009).Rootsofhealth[DVD].Berkeley,CA:BerkeleyMedia.
Subjects:WorldhealthSocialaspects;EqualityHealthaspects;Control(Psychology)Health
aspects
Thisfilmexploreshowpeopleshealthandwellbeingareprimarilydeterminedbywheretheylive,
theireducational,economic,andsocialstatus,andthedegreeofcontroltheyhaveovertheirown
lives.FollowingcasestudiesintheUK,India,andtheUnitedStates,thefilmdemonstratesthe
dramaticinequitiesthatexistworldwideandhowpovertyaffectsthehealthofindividualsand
communitiesaroundtheworld.Thefilmeffectivelychronicleshowcommunitymobilizationand
activismcanbeusedtoovercomehealthdisparities.
HealthPsychology
SickAroundAmerica
Palfreman,J.(Producer/Director).(2009).SickaroundAmerica.[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Subjects:HealthcarereformUnitedStates;CostofillnessUnitedStates;Deliveryofhealthcare
EconomicsUnitedStates
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundamerica/
informationonhealthcare:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundamerica/
ThisfilmwhichoriginallyairedonPBSFrontline,exploreshealthcaredeliveryintheUnitedStates.
Againstthebackdropofthehealthcarereformdebate,SickAroundAmericapresentsprofilesof
ordinarycitizensstrugglingtogettheirhealthcareneedsmethighlightingthedisparitiesthatexist
betweentheinsuredanduninsured,andthechallengestoreceivequalitycareforbothpeoplewith
andwithoutinsurance.
SickAroundtheWorld
Palfreman,J.(Producer/Director).(2008).Sickaroundtheworld.[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Subjects:MedicalcareUnitedStates;MedicalcareGreatBritain;MedicalcareJapan
Netflixwww.netflix.com]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundtheworld/
informationonhealthcare:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundtheworld/
ThisfilmwhichoriginallyairedonPBSFrontline,exploreshealthcaredeliveryinfiveothercapitalist
democracies:theUnitedKingdom,Japan,Germany,TaiwanandSwitzerland.SickAroundthe
WorldposesthequestionofwhethertheUnitedStatescanlearnsomethingfromthesystemsthat
existinthesecountries.Theresultisabalancedassessmentoftheprosandconsofeachsystem
andthestrugglesthateachnationfacesinensuringthattheircitizenshaveaccesstoqualityhealth
care.
HealthPsychology
UnnaturalCauses:IsInequalityMakingUsSick?
Adelman,L.,et.al.(Producer),Smith,L.M.,Strain,T.H.,Rios,P.G.,Rodriquez,M.T.,Fortier,J.M.,
Lee,E.,Stange,E.,&Rutenbeck,J.(Directors).(2008).Unnaturalcauses:Isinequalitymakingus
sick?[DVD].SanFrancisco,CA:CaliforniaNewsreel.
Runningtime:236minutes(7episodes:one56minutesandsix28minuteseach)
Courses:HealthPsychology;CommunityPsychology
Subjects:SocialstatusHealthaspectsUnitedStates;MinoritiesHealthandhygieneUnited
States;ImmigrantsHealthandhygieneUnitedStates
UnnaturalCauses:IsInequalityMakingUsSick?consistsofonefulllengthepisodeandsixshorter
films.Thefilmsexploremountingevidencethatsuggestthatlackofaccesstopowerandresources
canbejustasdetrimentaltohealthandwellbeingasbiologicalagents.Italsorevealsahealth
gradienttiedtowealth:thoseatthetopoftheclasspyramidaveragelonger,healthierlives,while
thoseatthebottomarethemostdisempowered,getsickermoreoftenanddiesooner.What's
more,ateverylevel,manycommunitiesofcolorareworseoffthantheirwhitecounterparts.
Researchersbelievethatchronicstressoverthelifecoursemaycreateanadditionalhealthburden
forpeopleofcolor.Compellingpersonalstoriesillustrateobstaclesandinequitiesinsocietybut
theyalsopointthewaytonewpossibilities,asindividualsandcommunitiesorganizetogaincontrol
overtheirdestiniesandtheirhealth.
Episode1:InSicknessandinWealth(56minutes)
SetinLouisville,Kentucky,thisepisoderevealsthedisparitiesinaccesstohealthcareaswe
followthelivesofaCEO,labsupervisor,janitorandunemployedmother.Thisfilmillustrates
howsocialclassshapesaccesstopower,resources,andopportunitiesandthatthekeytohealth
andlongevitymaylieinsocialpoliciesthatpromoteeconomicandsocialjustice,ratherthanin
medicine.
Episode2:WhentheBoughBreaks(28minutes)
ThisepisodefocusesoninfantmortalityratesanddisparitiesthatexistbetweenAfrican
AmericansandWhites.ThefilmpresentsdatathatdemonstratesthatAfricanAmericanwomen
withgraduatedegreesareathigherriskfordeliveringpreterm,lowbirthweightbabiesthan
areWhitewomenwhodidnotcompletehighschool.Researchersarguethatthechronicstress
ofracismmaybeacontributingriskfactortoinfantmortalityamongAfricanAmericans
Episode3:BecomingAmerican(28minutes)
ThisepisodeexplorestheHispanicParadoxinwhichMexicanimmigrantsexperiencedeclines
intheiroverallhealthasafunctionofhowlongtheyhavelivedintheU.S.Thefilmexplores
protectivefactorsthatexistinimmigrantcommunitiesandtheroleoflaborandcommunity
organizinginreversingdownwardtrendsinMexicanimmigranthealth.
HealthPsychology
Episode4:BadSugar(28minutes)
ThisepisodefocusesonthePimaandO'odhamIndianreservationsofsouthernArizonawhich
havethehighestratesofType2diabetesintheworld.Thefilmexploresthenotionthatchronic
povertyandoppressionhaveresultedinfuturelessness,whichmanifestsitselfinchronic
disease.Communityleadersarehopefulthatcommunityempowermentandsustainableand
culturallyappropriatedevelopmentcanrestoreprosperity,hope,andhealth.
Episode5:Placematters(28minutes)
ThisepisodefocusesonthehealthofSoutheastAsianandLatinoimmigrantswhomoveinto
neglectedpredominantlyBlackneighborhoods.Segregation,highunemployment,limited
accesstofreshfoods,safeparks,andaffordablequalityhousinghaveharmedthehealthoftheir
AfricanAmericanneighbors,andnowthenewcomershealthisbeingcompromisedaswell.The
filmprofilesacommunitythathasusedfederalfundstorebuildanewmixedincome
communitywithhealthasitsfocus.
Episode6:CollateralDamage(28minutes)
ThisepisodeexploresthewaysinwhichU.S.militarypolicyandglobalizationhaveimpactedthe
heathstatusofpeopleinthePacificIslands.
Episode7:NotJustaPaycheck(28minutes)
ThisepisodefocusesonacommunityGreenville,Michiganoncehometothelargest
refrigeratorfactoryintheU.S.Whenthefactoryclosed,hospitalvisitsinthecommunitytripled
asaresultofdepression,alcoholism,anddomesticabuse.Whenthesamecompanyshuts
downafactoryinSweden,theoutcomesarequitedifferentasaresultofsocialpolicies
designedtoprotectworkers.
Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,andTransgenderIssues
AfterStonewall
Scagliotti,J.(Producer).(1999).AfterStonewall[DVD].NewYork:FirstRunFeatures.
Courses:HumanSexuality;LifespanDevelopment;HumanRights
Subjects:LesbiansNewYork;GaymenNewYork;Humanrightsworkers
AfterStonewall,thesequeltoBeforeStonewall(seebelow),chroniclestheGayLiberation
MovementintheUnitedStatesfollowingthe1969Stonewallriotsthroughtheendofthe20th
century.ThroughinterviewswithkeyproponentsoftheMovementandarchivalfootage,thefilm
documentsthetriumphsanddefeatsexperiencedduringthisperiodofgrowth,development,and
empowermentoftheLGBTcommunity.ThefilmalsoexplorestheimpactofAIDSontheMovement
anditsroleinthecontinueddiscriminationtargetedatgaymen.Prominentindividualsfeaturedin
thefilminclude:DorothyAllison,MichaelBronski,RitaMaeBrown,BarneyFrank,BarbaraGittings,
ArnieKantrowitz,LarryKramer,CraigLucas,ArmisteadMaupin,LesleaNewman,andBarbaraSmith.
BecomingMe:TheGenderWithin
Watson,M.A.,&Curl,L.S.(Producers)(2009).Becomingme:Thegenderwithin[DVD].Hamilton,
Courses:HumanSexuality;DevelopmentalPsychology
Subjects:Transsexualism;Genderidentity;Sexchange
Availability:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSocialScienceswww.films.com
Aviewable/printableinstructorsguideisavailableonline at:
http://ffh.films.com/id/16969/Becoming_Me_The_Gender_Within.htm
Thisfilmfeaturesfivetransgenderedindividuals(betweentheagesof20and50)discussingtheir
experiencesofcomingtotermswiththeirowngenderidentity,theirtransitionstotakinganew
genderidentity,theirsexualorientations,andtheirattitudestowardgenitalreassignmentsurgery.
Thesubjectsofthefilmdiscusstheirexperienceswiththeirownfamilymembers,thefamily
membersoftheirpartners,andthechallengestheyfaceintheworkplaceandinaccessingquality
healthcare.Severalpartnersandparentsofthefilmssubjectsdiscusstheirattitudesand
experiencesaswell.Anexpandedversionofthefilmfeaturesgraphicoperatingroomfootageof
maletofemaleandfemaletomalegenitalreassignmentsurgeryperformedbyDr.MarciBowers
includedonDVDonly.
Graphicdepictiongenitalreassignmentsurgery
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BeforeStonewall
Rosenberg,R.,Scagliotti,J.,Schiller,G.(Producers),&Schiller,G.(Director).(1985).Before
Stonewall[DVD].NewYork:FirstRunFeatures.
Courses:HumanSexuality;LifespanDevelopment;HumanRights
Subjects:GayLiberationMovementUnitedStatesHistory;HomosexualityUnitedStates
History20thcentury
In1969theNewYorkCityPoliceraidedtheStonewallInn,agaybarinNewYorkCity'sGreenwich
Village.Theraidwasfollowedbythreenightsofriotingbythecity'sgaycommunityservingasthe
flashpointfortheGayLiberationMovement.Througharchivalfootageandinterviewswithawide
rangeofindividuals,thisfilmchroniclestheoftenbrutalandviolentexperiencesofgayandlesbian
peopleintheUnitedStatesfromthe1920suntiltheStonewallriots.Thestoriesofdiscrimination
sharedinthefilmprovideuniqueinsightsintoalittleknownaspectofoursharedhistory.
DaddyandPapa
Symons,J.(Producer/Director).(2002).DaddyandPapa[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:GayparentsUnitedStates;GayadoptionUnitedStates
Thisdocumentaryexploresthesocial,cultural,political,andpersonalissuessurroundinggay
fatherhood.Thefilmfeaturesfourgaymalefamilies:acouplenavigatingthequestionofbecoming
parentsandthepotentialimpactofthedecisionontheirrelationship;asinglegayfatherraisingtwo
adoptedsons;adivorcedgaycouplecoparentingtheirdaughter;andasinglegayfatherraisinga
childthestateofFloridathatwillallowhimtobeafosterparentbutwillnotallowhimtoadopt.
Thisfilmbeautifullyintegratesthelifestoriesofthefamilieswithmanyofthesocioculturaland
politicalquestionsthatthefamiliestackle:interracialadoption;surrogacy;marriageanddivorce
withinthegaycommunity;andthelegalitiesofgayparenthood.Thefilmalsohighlightsthe
challengesgayparentsfacewithinthegaycommunity,whichanumberofthefilmsparticipantsdo
notviewaschildfriendly.
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DangerousLiving:ComingOutintheDevelopingWorld
Scagliotti,J.(Director).(2003).Dangerousliving:Comingoutinthedevelopingworld[DVD].New
York:FirstRunFeatures.
Courses:HumanSexuality;LifespanDevelopment
Subjects:GayliberationmovementDevelopingcountries;GaypeopleDevelopingcountries;
LesbiansDevelopingcountries
DangerousLiving:ComingOutintheDevelopingWorldisthefirstdocumentarytoexplorethelives
ofgayandlesbianpeopleindevelopingcountries.Filmedonfivedifferentcontinents,thefilm
documentsnarrativesofgaymenandlesbiansfromEgypt,Honduras,Kenya,Thailandandother
countrieswheretherearenoprotectionsforpeoplefromsexualminorities.Thefilmilluminates
theemergingglobalmovementfortheliberation(protectionfromviolenceanddiscrimination)of
gay,lesbian,bisexualandtransgenderedpeople.
FatherhoodDreams
Ivanova,B.(Producer),&Ivanova,J.(Director).(2007).Fatherhooddreams[DVD].Vancouver,
Canada:InterfilmProductions.
Subjects:GayfathersCanadaCasestudies;SinglefathersCanadaCasestudies;Gay
adoptionCanadaCasestudies
Thisdocumentary,filmedinCanada,invitesviewersintothedaytodaylivesofgaydadsScott,
Steve,RandyandDrew,whoarefathersthroughsurrogacy,adoption,andcoparenting.Their
privatejourneythroughfatherhoodforcesthemtodealwithmuchlargerissuesthataffectgay
fathers,includingthelegalaspectsofsurrogacy,thecomplexityof"openadoption",andthehuman
rightsbattlesconcerningtheofficialrecognitionofLGBTandmultiparentfamilies.Inadditionto
followingthefathers,thefilmprofilesStevescoparentingpartners,lesbianmothersCoreenand
Wendywhoareraisingtwochildrenonanisolatedisland;thesurrogatemotherexpectingScott's
twins;andthebirthfamilythatchoseRandyandDrew,tobetheparentsfortheirson.Thefilmalso
interviewstwoofthechildrenafouryearoldandteenager.
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FortheBibleTellsMeSo
Karslake,D.(Producer/Director)(2008).FortheBibletellsmeso[DVD].NewYork:FirstRun
Features.
Subjects:HomosexualityReligiousaspectsChristianity;Bibleandhomosexuality;GayChristians
ThroughprofilesoffivefamiliesandinterviewswithBiblicalscholarsandprominentmembersofthe
clergy,FortheBibleTellsMeSoexploresthechasmbetweenBiblicalscriptureandhomosexuality.
ThefilmsfeaturestheexperiencesoffiveChristianfamilies(includingthefamilyofformerHouse
MajorityLeaderRichardGephardtandEpiscopalBishopGeneRobinson)reflectingonhowthey
cametotermswiththefactthatoneoftheirchildrenwasgay.Theirstoriesarecompelling,
providingcandidandpoignantinsightsintoeachfamilysjourneyofdiscoveryandreconciliation
withboththeirchildrenandtheirfaith.ThefilmalsofeaturesinterviewswithArchbishopDesmond
Tutu,ReverendPeterGomesofHarvardUniversity,OrthodoxRabbiSteveGreenbergandReverend
JimmyCreech.
It'sElementary:TalkingAboutGayIssuesinSchool
Cohen,H.S.,Chasnoff,D.(Producers),&Chasnoff,D.(Director).(2008).Itselementary:Talking
aboutgayissuesinschool[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Runningtime:78+37minutes(originalfilm+followup)
Courses:ChildDevelopment;Education
Subjects:HomosexualityandeducationUnitedStates;EducationSocialaspects
It'sElementary(whichoriginallyairedonPBS)exploresLGBTissuesastheyareunderstoodand
experiencedbychildren.Camerasweretakenintoelementaryandmiddleschoolclassroomsacross
thecountry,wherechildrendiscussedanddebatedarangeofLGBTissuesfromtheirpointsofview.
Themajorityoftheteachersfeaturedinthefilmareheterosexual,yettheyhavechosentotake
discriminationtargetedatLGBTpeopleheadonintheirclassrooms.Wevisitthirdgraders
discussingabookaboutagirlwhoisteasedbecauseshehastwomomsanddebatingthemeritsof
gaymarriage,fourthgraderswhoexpressdismaywhenteachersontheplaygrounddonot
intervenewhenthewordfaggot,isyelledout,andeighthgraderswhoposethoughtfulquestions
toapanelofgayandlesbianspeakerswhovisittheirclassroom.Throughtheseclassroomvisits,it
isevidentthatchildrenareawareofandexposedtoprejudiceanddiscriminationtargetedatLGBT
peopleandrespondpositivelytoclassroomexperiencesthatteachrespectandacceptance.This
editionofthefilmalsoincludesa37minuteprofessionaldevelopmenttrainingversionofthefilm,
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andItsSTILLElementary(seebelow)afollowuptotheoriginalfilmwhichfeaturesmanyofthe
childrenintheoriginalfilmwhoarenowyoungadults,anddiscussestheimpactoftheoriginalIts
Elementary.A136pagePDForganizingandteachingguideisalsoincludedwiththeDVD.
It'sSTILLElementary
Cohen,H.S.,Chasnoff,D.(Producers),&Chasnoff,D.(Director).(2008).Itsstillelementary[DVD].
Runningtime:78+37minutes(originalfilm+followup)
Courses:ChildDevelopment;Education
Subjects:HomosexualityandeducationUnitedStates;EducationSocialaspects
It'sSTILLElementarytellsthestoryoftheoriginalfilm,ItsElementary:TalkingAboutGayIssuesin
School(seeabove),anditsimpactfosteringsocialchangearoundLGBTissuesduringthepast
decade.Thefilmfollowsupwiththeteachersandstudentsfeaturedintheoriginalfilm,andhow
theirlessonsofrespectofLGBTpeoplehaveimpactedtheirownlives.Thefilmalsodocumentsthe
firestormofcontroversythatthePBSbroadcastcreatedandtheactionstakenagainstthefilmand
filmmakersbyconservativerightwingreligiousandpoliticalgroups.It'sSTILLElementary
challengesparentsandteacherstocontinueworkingforsafe,inclusiveschools.Thiseditionofthe
filmalsoincludestheoriginalIt'sElementary(seeabove),originallyreleasedin1996,a37minute
professionaldevelopmenttrainingversionofthefilm,anda136pagePDForganizingandteaching
guideisalsoincludedwiththeDVD.
AJihadforLove
DuBowski,S.(Producer),&Sharma,P.(Director)(2008).Ajihadforlove[DVD].NewYork:FirstRun
Features.
Courses:HumanSexuality;LifespanDevelopment;MuslimMentalHealth
Subjects:HomosexualityIslamiccountries;GayMuslims;HomosexualsIslamiccountries
Filmedintwelvedifferentcountriesandinninelanguages,AJihadforLoveisthefirstfeaturelength
documentarytoexplorethecomplexglobalintersectionsofIslamandhomosexuality.With
unprecedentedaccessanddepth,thefilmbringstolightthehiddenlivesofgay,lesbian,bisexual
andtransgenderMuslimsandgoeswherethesilencehasbeenloudest,tocountriessuchasSaudi
Arabia,Iran,Iraq,Pakistan,EgyptandBangladesh,aswellastoTurkey,France,India,SouthAfrica,
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theUnitedStates,andtheUnitedKingdom.InmanynationswithaMuslimmajority,lawsbasedon
Quranicinterpretationsareenforcedbyauthoritiestomonitor,entrap,imprison,tortureandeven
executehomosexuals.EvenforthosewhomigratetoEuropeorNorthAmerica,reconcilingtheir
faithwiththeirsexualorientationisattimesaninsurmountablechallenge.Manyofthefilms
subjectsparticipatedunderthreatofviolencebutdidsointhehopesthatbreakingtheirsilence
wouldcallattentiontotheinherentdangersofreligiousfundamentalismindailylife.
MakingGrace
Gund,C.(Producer/Director)(2005).MakingGrace[DVD].NewYork:FirstRunFeatures.
Subjects:LesbianmothersUnitedStatesBiography
ThisfilmchroniclestheexperiencesofAnnandLeslie,alesbiancouple,whowanttohaveababy
together.MakingGraceprovidesuniqueinsightsintothechallengesthatthewomenfaceinorder
torealizetheirdreamofbecomingparentsfromselectingaspermdonor,todecidingwhowill
becomepregnant,andhowtoexplaintwomommiestochildrenintheirextendedfamily.Lighter
momentsincludetheLamazeclassesandthebabyshower.Afterayear,theirdaughterGraceis
bornandthefilmexploreshowAnnandLeslieadjusttomotherhoodandsomeoftheunique
challengestheycontendwithasalesbiancouple.
MiddleSexes:RedefiningHeandShe
Thomas,A.(Producer/Director)(2005).Middlesexes:Redefiningheandshe[DVD].NewYork:HBO
Video.
Subjects:Transgenderism;Intersexuality;TransgenderpeopleIdentity
FilmedintheUnitedStates,Europe,Asia,andSouthAmerica,MiddleSexesexaminestheways
differentsocietiesandcultureshandletheblurringofgender,sexualidentityandsexualorientation.
Throughinterviewswithtransgender,intersexualandbisexualmenandwomen,aswellasexperts
fromthescientificandacademiccommunities,thefilmconsiderstheentirespectrumofsexual
behavior,personalidentityandlifestylesamongpeopleofdifferentbackgroundsandcultures.From
this,athemeoftoleranceandappreciationofdiversityemergesinthefilm.
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OntheDownlow
OurHouse
DuBowski,S.(Producer),&Spadola,M.(Director)(2002).Ourhouse.[DVD].NewYork:FirstRun
Features.
Courses:FamilyStudies;DevelopmentalPsychology
Subjects:ChildrenofgayparentsUnitedStatesInterviews;ChildrenofgayparentsUnited
StatesCaseStudies;GayparentsUnitedStates
Availability:FirstRunFeatureswww.firstrunfeatures.com]Amazonwww.amazon.com,
OurHouseexplorestheexperiencesofthechildrenofgayandlesbianparents.Filmedinrural,
suburban,andurbanareasofArizona,Arkansas,NewJerseyandNewYorkthefilmprofilesthesons
anddaughtersoffivediversefamilies.Thefamiliesprofilesarebothethnicallydiverse(African
American,LatinoandWhite)aswellasreligiouslydiverse(Christian,MormonandJewish).The
childreninterviewedinthisfilmrangefromagenineto23andcandidlysharearangeof
experiencesandreflections,bothpositiveandnegative,aboutgrowingupinwithgayorlesbian
parents.
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ShadesofLove:BlackHomosexuality
Sanders,T.(Producer/Director)(2005).Shadesoflove:Blackhomosexuality.[DVD].UnitedStates:
IjabaFilms.
Runningtime:185minutes(Threevolumesapproximately5378minuteseach)
Subjects:GayAfricanAmericansCivilrights;GayAfricanAmericansSocialconditions;Gay
AfricanAmericansHistory
Availability:FilmBabywww.filmbaby.com
ShadesofLove:BlackHomosexualityisatrilogyoffilmsthatexplorethegayAfricanAmerican
experience.Throughpersonalnarratives,participantsinthisfilmdiscusstheirpersonalexperiences
ofhomosexualitywithintheAfricanAmericancommunityandthesocietyatlarge.
ShadesofLove:BlackHomosexuality[Volume1]
Sanders,T.(Producer/Director)(2005).Shadesoflove:Blackhomosexuality,volume1.[DVD].
UnitedStates:IjabaFilms.
Subjects:GayAfricanAmericansCivilrights;GayAfricanAmericansSocialconditions;
GayAfricanAmericansHistory
ThefirstvolumeinthisseriesoffilmsfocusesonthehistoryofhomosexualityintheAfrican
Americancommunity.Thefilmaddressesthemyththathomosexualitywasintroducedto
AfricansbyEuropeansandexploresracismwithinLGBTcommunitiestowardAfricanAmericans.
Inthesecondvolumeinthisseriesoffilms,AfricanAmericanmenandwomenreflectonthe
dualidentitiesofbeingblackandgay.Filmparticipantsprovideinsightsintotheirpersonal
experiencesofacceptanceandrejection,providingviewerswitharich,multifaceted
perspectiveofblackgayexperience.TheAIDSepidemicintheBlackcommunityisalso
discussed.
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ThethirdandfinalfilminthisseriesfeatureslifenarrativesofAfricanAmericangaymenand
lesbianwomen,andoneheterosexualwomanraisedbyalesbianmother.Theirstoriesare
upliftingandchallengemanyofthenarrowstereotypesheldabouttheAfricanAmerican
communityandattitudesabouthomosexualityinthecommunity.
SmallTownGayBar
Smith,K.,Mosier,S.,Canaparo,A.,Gibson,S.,Gissing,M.(Producers),&Ingram,M.(Director).
(2003).Smalltowngaybar[DVD].UnitedStates:RedEnvelopeEntertainment.
Subjects:GaybarsMississippi;GaypeopleSouthernstatessocialconditions
SmallTownGayBarexploresLGBTissuesintheDeepSouthoftheUnitedStates.Thefilmvisitsgay
barsintwosmallMississippitowns:RumorsinShannon,MississippiandDifferent
Seasons/CrossroadsinMeridianMississippi.Thefilmfeaturesinterviewswithownersandpatrons
ofthetwoestablishmentswhoreflectontheirexperiencesofbeinggayandlesbianinthesesmall
Biblebelttowns,wherefear,intimidationandtheriskofviolencearecommonplace.Inaddition,
thefilmvisitsBayMinette,Alabama,tolookatthebrutalhatecrimemurderofScottyJoeWeaver.
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SilverlakeLife:TheViewfromHere
Friedman,P.,&Joslin,T.(Producer/Directors).(2003).Silverlakelife:Theviewfromhere[DVD].
NewYork:Docurama.
Subjects:Gaycouples;AIDSPatients
Takenfromover40hoursofvideotapedfootage,SilverlakeLife:TheViewfromHerechroniclesthe
experiencesofTomJoslinandMarkMassi,agaycouplebattlingAIDS.Thefilmpoignantlycaptures
theirdaytodaystrugglestocomfortandcareforeachotherassomeofthemostsimpleand
mundanetasksbecomeincreasinglymoredifficultasthediseaserunsitscourse.Thefilmisa
testamenttothepowerandcomfortthatloveandcommitmentinarelationshipcanprovideasa
couplefacedeclininghealthandtheirownmortality.
SouthernComfort
Adams,E.,Davis,K.(Producers),&Davis,K.(Director).(2001).Southerncomfort[DVD].NewYork:
Docurama.
Subjects:TransgenderpeopleIdentity;Genderidentity
ThisfilmchroniclesthefinalyearinthelifeofRobertEads,a52yearoldfemaletomale
transsexualwholivesinruralGeorgia.Diagnosedwithovariancancer,hehasbeenturnedawayby
morethantwodozendoctorsforfearthattreatinghimwoulddriveawaytheirotherpatients.The
filmfollowstheupsanddownsofRobertslastyearashegrappleswithhisdeclininghealthand
hopestoliveouthisfinaldreamtoattendtheSouthernComfortConferenceinAtlanta,the
nationslargesttransgenderevent.ThefilmtenderlydocumentsRobertsrelationshipwiththelove
ofhislifeLola,amaletofemaletranssexual,whotenderlycaresforhiminhisfinaldaysandavisit
fromhisparentswhohavecometoseetheirlostdaughterforthelasttime.RobertandLola
makeittotheConference,whereRobertaddressesacrowdof500peopleandtakesLolatoThe
PromThatNeverWas.Movinginitssimplicity,thisfilmdocumentsthefirsttranstotranslove
storyagainstthebackdropofpervasivegenderbiasanddiscrimination.
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TalComoSomos:TheLatinoGBTCommunity
JuneteenthProductions,McCray,J.(Producers),&McCray,J.(Director).(2007).Talcomosomos:
TheLatinoGBTcommunity[DVD].Princeton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanitiesandSciences.
Courses:HumanSexuality;DisabilityStudies
Subjects:HispanicAmericansexualminorities;HispanicAmericansexualminoritiesfamily
Relations;HispanicAmericansEthnicidentitiy
Inaculturecelebratedforitsrichtraditions,closeknitfamilies,andstrongfaith,beingLatinoand
gay,bisexual,ortransgenderisoftenunmentionableandfrequentlyunforgivable.TalComo
Somos(Justasweare)explorestherealitiesoflivingwithinaculturewherestrongbeliefsabout
sexualidentitycanmeancondemnationandrejectionforthosewhosesexualorientationormanner
isdifferent.FilmedinChicago,NewYork,SanFrancisco,andWashingtonDC,thisfilmcandidly
examinesthelivesofsixgayLatinomen,onetransgenderwoman,andthetiesthatbindthem:their
familiesandfriends,religion,andtheculturalexperiencesthatshapethem.Profiledinthefilmare:
GusandMarcelo,aMexicancouplewhograppletheirfaithandachurchthatrejectsthem;
Gabriela,onceaboy,strugglingtoprovetoherMexicanfamilyandherselfthatshesworthyof
acceptanceasawoman;Ernesto,aVenezuelanstrugglingtofindawaytotellhisfamilyhesliving
intheUnitedStatesasanHIVpositivebisexualman;David,Columbianandsingle,burieshispast
andattemptsatsuicidewithanewlifeinlowerManhattan,findingcomfortinfriends,purposein
work;Oscar,theonlysonofCubanimmigrantparents,islearningtonavigatefamilyandsocietal
contradictionsashechallengesacceptedgenderboundaries;andDusty,alongmarried
Panamanianparenttotwoadoptedchildren,whonarratesandinterweavestheirstoriesfromwith
wisdomandtheinsightofexperience.PortionsofthisfilmareinSpanishwithEnglishsubtitles.A
shorter33minuteversionofthisfilmisalsoavailable.
TyingtheKnot
deSve,J.,Pelletier,S.,Tjong,K.(Producers),&deSve,J.(Director).(2005).Tyingtheknot[DVD].
NewYork:Docurama.
Courses:AdultDevelopment,Marriage
Subjects:SamesexmarriageUnitedStates;SamesexmarriageLawandlegislationUnited
States;GaycouplesUnitedStates
Netflix[www.netflix.com
Thisfilmexploresthepoliticalandlegalissuessurroundingsamesexmarriage.TyingtheKnot
featurescasestudiesthatcallattentiontotheprivilegesthatmarriedcouplespossessthatarenot
extendedtocouplestogetherthroughcivilunionsorlongtermcohabitation.Asmuchasthefilmis
aboutgaymarriage,italsoraisesimportantquestionsabouttheinstitutionofmarriageandits
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meaninginmodernsociety.Alsofeaturedinthefilmisarchivalfootagefrom1971whengay
hippiesstormedtheManhattanmarriagebureauandcommentaryfromactivistsonbothsidesof
thedebate.
Transgeneration
Smothers,T.(Producer),&Simmons,J.(Director).(2006).Transgeneration[DVD].NewYork:
Docurama.
Runningtime:244minutes(seven27minuteepisodes,one55minuteepisode)
Courses:HumanSexuality
Subjects:TranssexualsUnitedStatesCasestudies;CollegestudentsUnitedStatesCase
studies;TranssexualsIdentify
TheSundanceChannelmaintainsaTransgenerationReunionsite,whichincludes
followupclipsfeaturingthefilmsparticipants,photosandmore:
http://www.sundancechannel.com/transgeneration/
OriginallyproducedfortheSundanceChannel,Transgenerationfollowsfourtransgenderedcollege
studentsforayear,astheynavigatetheirgendertransitionsandtheiracademiclives.Eachepisode
isanartfulmixtureoftheordinaryandextraordinary,combiningglimpsesofdaytodaychallenges
experiencedbymostcollegestudents(studyingforexams,socializingwithpeers)withthe
vicissitudesofhormonetherapy,concernsaboutreassignmentsurgery,andtheeverpresentthreat
ofrejectionfrompeersandfamily.
Episode1:Thefirstepisodeintroducesviewerstoeachofthestudents.AndreaGabrielle
Gibson,Gabbie(bornAndrewonApril22,1985)isamaletofemalecollegestudentattending
theUniversityofColoradowhereshemajorsincomputerscience.Gabbiehasstruggledwithher
identitysincehighschool.Shebegantakinghormonesandlivingasawomanduringher
freshmanyear.ShebecomesactivelyinvolvedincampusbasedLGBTactivities,while
anticipatingherupcominggenitalreassignmentsurgery,forwhichherparentshaveagreedto
pay.RaciIgnacio,(bornRoyonFebruary8,1985inthePhilippines)isamaletofemalecollege
studentattendingCaliforniaStateUniversity,LosAngelesonameritbasedscholarship.She
movedtotheUnitedStatesattheageoffifteenandisdealingwithhearingimpairment,
speakingEnglishasasecondlanguage,andbeingawayfromhermotherforthefirsttime.Eager
fitinasanormalgirlsheisreluctanttorevealthatsheistrans.LucasCheadle(bornLeahon
November3,1982)isafemaletomaletranssexualattendingtheallfemaleSmithCollegein
Massachusetts.Hisbestfriend,isalsoafemaletomaletranssexualwhohasbeenundergoing
hormonetherapyforseveralmonths.Now,inhissenioryear,asaneurosciencemajor,Lucasis
beginningtofeelthatitistimetostartthephysicalsideofhistransition,andhebeginstaking
testosteroneinjections.TrentJacksonJourian,TJ(bornTamaronJune6,1981inCyprus)isa
femaletomaletranssexualattendingMichiganStateUniversityonaFulbrightScholarship,
Page118
studyingStudentAffairsAdministration.Heisveryactiveinthetransgendercommunityon
campus.
Episode2:LucasvisitshisfamilyinOklahomatodiscussthecomplicationshefaceconcerning
hisgenderidentity.Racisearchesforalternativestothemorecommonbutexpensivehormone
therapywhileGabbiepreparesherselfforsexreassignmentsurgery.
Episode3:T.J.andLucasdecidetowriteletterstotheirfamilyexplainingtheirdecisionto
undergosexreassignmentsurgerywhileRacivisitshermother.Meanwhile,Gabbieisspending
toomuchtimepreparingforhersurgeryatthecostofherstudies.
Episode4:T.J.planstovisithomewhileGabbieandRacivisittheirextendedfamilymembers
anddiscusstheirupcomingplansconcerningthesexreassignmentsurgery.Lucasobtainshis
firstprescriptionforhormonetherapytotransitiontothemalesex.
Episode5:T.J.findshimselfinhisfirstdevelopingrelationshipwithanotherstudentsincehe
beganhistransitiontothemalesexwhileLucasfindshimselfcaughtingenderpoliticson
campus.GabbiepreparesforapartywhileRacimustdealwithherinstructorswhoare
concernedaboutherclassattendance.
Episode6:T.J.visitshisgirlfriend'sparentswhileRaciattendsameetingforotherLGBT
students.Gabbiedealswithherfriend'ssurgeryandLucascomestoaturningpointwithKasey.
Episode7: Gabbie'sparentsthrowherasurprisepartythedaybeforehersexreassignment
surgerywhileT.J.preparestovisithishomeinCypress.Meanwhile,Racidecidestoaskforhelp
inobtaininghormonesforhertransitionfromherbirthsex.
Episode8:T.J.andLucashaverevealingandinsightfulconversationswiththeirrespective
familiesconcerningtheirtransgenderidentities.Gabbieconsidersherfinaldecisionandhowit
willaffectherfutureasatransgenderwoman.Racimustwaittolearnwhethershecanretain
herscholarship.
WeareDad
Horvat,M.(Producer/Director).(2006).Wearedad[DVD].UnitedStates:TavrohFilms.
Subjects:GayparentsUnitedStatesFamilyrelationships;FosterparentsUnitedStates
Familyrelationships;HIVpositivechildrenFamilyrelationships
Availability:TavrohFilmshttp://wearedad.com/,Amazonwww.amazon.com,
Throughhomevideos,documentaryfootageandinterviews,WeareDadchroniclestheexperiences
LoftonCroteaus,aFloridafamilyheadedbytwogaymenraisingfivefosterchildrenwithHIV/AIDS.
EarlyintheAIDSPandemicStevenLoftonandRogerCroteau,bothAIDSnurses,begancaringfor
childreninFloridasfostercaresystemdeemedunadoptableduetotheirseropositivestatus.The
filmchroniclesthechallengestheyfaceinraisingmedicallyfragilechildreninahostilesocialclimate
thathastargetedgayfamiliesanddeniedthemtherighttoadopt.WhenoneoftheirHIVpositive
Page119
childrenseroreverted,theStateofFloridadeemedhimadoptable,buthisfosterparentsineligible
toadoptbecausetheyaregay.ThisdecisionledtoalawsuitLoftonv.TheStateofFlorida,which
wentallthewaytotheSupremeCourt,whichrefusedtohearthecase,allowingFloridastotalban
ongayadoptiontostand.TheLoftonCroteausfamilyisatestamenttothepowerofperseverance
andlovetoprevailinthefaceofseeminglyinsurmountableodds.
WhenIKnew
Bailey,F.,Barbato,R.,Card,M.(Producers),Bailey,F.,&Barbato,R.(Directors)(2008).WhenI
knew[DVD].NewYork:HBOVideo.
Subjects:Sexualorientation;HomosexualityAnecdotes;SexualminoritiesUnitedStates
Thisshortfilm,originallyproducedbyHBO,exploresasimplequestion:Whendidyouknowyou
weregay?Thefilmconsistsofnarrativesprovidedbyadiversegroupofmenandwomenwho
eachsharethememoryofwhentheyfirstrealizedthattheywouldneverbestraight.Their
storiesreflecttherangeofexperiences,somecomingtotherealizationasyoungchildren,while
othersknewasyoungadults.Thestoriesarefunny,liberating,bittersweet,andattimes
heartbreaking,asthefilmparticipantsreflectonwhatknowingmeanttothempersonally,totheir
families,andcommunities.
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MenandMasculinity
MenandMasculinity
BoysWillBeMen
Weidlinger,T.(Producer/Director).(2001).Boyswillbemen[DVD].Oley,PA:BullfrogFilms.
Subjects:MenPsychology;BoysPsychology;Masculinity
Availability:BullfrogFilmswww.bullfrogfilms.com
BoysWillBeMenexploreswhatitmeanstogrowupmaleintheUnitedStates.Thefilmemphasizes
theemotionallifeofboysoftenneglectedinaculturethatreinforcesaboycode(asocial
messagetoboysthattheyneedtobestoic,standontheirowntwofeet,andcuttheapronstrings)
longbeforetheyareemotionallyreadytodoso.Thefilmvisitsafirstgradeclassroom,where
boysstruggletositstillandstayontaskwhichcontributestothereadingachievementgap
betweenyoungboysandgirls.Anoutdoorwildernessprogramfortroubledboysprovidesinsights
intothewaysinwhichadolescentboysareoftencutoffemotionally,leadingthemtouse
aggressionandviolenceastoolsforproblemsolving.Alsofeaturedisathreedaypoetryworkshop
foradolescentmalesinwhichtheyperformtheirworkfortheirteachersandparents.Overthree
daystheboysbecomeincreasinglymorearticulateandoutspokenabouttheirexperiencesofthe
transitionfromboystomen.FeaturedinthefilmarepsychologistsWilliamPollackandMichael
Thompson,whoprovidecommentaryabouttheemotionallifeofboysanditsimpactontheir
development.
OntheDownlow
MenandMasculinity
RaisingCain
Stern,P.(Producer/Director).(2005).RaisingCain[DVD].Alexandria,VA:PBSVideo.
Subjects:BoysPsychology;BoysUnitedStates;Emotionsinchildren
http://www.pbs.org/opb/raisingcain/
informationtheemotionallifeofboys:http://www.pbs.org/opb/raisingcain/
OriginallyproducedforPBSandhostedbychildpsychologistMichaelThompson,Ph.D.,coauthorof
thebestsellingbookRaisingCain:ProtectingtheEmotionalLivesofBoys,thisdocumentary
explorestheemotionaldevelopmentofAmericanboys.Thecorepremiseofthisfilmisthatour
boysareintrouble:theyareperformingmorepoorlyinschool,havedifficultyexpressingtheir
emotions,andarethemostviolentboysamongindustrializednations.Thefilmfeaturesinterviews
withawiderangeofexperts(psychologists,socialactivists,researchersandeducators)whoprovide
insightsintotheinnerlivesofboysaswellasinterviewswithandnaturalisticobservationsofboysin
awiderangeofsettings.Alsofeaturedareinnovativeprogramsthatsupportthehealthy
developmentofboysandrecommendationsforparentsandguardiansraisingboys.
ScienceofMen
Fitch,A.(Producer/Director).(2007).Scienceofmen[DVD].Hamilton,NJ:FilmsfortheHumanities
&Sciences.
Subjects:Testosterone;TestosteronePhysiologicaleffect;Masculinity
OriginallyproducedforNationalGeographictelevision,thisfilmexplorestheroleoftestosteroneon
arangeofmalebehaviorsandabilities,includingstrength,sexdrive,desireforsocialstatus,and
parentingcapacities.ThefilmfocusesonresearchconductedintheUnitedStatesandother
countriesthatexploreshowtestosteroneimpactsmen,offeringuniqueinsightsintothebiological
basesofgenderdifferences.
MenandMasculinity
ToughGuise:Violence,MediaandtheCrisisinMasculinity
Ericsson,S.,Talreja,S.(Producers),&Jhally,S.(Director).(2002).Toughguise:Violence,media,
andthecrisisinmasculinity[DVD].Northampton,MA:MediaEducationFoundation.
Subjects:MasculinityUnitedStates;MenIdentity;Sexroleinmassmedia
Availability:MediaEducationFoundationwww.mediaed.org
Thisfilmexaminestherelationshipbetweenpopularcultureandthesocialconstructionof
masculinity.Throughanalysisofadvertisingandentertainmentmedia,thefilmconstructsanimage
oflate20thcenturymasculinitycharacterizedbyviolenceandselfishness.Thefilmaddressesthe
proliferationofviolenceamongyoungmen,asevidencedinschoolshootingsandtheimpactof
contemporarycharacterizationsofmasculinityonyoungmalesrelationshipswithwomenandeach
other.
SocialPsychology
SocialPsychology
EveryMothersSon
NewDayFilms.
whileholdingasmallhammer)joinforcestocombatpolicebrutalityandtoadvocateforvictimsand
SocialPsychology
TheExecutionofWandaJean
Garbus,L.,Simon,C.,Gaither,J.(Producers),&Garbus,L.(Director).(2005).Theexecutionof
WandaJean[DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Subjects:WomendeathrowinmatesOklahoma
TheExecutionofWandaJeanchroniclesthebattleofWandaJeanAllentooverturnher1989death
sentenceimposedbythestateofOklahomaforshootingherlover,GloriaLeathers,outsidean
OklahomaCityPolicestation.Thefilmfindsherelevenyearslater,herexecutiondatejustmonths
away.Withchillingintimacy,thefilmmakersfollowWandaJean'sfinalmonthsondeathrow,asshe
andherlegalteamprepareforherclemencyhearing,assheandherfamily,friends,andspiritual
advisorshavetheirfinalvisits.AtherClemencyhearing,herattorneysarguethatduringheroriginal
trial,herdefensefailedtopresentcrucialandpotentiallylifesavingevidence:WandaJeanhad
borderlinementalretardationandbraindamage.ButtheOklahomaPardonandParoleBoard,
whichinitsthirtyyearhistoryhadnevergrantedclemency,deniesWandaJean'splea.Thefilm
chroniclesWandaJean'sfinalweeksasherlegalteamexhaustseveryoptiontosaveherlife.
ThroughWandaJeansstorythefilmexploresoneofAmerica'smostcontroversialmoraland
politicaldilemmasthedeathpenaltyandtherolethatpoverty,mentalhealth,race,and
sexualityplaywithinthecriminaljusticesystem.
SocialPsychology
GhostsofAbuGhraib
Kennedy,R.,Garbus,L.(Producers),&Kennedy,R.(Director).(2007).GhostsofAbuGhraib[DVD].
NewYork:HomeBoxOffice.
Courses:SocialPsychology
Subjects:AbuGhraibprison;PrisonersofwarCrimesagainstIraq;IraqWar,2003Atrocities
Availability:Amazonwww.amazon.com,ShopHBOhttp://store.hbo.com,
GhostsofAbuGhraibcombinesinterviewswithvictims,perpetrators,andwitnessestothe
atrocitiescommittedagainstprisonersofwardetainedintheAbuGhraibprisoninIraq.Through
thestoriestoldbythosewhowerethereandviewsofthephotographsthatcametosymbolizeacts
oftortureandhumiliationperpetratedbyU.S.soldiers,viewersgaininsightintotheinfluencesthat
createtheconditionswhichleadtosuchevents.
AHardStraight
Toshima,G.,Sablosky,L.(Producers),&Toshima,G.(Directors).(2004).Ahardstraight[DVD].
Courses:AdultDevelopment;CriminalJustice
Subjects:Exconvicts;ParoleUnitedStates;ExconvictsPsychology
AHardStraightexploresthechallengesfacedbyindividualsrecentlyreleasedfromprisonstruggling
toreconstructtheirliveswithintheparametersofthelaws.Thefilmweavesthestoriesofthree
parolees:Regina,Aaron,andRichard.ForRegina,convictedofreceivingstolenproperty,lifeonthe
outsideisfroughtwithconflictwithhereldestdaughterwhohasbeenraisingReginasyounger
childrenwhilehermotherwasinprison,andReginasstruggletokickhermethamphetamine
addiction.Aaron,convictedofarmedrobbery,hasbeeninandoutofprisonforyearsandnowon
theoutsidestruggleswithisolationandtryingtofindsupportfromtheparolesystem.Richard,a
gangmemberandtalentedtattooartist,hasbeenconvictedoftwofeloniesathirdconviction
wouldmeanalifesentence.Thefilmchroniclesthechallengeseachofthefilmssubjectsfaceas
theystruggletogostraightandhighlightsthepersonalandcommunityresourcesnecessaryto
supporttheirrespectivejourneys.
SocialPsychology
MurderonaSundayMorning
Poncet,D.(Producer),&deLestrade,J.X.(Director).(2003).MurderonaSundaymorning[DVD].
NewYork:Docurama.
Subjects:Trials(Murder)FloridaJacksonville;HomicideJacksonville,FloridaCasestudies
ThisAcademyAwardwinningfilmchroniclesthetrailofBrentonButler,a15yearoldAfrican
AmericanboyaccusedofmurderingaCaucasianwomaninhisJacksonville,Floridacommunity.
Withintwohoursofthemurder,Butlerisarrestedandidentifiedbythewomanshusband.Butler
signsaconfession.Everyonesurroundingthecase,prosecutors,journalistsandmembersofthe
communityarepreparedtocondemnButlerforthemurder,withtheexceptionofhisfamilyandhis
attorney.Thetrialraisesimportantquestionsabouteyewitnesstestimony,thecoercionof
confessions,andpoliceineptitudeandcorruption.
ThePersuaders
Goodman,B.,&Dretzin,R.(Producers/Directors).(2004).Thepersuaders.[DVD].Alexandria,VA:
PBSVideo.
Courses:SocialPsychology
Subjects:Advertising;Publicrelations;Marketing
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/persuaders/
informationonadvertisingandmarketing:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/persuaders/
Thisfilm,whichoriginallyairedonPBSFrontlineexplorestheimpactofmarketingandadvertising
onnotonlywhatwebuy,buthowweviewourselvesandourenvironments.Thefilmprovides
insightsintohowcompaniescollectandminedataabouttheircustomersinordertotargettheir
marketingtoparticularconsumers.Interviewedforthisprogramaremarketers,advertisersand
socialscientistswhostudytheirtacticsandtechniques.
SocialPsychology
Sir!NoSir!
Zeigler,D.(Producer/Director).(2005).Sir!Nosir![DVD].NewYork:Docurama.
Subjects:VietnamWar,19611975Protestmovements;SoldiersUnitedStates;Dissenters
UnitedStates
ThisfilmdocumentsthelittleknownstoryofmilitarymenandwomenwhoresistedtheVietnam
War.Thefilmreconstructstheactivitiesofthesebravemenandwomen,whoseriskswerefar
greaterthancivilianprotesters,throughthenarrativesoofthoseonthefrontlineoftheantiwar
movementwithinthemilitary.Sir!NoSir!isapowerfulstudyofresistanceandtheconditionsthat
leadpeopletoquestionauthority.
Women
Women
5Girls
Finitzo,M.(Producer/Director).(2001).5girls[DVD].Chicago,IL:KatemquinFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology,WomensStudies
girlseducation.
Filmedoveraperiodofthreeyears,thisfilmdocumentstheexperiencesoffivegirlsgrowingupin
thediverseneighborhoodsofChicago.Thefilmtracksthestrugglesandtransformationsthatcome
intothelivesofCorrie,Toby,Amber,Aisha,andHaibinhastheyconfrontthechallengesofgrowing
upfemaleinAmerica.Whilerevealingdifferencesinraceandclassthatprovidedistincttwiststo
eachoftheirstories,thefilmalsorevealsthattheseyoungwomenhaveasomeimportantqualities
incommonresilience,selfawarenessandadeterminationtobethemselves.
Bachelorette,34
Herold,K.(Producer/Director).(2009).Bachelorette,34[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies
Subjects:SinglewomenUnitedStates21stcenturySociallifeandcustoms;Mothersand
daughtersUnitedStates;WomenUnitedStatesSociallifeandcustoms
Thisshortfilmexploresthepressureonsinglewomentomarry.Thefilmmakersmotherhas
becomefixatedongettingherdaughtermarried.Bachelorette,34capturestheoftenhumorous
interactionsbetweenthefilmmakerandhermother,revealingthesocietalburdenplacedon
womenofacertainagetogetmarried.
Women
BarbieNation
Stern,S.(Producer/Director).(1998).BarbieNation[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Subjects:Barbiedollssocialaspects
BarbieNationexplorestherolethattheBarbiedollhasplayedinshapingourattitudesabout
women.FromBarbieconventions,toBarbiewebsites,BarbieplaydatesandantiBarbie
demonstrationschildren,adultwomenandmensharetheirBarbiestories.Inthisfilm,Barbie
servesasaculturallitmustestbothlovedandhated,thedollhascometorepresentour
stereotypicalidealfemininity.InterspersedthroughthefilmiscommentaryfromBarbiescreator,
RuthHandler.
BodyTyped:3FilmsonMediaandPhysicalPerfection
Epstein,J.E.(Producer/Director).(2009).Bodytyped:3filmsonmediaandphysicalperfection
Courses:WomensStudies
Subjects:Bodyimage;MassmediaSocialaspects;Beauty,personalPsychologicalaspects
Thethreeshortfilms(WetDreamsandFalseImages,TheGuarantee,and34x25x36)thatmakeup
BodyTypedexplorehowmediaandindustryinfluencebodyimageandselfesteem.WetDreams
andFalseImagesrevealshowdigitalphotographyretouchingchangestheimagesweseein
magazinesandbillboardsandraisesthequestionofhowthatshapesthewaymenviewrealwomen
andhowwomenseethemselves.TheGuaranteeexploresplasticsurgeryandraisesthequestionof
whathappenstoourselfimagewhenwechangethewaywelook.34x25x36visitsthePatinaV
MannequinFactorytolearnhowtheidealwomanofthemomentisrenderedinplastic.Theare
highlyprovocative,andprovidebriefinsightsintophenomenathatinfluencehowwomensee
themselves.
Women
TheDoubleBurden:ThreeGenerationsofWorkingMothers
Booth,M.(Producer/Director).(1992).Thedoubleburden:Threegenerationsofworkingmothers
Subjects:WorkingmothersUnitedStates;ChildrenofworkingmothersUnitedStates;Mothers
anddaughtersUnitedStates
ThreewomenofMexicanAmerican,PolishAmerican,andAfricanAmericanheritagesharewhatit's
beenlikeforthreegenerationsofwomenintheirfamilieswho'vemanagedtoraisetheirchildren
whileworkingoutsidetheirhomes.Eachwomanalsotalksaboutthespecialburdensshe'sfaced
whileworkinglonghoursatlowpayingmanualjobsandevenbetterpayingonesthatstillrobbed
heroftheprecioustimeshemighthavespentwithherhusbandandchildren.Thewomenalsonote
howtheythinktheirfamilieshavebenefitedfromtheirwillingnesstoshouldersomanyburdens.
GirlTrouble
Leban,L.,&Szajko,L.(Producers/Directors).(2006).Girltrouble[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDay
Films.
Runningtime:74and57minutes(DVDincludestwoversionsofthefilm)
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology;WomensStudies
Subjects:FemalejuveniledelinquentsCaliforniaSanFrancisco;JuvenilejusticeAdministration
ofCaliforniaSanFrancisco;JuvenilecourtsCaliforniaSanFrancisco
Filmedoveraperiodoffouryears,GirlTroublefollowsthreeteenagegirlsthroughSanFranciscos
juvenilejusticesystem.Strugglingwithissuesincludingpoverty,domesticviolence,drugaddiction
andhomelessnessintheirlives,weareintroducedtothegirlsaftertheyhavealreadyhadcontact
withthejuvenilejusticesystem;dealingdrugs,cuttingschool,assaultingothers.Thegirlsall
participateinprogramsofferedbytheCenterforYoungWomensDevelopment,thenation'sfirst
employment,leadership,andadvocacyprogramrunentirelybyandforgirlswhohavebeen
incarceratedandaretryingtochangetheirlives.ThefilmfollowsthemoutoftheCenterandinto
thecourtsandtheirpersonallives,learningoftheirpersonalstories,thechallengestheyfaceand
howtheynegotiateasystemthatatthesametimeseekstopunishandrehabilitatethosewho
comeintocontactwithit.Thefilmoffersinsightsintoourineffectivesystemofjuvenilejustice.
Women
Goingon13
GuevaraFlanagan,K.,&Valdez,D.(Producers/Directors).(2008).Goingon13[DVD].Harriman,
NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology;WomensStudies
Subjects:GirlsCaliforniaSanFranciscoBayArea;TeenagegirlsCaliforniaSanFranciscoBay
Area;Puberty
ThisfilmchroniclesthelivesoffourgirlsfromCaliforniasSanFranciscoBayAreaastheytransition
fromchildhoodtoearlyadolescence.FeaturedinthefilmareEsmeralda,MexicanAmerican,firstto
completeherdailyschoolworkandalsofirstinherclasstohaveaboyfriendwithoutherparents
knowledge;Ariana,AfricanAmerican,whotransformsfromatomboyintooneofthepopulargirls
asherfamilystrugglestoleavethepovertyofWestOakland;Rosie,mixedraceLatina,who,at9,is
precociousandsunny,butgrowsintoanalienatedpreteenwhomayhavetorepeatthe6thgrade
duetochronictruancy;andIsha,animmigrantfromIndia,whodespiteherdevotiontoher
traditionalfamily,exploresInternetteenchatroomswithusernameslikeghettogirlandcutie
pie.Throughinterviewsanddocumentationoftheirdaytodaylives,thefilmchroniclesthegirls
growingsenseofresponsibility,theirhopesforthefuture,theirdifficultieslearninghowtolove
themselves,andtheescalatingtugofwarbetweenwhotheywanttobecomeandwhotheir
parentsthinktheyshouldbe.Wehearthegirlstalkaboutthemselves.Theytakeusintotheirworld,
withthemusic,television,digitalmediaandbooksthatrarelyreflecttheirownfamilieseconomic
orculturalbackgroundsprovidingcontextandcontrastforthesocialandemotionalchallenges
theyface.
InMyRoom:TheInnerLivesofTeenGirls
Hall,B.(Producer/Director).(2007).Inmyroom:Theinnerlivesofteengirls[DVD].Chicago,IL:
MettaProductions.
Courses:AdolescentDevelopment,DevelopmentalPsychology;WomensStudies
girlseducation
Filmedoveraperiodofthreeyears,InMyroomexploresthecomingofagestoriesofthreeteenage
girls,Ana,Sherri,andRachel.Throughoutthefilm,thegirlsareseenonvideointheirroomssharing
theirperspectivesandexperiences,whiletheir"outerlives"arerepresentedexclusivelythroughstill
photographyandaudio.Theexperiencesofeachofthegirlsareinterwoventhroughoutthefilm,
revealingmanycommonalitiesintheirexperiencesandperspectives.Thisfilmprovidespowerful
Women
insightsintohowtheseyoungwomennavigatesexualpressure;takeonaparentalroleinthe
family;changeschools;experiencefriendships,loss,depression,bodyimageissues,selfdestructive
patterns,andparentalseparationanddivorce;loseandgainfriends;andfallinandoutoflove.
ItWasaWonderfulLife
Ohayon,M.,Glasser,T.E.(Producers),&Ohayon,M.(Director).(1993).Itwasawonderfullife
Courses:AdultDevelopment;WomensStudies;Homelessness
Subjects:HomelesswomenUnitedStates;HomelesspersonsUnitedStates;Desertionandnon
support
ItWasaWonderfulLifeprofilessixintelligent,articulatewomen,whooncelivedsecuremiddleclass
livesinwellappointedhomeswhoarenowlivingintheircarsorcheapmotels.Thesewomen
becamehomelessasaresultofjoblossorabaddivorce.Tooproudtoseekpublicassistanceorto
gotoshelterstheyspendtheirdaysinthefinedepartmentstorestheyonceshoppedintousethe
makeupandpublicrestroomstheyrepresentagrowingpopulationofthehiddenhomeless.
Thefilmillustratestheingenuitywithwhichthesewomeneekoutanexistenceandcallsattention
toanotherfacetofthegrowingproblemofhomelessnessintheUnitedStates.
KillingUsSoftly4:AdvertisingsImageofWomen
MediaEducationFoundation(Producer),&Jhally,S.(Director).(2010).Killingussoftly4:
Advertisingsimageofwomen[DVD].Northhampton,MA:MediaEducationFoundation.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment;AdolescentDevelopment;WomensStudies
Subjects:Womeninadvertising;Sexinadvertising;Bodyimageinwomen
Availability:MediaEducationFoundationwww.mediaed.org
ThisfilmfeaturesthepioneeringworkofJeanKilbourneontheimageofwomeninadvertising.In
thetraditionofherpreviousfilmsSlimHopes(1995)theKillingUsSoftlyseries,JeanKilbournetakes
afreshlook(thefirstnewfilmin10years)athowadvertisingpresentsdistortedanddestructive
idealsoffemininity.Thefilmfeaturescontemporaryprintandtelevisionadsthatpresentgender
stereotypes,messages,andimagesthatthatreinforceunrealisticperceptionsofbeautyand
sexuality.ThroughKilbourne'sprovocativeanalysis,thefilmraisesimportantquestionsabout
popularcultureandadvertisingsroleinperpetuatingsexism,eatingdisorders,andviolenceagainst
women.
Women
DayFilms.
Courses:DevelopmentalPsychology;Immigration;WomensStudies;FamilyStudies
MaidinAmerica
Leadingham,K.,Prado,A.(Producers),&Prado,A.(Director).(2006).MaidinAmerica[DVD].
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;Immigration;FamilyStudies
Women
MaybeBaby
ORourke,S.(Producer/Director).(2007).Maybebaby[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies,Familystudies
Subjects:ChildlessnessUnitedStatesPsychologicalaspects;Fertility,HumanUnitedStates;
HumanreproductivetechnologyUnitedStates
MaybeBabychroniclestheemotionalandphysiologicalexperiencesofsixsinglewomenintheir30s
and40swhoseektogetpregnantthroughAssistedReproductiveTechnology.Havinggivenupon
findingapartnerwithwhomtocoparentand/orconceiveachild,thesewomen,eagertobecome
mothers,decidetogoitalone.Thefilmraisesprovocativequestionsaboutfamilylife,love,and
parenthoodagainstthebackdropofthemultibilliondollarreproductivetechnologyindustry.
NO!ConfrontingSexualAssaultinOurCommunities
Simmons,A.S.(Producer/Director).(2006).No!Confrontingsexualassaultinourcommunities
[DVD].SanFrancisco,CA:CaliforniaNewsreel.
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies
Subjects:AfricanAmericanwomenCrimesagainst;AfricanAmericanwomenViolenceagainst;
SexualabusevictimsUnitedStates
ThisfilmaddressessexualviolencetowardAfricanAmericanwomenandgirls.Throughtheuseof
archivalfootageandcommentaryfromexperts,thefilmprovidesinsightsintofactorsthat
contributetosexualviolenceintheAfricanAmericancommunityandpointstosolutionsinvolving
bothwomenandmen.Survivorsofsexualviolencearealsofeaturedinthefilm,theirstoriesa
testamenttotheirphysicalandpsychologicalresilienceinthefaceofunthinkablepain.Thefilm
shedslightonanissuewhichhasreceivedinadequateattention.
Women
PowerandControl:DomesticViolenceinAmerica
Cohn,P.(Producer/Director).(2010).Powerandcontrol:DomesticviolenceinAmerica[DVD].
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies,FamilyStudies;Domestic
Violence
Subjects:WifeabuseUnitedStates;AbusivemenUnitedStates;DomesticAbuseIntervention
Project(Duluth,Minn.)
ThisfilmexplorestheseeminglyintractableissueofdomesticviolenceintheUnitedStates.Thefilm
profilesKim,amotherofthreefromDuluth,Minnesota,asshestrugglestoprotectherselfandher
childrenfromherabusivehusband.ThefilmalsoassessestheimpactoftheDuluthModel,
perhapsoneofthemostwellknownandwidelyimplementedmethodsforaddressingdomestic
violence,whichinrecentyearshasincreasinglydrawncriticismfromarangeofsources.Also
includedinthefilmareleadersfromthebatteredwomensadvocacymovementwhohavestrived
topreservethespiritofsisterhoodthathascharacterizedthemovementforover30years.
SilentChoices
Pennick,F.(Producer/Director).(2007).Silentchoices[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Courses:AdultDevelopment;LifespanDevelopment;WomensStudies,AfricanAmericanwomen
Subjects:Abortion,inducedEthics;AfricanAmericans;Pregnancy,unwantedethnology
SilentChoicesexploresthecomplexissueofabortionanditsimpactonAfricanAmericanwomen.
Thefilmcombineshistorical,social,andreligiousanalysiswithpersonalinterviews,examiningthe
interplaybetweenracialandreproductivepolitics.Threewomenprofiledinthefilmtellthestories
oftheirabortions,includingagraphic,heartwrenchingstoryofanillegalabortion.Thefilmalso
givesvoicetoAfricanAmericanwomenwhoarestaunchlyprolife.Thefilmconcludeswithaseries
ofresponsestoacommentmadeinthefilmthatabortionisawhitewomansissue.
Graphicdiscussionofabortionprocedure
Women
Stages
MeerkatMediaCollective(Producer/Director).(2009).Stages[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDay
Films.
Courses:LifespanDevelopment,AdultDevelopment,Aging,OlderLatinaWomen,InnerCityYouth
Subjects:OlderHispanicAmericans;Olderpeople
FilmedinNewYorkCitysoldestcommunitycenter,StagesbringstogetheragroupofolderPuerto
Ricanwomenandinnercityyouthtocreateanoriginalplaybasedontheirlifeexperiences.Themes
ofimmigration,agingandcomingofageblendtocreateanintimateportraitofthelivesofthefilms
subjectsandtheimpactthattheirstorytellinghasoneachmemberoftheplayscast.Thefilm
providesanexcellentexampleofthetransformationalpowerofintergenerationalstorytelling.
StillDoingIt:TheIntimateLivesofWomenOver65
Fishel,D.,Holtzberg,D.(Producers),&Fishel,D.(Director).(2004).Stilldoingit:Theintimatelives
ofwomenover65[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDayFilms.
Thisfilmprofilesadiversegroup(partnered,single,straight,gay,blackandwhite)ofnineolder
women(ages6787)whosharehowtheyfeelaboutthemselves,sexandloveinlaterlife.The
womenprofiledprovidehonest,oftenhumorousreflectionsontheirpersonalhistories,agingand
sexuality.Archivalfootage,musicandstillphotographsfromthe1940sthroughthewomens
movementandthesexualrevolutionprovideinsightsintothebroaderhistorythatservedasthe
backdroptothesewomenslives.Thefilmalsoillustratestherealitythatwhilemanyolderwomen
arestillreluctanttospeakabouttheirpersonallivesthereisanewvanguardofwomenover65who
cameintotheirownlaterinlifeandhavetakenthatstrongsenseofthemselvesandtheirsexuality
intotheirolderage.
Women
SunsetStory
Gabbert,L.Libresco,C.,Wurmfeld,E.H.(Producers),&Gabbert,L.(Director).(2005).Sunsetstory
[DVD].Burbank,CA:CapitalEntertainment.
Subjects:Olderwomen;Womenpoliticalactivists;Womenradicals;Retirementcommunities
ThisfilmfocusesonIrja(81)andLucille(95),residentsofSunsetHall,aLosAngeles"retirement
homeforfreethinkingelderly,"thatintegratesagingwithprogressiveactivism,givingresidentsthe
opportunitytoengagedailywithcausestheyholddear.LucilleandIrjachallengestereotypesof
doddering"oldladies."Sharpwitted,uptodate,andoftenprovocative,thetwoarenotafraidto
weighinwithopinionsonmen,sex,genderroles,andsocialattitudestowardtheelderly.They
operateasaclassiccomicteam,withIrjaplayingthe"straightman,"theeternalidealistandLucille,
theirreverentskeptic,crackingironicdryjokes.Lucilleneedshelpinordertowalk,soshebraces
herselfagainstthebackofIrja'swheelchair,andsimultaneouslypropelsIrja'schairforward.The
filmfollowsIrjaandLucilleforaperiodofseveralmonthsastheyventureoutformanicures,
politicalprotestsandmealsattheirfavoritedeli.Then,whenLucillereceivesaterminalcancer
diagnosis,Irjamustconfrontthepossibilityoflosingherlifeline.Thisfilmisabittersweetportraitof
agingthatpowerfullyjuxtaposesthevitalityandfrailtyofadvancedage.
VDay:UntiltheViolenceStops
Epstein,A.,Netto,P.(Producers),&Epstein,A.(Director).(2003).VDay:Untiltheviolencestops
Courses:AdultDevelopment;WomensStudies;Violence
Subjects:WomenCrimesagainst;Batteredwomen;Abusedwomen
VDay:UntiltheViolenceStopschroniclestheevolutionofEveEnslersTheVaginaMonologuesinto
aninternationalgrassrootsmovementdedicatedtoendingviolencedirectedatwomenandgirls.In
2002,over800performancesofTheVaginaMonologueswerestagedworldwideinordertoraise
awarenessaboutviolenceagainstwomenandgirlsandtoraisefundtosupportprogramsthat
providerefugeandsupporttothosewhohavebeenvictimized.Inadditiontobriefpiecesofthe
playperformedaroundtheworld,thefilmspotlightseffortsinKenyatocombatfemalecircumcision
andadiscussionamongagroupofwomenfromthePhilippinesforcedtoserveassexworkersfor
JapanesesoldiersduringWWII.Thefilmisapowerfultestamenttotheresilienceofwomenandthe
healingpoweroftestimonyandresistance.
Women
ViewfromaGrainofSand
Nanji,M.(Producer/Director).(2006).Viewfromagrainofsand[DVD].Harriman,NY:NewDay
Films.
Courses:PsychologyofWomen
Subjects:RevolutionaryAssociationoftheWomenofAfghanistan;WomenAfghanistanSocial
conditions;WomenrefugeesAfghanistanPersonalnarratives
FilmedoveraperiodofthreeyearsinthewartorncityofKabulandinrefugeecampsinnorth
westernPakistan,ViewfromaGrainofSandexploresthestatusofAfghanwomenandgirlsthrough
theeyesofthreeAfghanwomen,aphysician,ateacher,andacivilrightsworker.Blendingarchival
footagewiththenarrativesprovidedbythewomenprofiled,thefilmtracesthehistoryofconflict
andriseofreligiousfundamentalismthathavecompromisedthestatusofwomenandgirls.The
filmisamovingportraitofstruggleandresilienceinacountrybrutalizedbywar,international
interference,andreligiouslysanctionedmisogyny.
WhatIWantMyWordstoDotoYou
Katz,J.(Producer),Taylor,D.,&Gibson,P.(Directors)(2003).WhatIwantmywordstodotoyou
[DVD].Alexandra,VA:PBSVideo.
Courses:AdultDevelopment;WomensStudies;Violence
Subjects:WomenCrimesagainst;Batteredwomen;Abusedwomen
WhatIWantMyWordstodotoYouprovidesanunprecedentedlookintothemindsandheartsof
thewomeninmatesofNewYork'sBedfordHillsCorrectionalFacility.Thewomenwhoparticipatein
thefilm,mostofwhomwereconvictedofmurder,arepartofawritingworkshopledbyplaywright
andactivistEveEnsler.Throughaseriesofdiscussionsandexercises,thewomenexaminetheir
pasts,explorethenatureoftheircrimes,andfindthewordstotelltheirstories.Thefilm
culminatesinanemotionallychargedprisonperformanceofthewomen'swritingbyacclaimed
actorsMaryAlice,GlennClose,HazelleGoodman,RosiePerezandMarisaTomei.
References
References
Ellis,J.C.,&McLane,B.A.(2005).Newhistoryofdocumentaryfilm.NewYork:Continuum.
Russell,C.(2010).ThebestofcopyrightandVideoLib.LibraryTrends,58,349357.

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Sylvie Taylor, Ph.D.

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