Reviews

In its current state (as of November 2007), this film still needs editing, but it is shaping up to be a beautifully shot, compelling film about the crisis in the Niger River Delta caused by the collusion between big multi-national oil companies and the Nigerian government, which relies on oil profits to fund 80 percent of its federal budget. As the multi-national corporation shareholders and corrupt government officials get wealthy, the 20 million people of the Delta are losing their subsistence livelihoods to the pollution caused by the oil business. The film calls for nothing more radical than third-party-led negotiations between the locals and the oil companies so the presence of the latter benefits rather than harms the former. Watch for this documentary. It is going to be astounding, and terribly important. Also compelling is the incredible irresponsibility of big American media in reporting this story, essentially calling those who organize peacefully to defend the people of the Delta "terrorists." See for yourself. The film has the outstanding production values and heart of _Born into Brothels_ and the political guts and courage of _Harlan County, U.S.A._

Jill Godmilow is a premier American documentary filmmaker, known mostly for telling stories about how she is trying to tell a story. In other words, her films are quite reflexive and, in her opinion, more honest because of that. This film is a prime example. Unable to get to Poland to shoot the story of the Solidarity movement firsthand, she intercuts between archival footage, re-enacted, verbatim interviews based on transcripts, and her own direct addresses to the camera about what is happening in her own personal and professional life as she tries to make this film. Viewers with little interest in documentary film as a genre or in the Polish Solidarity movement of the 1980s might find little in this film to hold their attention, but viewers interested in either the genre or the subject should see it (if they can find it).

Because we have been so programmed to avoid discussing race with honesty and candor, this film is ideal for classroom use. By depicting the difficulties--and the rewards--of honest communication, this film allows viewers to acknowledge their own discomfort and also inspires them to rise above it.

Finally, an animated feature that understands the premise that story counts for more than animation wizardry. This film assumes you have a heart and a mind. My five-year-old loved it and I loved it. It's funny and appropriately weighty (great Cold War context) without being preachy or stupid. Skip _Tarzan_ and see _Iron Giant_.

This film is essentially a documentary about a popular French adult film star of the early 1970s. It depicts her as powerful, intelligent, and sensual. Although the film contains graphic sexual scenes, they are not gratuitous. The film is worthwhile for anyone interested in feminism, the adult film industry, or the documentary genre.