— by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues reporter —
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
— Anais Nin
For the last several years, I’ve been writing/curating a film review newsletter of entertaining, provocative, and educational movies that are easily missed among the various Hollywood blockbusters, star-driven releases, and foreign thrillers.
Given our current state of surreal resilience and self-community reflection, I thought it might be helpful to share some of them with OI readers, all of which are featured in the latest quarterly edition. They are generally available on one or more streaming platforms, both subscription-based (e.g., Amazon, Netflix) and indie (e.g., Vimeo). There are also dozens of archival reviews on my Cinema Noesis website. You can join the mailing list from both the newsletter and website.
Immerse and enjoy . . .
Streaming Resources
Films for the Planet
One of my favorite sources for environmental and social action films. There are hundreds of movies (up to the most recent) in a dozen categories and they’ve just added a new one: Planetary Regeneration. Plenty of inspiration for adults and educational richness for kids; community hosting kits available.
Kanopy
Kanopy has partnered with libraries – including Orcas – and universities to provide an impressive breadth of contemporary movies (including a few below), foreign films, classic cinema, indies, docs, and even educational videos, all available for viewing on most devices. All you need is a library card or university log-in.
Streaming Series
The Messiah
Spoiler alert: This intriguing and well-acted series was cancelled after its first season – a big disappointment as there is nothing out there even remotely like it. Too “religious,” perhaps? For me, it was less about the possibility of a “second coming” than who he was – A divine entity or a talented con man? – and how his words and actions impacted those around him. (Netflix / Amazon Prime)
Humans
Sentient AI? What if? This highly regarded series from AMC explores what’s at stake both morally and philosophically when a small group of “Synths” are found to have chillingly human-like consciousness. The singularity gets ever closer . . . (multiple platforms).
New (and Newly Available) Releases
American Dharma
For a glimpse into the dark side, check out this film about the conservative flame- thrower Steve Bannon from Oscar Award-winning (and avowedly liberal) filmmaker Errol Morris. It’s both a compelling historical and a “conversation” about issues at the core of our fractured society (watch trailer). You may also be interested in The Brink.
Anthropocene: The Human Epoch
“A cinematic meditation on humanity’s massive re-engineering of the planet.” It’s the third in a series that includes Manufactured Landscapes (2006) and Watermark (2013). Required viewing and widely available. Watch the trailer.
Aquarela
“Startling.” “Otherworldly.” “A ravishing visual feast.” All about water: its mystery, its majesty, its destructive power. On multiple platforms.
Beyond Crisis
Despite the requisite images of a self-destructing world, this film is ultimately an inspirational call to hope, anchored by grassroots movements around the world that are making an actual difference. Poetry, science, intellect, and heart are leading the way. Available on Vimeo
Dark Justice
For something a bit edgier, here’s a vengeance film where the perps – four corporate heavyweights – are put on trial for their environmental sins by a computer programmer whose interactive website engages the public as judge and jury. Haven’t seen it . . . yet. On Amazon Prime.
Dosed
This multiple award-winning film tracks a young woman’s desperate attempts to cure her addiction and suicidal despair with plant medicine. It also addresses the opioid crisis and features commentary by Paul Stamets, Gabor Mate, and others. Available on Vimeo (an increasingly popular choice for indie films).
Fantastic Fungi: The Magic Beneath Us
Gorgeously filmed and scientifically-sound, this life-affirming doc about mycelium and mushrooms will restore your faith in the ability of the planet to heal itself – and us. It explores the benefits of fungi in food, medicine, environmental engineering, and even personal transformation. Ultimately a movie about our interconnectedness, it’s narrated by Brie Larson and features Paul Stamets, Michael Pollan, Eugenia Bone, and Andrew Weil, among others. Available here.
The IF Project
This powerful film showcases a national model of collaboration between police and prisoners to give incarcerated women and at-risk youth a chance to reclaim their lives. “If there is something someone could have said or done to change the path that led you here, what would it have been?” On Vimeo.
Long Strange Trip
It may not be the definitive biopic of The Dead – Is there such a film? – but this is as good as it gets. Uniformly lauded as accessible to Dead and non-Dead alike. With a running time of almost four hours, the film was split into a six-part miniseries. (Amazon Video)
Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins
If you found the Bannon film above hard to watch, this one goes down much easier. Ivins was a fearless – and to some, a fearsome – Texas journalist who suffered no fools and feasted on political hypocrisy and misbehaviors. With a razor-sharp wit and brilliant comedic insights, you did not want to be in her crosshairs. Widely available.
The Sequel: What Will Follow Our Troubled Civilization?
The pioneering work of environmental economist David Fleming is the focus of this new film. Author of Lean Logic and Surviving the Future, the inspiration for the Transition Towns movement, and a central figure in the European Green Party, Fleming’s influence will be felt for decades to come. Available on Vimeo, Amazon, and Ovid.tv.
Whoooh! So many different recommendations. Thanks for the variety and unusual perspectives these movies take. A lot to listen to and watch.
Netflix is now streaming PANDEMIC, a devastating look at what the public health community knew and sought to communicate to their governments about the threat of global pandemic, and several heroes (from Bill Gates to individual healthcare workers on the front lines) fighting daily to prevent or mitigate potential pandemic diseases. It was clearly in production for a full year or two before the current outbreak, and is heartbreaking in that it documents extensive warning signals ignored by most of our public institutions.