Film Group
Film Group
As the coordinator of the Film Group , I hope you will enjoy reading the reviews our members have written for upcoming film releases . The pandemic continues to present unique challenges to the operations of the Film Group and to the film industry as a whole . Due to the ongoing situation in Germany , there is a strong likelihood that the lockdown may be extended , and cinemas may not reopen in December . The release dates listed here in Currents reflect the current hopes of the industry , but if the lockdown is extended , expect December releases to be pushed back to sometime in 2021 .
On the topic of the Decade of Action , I have also compiled a few children ’ s films with themes of environmentalism which I hope you will watch and discuss with your family . It is my hope that , as we reflect in this issue of Currents on the topic of activism and bringing about a better world , this list will encourage you to use the medium of film to help inspire the younger generation on the topic of climate change and the environment .
Film can be a powerful tool for change , but we are living through unprecedented times , where art in all of its forms is struggling to survive . Please consider supporting your local independent cinemas , galleries , and artists through donations , gift certificates , and activism as we try to ensure that the art community continues to survive and thrive through these difficult times . ( Rose Finlay )
Watch and Discuss :
KID ‘ S FILMS WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL THEME
WALL-E ( 2008 ) Earth is a wasteland of trash , and humanity has left it behind to travel on space cruise ships while they wait for it all to be cleaned up . After years of neglect , WALL-E is the last cleanup robot still operational . When another robot , EVE , shows up looking for signs of life , WALL-E shows her a plant he has found , which leads them both on an adventure into space where their actions will determine the future of humanity .
With topics of consumerism and the consequences of global waste at the fore , WALL-E is a great conversation starter . A beautifully rendered film by PIXAR , it might be a little slow for younger audiences , but it has emotional depth , which makes it a favorite for most ages . Recommended for ages 5 +
Happy Feet ( 2006 ) Mumble is an Antarctic penguin who can ’ t find his “ heart song ,” a song used to find a mate . Instead , he is talented at tap dancing , but the other penguins don ’ t appreciate his skills . Convinced that his tapping has caused a recent shortage of fish , Mumble is kicked out of the community . He goes on a quest to discover the real reason for the lack of fish , making friends along the way . With themes about accepting differences in others and the environmental impact of overfishing and pollution , Happy Feet is a great film with a feel-good message . Also , there are lots of toe-tapping tunes . Recommended for ages 7 +.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind ( 1984 ) An animated classic by Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki , which takes place 1,000 years after an apocalyptic war has destroyed most of civilization . The surviving inhabitants are faced with a great enemy , the Toxic Jungle and its insects , which threaten to exterminate the last of humanity . Nausicaä tries her best to find a way for humanity and the jungle to
coexist , but she is faced with many challenges . A complex and beautiful tale , there are many great conversations to be had with your children on a variety of topics such as environmentalism , the cycle of violence , and balance between humans and the natural world . Recommended for ages 9 +.
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