Sustainable Rossmoor’s Film Series
Each month we highlight one or more films that inspire or advocate for environmental causes around the world. We choose films that educate us about the breadth and depth of sustainability and prompt us to make better choices. All movies will be shown in the Peacock Theater. The standing featured movie time is on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm. English subtitles will be shown whenever available.
Many of the movies previously shown as part of the SR Film series have been donated to the Rossmoor Library and can be checked out by residents. Ask at the front desk for information on recent donations and the location of the SR collection.
There will be no Sustainable Rossmoor film for the month of June. Our next film will on July 11th. Title: to be announced soon.
Last Month’s Film: FOOD FOR CHANGE
Wednesday, May 2, 7:00-8:30 pm, Where: Peacock Hall
The Vegan Club and Sustainable Rossmoor are cosponsoring the film FOOD FOR CHANGE. In a time when ‘local,’ ‘organic,’ and ‘sustainable’ are terms regularly used by large grocery chains to create an illusion of a healthy food delivery scheme, it’s worth looking at a contrasting economy that truly delivers on the promise – the American food cooperative – and the role that co-ops have played for generations connecting consumers to farmers with democracy, honesty, and transparency. FOOD FOR CHANGE examines the role food co-ops played in their pioneering quest for organic foods, and their current efforts to create regional food systems. It shows cooperatives’ focus on local economies and issues of food security.
We take a look back at a time in America when food cooperatives were commonplace during the Great Depression but were threatened by the post-WWII consumerism and large agri-businesses. Industrial farms grew bigger in size and smaller in number, relying on synthetic chemicals and mechanization to grow cheap food and reap maximal profits. Two million family farms were driven out of business.
But during the tumultuous events of the 1960s, food co-ops re-emerged as an alternative to factory farms and corporate-owned grocery chains. Food co-ops were seen as a force for dynamic social and economic change in American culture. What began as an obscure stance from a counterculture has resulted in a market for natural and organic foods valued at over $100 billion annually. Today they are turning to a new cause and niche market: locally sourced food.
The film profiles several food co-ops that have revived neighborhoods and communities – right in the shadows of corporate agribusinesses and supermarket chains. It’s an inspiring example of community-centered economies thriving in an age of globalization.
This 82 minute film has SDH Captions and will be followed by a discussion and a raffle. The film was made possible by a donation from the Rossmoor Farmers Market. The Market celebrates its re-opening on Friday, May 20th from 9 am until 1 pm.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/98561491
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Upcoming films, May 9:
WHO OWNS OUR WATER?
Wednesday, May 9, 7:00-9:00 pm, Where: Peacock Hall
(a “double feature”)
“Parched” by Nat’l Geographic, Episode 1 “Privatization: The California Water Heist”
Taken from the series PARCHED produced by National Geographic. It follows the trail of powerful water moguls as they take over precious water resources in shady backroom deals. Through multiple investigations, the documentary reveals how a few powerful and politically connected men exploit the state’s most precious resource, while drought and a groundwater crisis leave consumers desperate for better solutions. The future of our state’s agriculture – which provides over half the country’s fruits, nuts and vegetables – has become uncertain. Californians and the world are waking up to a stark reality: water is a commodity, and it is becoming more and more valuable. As a Porterville resident warns us, “You’re going to be next. Just watch, you’re going to be next.”
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/218449210 (37 sec)
and
“Over Troubled Waters”
This documentary, produced by Restore the Delta, is back by popular demand. It played during Sustainable Rossmoor’s recent Earth Awareness Week. Narrated by Ed Begley Jr., it details the dangers to the largest estuary on the west coast as it becomes more salty, more shallow, and warmer with its wildlife dying off as a result of canals taking northern CA water to the Central Valley and Los Angeles. It focuses on the water wars between the farmers and the cities, and between Northern and Southern California.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/39638832 (5 min!)
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Films Shown Earlier in the Year:
THE NUCLEAR OPTION by NOVA (2017)
When: Wednesday April 11, 7:00-8:30 pm Where: Peacock Hall
Five years after the earthquake and tsunami that triggered the unprecedented meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, scientists wonder: what’s next for Fukushima? What’s next for Japan? What’s next for a world that seems determined to jettison one of our most important carbon-free sources of energy? Despite the catastrophe, a new generation of nuclear power seems poised to emerge phoenix-like from the ashes. NOVA investigates how the realities of climate change, the inherent limitation of renewable energy resources, and the optimism and enthusiasm of a new generation of nuclear engineers is seeding a Renaissance in nuclear technology. What are the lessons from Fukushima and how might we be able to build a safe nuclear future? (One hour film with optional discussion after.)
Trailer: http://youtu.be/u1wKpZsU2-o
Q&A Afterwards: Nuclear energy engineer, Vicki Swisher will be the film’s discussant. She has over 40 years experience in the commercial nuclear industry, and has worked in almost every area of nuclear development including design, construction, plant startup, licensing, and project management during her career. Vicki is a Rossmoor resident and a director in Fourth Mutual.
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TIDEWATER and THE BURDEN
WHEN: Wednesday, March 14, 7:00-9:00 pm
WHERE: Peacock Hall
There are two short documentaries co-featured for March, Presented by Sustainable Rossmoor and Cosponsored by Informed Rossmoor Voices. Both documentaries focus to varying degrees on the impacts on military preparedness and national security resulting from fossil fuel dependence and climate change driving rising waters. They highlight how our military is responding to climate change and is at the forefront of innovation and providing leadership to our government. These films have been screened at the White House, the Pentagon, the US War College, NATO Headquarters in Belgium, and are in the Annapolis Naval Academy curriculum. Our special invited discussant, U.S. Marine Major Jonathan Morgenstein will be at the showing to respond to your questions. This event is free of charge and open to invited quests.
TIDEWATER
is a personal story of a community accustomed to hardship and sacrifice through its military service. Hampton Roads, Virginia, a region relatively unknown nationwide, is especially vulnerable to sea level rise and its effects on military readiness and our overall national security. With 14 military installations spread across 17 local jurisdictions, it has our highest concentration of military assets in the country, where 1 in 6 residents are connected to the military. Their homes, schools, hospitals, and families are increasingly struggling to keep up with the effects of rising waters, and the military and all the surrounding municipalities are working toward solutions. They are coming together to create a new approach to building a resilient America, ready for the environmental realities of the 21st century. If Hampton Roads succeeds, it will strengthen national security, enhance economic prosperity, and create a powerful template for success — a model other regions can use to prepare for the inevitable.
The second film, THE BURDEN,
has been called the most effective communications tool ever made for shifting the debate on clean energy as one of urgent national security. It is the first documentary to tell the story of our dependence on fossil fuels as the greatest long-term national security threat confronting the U.S., and how the military is leading our transition away from oil. Renewables are redefining the meaning of energy independence. The troops are crying out to unleash us from the tether of fossil fuel. But is Congress listening?
Our special invited discussant, U.S. Marine Major Jonathan Morgenstein
will speak about the issues raised in these films and answer audience questions. He is a specialist in national security policy and conflict-resolution training and has focused on Security Sector Reform, Clean Energy, and Human Rights — particularly in the developing world including the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America. He has appeared on ABC, Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, CNN, MSNBC, and PBS. He has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Politico, The Hill, and other publications.
Film trailers:
https://www.amresproject.org/tidewater-film/
https://www.amresproject.org/the-burden/
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WILD WEATHER
WHEN: Wed, Feb 14, 7:00-8:30 pm; WHERE: Peacock Hall
WILD WEATHER by NOVA (2015).
The best way to truly understand weather is to get inside it. Sustainable Rossmoor screens WILD WEATHER at Peacock Hall on Wednesday, February 14 at 7 pm — a fresh and informative documentary produced by NOVA that introduces a global group of experts who risk their lives to demonstrate the power of wind, water and temperature, taking these simple “ingredients” and transforming them into something spectacular and powerful for everyone to understand. Maverick experts and renowned specialists from around the world reveal a whole range of fascinating new discoveries from the cutting edge of science.
Despite scientists studying it for thousands of years, we know far less about how weather works than anyone might expect. We hear that global warming is causing Extreme Weather –exacerbating both cold and hot atmospheric conditions, and excessively dry or wet ones. But, understanding the mechanics of the basics is still a challenge. Sometimes crazy and fun, watch these professionals as they explore the mysteries of hurricanes, sandstorms, and icy cyclones. They change the way you think about whether forever. Captions included.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/BXa68-y3GJE
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ADDICTED TO PLASTIC
WHEN: Wed, Jan 10, 7:00-8:30 pm; WHERE: Peacock Hall
DESCRIPTION: Plastic is everywhere — for better and worse: floating ocean swirls as big as Texas, artificial organs, water bottles, and wind turbines. This film explores the history of plastic and how it came to dominate our lives. From styrofoam cups to automobiles, plastics are perhaps the most ubiquitous and versatile material ever invented. No invention in the past 100 years has had more influence and presence. But this progress has come at a cost.
No ecosystem or segment of human activity has escaped the grasp of plastic. ADDICTED TO PLASTIC is a global journey to investigate an industry worth $375 billion/year in the US alone. Review what we really know about the material of a thousand uses and why there’s so much of it. On the way we discover a toxic legacy and about some of its effects on our health.
We also meet some men and women dedicated to cleaning it up — groups dedicated to physically cleaning up the beaches and the oceans. We learn from experts about cutting edge solutions in recycling plastic and what actually happens when newer plastics biodegrade. These solutions will provide viewers with a new perspective about our future with plastic. It’s also an opportunity to examine our role in a throwaway culture.
85 minutes. Captions.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/daSFXZT-HYk
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ECO-COMEDY SHORTS: light-hearted short films with environmental themes
December 13
WHEN: Wed, Dec 13, 7:00-8:30 pm; WHERE: Peacock Hall
DESCRIPTION: Serious laughs: environmental short films that provoke thought . . . and chuckles!
A special evening of light-hearted short films on a variety of environmental topics will be presented by Sustainable Rossmoor. Clever, amusing, and funny perspectives on promoting a healthy planet can sometimes give pause . . . and lead to reflection.
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BECOMING CALIFORNIA: Environmental Change on America’s Western Edge
November 8
On Wednesday, November 8, at 7:00 PM in Peacock Hall at Gateway, Sustainable Rossmoor will sponsor BECOMING CALIFORNIA, an Emmy-Award winning public television documentary about environmental change on America’s western edge. Narrated by Jane Fonda and with original music by Pat Metheny, the film shows how the needs of nature can be reconciled with the demands of civilization.
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CIRCLE OF POISON: October 4th
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SYRIANA: October 11th
Sustainable Rossmoor will present the movie SYRIANA on Wednesday, October 11 at 7 pm in Peacock Hall. The movie focuses on petroleum politics and the global influence of the oil industry. Big Oil’s political, economic, legal, and social effects are felt worldwide from the players brokering back-room deals in Washington to the men toiling in the oil fields of the Persian Gulf. This thriller weaves together multiple storylines that show the human consequences of the fierce pursuit of wealth and power.
A career CIA operative (George Clooney) uncovers the disturbing truth about the work to which he’s devoted his life. An up-and-coming oil broker (Matt Damon) faces an unimaginable family tragedy and finds redemption in his partnership with an idealistic Gulf prince. A corporate lawyer faces a moral dilemma as he finesses the questionable merger of two powerful U.S. oil companies, while across the globe, a disenfranchised Pakistani teenager falls prey to the recruiting efforts of a charismatic cleric. Each plays their small part in the vast and complex system that powers the industry, unaware of the explosive impact their lives will have upon the world.
Clooney won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role, and Stephen Gaghan’s script was nominated by the Academy for Best Original Screenplay. The film is R rated for violence and language. Subtitles in English. An optional discussion follows.
A SEA CHANGE: September 13th
THE GARDEN: August 2nd
Sustainable Rossmoor and the Rossmoor Vegan Club are once again co-sponsoring an outstanding movie. On Wednesday, August 2nd at 7 p.m. in Peacock Hall at Gateway, the two clubs will present “The Garden.”
MERCHANTS OF DOUBT: August 9th
On Wednesday, August 9th at 7 pm in Peacock Hall, Sustainable Rossmoor will show MERCHANTS OF DOUBT — a satirically comedic and illuminating journey into the heart of American spin. We meet highly charismatic, silver-tongued pundits who present themselves in the media as scientific authorities – yet spread misinformation and confusion about public threats ranging from toxic chemicals such as asbestos, DDT, and nicotine to pharmaceuticals and acid rain, ozone, and global warming. We learn how modern propaganda machines have become very polished.
The film is 93 minutes, with an optional discussion following. All Rossmoor residents and their guests are invited.
JULY: Saving the Bay, Part 2 (2009)
Narrated by Robert Redford, we see the geologic formation of our Bay after the last Ice Age and follow its transformation through years of catastrophic exploitation, ending with the restoration efforts of today. Read More Here:
JUNE: Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story
In June, Sustainable Rossmoor and the Rossmoor Vegan Club jointly sponsored Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story. It’s won over a dozen international awards.
Join a young film-making couple as they follow the story of food waste on a massive scale to food rescue programs. See some of the 40% of the food grown or raised in the US that is never eaten. For example, suppliers throw out tons and tons of perfectly edible fruits and vegetables – from 20 to 75 percent of a harvest, valued at billions of dollars.
The good-humored couple decide to conduct an experiment to eat only discarded food for six months; their enthusiasm for this treasure hunt is infectious. They bring home more than $20,000 worth of wasted food. Read More Here:
Queen of the Sun What Are the Bees Telling Us?
May 10, 2017 7pm
“This is a remarkable documentary that’s also one of the most beautiful nature films I’ve seen” described Roger Ebert. This film poetically balances a sense of urgency about the global bee crisis with hope and inspiration. It earned a 97% rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics, and nearly a dozen international awards.
Filmmaker Taggart Siegel takes us on a journey through the mysterious world of beehives and their catastrophic disappearance. He explores the precarious world of the bees through interviews with beekeepers and global experts, helping unravel the multiple factors behind bee colony collapse. Read More
Saving the Bay, Part 1 (2009)
April 12, 2017, 7 pm
Narrated by Robert Redford, we see the geologic formation of our Bay after the last Ice Age and follow its transformation through years of catastrophic exploitation, ending with the restoration efforts of today. Read More Here:
Part 2 will be shown at a later date.
Racing To Zero, in Pursuit of Zero Waste (2014)
March 8th, 2017, 7 pm
Deepwater Horizon ( 2016)
February 8, 2017 Two Showings: Noon and 7pm
Sustainable Rossmoor will screen DEEPWATER HORIZON on Wednesday, February 8th at both 12 Noon and 7 pm in Peacock Hall. This emotionally intense film depicts the catastrophe of April 20, 2010, when the largest and deepest oil rig in the US exploded forty miles off the coast of Louisiana. Eleven were killed and 17 severely injured. The tragedy also resulted in the world’s largest marine oil spill – avoidable had it not been for British Petroleum’s greed and impatience. Read More Here
Erin Brockovich (2000)
January 11, 2017, 7 pm
A novice (Julia Roberts) uncovers moral and legal environmental corruption as she assists her new boss (Albert Finney), an attorney, in winning a landmark case. Read more here
Future subjects will include species loss, ocean acidification, pesticide pollution, the problem with plastic, and wiser consumer purchasing choices
Members of the Film Committee include:
Carol Weed, Barbara Coenen, Herb Salomon, and Ron Gallin. New members, new titles, and additional subjects welcomed. Contact: carol4ofa@gmail.com