Monday, February 5, 2007

OFF THE CHAIN
2005, 55 minutes
Discussion led by Richard Rice, State Program Manager for the Humane Society of the United States.

Off the Chain is an unprecedented look into the underground world of dog fighting. Beginning with a history of the American Pit Bull Terrier, the film explores the evolution of the breed. Classic film and television footage show the popularity of what was once considered a noble and trustworthy family pet. Examine how this breed went from America's dog to public enemy number one. Travel to the back alleys and dark corners of the inner city to expose the truth behind the breed's new status in pop culture; an urban symbol for violence, aggression and gang-life. In the first documentary of its kind, director Bobby J. Brown spent three years infiltrating the subculture of pit-bull fighting. Gaining the trust of well established dog men, they allowed him to film behind their dangerous veil of secrecy. The film captures the loving nature of the dogs and their brutal misuse by those who are supposed to be their caretakers.

Monday, February 19, 2007

PEACEABLE KINGDOM
2004, 70 minutes
Discussion led by Michael Ramirez, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Sociology at UGA.

Peaceable Kingdom examines the disparity between the storybook image of farming and the stark reality of today's industrialized factory farms. The film explores the human-animal connection through the inspiring stories of former farmers and animal rescuers who find hope when they open their hearts to abused animals saved from factory farms. Much more than an exposé, Peaceable Kingdom offers a life-changing message of compassion and respect for all living beings.

"Peaceable Kingdom is about more than being shocked by the barbaric treatment of animals on modern intensive factory 'farms' - it is about the truly heroic work of taking action and making a difference. The rescuing of each individual animal in the film brings us face to face with the plight of all those we cannot help, and thus we are educated. Peaceable Kingdom is a masterpiece. I hope it inspires growing numbers of people to support this desperately important cause." — Dr. Jane Goodall

Monday, February 26, 2007

DARK WATER RISING
2006, 75 minutes
Discussion led by Mary Miller, Peabody Awards Collection Cataloger at the UGA Libraries, and Hurricane Katrina animal rescue volunteer.

Over 50,000 dogs and cats were left behind in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This forced separation created America's first-ever major animal rescue.

A dedicated and compassionate group of volunteer rescuers and animal welfare groups from around the world risked their lives to sledgehammer down doors and brave toxic floodwaters in a truly heroic effort to save nearly 10,000 animals.

This film tells many uplifting stories of hope and survival as pets are reunited with their owners while other lucky animals find loving new homes.

Dark Water Rising is a film about hope and survival in the face of the one of the worst natural disasters in American history.

Monday, March 5, 2007

CHARLOTTE'S WEB
1973, 94 minutes

Revisit the original classic animated film as we consider the lessons the film still holds for us today.

This animated musical, based on E.B. White's children's book classic, is about a courageous spider who helps save the life of an ill-fated pig. Wilbur is a young pig who's owned by New England farmer Homer Zuckerman. One day he is sold to a neighbor, where he meets a sheep who warns him that his fate lies in the slaughterhouse. Wilbur is terrified of this news until he meets Charlotte, a charming spider, who is determined to save Wilbur from this dire destiny. By weaving words into her web, she convinces the farmer that Wilbur is
some sort of prodigious animal too important to kill. The music for Charlotte's Web was written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, who wrote the scores for countless Disney movies, including Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book.