Welcome to Films for the Planet’s Documentary Resources for 

Global Goals 1-8 

The selections in this guide include aligned SDG’s, discussion guidelines, educational resources and a supportive educator and community toolkit.  Be sure to check back for regular updates as well as review the Streaming Collection for additional films that may be of interest.

User Guidelines

Copyright law and the “Classroom Use Exemption”.

If you are an educator, we recommend checking the films website regarding potential educational licensing fees. It is also good to know that Copyright law places a high value on educational uses. The Classroom Use Exemption (17 U.S.C. §110(1)) only applies in very limited situations, but where it does apply, it gives some clear rights. To qualify for this exemption, you must: be in a classroom (“or similar place devoted to instruction”), be there in person, engaged in face-to-face teaching activities, or be at a nonprofit educational institution. If you meet these conditions, the exemption gives both instructors and students broad rights to perform or display any works. That means instructors can play movies for their students, at any length (though not from illegitimate copies).  If a teacher is going to use the film in their classroom, and they teach in a public university or high school, they do not need the filmmakers permission to stream the film to their students.

If you are charging for a community event, review the film’s licensing information and select the right agreement for a theatrical or community screening. Also check for Public Performance Rights (PPR) which allow educational and non-profit groups to exhibit films to various sized groups where admission is not charged. To obtain PPR, consider partnering with Films for the Planet which is part of Compathos a 501(c)3 nonprofit in co-hosting your free event. Contact us at info@theal1.sg-host.com and check out our Art of Hosting Film Guidelines (Members Circle) for more details.

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Educator and Community Toolkit 

Teach SDG’s  – the Global Goals Educator Task Force, in partnership with the United Nations, aims to strengthen the voice of the Educator in their sessions, meetings, and events pertaining to the SDG’s. Passionate about policy, advocacy, innovation, design thinking, and best practices in global education, they bring diverse perspectives and deep commitment to the SDGs and the children of our world.

GOAL Number 1: No Poverty 

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

The End of Poverty?

From: Cinema Libre Studio
Director: Phillips Diaz
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes
Year: 2008

Stream: Films for the Planet: The End of Poverty

This English film which has been selected to over 25 international film festivals is also available in Spanish and French with English subtitles.

Educational Resources: Jeffrey Sachs: The End of Poverty, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (Jeffrey Sachs, Director, SDSN, and Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, USA). 

Synopsis: The End of Poverty? explores why today 20% of the planet’s population uses 80% of its resources and consumes 30% more than the planet can regenerate. This documentary by award-winning filmmaker, Philippe Diaz reveals how poverty is not an accident. It began with military conquest, slavery, and colonization that resulted in the seizure of land, minerals. and forced labor. Today, global poverty has reached new levels because of unfair debt, trade, and tax policies whereby wealthy countries exploit the weaknesses of poor, developing countries.

SDG Goal: Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance.

This film’s secondary SDG Goal — Target 2.1 End Hunger: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

Ground Beneath Her Feet

From: UNDP Asia-Pacific, UN SDG Action Campaign, Here Be Dragons
Director: Gabo Arora 
Genre: VR Documentary
Duration: 6 minutes
Year: 2017

Resources: UNVR: Nepal Earthquake Recovery

Synopsis: This VR film follows 14 year-old Sabita as she struggles to balance an arduous routine of school and housework, while trying to keep dreams for her future alive in Nepal following a  a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

SDG Goal: Target 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.

Secondary SDG Goal — Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Poverty Inc. 

From: Brainstorm Media
Director: Michael Matheson Miller  
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 31 minutes
Year: 2014

Stream: Films for the Planet: Poverty, Inc.

Resources: Poverty, Inc.: Host a Screening,  Poverty, Inc.: Website

Synopsis: Drawing from over 200 interviews filmed in 20 countries, Poverty, Inc. unearths an uncomfortable side of charity that cannot be ignored. The West has made itself the protagonist of development, giving rise to a multi-billion dollar poverty industry. From TOMs Shoes and international adoptions to solar panels and U.S. food aid, the film challenges viewers to ask the tough question: “Could I be part of the problem?”

SDG Goal: Target 1.a: Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programs and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions.

Secondary SDG Goal – Target 17.4: Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring, as appropriate, and address the external debt of highly indebted poor countries to reduce debt distress

GOAL Number 2: Zero Hunger  

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

SEED: The Untold Story

From: Taggart Siegel, Jon Betz
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes
Year: 2016

Stream: Films for the Planet: SEED: The Untold Story 
Resources: SEED: The Untold Story: Educational Discussion Guide

Synopsis:  Few things on Earth are as miraculous and vital as seeds, which have been worshipped and treasured since the dawn of humankind. In the last century, 94% of our seed varieties have disappeared. Seed: The Untold Story follows passionate seed keepers protecting the world’s 12,000 year-old food legacy. As biotech chemical companies control the majority of seeds, farmers, scientists, lawyers, and indigenous seed keepers fight a David and Goliath battle to defend the future of our food.

SDG Goal: Target 2.5: By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed.

Symphony of the Soil

From: Lily Films
Director: Phillips Diaz
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes
Year: 2012

Stream: Films for the Planet: Symphony of the Soil

Synopsis:  Symphony of the Soil explores the complexity and mystery of soil. Filmed on four continents and sharing the voices of some of the world’s most esteemed soil scientists, farmers and activists, the film portrays soil as a protagonist of our planetary story.

SDG Goal: Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.

This film’s secondary SDG Goal – Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.

Of the Land

From: Sound View Media Partners
Director: Phillips Diaz
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 29 minutes
Year: 2015

Stream: Films for the Planet: Of the Land
Resources: Sound View Media Partners: Of the Land

Synopsis: Of the Land looks at the current food supply as well as a variety of organic options available to consumers who want to support sustainable farming methods. It is not just about the fight, it is about potential solutions and available options. It is about choice, family, children, and future. This documentary explores a variety of smaller, organic farming models, and traditional farming methods as options to combat the new GMO dominated industrial revolution. 

SDG Goal: Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.

This film’s secondary SDG Goal – Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.

Bitter Seeds

From: Teddy Bear Films
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
Year: 2011

Stream: Films for the Planet: Bitter Seeds
Resources: Bitter Seeds: Website

Synopsis: Every thirty minutes a farmer in India kills himself in despair because he can no longer provide for his family. Ramkrishna, cotton farmer at the epicenter of the suicide crisis region, struggles to keep his land. Meanwhile, Manjusha, the neighbors’ daughter, is determined to overcome village traditions and become a journalist, and chooses Ramkrishna’s plight as her first assignment. Bitter Seeds raises critical questions about the human cost of genetically modified agriculture within a gripping character-based narrative. World-renowned activist Vandana Shiva and Monsanto executives provide their perspectives. This film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and won the Green Screen Award at IDFA, Oxfam Global Justice Award, and Berlin Cinema for Peace Green Award. This is the final film in the Globalization Trilogy, following the award-winning Store Wars and China Blue.

SDG Goal: Target  2.5: By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed.

This film’s secondary SDG Goal – Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.

GOAL Number 3: Good Health and Well-Being  

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Forks and Knives

From: Virgil Films
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes
Year: 2011

Stream: Films for the Planet: Forks Over Knives
Resources: Forks Over Knives: Online cooking course,  Forks Over Knives: Website

Synopsis:  A film hailed by Sanjay Gupta, MD, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent; Roger Ebert, “Chicago Sun-Times;” and Dr. Oz, “The Dr. Oz Show,” Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. The film features leading experts on health and tackles the issue of diet and disease in a way that will have people talking for years.

The major story-line traces the personal journeys of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional biochemist from Cornell University, and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a former top surgeon at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Inspired by their remarkable discoveries, these men conducted several breaking studies. Their separate research led them to the same startling conclusion: degenerative diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even several forms of cancer, could almost always be prevented, and in many cases reversed, by adopting a whole-foods, plant-based diet. The idea of food as medicine is put to the test. Cameras follow ‘reality patients’ who have chronic conditions from heart disease to diabetes. Doctors teach these patients how to adopt a whole-foods, plant-based diet as the primary approach to treat their ailments, while the challenges and triumphs of their journeys are revealed.

SDG Goal:  Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

Waves of Grace

From: UN SDG Action Campaign, Vrse, Vice Media
Director: Chris Milk, Gabo Arora
Genre: VR Documentary
Duration: 9 minutes
Year: 2015

Stream: With.in: Waves of Grace

Resources: UNVR: Surviving Ebola, UN: Global Ebola Response  

Synopsis:  Viewers can experience a young woman’s tale of love, loss, and rebirth amid the Ebola epidemic. This films follows Decontee Davis, a native of West Point, Liberia, as she guides viewers through the streets of her township, into schools, hospitals, abandoned buildings and burial grounds. She finds solace by using her immunity to help patients, care for those orphaned, fight stigma, and in the faith of forgiveness.

SDG Goal:  Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.

Gangs to Gardens

Director: JLove Calderon
Genre: Documentary
Duration:  13 minutes
Year: 2014

Stream: Films for the Planet: From Gangs to Gardens
Resources: JLove Calderon: From Gangs to Gardens

Synopsis:  Organic gardener and vegan chef DJ Cavem is an award-winning international recording artist and activist who uses Hip-Hop culture to inspire young people to connect to the earth by teaching them how to grow food, and cultivate healthy eating habits. Through his lyrics and gardens, DJ Cavem is planting the seeds of the food movement extending from his hometown of Denver, Colorado to across the globe.

SDG Goal: Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.

This film’s secondary SDG Goal – Target 11.a: Sustainable Community. Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.

GOAL Number 4: Quality Education 

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Race to Nowhere

From: Reel Link Films
Director:  Vicki Abeles, Jessica Congdon
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
Year: 2010

Stream: Films for the Planet: Race to Nowhere  
Resources: Race to Nowhere: Host a Screening 
Race to Nowhere: Resources

Synopsis: Featuring the heartbreaking stories of students across the country who have been pushed to the brink by over-scheduling, over-testing and the relentless pressure to achieve, this documentary points to a silent epidemic in our schools. Through the testimony of educators, parents, and education experts, it reveals an education system in which cheating has become commonplace; students have become disengaged; stress-related illness, depression, and burnout are rampant; and young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.

SDG Goal: Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

Most Likely to Succeed

From: UN SDG Action Campaign, Vrse, Vice Media
Director: Greg Whiteley
Genre: Documentary
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 26 minutes
Year: 2015

Stream: Vimeo: Most Likely to Succeed Trailer  
Resources: Most Likely to Succeed: Book  
Most Likely to Succeed: Host a Screening  
Most Likely to Succeed: Website

Synopsis: This documentary chronicles a family’s search for alternative high schools for their daughter leading to the discovery of a project-based charter school in California. Also, this documentary explores various educational options that seek to fit each child’s unique learning needs and goals. In addition, this film is critical of the educational model developed at the beginning of the Industrial Age, more than a century ago, and argues that education needs to be individualized and better suited to the technological advancements in the world today.

SDG Goal: Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

The Journey 

From: Picture This Productions
Director: Charlotte Mikkelborg
Genre: VR Documentary
Duration: 10 minutes
Year: 2018

Stream: Not available
Resources: FilmFreeway: The Journey

Synopsis:  This VR experience engages the viewer in three young lives, following their journey as they attempt to survive, thrive and prosper in three of the toughest environments across the world – Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Chad. The story is told through different stages of childhood and youth. The film highlights how the support and opportunities provided at pivotal moments in their young lives can make the difference between life or death, the decision to flee or not, the chance to develop and progress, or be trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and violence.

SDG Goal: Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

Secondary SDG Goal — Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

GOAL Number 5: Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Half the Sky

From: Show of Force
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 54 minutes
Year: 2012

Stream: Half the Sky Movement 
Resources: Half the Sky: Host a Screening, PBS: Half the Sky 
Half the Sky: Book, Half the Sky Movement: NGO Tools  

Synopsis:   This documentary was filmed in 10 countries and follows Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, authors of  Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide,  along with celebrity activists America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union, and Olivia Wilde on a journey to tell the stories of inspiring, courageous individuals. Across the globe, oppression is being confronted, and real meaningful solutions are being fashioned through health care, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls. The linked problems of sex trafficking and forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality — which needlessly claim one woman every 90 seconds — present to us the single most vital opportunity of our time: the opportunity to make a change.

SDG Goal: Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

Secondary SDG — Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

Secondary SDG Goal: Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

Girl Rising

From: Cinedigm
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 41 minutes
Year: 2013

Stream: Girl Rising: The Fifth Anniversary Edition  
Resources: Girl Rising: For Educators

Synopsis: Travel the globe to meet nine unforgettable girls – striving beyond circumstance, pushing past limits. Their dreams, their voices, their incredible stories are captured in a film about the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. This fifth anniversary edition of Girl Rising features new narration by renowned actor and girls’ education activist David Oyelowo, the latest research and statistics on girls’ education, and nine “Where Are They Now” update videos about the girls featured in the film.

SDG Goal: Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

Secondary SDG — Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

Secondary SDG Goal: Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

He Named Me Malala 

From: Fox Searchlight
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 Hour 27 minutes
Year: 2015

Stream: Netflix: He Named Me Malala

Resources: Malala Fund  
Host a Screening for “He Named Me Malala”

Synopsis:  This documentary is an intimate portrait of Malala Yousafzai, who was wounded when Taliban gunmen opened fire on her and her friends’ school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. The then 15-year-old teenager, who had been targeted for speaking out on behalf of girls’ education in her region of Swat Valley in Pakistan, was shot in the head, sparking international media outrage. An educational activist in Pakistan, Yousafzai has since emerged as a leading campaigner for the rights of children worldwide and in December 2014, became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

SDG Goal: Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

Secondary SDG — Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.

Secondary SDG Goal: Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

GOAL Number 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Who Owns the Water

From: Upstream Productions
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 50 minutes
Year: 2014

Stream: Films for the Planet: Who Owns Water 
Resources: Who Owns Water: Website

Synopsis: Three southern states are locked in a battle over the fresh water of the Chattahoochee River, a slow, muddy river that transformed Atlanta from a small town to a growing, thirsty metropolis. In this stunningly shot, award-winning documentary, the filmmakers return to the source of their childhood river and paddle all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, journeying deep into the water wars. Everything comes down to one question: who owns water?

SDG Goal: Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

Dam Nation

From: Patagonia
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
Year: 2014

Stream: Films for the Planet: DamNation 
Resources: DamNation: Host a Screening , DamNation: Take Action

Synopsis: This powerful film odyssey across America explores the sea change in the US national attitude from pride in big dams as engineering wonders to the growing awareness that the future is bound to the life and health of the rivers. Dam removal has moved beyond the fictional Monkey Wrench Gang to going mainstream. Where obsolete dams come down, rivers bound back to life, giving salmon and other wild fish the right of return to primeval spawning grounds after decades without access. This films majestic cinematography and unexpected discoveries move through rivers and landscapes altered by dams, but also through a metamorphosis in values, from conquest of the natural world to seeing humanity as a part of nature.

SDG Goal: Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.

GOAL Number 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Before the Flood

From: National Geographic
Director: Fisher Stevens and Leonardo DiCaprio,
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes
Year: 2016

Stream: Before the Flood Screenings 
Resources: Before the Flood: Take Action

Synopsis: From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and Academy Award®-winning actor, environmental activist, and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio, Before the Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent the disruption of life on our planet. Beyond the steps we can take as individuals, the film urges viewers to push their elected officials in supporting the use of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.”

SDG Goal: Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

Secondary Goal 13 – Climate Action: Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Catching the Sun

From: 7th Empire Media
Director: Shalini Kantayya
Genre: Documentary:
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Year: 2015

Stream: Films for the Planet: Catching the Sun 
Resources: Catching the Sun: Take Action  

Synopsis: Through the stories of workers and entrepreneurs in the U.S. and China, this documentary captures the global race to lead the clean energy future. With countries like China investing in innovative technologies and capitalizing on this trillion-dollar opportunity, this film tells the story of the global energy transition from the perspective of workers and entrepreneurs building solutions to income inequality and climate change with their own hands. This film follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry as they participate in a solar jobs training program. Their successes and failures speak to one of the biggest questions of our time: will the U.S. actually be able to build a clean energy economy?

SDG Goal: Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

Secondary Goal 8 Target 8.4 – Decent Work and Economic Growth  Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead.

Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution

From: James Redford and Jill Tidman
Director: James Redford
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 11 minutes
Year: 2017

Stream: Happening: See the Movie
Happening: Host a Screening
Resources: Teaching Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution

Synopsis:  In this documentary filmmaker Jamie Redford embarks on a colorful personal journey into the dawn of the clean energy era as it creates jobs, turns profits, and makes communities stronger and healthier across the US. Featuring Mark Ruffalo, Matthew Nordan, David Ram, and Ray Maybus.

SDG Goal: Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

SDG Goal: Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

Secondary Goal 8 Target 8.4 – Decent Work and Economic Growth  Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead.

Gasland 1 & Part 2

From: Cinedigm
Director: Academy award-nominated Josh Fox
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 47 minutes / Part 2:  2 hours 2 minutes
Year: 2010 / 2013

Stream: Vimeo: Gasland Part II 
Resources: Gasland: Website

Synopsis: Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Sundance, Garland follows Josh Fox. After he receives a $100,000 offer from a natural gas company interested in exploring in his land in Pennsylvania’s Delaware River Basin, Fox decides to do his own research on drilling and the process known as fracking. Josh sets out to interview those who live near drilling sites, and his findings are frightening — their wells contaminated, residents can actually set their tap water on fire. Visits to sites in Colorado, Wyoming and Texas yield similar horrific findings.

Gasland Part II, which premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, shows how the stakes have been raised on all sides in one of the most important environmental issues facing the US today. The film argues that the gas industry’s portrayal of natural gas as a clean and safe alternative to oil is a myth and that fracked wells inevitably leak over time, contaminating water and air, hurting families, and endangering the earth’s climate with the potent greenhouse gas, methane. In addition the film looks at how the powerful oil and gas industries are in Fox’s words “contaminating our democracy.”

SDG Goal: Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

Secondary Goal 8 Target 8.4 – Decent Work and Economic Growth  Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead.

Patagonia Rising

From: Wildlife Conservation Channel
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
Year: 2011

Stream: Films for the Planet: Patagonia Rising

Synopsis: Descending the Baker River from the Northern Patagonia Ice-cap to its terminus at the Pacific Ocean, this documentary investigates a controversial plan to build five large hydroelectric dams in Chile’s famed wilderness. Stopping off at Patagonia’s most remote frontier ranches, this engaging story brings voice to the iconic South American cowboys, Gauchos, Share are caught in the crossfire of future energy demands. Chile could become a leader in sustainable energy development, or it could continue down the road to squandering the pure watersheds of Patagonia. Juxtaposing the pro-dam business sector with renewable energy experts, this films brings intimate awareness to this global conflict over water and power. 

SDG Goal: Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

GOAL Number 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Economics of Happiness

From: Helena Norberg-Hodge and John Page
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 1 hour 8 minutes
Year: 2011

Stream: Films for the Planet: Economics of Happiness
Resources: Economics of Happiness: Activist Tools 
Economics of Happiness: Host a Screening

This English documentary can also be viewed with Spanish, Russian, Slovenian, and Turkish subtitles.

Synopsis: The multiple award winning describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, people around the world are resisting those policies and focused on starting to forge a very different future. Communities are coming together to re-build more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm focused on an economics of localization.

SDG Goal:  Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.

Secondary Goal 10 – Reduced Inequality: Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average.

Normal is Over

From: Renée Scheltema
Genre: Documentary
Duration:  1 hour 43 minutes
Year: 2015

Stream: Films for the Planet: Normal Is Over 
Resources: Normal is Over: Host Educational Screening  
Normal is Over: Host Community Screening  
Normal is Over: Website

Synopsis:  This award-winning feature documentary explores humanity’s wisest responses to climate change, species extinction, resource depletion, and the widening gap between the rich and poor. In addition to looking at the financial and economical paradigm underlying our planetary problems, this film offers various solutions to reverse the path of global decline.

SDG Goal: Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.

Secondary Goal 10 – Reduced Inequality Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average.

Secondary SDG — Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning