Spirit Bear: The Simon Jackson Story is a Canadian dramatic film based on the very real teenager, Simon Jackson, who fought the lumber interests of his Canadian province to preserve the Komode, or Spirit, Bear. Jackson’s one-man campaign became a phenomena in Canada and led to his starting the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition. It’s a fine example of how the individual can make a difference. Veteran actor Ed Begley Jr., who plays the hard-nosed lumber baron is a lifetime environmental activist and public speaker. With Mark Rendall as Simon and also starring Native American actor Graham Green and Ed Begley Jr.
Flip Flotsam is a short and sweet documentary film. This beautifully photographed, charming documentary traces the fantastic journey of Africa’s most popular shoes: the flip-flop. Easily bought, quickly discarded, for Westerners the flip-flop stands as a symbol of the summer holiday. But in its African homeland, it has a unique life cycle and their story reveals much about Africa’s economy and culture. Gathered from across the shores of the Kiwaiyu Island, flip-flops are carved into dolphins, turtles and mobiles, fueling a new cottage industry which provides precious income for many families. Their children craft model boats from the rubber soles, making their own toys from the ocean’s debris.
