Today is the day the Oscars are announced and it's also one of the days that the Documentary Short nominees are being shown in theaters across the country. This is the first year such a show was shown and I must say that all the nominees were exceptional...though generally rather depressing as well. I didn't mind that, as the films were intended to point out societal problems--and that is not what I'd consider 'fun'.
When I went on IMDb to review "Warriors of Quigang", I was shocked at its amazingly ordinary score of 6.9. That is because if I were a member of AMPAS who voted on these films, I'd vote for this film--though it would be tough because I really liked "Killing in the Name" and "Strangers No More". Wow...6.9....and I loved this film....I must be so out of touch!! The film is about a small town in rural China that has become a toxic wasteland. Sadly, however, for the poor residents of this town, they cannot afford to leave and no one seemed to care that they were living in a place unfit for humans...and which has killed off most of the animals and fish! Sadly, the government (particularly local) had for so long been ambivalent to their plight--presumably because they were bribed by the owners of the pesticide and dye plant creating the mess. And so, in a land where it could be VERY dangerous to rock the boat, the residents and environmental activists gently pushed for change.
So why do I think it was a great documentary and deserves the Oscar? Well, there are many reasons. First, this film was not just slapped together but took three years of effort to create--and I appreciate all the effort it took. Second, like the best documentaries, this one identifies a serious problem and also provides answers. Third, fortunately there was some positive change documented by the end of the film. While there is a long, long way to go, at least the film leaves the viewers with a feeling of some hope. Fourth, the people in the film were incredibly brave and watching the film felt like I was able to glimpse into the lives of some incredible people. And finally, the film was well-constructed and extremely well-made. An incredibly brave and moving film. I would hope that the Oscar folks (AMPAS) would consider picking this film for all these reason as well as to make a statement encouraging such wonderful grassroots efforts.
UPDATE: The Oscar winner was "Strangers No More". I wouldn't have picked it since it was a rather tame and non-controversial film but it was uplifting and nice.
When I went on IMDb to review "Warriors of Quigang", I was shocked at its amazingly ordinary score of 6.9. That is because if I were a member of AMPAS who voted on these films, I'd vote for this film--though it would be tough because I really liked "Killing in the Name" and "Strangers No More". Wow...6.9....and I loved this film....I must be so out of touch!! The film is about a small town in rural China that has become a toxic wasteland. Sadly, however, for the poor residents of this town, they cannot afford to leave and no one seemed to care that they were living in a place unfit for humans...and which has killed off most of the animals and fish! Sadly, the government (particularly local) had for so long been ambivalent to their plight--presumably because they were bribed by the owners of the pesticide and dye plant creating the mess. And so, in a land where it could be VERY dangerous to rock the boat, the residents and environmental activists gently pushed for change.
So why do I think it was a great documentary and deserves the Oscar? Well, there are many reasons. First, this film was not just slapped together but took three years of effort to create--and I appreciate all the effort it took. Second, like the best documentaries, this one identifies a serious problem and also provides answers. Third, fortunately there was some positive change documented by the end of the film. While there is a long, long way to go, at least the film leaves the viewers with a feeling of some hope. Fourth, the people in the film were incredibly brave and watching the film felt like I was able to glimpse into the lives of some incredible people. And finally, the film was well-constructed and extremely well-made. An incredibly brave and moving film. I would hope that the Oscar folks (AMPAS) would consider picking this film for all these reason as well as to make a statement encouraging such wonderful grassroots efforts.
UPDATE: The Oscar winner was "Strangers No More". I wouldn't have picked it since it was a rather tame and non-controversial film but it was uplifting and nice.
