- Building A School Community: Piece by Piece
This video concentrates on how to peacefully build and
maintain a diverse school group. It helps to instruct teachers on how to build
an understanding community of inclusive schooling. Touched upon are issues of
racism, seclusion and intolerance.
Lovink Media, 2001,14:07 minutes.
-
Journey to Justice
This video pays tribute to a group of Canadians who took
racism to court. They are Canadas unsung heroes in the fight for Black
civil rights. Focusing on the 1930s to the 1950s, this film documents
the struggle of six people who refused to accept inequality. These brave
pioneers helped secure justice for all Canadians. Their stories deserve to be
told.
National Film Board of Canada, 2000, 47:08 minutes.
- Color Blind
This
film is about subtle racism and its daily impact on teenagers in high school.
To outsiders, Princess Margaret Senior Secondary, in the heart of Surrey BC,
looked like an ordinary high school. To teachers and students, however, it was
a school full of racial rage, segregation, and violence. Its troubles began
in 1995 when changes in the student population resulted in a shift of
predominance from a white to ethnic student body. Five years later, we follow
five teenagers as they learn tolerance for each others differences. Color
Blind documents that painful and confusing process of overcoming racial
conflicts. The videos purpose is to encourage young students to examine
their own behaviours and attitudes and to ask questions of themselves about
how they react to racism within their own school.
National
Film Board of Canada, 2000, 24:00 minutes.
-
Journey to Justice
This video pays tribute to a group of Canadians who took
racism to court. They are Canadas unsung heroes in the fight for Black
civil rights. Focusing on the 1930s to the 1950s, this film documents
the struggle of six people who refused to accept inequality. These brave
pioneers helped secure justice for all Canadians. Their stories deserve to be
told.
National Film Board of Canada, 2000, 47:08 minutes.
-
When Strangers
Reunite
Every year thousands of women enter Canada as domestic
servants, the majority of them from the Philippines. Leaving their own
children and families behind, they can spend many isolated years cooking,
cleaning, and caring for others. Sending
much of their wages back home, they dream of the day their families can join
them. Within the Filipino community in Canada, several groups and
organizations have been actively working for the rights and welfare of migrant
workers. It is largely thanks to them that most of these families are able to
overcome what can seem like insurmountable obstacles. This candid and touching
portrait reveals three families in the midst of healing and coping with the
strangers they love.
National Film Board of Canada, 1999, 51:59 minutes.
-
The Long Walk
Ken Ward was the first Native Canadian to go public with his
HIV diagnosis. Seven years later he has developed AIDS and remains an ardent
activist of HIV prevention and treatment. Ward works primarily with First
Nations populations, where the epidemic is often compounded by isolation and
poverty. He also takes his message into prisons, where the infection rate
among Native inmates is 17 times the national average. Filmmaker Alan Bibby
accompanies Ward as he travels the back roads of the Canadian West, nurturing
tolerance and understanding within fearful communities, and bringing hope and
guidance to people living with HIV or AIDS.
National Film Board of Canada, 1998, 48:00 minutes.
- Sunrise
Over Tiananmen Square
Sunrise
Over Tiananmen Square
is a visual autobiography of an artist who grew up in China during the
historic upheavals of the60s, 70s and 80s. Shui-Bo Wang
offers a personal perspective on the turbulent Cultural Revolution and the
years that followed. This animated documentary artfully traces Shui-Bos
roots and his own life journey. With deft strokes, he powerfully renders both
the idealism and the intolerance of a revolutionary society. This video is the
affecting testimony of an artist struggling to sort through ideology and
arrive at truth.
National Film Board of Canada, 1998, 29:25 minutes.
- Opre Roma: Gypsies in Canada
This documentary celebrates the vibrant culture and tenacious
struggle of the Canadian Gypsy and introduces a new generation of Roma who
claim their Gypsy roots with pride, while fighting the myths that caused their
parents to live in fear.
National Film Board of Canada, 1999, 48:00 minutes.
-
For
Angela
For Angela
is a story about a woman who was compelled to change attitudes and shatter
stereotypes. Its a story about a racial assault that could have been
ruinous instead it was empowering. Inspired by a true story, this film is
emotionally charged and beautifully acted. Rhonda Gordon and her daughter
Angela didnt want a confrontation; they didnt want a fight; they did,
however want their dignity. A bus ride changed their lives, but in a way no
one could have foreseen. Rhonda had the courage and the will to take a unique
and powerful stand against ignorance and prejudice. She did it for Angela.
National
Film Board of Canada, 1995, 21:29 minutes.
-
Long
Time Comin
There
is a cultural revolution going on in Canada and Faith Nolan and Grace Channer
are on the leading edge. These two African-Canadian lesbian artists give back
to art its most urgent meanings commitment and passion. Grace Channers
large and sensuous canvasses and Faith Nolans gritty and joyous blues
propel this documentary into the spheres of poetry and dance. Long Time Comin
captures their work, their urgency, and their friendship in intimate
conversations with both artists.
National
Film Board of Canada, 1993, 52:27 minutes.
-
Speak
It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia
This
film follows students as they work to establish a Cultural Awareness Youth
Group, a vehicle for building pride and self-esteem through educational and
cultural programs. They are challenged with daily reminders of racism in their
school from the presence of graffiti on the walls to the omission of black
history in their textbooks. With help from their mentors, they discover the
richness of their heritage and learn some of the ways they can begin to effect
change. Included are background notes, bibliography, and follow-up activities.
Suitable for classroom or community use.
National
Film Board of Canada, 1993, 28:50 minutes.
-
The Road Home
Alberta writers and filmmakers explore the province they call
home. Includes contributions from Sid Marty, Marilyn Dumont, Nigel Darbasie,
Myrna Kostach, Rudy Weib, and Eva Brewster.
Great North Productions Inc. in association with Alberta
Multiculturalism Commission, 1992, 50:00 Minutes.
Top of the Document
- *Hearts
of Hate: The Battle for Young Minds
Hearts of Hate
is an unflinching, provocative documentary film about Canadian racist groups
and their frightening influence over young people. It goes behind the scenes
to document young racists and the groups they join: The Heritage Front, Aryan
Nations, Church of the Creator, and the Canadian Liberty Net. Penetrating
these secretive organizations, filmmaker Peter Raymont examines their
manipulative and violent practices and the power they exert over young
minds and imaginations.
Film
includes study guide.
Investigative
Productions Inc. and The CTV Television Network, 51:35 minutes.
-
Talespinners
Collection
This
video is a collection of short animated films for children aged 5 to 9. Many
of the stories are original with cross-cultural themes, while others are
retellings of popular tales from around the world. All feature finely crafted
animated, appealing characters and dynamic narration.
National
Film Board of Canada, 60:00 minutes.
-
An
Educators Legal Guide to Racial & Sexual Harassment in Schools.
Harassment
of any kind in a school environment can have serious consequences for both the
victim and the school board. Students or even teachers who are harassed may
experience humiliation, fear, anger, outrage, denial, pain, helplessness,
mistrust of the opposite sex, loss of self-esteem, concern for person safety
and intimidation. Many are afraid to tell anyone in authority for fear theyll
be blamed or not believed.
In this video and accompanying workbook, you will learn
about:
-The legal duties and responsibilities of educators in
dealing with racial and sexual harassment;
-Key steps in effectively investigating and dealing with
inappropriate sexual behavior and racial comments; and
Solutions to help prevent or minimize these incidents in
schools
Produced
by Canada Law Book Inc., 21:30 minutes.
Refugee Issues
- Hopes
and Dreams: Stories of Young Refugees
Every day, somewhere in the world,
people of all ages become refugees. People flee their home countries for many
reasons such as war, famine, political or religious persecution, torture, and
even genocide. This can be particularly difficult for young people who, in the
chaos and confusion of escape, can become separated from their parents. Many
of them end up living in refugee camps without what we could consider the
basic essentials of life
things like electricity, running water, and even
food. In this video, you will meet a few of these young people who were forced
to give up everything and flee their home countries. They talk about the
barriers they faced including starting school not knowing any English, making
friends and finding a job. Some of the biggest obstacles to acceptance are
entrenched prejudices and discrimination Many refugees encounter
discrimination daily and in this video, they also talk about these
experiences. Video is accompanied by a teachers guide.
Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, 2002, 24:00 minutes.
- Asylum
Asylum is the
first feature documentary to take us inside the Canadian refugee process. It
follows three people from their arrival in Canada to the final decision of the
Refugee Board, and beyond. As we follow their stories, we become increasingly
sympathetic to their situation, but we also begin to question the certainty of
their claims. Who is telling the truth? Who is really a refugee? And how do we
decide?
National Film Board of Canada, 1998, 72:12 minutes.
- To Be a Refugee: A Teaching Guide
This
video, intended for children 9-12 years old, looks at the experiences of
several children in becoming refugees. It is accompanied by a booklet of
activities for viewers to complete while watching the video that encourages
viewers to get to know the refugee children and their situation better. The
video and booklet aid in bringing understanding to children who may not be
familiar with the concept of refugee.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 1998,15:40
minutes.
-
War is
Not A Game: Experiences of Refugee Children
This is an educational video that documents the experiences
of refugee children. A unique look into the traumatic effect that war has had
on the children who experienced it. A good example of those who have never
considered the far reaching effects of war.
Frameline Productions for Canadian Centre for Victims of
Torture, 1995, 32:00 minutes.
- Refugee
Rights are Human Rights
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 9:00 minutes.
Top of the Document
Sexual Harassment and
Gender Discrimination
-
An
Educators Legal Guide to Racial & Sexual Harassment in Schools.
Harassment
of any kind in a school environment can have serious consequences for both the
victim and the school board. Students or even teachers who are harassed may
experience humiliation, ear, anger, outrage, denial, pain, helplessness,
mistrust of the opposite sex, loss of self-esteem, concern for person safety
and intimidation. Many are afraid to tell anyone n authority for fear theyll
be blamed or not believed.
In this video and accompanying workbook, you will learn
about:
-The legal duties and responsibilities of educators in
dealing with racial and sexual harassment;
-Key steps in effectively investigating and dealing with
inappropriate sexual behavior and racial comments; and
Solutions to help prevent or minimize these incidents in
schools
Produced
by Canada Law Book Inc., 21:30 minutes.
- When Strangers
Reunite
Every year thousands of women enter Canada as domestic
servants, the majority of them from the Philippines. Leaving their own
children and families behind, they can spend many isolated years cooking,
cleaning, and caring for others. Sending
much of their wages back home, they dream of the day their families can join
them. Within the Filipino community in Canada, several groups and
organizations have been actively working for the rights and welfare of migrant
workers. It is largely thanks to them that most of these families are able to
overcome what can seem like insurmountable obstacles. This candid and touching
portrait reveals three families in the midst of healing and coping with the
strangers they love.
National Film Board of Canada, 1999, 51:59 minutes.
- Teacher
TV: Sexual Harassment and Schools
This three part video intended for educators includes
defining sexual harassment, where it is occurring today and to whom. It
provides instruction for educators on dealing with students who have been
sexually harassed and guidelines for teachers to avoid being accused of
harassing students. It also includes advice for hindering harassment among
students.
National
Education Association and The Learning Channel, 1993, 23:00 minutes.
- Sexual
Harassment in High School
This
short video addresses the real issue of sexual harassment in high schools and
proposes the we can do something about it. It helps to answer some vital
questions such as what is sexual harassment and how should individuals react
to situations involving harassment. The film focuses on situations that affect
young women and is suitable for teacher-student viewing purposes.
Postel
Video Productions, 14:00 minutes.
- Understanding Gender Discrimination
This
is an instructional video dealing with what is involved in making a complaint
to the Alberta Human Rights Commission. By examining real life situations,
this video will appeal to those who may have dealt with discrimination in the
past and offers informative examples that are beneficial for everyone to be
aware of.
Alberta
Human Rights and Citizenship Commission, 27:00.
Sexual Orientation
Discrimination
- Stolen Moments
Stolen Moments takes you on a voyage
through three centuries of lesbian life, weaving together the lost threads of
history: from the unique lesbian cultures of Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin, to
the North American meccas of New York, San Francisco, Vancouver and Montreal.
Combining fabulous old footage, dramatic re-creation and an evocative score
with personal commentary form Olympic athlete Betty Baxter, stand-up comic
Georgia Ragsdale, and writers Nicole Brossard, Joan Nestle, Leslie Feinberg,
Judy Grahn and Audre Lorde, Stolen
Moments is simply splendid.
National Film Board of Canada, 1997, 91:51 minutes.
- When
Love is Gay
When Love is Gay
explodes myths about gay love. It explores relationships between men from
long-standing monogamous partnerships to brief encounters. Men of all ages
talk openly about their homosexuality, and the difficulty of self-acceptance
in a straight, often homophobic society. They speak of sensuality, and their
determination to love freely. Their life experiences compile an oral history
of an evolving gay culture. A documentary with a broad emotional sweep, When
Love is Gay allows
viewers to look at their own reactions to the people and situations on screen.
*NOTE*
THIS FILM CONTAINS EXPLICIT SEXUAL SCENES
National Film Board of Canada, 1995, 48:47 minutes.
- In
Other Words
Homophobic language is a common verbal put-down among young
people, but many adults feel uncomfortable responding to it. This video speaks
directly to teens and offers a valuable tool to teachers, counselors and
community youth leaders who want to explore the homophobic language heard both
in and out of schools - the words themselves, their origins, how young people
feel about them, and how to overcome the hurt and anger they cause. Moving
interviews with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered teens provide
first-hand accounts. Weaving together slang, music media images and dictionary
definitions, the film examines how language shapes attitude. The video is
designed to foster change, to ensure that schools are safe places where youth
can learn in a climate of respect.
National Film Board of Canada, 2001, 27:00 minutes.
- Out: Stories of Lesbian and Gay Youths
This
film is an intimate exploration of the struggles and victories of gay and
lesbian youths in Canada. Delving into the emotional, societal and familial
conflicts lesbian and gay youths often face, this film breaks the damaging
silences surrounding sexual orientation and sexual differences. Through
explicit interviews with gay and lesbian youths from varied cultural and
racial heritages, issues of discrimination as well as the compounding problems
of confronting racism and sexism are sensitively addressed. OUT
provides awareness, understanding and hope- to gay and lesbian youths,
parents, counselors and educators.
National
Film Board of Canada, 1993, 47:00 minutes.
- Schools Out: Confronting Homophobia in High Schools.
Members
of the Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia organization (TEACH) talk
about their lives and their classroom visits, provoking discussion about
homophobia and heterosexism in todays school yards. Against a backdrop of
newspaper headlines that reflect societys changing attitudes toward
homosexuality since the 1950s, Jane Rule contributes her wisdom and insight
about sexuality, and situates the lives and activism of todays youth in an
historical context.
National
Film Board of Canada, 1997, 24:32 minutes.
Top
of the Document
- In
Other Words
Homophobic language is a common verbal put-down among young
people, but many adults feel uncomfortable responding to it. This video speaks
directly to teens and offers a valuable tool to teachers, counselors and
community youth leaders who want to explore the homophobic language heard both
in and out of schools - the words themselves, their origins, how young people
feel about them, and how to overcome the hurt and anger they cause. Moving
interviews with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered teens provide
first-hand accounts. Weaving together slang, music media images and dictionary
definitions, the film examines how language shapes attitude. The video is
designed to foster change, to ensure that schools are safe places where youth
can learn in a climate of respect.
National
Film Board of Canada, 2001, 27:00 minutes.
- Apples
and Oranges: Its Not Cool to be Cruel
This
video is designed to raise childrens awareness of the harmful effects of
homophobia and gender-related name calling, intolerance, stereotyping and
bullying. Through the depiction of two animated stories, children learn that
creativity-not revenge-is the best way to deal with a school bully who teases
one student for having two moms and also how to deal respond when a close
friend of yours is gay. By illustrating how derogatory names can hurt, Apples
and Oranges helps dismantle stereotypes about gays and lesbians.
The animated stories in the video will help students of all elementary grades
explore name calling and bullying. The video in its entirety can be used with
children aged 8-12 for learning about families, differences and respect.
National
Film Board of Canada, 2003,18:00 minutes.
- Sticks
and Stones
This video, intended for grades 3 to 7, includes descriptions
by young children ages 5 to 12 how they feel when they hear put-downs if
themselves or their families. Children learn from subtle cues what society
thinks about gender roles, same-sex parents and family differences. The
children in Sticks and Stones
vividly describe how it feels to be teased when their families dont follow
traditional gender roles. They talk about why bullies indulge in name-calling,
and what they think should be done about it. By showing that they know whats
wrong, the children challenge educators, parents and other kids to act
positively to make schools and playgrounds safe and welcoming for everyone.
This compelling video uses interviews, animation, and documentary footage to
spark discussions about families, gender stereotypes and name-calling. It
encourages all children to feel empathy and respect for their playmates.
National Film Board of Canada, 2001,17:00 minutes.
- One of
Them
Freedom
from bullying, name calling and violence motivates the high school seniors in
this school-based drama. Jamie is shocked when she and her best friend become
victims of homophobic name-calling. But she must face up to her own reactions
as she realizes that her friend is one of them and needs her support.
And Jamies boyfriend must decide if he will support Jamie. Set firmly in
the context of human rights and freedom from discrimination, One
of Them raises the
questions that high school students talk about in school halls and washrooms.
With a focus on homophobia and discrimination, not sexual behaviour, the
dramatization prompts viewers to examine their own responses and promote a
safe school environment for all students.
National
Film Board of Canada, 2000, 25:24 minutes.
Torture
- Window
of Hope: Coming to Terms with Torture
A
video by the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture stresses the importance of
dealing with torture and how to take steps in order to come to terms with
torture. It asks the viewer to think about what torture does to the bodies and
minds of men, women and children it affects. It examines the stories of real
victims who have immigrated to Canada and who are still dealing with the after
effects of their past.
Focus
Productions, 2000, 20:15
- The
Innocent Victims
A Documentary about Torture and Oppression against the Worlds
Children. Produced with financial aid or support from Danida, Commission of
European Union DG1A, Amnesty International, SNU and PMF.
A
Co-Production between Film Compagniet and Denmarks Radio TV-Factual, 39:00
minutes.
Young Offenders
- The Law
of The Land
This short video, intended for children under the age of 12,
focuses on informing them about the Young Offenders Act. It discusses the
possibility of legal consequences after they reach the age of 12 and that they
have rights and protections under the Young Offenders Act.
The John Howard Society, 1991,11:00 minutes.
- Youth
Justice: A New Approach
A look at the Canadian governments renewal of the youth
criminal justice system told through real life stories of young people
getting their lives back on track.
PLENA Network
Top of the Document