Edens Lost and Found - Chicago: City of Big Shoulders 2006
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Harry Wiland and Dale Bell
Directed by Harry Wiland
DVD, color, 57 min.
K-12, Adult
Environmental Studies
Date Entered: 07/25/2008
Reviewed by Geetha Yapa, Science Library, University of California, RiversideGoing Green has become the latest trend in creating a more sustainable environment and improving the quality of life for all. Edens Lost and Found is a four part series that highlights this growing new urban revolution in four U.S. cities—Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle. Each documentary covers innovative programs and initiatives undertaken by government officials as well as ordinary citizens, to restore natural ecosystems and transform the environment.
Chicago: City of Big Shoulders begins with a brief look back into the history of the city—how the “original big western prairie” was replaced by a big polluted city and how a devastating fire led to far-reaching plans for designing a city for the benefit of the people. The viewers are taken on a tour of the modern city where the early plans continue to play an important role in the building of this great city. It shows how the Mayor of Chicago and his team of planners, architects and designers are transforming the city into an urban oasis though the addition of lakefront recreational spaces, roof gardens, parks and open air concert theatres.
The film also highlights the transformation taking place in the lives of people as a result of the restoration efforts. The quality of life in low income housing areas is being improved with the revival of neighborhoods, with new community centers providing many facilities including access to computers and the Internet, bridging the digital divide. Individual and community efforts are encouraging the re-establishment of natural vegetation and wildlife, restoring the natural habitat of the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. Toxic effects of the industrial past are being erased while local communities are rebuilt through ecotourism.
It is heartening to see how one woman’s struggle to save the prairies, one teacher’s quest to educate teenagers about the environment and sustainability and one family’s efforts to transform a vacant lot could make a difference not only on the environment but also on the younger generation. Overall, this is a very inspirational movie. It is highly recommended for school and public libraries.