Waking the Green Tiger 2012
Distributed by The Video Project, PO Box 411376, San Francisco, CA 94141-1376; 800-475-2638
Produced by Gary Marcuse
Directed by Gary Marcuse
DVD, color, 78 min.
College - General Adult
Environmental Studies, Ecology
Date Entered: 10/04/2012
Reviewed by Karen Coronado, MLSProtecting nature has been difficult in China since Chairman Mao declared that nature was to be conquered. Due to the vast potential of hydroelectric power, it had been proposed that twenty-one new dams be built on the Nu River, a region of vast biodiversity. Empowered by the newly passed Environmental Assessment Law, journalist and activists set out in 2004 to save a river, and end up igniting a transformational environmental movement. While taking a tour of the river, journalist sent in daily reports and after a week they began receiving feedback that their efforts were having an impact on government officials and the public. Some are in favor of the dams being built believing that they will have a positive impact on the poor in the region; others question this and want to look at the specifics of this claim and do more research. Villagers from the Nu River area travel to visit and learn from villagers from another province who had experienced relocation due to the Manwan Dam being built on the Mekong River. They discover devastated communities, farmers of land now under water or with depleted access to irrigation, scraping by to survive. The farmers of the Nu River would rather die than let this happen to their land and the environmental activist promise to help.
This documentary chronicles the brave beginnings of a new green movement sparked by this controversy around the Nu River as well as giving the viewer a glimpse back at the history of environmental disaster under communism. Change has been slow but progress is being made and those connected to the Nu River see environmentalism fanning the flame of democracy and freedom in China.
Both English and Chinese language versions are available on this DVD. Onsite interviews, personal stories, archival footage, focused historical background and a cohesive narrative make this a fascinating film that is a pleasure to view...excellent!
Awards
- Best Canadian Feature Film Award, 2011 Planet in Focus Film Festival, Canada
- Voted Top Ten Canadian Films, 2011 Vancouver International Film Festival, Canada