Shadows of Liberty 2012
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Jean-Philippe Tremblay
Directed by Jean-Philippe Tremblay
DVD , color, 93 and 53 min. versions
Sr. High - General Adult
Business, Capitalism, Communication, Ethics, Government, Mass Media, Journalism, Political Science, Politics, Sociology
Date Entered: 10/16/2013
Reviewed by Margaret M. Reed, Riley-Hickingbotham Library, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, ARFreedom of the press may be the law of the land, but, as Shadows of Liberty clearly demonstrates, concentration of media ownership has put a lid on expression.
Were it not for films like Shadows of Liberty, the public would be oblivious to who actually controls the mass media. Viewers will see how powerful lobbying and subsequent deregulation set the stage for a handful of corporate giants to swallow up our nation’s news organizations. Ironically, this “free market” merger mentality has reduced the media to just another commodity on a balance sheet, quashing the independent and diverse voices of our democracy. Respected journalists who refused to be stifled by big business interests share their startling stories of censorship and professional sacrifice.
Throughout the film, an impressive cast of media analysts and activists illuminate the dangers of media monopolies and their impact on the press. Supporting their perspectives are historical vignettes that contrast our founders’ original intent to the “infotainment” society we’ve become.
Highly recommended for all libraries, Shadows of Liberty is thought-provoking resource for business, journalism, and social science courses. The 53-minute version is especially convenient for classroom use.
Screened at numerous film festivals around the world, Shadows of Liberty was a 2013 nominee for “Most Valuable Documentary of the Year” by the Cinema for Peace Foundation.