Easy Like Water 2013
Distributed by The Video Project, PO Box 411376, San Francisco, CA 94141-1376; 800-475-2638
Produced by Stephen Sapienza
Directed by Glenn Baker
DVD, color, 56 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
Climactic Changes, Global Warming
Date Entered: 11/14/2014
Reviewed by Barbara Butler, University of Oregon Institute of Marine BiologyBangladesh is just under 52,000 square miles in size, but is the eighth most populous country in the world and subject not only to monsoons and cyclones, but to flooding from glacial melt and sea level rise. It is estimated that by the middle of this century 20% of the land mass may be under water. Where do the displaced people go? Often to the capital city, Dhaka, where they may or may not fare any better than in their flooded homeland.
The film uses dramatic video clips interspersed with interview footage to deliver a very sobering message regarding climate change. However, there is a ray of hope as viewers learn the story of architect Mohammed Rezwan and the floating schools he has crafted from surplus boats. It is not surprising that there are a number of available videos on the topic of Bangladesh and sea level rise, but Easy Like Water puts a very personal face on the global warming dilemma. It is easy to see why it has won the CINE Golden Eagle award and the Hilton LightStay Sustainability Award from the Sundance Institute.
This film is appropriate for public, school and college libraries. It is divided into ten chapters, has subtitles, is available via DVD or a streaming license and would be appropriate for classroom use.