A Silent Transformation 2018
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Powerline Films
Directed by Simon Brothers; Anton Smolski; Mark Preston; Luke Mistruzzi
Streaming, 70 mins
High School - General Adult
Anthropology; Canadian Studies; Capitalism; Community; Cooperatives; Economics; Labor & Work Issues; Local Economies; Sociology; Sustainability
Date Entered: 02/03/2020
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSFeatured within various Canadian communities, A Silent Transformation functions as a significant introductory piece to business cooperatives. Ambitious in scope, the film presents issues of food insecurity, population displacement through gentrification, homelessness, fair-trade and corporate pollution. Moreover, cooperatives or “co-op’s” are proposed as a means by which to resolve those aforementioned concerns.
Conversational narration coupled with stock footage serving as a visual aide, arrange a coherent vision on how to economically invigorate a locality through co-ops. Informational in tone, this piece advocates the benefits of business cooperatives within a capitalist economy. Four types of cooperatives are explained. And a succinct history of cooperatives also provide insight on the subject. The day-to-day experiences of co-op owners and how their businesses can benefit society are documented. Concepts such as generational equity are defined and contribute to the breadth of content. Unique business cooperatives are emphasized which pose creative avenues for the viewer to initiate in their own community.
Viewers, seeking to learn about business cooperatives will gain a better understanding of these establishments. Those seeking a model by which to rebuild their community will be empowered by A Silent Transformation. School, academic and public library collections will benefit from this title’s inclusion.