Educational Media Reviews Online

A butterfly flutters its wings in Brazil and this causes a tornado to form in Texas weeks later. Many people may be familiar with this adage describing what is known as the butterfly effect, enforcing the idea that everything is connected. A simple example of this aspect of chaos theory given in Connectivity Project is the notion of a food web. Instead of examining food chains (“who eats whom”), scientists now look at the interconnected food web of an ecosystem. Researchers are embracing chaos theory with a new focus on interdisciplinary approaches to understanding relationships and patterns. This film challenges viewers to apply this theory in their daily lives and manifest vast change in the world with just one action.

Connectivity Project introduces itself as a “journey… exploring interconnections”. The movie is available as three separate short films, or as a 45-minute compilation. Each short film (or “Part” in the compilation) discusses different aspects of chaos theory. Part 1 (“Interconnections”) provides a background for the theory, examining instances of the existence of the butterfly effect appearing in various religions and cultures. Part 2 (“Plants Have Wings”) delves deeper into the theory, giving more examples of interconnectedness in nature and society, such as the intricate network of pollinators, plants and grocery stores. This part concludes with three easy steps for people to support pollinators. The third act (“Speaking Out!”) shares the inspirational story of Lois Gibbs, the woman that spoke out to save her neighbors in Niagara Falls from the devastating effects of living on a toxic waste site. Gibbs, a self-professed introvert, explains how she was compelled to break away from her shyness and knock-on doors, sparking a movement that led to the cleanup of the Love Canal neighborhood and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund program. Her actions in 1978 influenced a high school teacher and her students to fight for better air quality in north Portland, Oregon more than thirty years later.

Connectivity Project’s arrival is a timely reminder that we are all connected, despite the social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic (which is mentioned in this 2021 United States release of the film). The numerous examples showing how we are interconnected are eye-opening. Although each Part is available as a standalone video, this reviewer recommends viewing the entire compilation in its entirety. Each short film includes breathtaking cinematography and thought-provoking monologue from regular people, activists, spiritual leaders and activists, but if one part is viewed apart from the others, many connections are missed. The film’s website provides teaching aids and study guides for using the film in lesson planning for K-12 classrooms. This inspirational film is recommended for academic, public, middle school and high school library collections.

Awards:
Sustainability Award, Cinema Verde International Film & Arts Festival; Official Selection, Freeland Film Festival 2020; Official Selection, Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival 2020; Official Selection, Colorado Environmental Film Festival 2020; Official Selection, ECOFeminism Short Film Festival 2020

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