Educational Media Reviews Online

Clayoquot: the Sound of Wonder is part of the Environmental Studies Series produced by Chip Taylor Communications. The goal of the series is to encourage viewers to appreciate, protect and preserve the environment. Two of the twelve titles in this video series are available in both Spanish and English and three of the videos have won awards from various film festivals.

Geared towards intermediate to adult audiences, this film describes the northern coastal temperate rain forest found in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Producers John and Janet Forster have used film footage obtained by helicopter, boat, and seaplane to weave together the story of the temperate rainforest, which they describe as “environmental elegance”.

This video superbly describes the biological diversity and species interdependence that has evolved in the temperate rainforest over thousands of years. The uncertain future of the sound is also outlined. Clear-cut logging in Clayoquot Sound, even when replanted, results in a loss of biodiversity. The fishing industry in this area has also suffered and residents are turning to tourism as a livelihood. Efforts have been launched to help educate the public and preserve the natural resources of this area.

Clayoquot: the Sound of Wonder contains stunning and well-edited film footage and the text is well written and delivered. In several instances it is difficult to hear the narration because of the background sounds, but this does not detract from the overall quality of the video.

This video will be of particular interest to those living in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, but is an appropriate addition to any environmental studies curriculum. It is highly recommend is appropriate for college, public and high school libraries.