Film Snail

History

Sacco and Vanzetti

Sacco and Vanzetti

April 6, 2006

SACCO AND VANZETTI is an 80-minute-long documentary that tells the story of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, two Italian immigrant anarchists who were accused of a murder in 1920, and executed in Boston in 1927 after a notoriously prejudiced trial. It is the first major documentary film about this landmark story.

The Gospel of Judas

The Gospel of Judas

April 5, 2006

It’s a revelation conjuring heated debate: According to a recently translated ancient text called the Gospel of Judas, the disciple infamous for betraying Jesus may well have been Christ’s most faithful servant and—because the Savior asked him to—accepted perpetual disgrace to bring about Jesus' death. Explore the mysticism of early Gnostic thought expressed in words written on a 1,700-year-old leather-bound papyrus. Hear the interpretations of four biblical scholars. Follow this fragile document from its discovery in Egypt to its translation and ultimate presentation to the world. And share your thoughts on the Gospel of Judas.

The Alaska Pipeline

The Alaska Pipeline

April 4, 2006

When Atlantic Richfield prospectors struck oil at Prudhoe Bay early in 1968, they stumbled upon the largest oil field ever discovered in North America. Getting that oil out of Alaska would take nine years, employ some 78,000 people, cost more than $8 billion, and require threading 800 miles of steel pipe through America's most pristine wilderness.

Be Still

Be Still

April 4, 2006

"Be Still" is an extraordinary film that demonstrates contemplative prayer as a vital part of our everyday lives and as a remedy for the ills of the frenzied, fast paced modern world. Featuring interviews with some of today's most highly respected authors, educators, and ministers, like Dr. Henry Cloud, Dallas Willard, Max Lucado, and Beth Moore, "Be Still" examines the importance of silent reflective prayer as a way to truly be open to receiving God's guidance. This remarkable film also features a useful "how to" section that shows how contemplative prayer can be used by anyone at any time to better one's life and reaffirm that which is truly important.

Damrell's Fire

April 1, 2006

Fire Chief John Damrell saves Boston from a firestorm like the one that destroyed Chicago only one year before(1871). He then launches a crusade to save America's cities from the conflagrations that plague them.

Sri Ramadasu

Sri Ramadasu

March 31, 2006

Gopanna (Nagarjuna) is a happy-go-lucky guy and marries his childhood love Kamala (Sneha). He secures the job of Tahasildar for Husnabad on the recommendation of his maternal uncles Akkanna and Madanna. He gets inspired by the devotion shown by Dammakka towards Lord Rama and the way she protects the idols of Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana. He becomes a great devotee of Lord Rama over night. He vows that he would stay in open place just like statue of Lord Rama till a temple is constructed. He collects 6 lakhs of coins through donations and constructs Rama temple in Bhadrachalam with the guidance of his guru Kabir Das (ANR). A few ill-minded people misinform emperor Taanisha (Nasseer) that Gopanna misused emperor’s money to construct temple. Meanwhile, Kabir Das confers Gopanna the title of Sri Ramadasu on the insistence of Lord Rama. The rest of the story is all about how Tanisha realizes his mistake and sets Sri Ramadasu free.

Havana: The New Art of Making Ruins

Havana: The New Art of Making Ruins

March 29, 2006

The final moments of Havana's buildings seen through the eyes of their inhabitants: before they are renovated - or collapsed altogether.

Dear Enemy

March 28, 2006

Dear Enemy tells the true story of the director’s grandfather who became friends with a German officer during the WWII German occupation of Albania while hiding a partisan, an Italian soldier and a Jewish watchmaker in his cellar.

Pinochet in Suburbia

Pinochet in Suburbia

March 26, 2006

In 1998 former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet visits Britain for medical treatment. On being tipped off, Amnesty International seize the chance to bring to justice a man they insist is guilty of multiple human rights violations. The newly-elected Labour government is initially amenable, and soon Pinochet is under house arrest (albeit in a detached house in leafy suburbia) and awaiting extradition to Spain. However, Amnesty are up against the complexities of British law, the vacillations of Home Secretary Jack Straw, Pinochet's former ally Margaret Thatcher - and the Senator's own vast reserves of cunning.

The Blow: Chronicle of a Conspiracy

The Blow: Chronicle of a Conspiracy

March 24, 2006

Argentina, 1973. The return of democracy marks the beginning of a new countdown to the next coup d'état: on March 24, 1976, the worst dictatorship in Argentine history is installed, the bitter fruit of a plot carefully hatched for months.

Wine Road of the Samurai

Wine Road of the Samurai

March 21, 2006

Wine Road of The Samurai is a feature film based on a true story about a delegation of 34 samurai to Europe in 1863, known as the Second Japanese Embassy to Europe (1863). It was first aired in Japan on March 21, 2006.

Crossing Borders

Crossing Borders

March 19, 2006

In 1960, Martín and Marcos are forced by their difficult personal circumstances to travel to Switzerland in search of work, leaving their families in the Madrid of Franco's Spain. But they undertake more than a simple journey; they begin the road to a new life.

Walkout

Walkout

March 18, 2006

Walkout is the true story of a young Mexican American high school teacher, Sal Castro. He mentors a group of students in East Los Angeles, when the students decide to stage a peaceful walkout to protest the injustices of the public school system. Set against the background of the civil rights movement of 1968, it is a story of courage and the fight for justice and empowerment.

Arthur: King & Country

Arthur: King & Country

March 14, 2006

The legend of King Arthur is one of the greatest in English folklore, and tales of brave, chivalrous knights rescuing damsels in distress never fail to thrill and delight audiences of all ages. Even now, King Arthur is more popular than ever, and this program will take you on a fantastic journey of discovery to explore this beloved legend. From the ragged, dramatic cliffs of Tintagel in Cornwall, where it's claimed Arthur was born, to the peaceful serenity of Glastonbury Abbey, where visitors can stumble upon King Arthur's grave, this truly is a remarkable story. Search for the magical ancient island of Avalon, uncover the hill where Arthur and his knights lie sleeping, and piece together the colourful cast of characters that surrounded England's favourite king. Whatever your interest in King Arthur, the intoxicating mix of mythology and fact will prove utterly irresistible.

The Passion of the Mao

The Passion of the Mao

March 11, 2006

Who knew that Communism could be so funny? This madcap documentary reexamines the Cultural Revolution and restores the once bright reputation of Mao Zedong. "The Passion of the Mao" begins by correcting misconceptions about Mao's early years. Unlike the tyrants with whom he is usually compared, Mao was a successful scholar and businessman before he became a rabble-rouser.

The Journals of Knud Rasmussen

The Journals of Knud Rasmussen

March 11, 2006

Based on the journal of Knud Rasmussen's "Great Sled Journey" of 1922 across arctic Canada. The film is shot from the perspective of the Inuit, showing their traditional beliefs and lifestyle. It tells the story of the last great Inuit shaman and his beautiful and headstrong daughter; the shaman must decide whether to accept the Christian religion that is converting the Inuit across Greenland.

Warrior Queen Boudica

Warrior Queen Boudica

March 10, 2006

When the cowardly bureaucrat Catus Decianus breaks a peace treaty with the Iceni by brutalizing and humiliating their queen Boudica and her daughters the Iceian and allies join the queen in a campaign of revenge against the Romans. They plunder Roman cities killing all the inhabitants and burning the cities to the ground until a vastly outnumbered Roman legion faces Boudica's furious hoard.

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great

March 10, 2006

When his father, King Philip, is killed by the wicked Emperor Darius, Alexander the Great assembles an army and sets out for revenge. On his journey to catch up with his enemy, he fights many battles and conquers much of the known world.

15 Miles On The Erie Canal (Part 1)

15 Miles On The Erie Canal (Part 1)

March 7, 2006

The Erie Canal was an engineering marvel in its time and remains so today. This documentary travels from Palmyra to the Genesee River, stopping along the way to visit the people and places that make the canal so special. Canal historian Thomas Grasso offers insight into the canal’s past while the Golden Eagle String Band provides the music track.

From Bella Coola to Berlin

March 6, 2006

In 1885, German Zoo owner Carl Hagenbeck hired nine Aboriginal men from Bella Coola to perform their dances and songs for German audiences. The nine dancers spent one year in Germany performing in zoos and theatres in 22 cities. During summer 2005, the Canadian filmmaker Barbara Hager came to Germany to retrace the steps of the nine Nuxalk men on their original 13 month long tour.