Bullfrog Communities, a project of Bullfrog Films, is thrilled to announce the availability of major award-winning spring releases for community and campus-wide screenings. This spring, our new releases include documentaries about Native American reproductive justice, women's rights as depicted through cinema, refugee programs, childhood health, sustainable water solutions, and the co-operative enterprise model.

NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN & REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE

In AMÁ, filmmaker Lorna Tucker gives a platform for Native American women to speak up about the abuse they endured during the 1960s and 70s, where women were removed from their families and subjected to involuntary sterilization. AMÁ includes three remarkable women who tell their stories – Jean Whitehorse, Yvonne Swan and Charon Asetoyer – as well as a revealing and rare interview with Dr. Reimert Ravenholt whose population control ideas were the framework for some of the government policies directed at Native American women by the Indian Health Service. 

DEPICTING ASSAULT ON SCREEN

Viewing assault on the big screen can be a difficult experience, but sometimes when it's handled correctly it can change someone's life. CATCHING SIGHT OF THELMA AND LOUISE tracks down those who worked on the classic film 25 years later to discuss the impact of Ridley Scott's female-driven narrative.

WELCOMING REFUGEES

Refugees still struggle to feel seen and heard in the United States today with Islamophobia on the rise. Family separations, threats of deportation, repeated airport detentions, unexplained travel restrictions, have become part of the daily lives of thousands of Muslims who are innocent of any crimes or even suspicious behavior. WHO'S NEXT? examines how the lives of Muslim-Americans have been affected in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

To gain another unique and personal perspective about the ongoing refugee crisis, DAY ONE follows a group of teenage refugees from war-torn countries who are enrolled at an exclusive public school for refugees and immigrants-only in St. Louis, Mo. With parallels to our powerful documentary THIS IS HOME, about the difficult process of acclimating to American life, DAY ONE is an inspiring story about a city embracing immigrants as a solution for its growing socio-economic problems.

THE ANATOMY OF A CHILD

New observations about childhood health, both physical and mental, are being made every day to help us combat preventable developmental issues. Based on the book of the same name by B. Brett Finlay, PhD and Marie-Claire Arrieta, PhD, LET THEM EAT DIRT features families, doctors, and researchers who are sleuthing out what's harming our microbes -- and how to prevent the rise in diseases such as asthma and diabetes.

WATER IN THE DESERT

Without water, there is no life. Las Vegas is the driest city in America, yet it leads the United States in sustainable water conservation. ONCE WAS WATER follows the story of Patricia Mulroy, the controversial founder of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, whose leadership is shaping Colorado River politics, providing a path to safety in the face of intensifying water scarcity.

CO-OPS IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

The co-operative movement was built by people who took on the responsibility for their collective well-being in the face of government neglect, economic exclusion and cultural discrimination. As the modern economy increasingly denies vast sectors of the population basic amenities for decent life, this co-operative spirit is as critical as ever. However, over the years the co-op sector has become insular and poorly understood. A SILENT TRANSFORMATION sets out to explore the innovative self-help efforts of different communities across the Province of Ontario, Canada.

Click the links above or below to see trailers and for more information. And, stayed tuned for more powerful new releases and our annual Earth Day Festival in a Box Special to be announced!!

AMÁ
The untold story of the involuntary sterilization of Native American women by the Indian Health Service well into the 1970s.
F-NO: THE PUBLIC HEALTH Film Festival of New Orleans
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Global Health Film Festival
"This film is so important because these stories need to be heard — this is the untold history of Native America. Indigenous people hold an intimate knowledge that our women are sacred — we carry life, and the very act of pregnancy is an assertion of sovereignty and resilience... seeks to reaffirm our history so that we can continue to center our women."
Angel Charley, Interim Executive Director, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women
"...Should be watched by all who want to understand the impacts of genocide and colonization within the United States. Well into the 1970's the federal government used tactics of persecution, extermination and denial in efforts to eradicate future generations of Native people. This film sheds light on the truth and illustrates the power of Native women in demonstrating resiliency and resistance."
Nicole Lim, Executive Director, The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center

LET THEM EAT DIRT
Looks at the role microbes play in the development, physical and mental health of our children, and argues that good health may begin with kids playing in the dirt.
"... Goes a long way toward solving the mystery of the missing microbes. It shows us how microbes are an essential part of human biology, and it identifies the social and medical trends that are eliminating them from our bodies for the first time in the history of our species. Many questions remain, but it is reassuring to know that there are things we can do — as individuals, families, and societies — to harness the power of the microbiota to promote healthy development and prevent disease."
Dr. Thomas McDade, Professor of Anthropology, Director, Cells to Society (C2S): Center on Social Disparities and Health, Northwestern University
"Compelling...The film nicely breaks down the role that microbes play in these diseases by highlighting years of work done by pioneers in the field. Although the scientific community still has much work to do to fully understand the human microbiome and its immense complexity, the audience is left with simple take-home messages that are supported by the evidence that has been gathered so far."
Dr. Joseph Zackular, Assistant Professor of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

ONCE WAS WATER
Las Vegas provides an example to the world of how any city can and must create its own sustainable water solutions.
San Francisco Green Film Festival
United Nations Association Film Festival
Bozcaada International Festival of Ecological Documentary
"One of the pivotal issues of our time...Water is the central character in Las Vegas' past, present, and future. It also plays a starring role in the city and the region's economy, culture, and politics. While this may be true in many places, what is different in this geography is the tremendous innovation and creativity taking place to do more with less, the collective sense of urgency that time is running out, and the determination of many to make a difference. We can find a better path forward with water at its heart."
Nicole Silk, President and CEO, River Network
"... A fascinating look at what it takes to make a city bloom and thrive in the desert. It's a great kickoff to a community or classroom discussion about fresh water - how we use, manage and value it, and how to ensure we have enough for the future."
Sandra Postel, Director, Global Water Policy Project, Author, Replenish: The Virtuous Cycle of Water and Prosperity

DAY ONE
Traumatized Middle Eastern and African teen refugees are guided through a program of healing by devoted educators at a unique St. Louis public school for refugees only.
Newport Beach Film Festival
Port Townsend Film Festival
St. Louis International Film Festival
"An excellent tool to raise awareness and provide insight into the tumultuous first years of a refugee's placement in the U.S. By honing in on education, the film acquaints audience members with the unique perspectives of refugee children and school administrators, and it highlights the dedication and perseverance of both parties which facilitates the successful integration of newly arrived immigrants... a prime example of storytelling as education, outreach, activism and advocacy and it is a wonderful film to promote understanding and tolerance."
Ashley Faye, Development Director, Refugee Services of Texas
"... Does a great job capturing the struggles faced by many young students who have been resettled in the United States — language barrier, educational access, coping with trauma, overcoming systemic obstacles, and searching for a sense of belonging. The film not only discusses the realities of the education system in Saint Louis but is a fantastic educational opportunity for all those in the audience."
Shannon Elder, Development Manager, GirlForward (Austin)

A SILENT TRANSFORMATION
Explores the transformative power of the co-operative enterprise model, illustrated with many inspirational examples.
Vancouver International Film Festival
Transition Film Festival
The World Community Film Festival
"Reveals the myriad possibilities of the cooperative model, which promotes economic democracy as an alternative to the capitalist model."
Roberta Staley, Enterprise Magazine
"Whether you are an educator, co-op practitioner or community organizer, [it] can be used to spark a much needed conversation about establishing economic democracy."
The Canadian Community Economic Development (CED) Network
"Capitalism's cyclical instability, deepening inequality, and financially compromised politics make millions critics of the system. They increasingly want and need options to consider, explore, and adapt as systemic ways forward. This film is an invaluable resource to enable and facilitate the transition from what is to what can and should be."
Richard D. Wolff, Professor Emeritus of Economics, University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Co-founder, Democracy at Work, Author, Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism

WHO'S NEXT?
Examines the effects of hate speech and bigotry on the lives of Muslim-Americans.
"... A moving portrayal of the unrelenting assault on the lives and livelihoods of Muslims in post-9/11 America. The film provides ... a powerful tool for helping ... to challenge manufactured narratives of an Islamic threat and to contemplate constructive ways of building bridges across racial and religious difference."
Todd Green, Associate Professor of Religion, Luther College, Author, The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West
"An important and compelling addition to the resources available that highlight the experiences of Muslims in the US in the post 9/11 era. In following a selection of families, it allows viewers into the lives of regular people who have been impacted by Islamophobia and its structural manifestations. With only half of Americans knowing a Muslim personally, [and] provides a window into the lives of our fellow Americans who happen to be Muslim as well as of those who have sought refuge here."
Meira Neggaz, Executive Director, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

CATCHING SIGHT OF THELMA AND LOUISE
Explores the same women's and men's reactions to the groundbreaking film, THELMA & LOUISE, 25 years ago and today.
Winner, Filmmaker Award, Santa Cruz Film Festival
Winner, Audience Award, Best Documentary, Cinema at the Edge Independent Film Festival
Special Event Screening, Focus on Women in Film, Port Townsend Film Festival
"Provides invaluable insight as to why this film endures as a metonymy for feminist consciousness, the pleasure and resistance of women's bonding, and righteous rage against rape culture."
Jane Caputi, Professor, Center for Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Communication and Multimedia, Florida Atlantic University, Author, Goddesses and Monsters: Women, Myth, Power and Popular Culture
"In the #MeToo era, it's eye-opening and sobering to hear the interviewees discuss their personal responses to the film's depiction of assault and revenge and whether the controversy and awareness that the film provoked has had any lasting impact on society or the movie industry."
Loren King, Alliance of Women Film Journalists
"Ridley Scott's classic raised questions we're discussing today around feminism and the #MeToo movement... This documentary offers thoughtful insight throughout."
Kimber Myers, Los Angeles Times

See http://bullfrogcommunities.com for a complete list of our titles. If you have questions, contact me at [email protected].

Coming Soon: FARMSTEADERS follows Nick and Celeste Nolan and their young family on a journey to resurrect Nick's grandfather's dairy farm as agriculture moves toward large-scale farming; FROM SEED TO SEED shares the story of a group of Canadian organic farmers and what it's like to experience a full growing season with all of its rewards as well as the challenges of a changing climate; ELDER VOICES depicts Japanese Americans, European Jews, and peace activists who came of age during the Depression and WWII and addresses the political storm clouds gathering today; COOKED follows Judith Helfand's searing investigation into the politics of "disaster," by way of the deadly 1995 Chicago heat wave; and more...