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Deep in the jungle of Central Vietnam, lies a magnificent underground kingdom. Hang Son Doòng which translates as "mountain river cave", is located in the Phong Nha-Ke Bàng National Park in Quang Bình Province. It is the largest cave passage in the world and a place of spectacular beauty; the national park is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
In 2014, Son Doong's future was thrown into doubt when plans were announced to build a cable car into the cave to attract tourism. With many arguing that this would destroy its delicate eco-system and the local community divided over the benefits this development would bring, A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN follows those caught up in the unfolding events.
Beautifully shot and scored, the film uses this narrative as a lens through which to investigate related themes such as the challenges of modern day exploration, environmental conservation and sustainability, and the perils of operating as an activist in a country such as Vietnam—where freedom of speech is severely curtailed.
There are two versions of this program on the same DVD: 99-minutes and 53-minutes.
99 and 53 minutes
SDH Captioned
Directed by Alastair Evans
Produced by Alastair Evans
Writer: Alastair Evans
Executive Producer: Greg Passmore
Editor: Alastair Evans
Camera: Alastair Evans, Ryan Deboodt
Sound: Saso Puckovski
Visual Effects Sequences: Can Cangor
Graphic Design: Raphaëlle Cohen
Music: Musicbed
A Marlovski Media Production
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"Showcasing the spectacular beauty and sublime mystery of Hang Son Doong cave, A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN exposes the complex trade-offs between environmental conservation and economic development at the heart of ongoing debates over the future of tourist access to this little-known natural wonder. Drawing on a diverse cast of voices, including those of local residents and business owners, expatriate tour operators, foreign visitors, scholars, and a passionate Vietnamese activist, the film effectively conveys the challenges facing environmental politics in Vietnam today and explores the prospects for sustainable tourism in a rapidly developing country. An excellent choice for classroom use, this film is sure to capture the attention of students and spark lively debate on these challenging yet important issues."
"If you were to step into the world's largest cave - backpack strapped, flashlight on - just what would you find? A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN tells the story of a mega-ecological site at the acme of globalization. Featuring diverse perspectives of an uncertain future in Vietnam, this film is sure to strike at the heartstrings. Students of global studies and environmental humanities will be eager to listen to the international voices of the explorers, business owners, visitors, and environmental activists."
Hieu Phung, Assistant Professor of Global Studies-Asia, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
"A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN focuses on management priorities at Hang Son Doong, the world's largest cave inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. Government officials, private businesses, and environmentalists share differing opinions on whether it should be a 'must-see' or 'must-save' destination. Instead, this documentary presents a 'must-sustain' solution that relies on a mix of social, environmental, and economic benefits for balancing public enjoyment with resource preservation."
"Visually stunning, A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN captures the natural wonder of the Hang Son Doong cave in the shadow of debates about economic and infrastructural development and environmental impact. This film depicts the perspectives of local environmental activists, foreign tourists, and local (foreign and Vietnamese) business owners to trace what rapid change looks like in contemporary Vietnam and introduce questions of value from multiple viewpoints. The film is highly recommended for courses that seek to unpack the politics of development, local livelihood, and who can and should make decisions about environmental conservation."
"A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN offers a well-rounded examination of the tensions between development, environmental conservation, and environmental commodification. We see many perspectives offering insights into how they understand nature and its role in society as an artifact, an opportunity, and an organism. Beautifully shot, this film is a must-see for those interested in environmental controversies, development and the environment, and a clear example of the social construction of nature."
Robert Krueger, Professor of Social Science and Policy Studies, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Author, Adventures in Sustainable Urbanism
"Magical, remarkable, dramatic, indescribable, otherworldly...A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN is a portal to understanding the balances to be negotiated in a dynamic and ever-changing world. It is an experience that enables the viewer to become a fellow-traveler to an edenic world, all the while appreciating what is at risk and what obligations we have to protect, preserve and sustain it."
Herbert Paine, Broadway World
"Thought- provoking, stimulating, powerful...4 green thumbs up."
Carol Kahn, Green Living Magazine
"Beautifully captures the tension between the preservation of Earth's natural wonders and the exploitation of nature to satisfy human greed."
Al Nigrin, New Jersey Stage