Cambodia
|| India || Indonesia
|| Malaysia
Mongolia
|| Nepal || Pakistan ||
Philippines || Singapore
Sri Lanka || Thailand || Tibet
|| Vietnam
Cambodia
Cambodia: Year Zero, Year One (120 minutes)
John Pilger looks at the effects of bombing during the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge
takeover. [F]
Cambodia: Year Ten (58
minutes)
Program studies the effect of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge on the lives of Cambodians. Looks at
the effort to return Cambodia to an iron age agrarian economy. Filmed prior to
Vietnam's departure from Cambodia and includes speculation on what will follow.
<$149/$75>
[FHS]
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India
Ancient India (48
minutes)
The antecedents of modern Indian culture can be traced back to the Harappan civilization,
which flourished between 2300 and 1500 BC in what are now Pakistan and Afghanistan. This
program examines the religious tension between Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, and the
historical events that shaped the great Indian civilizations, from the Mauryab Empire
through the Mogul Empire. Maps and scholars provide insight into a culture that remains
vibrant and diverse today.
<Purchase $129/Rental $75>
[FHS]
Bombay: Our City (82 minutes); (57 minute version
also available)
Bombay is an enormous city in size and social distance. Roughly half of
Bombay's population live in slum conditions. This 1985 film examines how those
four million people, most of whom are employed, endure. The film received
several international festival awards at the time of its release. Anand
Patwardhan, director.
<Purchase $490/Rental $125>
[FRIF]
Caste at Birth (53
minutes)
1991 production.
<$21.50 rental>
[IU]
Dadi and Her Family: A Rural Mother-in-Law in North India
(45
minutes)
Best available film on women in rural India.
Designing Women: Lifting the Veil (30
minutes)
Two Indian women argue that women can succeed in business, even in the Arab world
(especially in Jordon). They also contend that developing economies possess
entrepreneurs that can succeed in the world economy.
<$99>
[CC]
Eastern Spin (23
minutes)
Women in northern India and Nepal believe in "trade, not aid." Video
follows their
production of goods through export to the consumer.
<$99>
[CC]
Faces of Man Series: India (1986) (23
minutes)
Looks at caste, cites, and rural areas.
<$14>
[IU]
Four Holy Men: Renunciation in Hindu Society (37
minutes)
<$11.50 rental>
[IU]
Fourth State, The: A Hindu's Quest for Release (1984) (40
minutes)
<$11.50 rental>
[IU]
Ganges, The (45
minutes)
Addresses the history, geography, and legend of India's holiest river.
<$149/$75>
[FHS]
Great Indian Railway, The (115 minutes)
A National Geographic production which takes viewers on one of the world's largest
and most remarkable rail systems. See the Himalayas, the Ganges, and the
cities.
<$19.95>
[PBS]
Harvard Film Series, Film Study Center at Harvard University
Films examine devotion in Vishnupur, West Bengal.
<Each is available for $99, package
discounts are available>
Loving Krishna (40 minutes)
Examines the link between the cult of Krishna, commerce, and
everyday life.
Serpent Mother (27 minutes)
Myth of the goddess, Manasha, is studied. Includes scenes
of manufacturing images and of the festival of the snakes.
Sons of Shiva
4 day annual festival celebrates the god of destruction (and
creation). Includes scenes of chanting and of sadhus (wandering ascetics).
[CC]
Hindu Ascetics (44
minutes)
Focuses on the sadus (penitents), fakirs, and yogi -- Hindu holy men. There is also
a
comparison of their beliefs and practices with those of ancient Hindu and Buddhist
devotees.
<$149/$75>
[FHS]
In the Name of God (1991)
(96
minutes)
<$27.75>
[IU]
India: From Moghuls to Independence (42
minutes)
Covers the extension of Mongol power into India through Tamerlane and Babur.
Moghul rule is examined as is the British colonial period.
<$149/$75>
[FHS]
India: Land of Spirit and Mystique
(55
minutes)
Produced in London by International Video Network. This is a well-done travelogue
which introduces something of India's art, architecture, and culture. Found in many
rental shops.
India: Women's Rights (28
minutes)
Examines the deplorable and dangerous circumstances of women's lives.
Deals with female infanticide, battered wives and violence over dowries.
<$99/available
for rent from Kent State; $18.75>
[CC]
Legacy: India (60
minutes)
One of the six part series written and hosted by Michael Wood. Looks at religion,
philosophy, government, and trade.
[PBS]
Marketing Mystique (30
minutes)
Asia's biggest hotel chain, the Taj, dispels myths about India and has become a huge
economic success.
[CC]
Munni (20
minutes)
Life of a young girl learning the traditional art of Mithali painting in a Bihari village.
Nightline: Assassination of Indira Gandhi (30
minutes)
Looks at the 1984 murder of India's long time prime minister.
[F]
Principles of Caste (1980) (26 minutes)
A 1980 16 mm film production.
<$15.75 rental from Kent State>
[KU]
Rajiv Gandhi: Death of a Dynasty (26
minutes)
Produced by ITN's C. Sheridan and D. Hamill in 1991 following Gandhi's assassination.
Video begins with discussion of the assassination and then traces the twentieth-century
history of India. Concludes with the on-going struggle in Sri Lanka, a struggle
which
Gandhi intervened in, an action that may have cost him his life.
Ravi Shankar: The Man and His Music (60
minutes)
Examines the instruments and the structure of his music as well as his philosophy
toward
music. Shows Shankar playing with Yehudi Menuhin, Zubin Mehta, Jean-Pierre
Rampal,
and George Harrison.
<$149/$75>
[FHS]
Rana (25
minutes)
Young female Muslim student in Delhi.
Russi Mody: India's Man of Steel (30
minutes)
Mody turned a small company into India's largest private firm. Video argues that
private
enterprise is the route to economic development.
[CC]
School Story (30
minutes)
Looks at one school in backwater India (in Haryana state) and in urban Amman, Jordan.
Considers the role of education in economic development and social progress.
[CC]
Storyteller in the Bazaar (30
minutes)
Sashi Tharoor, well-known Indian author, challenges the images Westerners have of
India and the ideas about development that are widely held. Tharoor argues India is
highly developed and happens to be in a state of decline.
[CC]
Timeless Village of the Himalayas (35
minutes)
Devprayag, a vestige of 5,000 year old Vedic culture. Won first prize from American
Video Conference.
[CC]
Wedding of the Goddess
Part I (36 minutes)
-History of the Chittirai festival in Madurai,
Tamilnadu.
Part II (40 minutes)
-Film of the 19 day festival honoring the Goddess.
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Indonesia
Indonesia's Doctor of Happiness (30
minutes)
Dr. Suyono travels about promoting small families. Abortions are illegal in
Indonesia and the government promotes birth control through economic incentives.
[CC]
Only in Indonesia: Arts and Culture (30
minutes)
The melting pot of southeast Asia, includes Hindu temple remains and dances.
[CC]
Only in Indonesia: Commerce and Industry (30
minutes)
Explores a variety of industries and creative approaches to making a living.
[CC]
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Malaysia
The Delicate Balance (30
minutes)
Malaysia is the biggest producer of rubber, palm oil, and tin. Resource
exploitation and export driven industry dominate the Malaysian economy. This video
looks at the impact of economic change on ethnic harmony and social structure.
[CC]
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Mongolia
Biography: Genghis Khan (55
minutes)
Mix of interviews with scholars (such as Morris Rossabi), feature film footage, and still
images on the great Mongol ruler of the thirteenth century.
[AE]
Mongols: Storm From the East
A four part series which focuses on the
amazing force which built an empire spanning Asia and reaching into Europe.
<Available for $549 complete or $149/$75 per part>
Birth of an Empire (50 minutes)
Genghis Khan's reputation is being reworked in the People's Republic of
Mongolia. This program follows his emergence and unification of Mongol
tribes, turning them into a powerful fighting machine.
World Conquerers (50 minutes)
Explores the power and influence of Genghis Khan and his son
Ogodei. They built a remarkable communications network and challenged European
armies.
Tartar Crusaders (50 minutes)
This program notes Europe's effort to respond to the Mongol
challenge. Some saw it as punishment for sinful behavior. The pope was
surprised to discover the Mongols practiced religious tolerance.
The Last Khan of Khans (50 minutes)
Focuses on Kublai Khan, the fifth of the Great Khans, who made
his base in northern China, establishing the Yuan dynasty. His achievements
were many, but his regime would not long outlast him.
[FHS]
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Nepal
Nepal: Land of the Gods (62
minutes)
Studies Buddhism as practiced in Nepal.
[F]
Nepal: On Top of the World (30
minutes)
Environment threatened by development/deforestation. Industrialist Prabhakar
Rana,
with the support of the World Wildlife Fund, is balancing industrialization and protection
of the environment.
[CC]
Sherpa (29
minutes)
Follows a typical sherpa family high in the Himalayas. First place, National Educational
Film Festival.
[CC]
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Pakistan
Birth of Pakistan, The (20
minutes)
Documents the creation of Pakistan in 1947 under Mohammed Ali Jinnah and the challenges
the new state confronted. Traces Pakistani history through to the election of
Benazir Bhutto.
<$90>
[FHS]
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Philippines
Nightline: Marcos & Aquino (30
minutes)
Looks at the two decade rule of Ferdinand Marcos and the challenge represented by
Cory Aguino.
[F]
Philippine Diary (28
minutes)
A Maryknoll documentary on life in the Philippines. Serious social problems
and possible
solutions are discussed.
[F]
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Singapore
Mastering Money (30
minutes)
Examines the success of Singapore in becoming a center of finance.
[CC]
Singapore: Toward Tomorrow (30
minutes)
Credits effective leadership, diligent people, good education, and a commitment to free
enterprise with making Singapore prosperous.
[CC]
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka: A Nation in Anguish (18
minutes)
An Amnesty International study on "disappearances" and other human rights
violations in Sri Lanka, a nation immersed in civil war.
[F]
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Thailand
Thailand Before Buddha (44
minutes)
Explores legends and archaeological finds to learn about prehistoric Thailand. Includes a
visit to jungle nomads, people considered to be following ancient ways.
<Purchase $149/
Rental $75>
[FHS]
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Tibet
17th Karmapa's Return to Tsurphu, The (100 minutes)
Follows the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa's return to his original seat in the Tsurphu monastery in
summer 1992.
[F]
Heart of Tibet
Coverage of the Dalai Lama's visit to Los Angeles.
[F]
Ossian: American Boy/Tibetan Monk (27 minutes)
A documentary on a twelve year old American who lived as a Tibetan monk, the reincarnation
of a high lama, since he was four.
[F]
Tantra of Gyuto (52
minutes)
The Dalai Lama explains Tantric rituals that enhance consciousness. Includes footage
of Tibet.
[F]
Tibet (59
minutes)
Produced by Central Chinese Television in 1988 and narrated in English, this video offers
the official Chinese interpretation of relations between Chinese and Tibetans.
<$44.95>
[NH]
Tibet in Exile (30
minutes)
Won an award at the 1991 Chicago Film Festival. Traces the story of ten children
smuggled out of Tibet to the exile community in India, where 120,000 Tibetans
perpetuate their customs.
[F]
Tibet: The Survival of the Spirit (92
minutes)
One of the most detailed documentaries to be filmed in Tibet since the Communist
takeover. A 1991 production of Clemens Kuby.
[F]
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Vietnam
Ao Dai (The Tunic Dress) (13 minutes)
This 1991 film suggests that the these traditional dresses are increasingly
being worn in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and is indicative of improving
economic conditions. The film is built around a single high school student. Le
Trac, director.
<Purchase: $160/Rental $35
[FRIF]
Fall of Saigon, The (90
minutes)
Interviews with President Ford, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and South Vietnamese citizens are
mixed with footage of the last days of the Republic of Vietnam.
<$19.95>
[PBS]
Great Days of History: Prelude to Vietnam (56
minutes)
Explores the rise and fall of French rule in Vietnam from the 18th century to the defeat
at Dien Bien Phu.
[F]
Hearts and Minds (112 minutes)
The Academy Award winning documentary on the ideas which produced the Vietnam War.
Directed by Peter Davis in 1975. Available at better video rental outlets.
[F]
Hitchhiking Vietnam: Letters from the Trail (1997) (60 minutes)
Karin Muller quits her Boston job and takes her video camera with her on a remarkable and
lengthy trip into Vietnam’s cities, villages, and mountains. Highly recommended.
<$19.95>
[PBS]
How to Behave (Chuyen Tu Te) (1987)
(43
minutes)
Once a Communist Party leader intervened to get the film shown in Vietnam, it became a huge success and was seen by millions. The film explores contemporary
Vietnamese values and aspirations. Tran van Thuy, director.
<Purchase: $375/Rental $75>
[FRIF]
Television's Vietnam
(116 minutes)
Narrated by Charlton Heston, this is a rebuttal to the PBS Series below. It
argues that news coverage during the war distorted its aims and conduct and that post-war
television discussion of the war has been plagued by leftist bias and a lack of
journalistic integrity. Directed by Peter Rollins in 1984.
[F]
Vietnam
A seven part CBS series which studies the roots of the conflict, the American involvement,
the conduct of the war, and the impact on American veterans and society.
<$139.98 from
PBS, also from
F>
Vietnam: A Television History
Award winning thirteen hour documentary hosted by journalist-historian Stanley Karnow (who
authored the best-selling companion volume). Features talking heads and a lot of
newsreel footage. Vietnamese participants are interviewed as well as Americans. 983
production, forms the core of many courses on the war. Prompted a conservative backlash --
see “Television’s Vietnam” above. Many video stores have the series
available for rent.
<$595 FHS,
also F>
Vietnam: The Last Battle (1995) (52 minutes)
This film by David Munro examines how multinational firms have energetically
moved into Vietnam in recent years.
<Purchase: $390/Rental: $75>
[FRIF]
