Video Lending Library
The following videos are available for high school teachers to borrow for one
week at a time for classroom instructional purposes. To order a video, call
415/621-2493. Since these videos deal with controversial topics, teachers are
advised to preview all videos for classroom suitability. We are continually
updating this list of videos and are open to suggestions for videos to include.
Please check back with us periodically to see what new videos we might have.
Videos are available for northern California teachers only.
Death Penalty
Criminal Justice
Homelessness
Race and Ethnicity
Lesbian and Gay Rights
Sexual Harassment
Reproductive Rights
Bill of Rights
* HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Death Penalty
* "Dead Man Walking: Judgment at Midnight"
by ABC PrimeTime Live
Jan. 17, 1996
Total Running Time: 50 minutes (divided into four segments)
Cameras follow a condemned man at Angola State Prison in Louisiana during the
final days leading up to his scheduled execution. The piece looks at his crimes,
interviews family members of the victims, records an unusual meeting between
the condemned man and a victim's family member, watches the tearful good-bye
between the condemned man and his own family, explores the preparations the
prison makes for the execution, and the complicated relationship between the
prison warden and the prisoner. This video gives an excellent framework to discuss
the conflicting emotions involved for all sides when dealing with the death
penalty and violent crimes.
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"Procedure 769"
1995
Total Running Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
An in-depth interview with the witnesses to the 1993 execution of Robert Alton
Harris, the first person to be executed in California in 25 years. The video
documents the different reactions to his execution based on the witnesses' relationship
to Harris. It gives a detailed account of Harris' family history, his crimes,
how his crimes affected the victims' families, and the politics surrounding
the death penalty. This video is very engaging and ideal for a classroom that
is doing an intensive study of the death penalty.
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"Double Justice: Race and Capital Punishment"
by ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense
Fund
1993
Total Running Time: 19 minutes
An exploration of the patterns of sentencing, with a special focus on the historical
and current application of the death penalty. The video uncovers an undeniable
pattern of discrimination toward African Americans, especially when the victim
is white. This video is probably most appropriate for students in grades 10 through
12.
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Criminal Justice
* "The Farm"
by Seventh Art
1994 Total Running Time: 100 minutes
An Academy Awards Nominated documentary about death row inmates in the largest
all male penal institute in America. Winner of many "Best Picture" awards, including
Sundance Grand Jury prize, National Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics
Circe, and Los Angeles Film Critics Association. The film looks at the striking
similarities between life for slaves on plantations and modern day prison farms.
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* "Street Soldiers"
funded by the Ford Foundation & CPB (Corporation for Public Broadcasting)
1997
Total Running Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
This film is a stirring look inside the lives of three juvenile offenders and
their struggle to turn their lives around. It confronts the stark reality that
many African American youth face both within their community and from the outside.
The film explores the role that Joe Marshall, co-founder of the Omega Boys Club,
an innovative non-profit organization that targets at-risk youth, has in their
lives. Using a video camera, these three young men document their lives, their
mistakes and their struggles in their own words, narrated by Danny Glover.
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* "Justice Factory: Prisons"
by Teen Court TV
September 14, 1996
Total running time: 25 minutes
This series examines the rising rates of youth crime and whether tougher laws
are effective in response to such crime. Students and incarcerated youth discuss
pertinent topics such as the juvenile justice and prison systems, the reasons
youth commit crimes, and possible solutions. The incarcerated youth describe
their lives and take us through a tour of the correctional facilities, allowing
the viewer an opportunity to examine the hardships they face and to identify
with their humanity.
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"Copwatch: Refuse to be Abused"
by Copwatch
1993
Total Running Time: 20 minutes
Copwatch is a grassroots organization based in Berkeley whose mission is to
increase community awareness and participation in stopping police misconduct
and brutality. Through one of Copwatch's training sessions, this film gives
an overview of what our rights are and how to use them when dealing with the
police.
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Homelessness
* "Children of the Night"
by Ray Telles for Frontline
1989
Total Running Time: 55 minutes
A northern California teen runs away to Los Angeles - his life on the streets
is documented along with his parents' attempts to bring him home and help him
stay there. This powerful documentary shows the struggles and challenges young
people on the streets face as well as the heart-wrenching dilemma parents and
youth agencies face in trying to help them.
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* "Black Tar Heroin: The Dark End of the
Street"
by Steven Okazaki for HBO
1999
Total Running Time: 120 minutes
A candid and disturbing documentary about the brutal effects of black tar heroin
on homeless youth in San Francisco. This powerful movie portrays vulnerable
young people addicted to black tar heroin and how their lives are destroyed
by the drug. This film is a gripping tale of why young people are homeless and
why drugs are such a prevalent part of their lives as they try to escape the
realities of the streets. One of the youth portrayed in the film who is now
in recovery might be able to make presentations to classes about her experiences.
The ACLU would be able to help facilitate contacting this speaker.
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*"Throwaway Teens"
by ABC 20/20
September 13, 1999
Total Running Time: 27 minutes
A powerful look at young homeless youth who have been kicked out of their homes
for being gay. Connie Chung explores the painful consequences of parental rejection,
and the real challenges the youth face as they try to survive on the streets.
Experts weigh in with insightful analysis about the toll being homeless takes
on these youth.
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* "Streetwatch: The Civil Rights Project"
by the Coalition on Homelessness
1994
Total Running Time: 40 minutes
After the first 6 minutes of introduction which could be skipped, this video documents
live interactions between San Francisco police officers and homeless people and
their advocates. The video states the laws that protect homeless people and questions
the police directly about why they are asking homeless people to move, seizing
property, or making arrests. An excellent tool to spark discussion about the criminalization
of homeless people.
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Race and Ethnicity
*"Secrets of the SAT"
by FRONTLINE PBS
1999
Total Running Time: 60 minutes
FRONTLINE examines the debate over fairness in college admissions in a program
that looks at how the rise of the American meritocracy has created a national
obsession with test scores and a multimillion-dollar test-prep industry. With
legal challenges to affirmative action spreading across the county, FRONTLINE
investigates the impact of standardized tests on racial diversity on college
campuses.
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* "Making the
Grade"
by KQED
1999
Total Running Time: 55 minutes
An in-depth look at the lives of two students who want to attend UC Berkeley.
One is a white male from a private school in Marin, and the other is a Filipina
female from a public school in San Francisco. The video looks in detail at the
family structure, the support of their educational environments, economics,
race, and the admissions process. The students, their friends and teachers from
the two schools discuss with each other how they would make the process more
fair. An excellent way to discuss affirmative action with high school students.
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*"True Colors"
by ABC PrimeTime Live
November 26, 1992
Total Running Time: 19 minutes
An undercover investigation that takes two young men of similar backgrounds
with identical credentials except for race and documents how they are treated
differently as they shop, try to buy a car, get a job, and find an apartment.
This video will resonate with all students and is an excellent way to start
a classroom discussion about affirmative action or racial inequality.
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* "Affirmative Reaction"
by Dateline NBC
1996
Total Running Time: 14 minutes
An in-depth look at Glen Custred and Tom Wood, the authors of California's Proposition
209 -- the anti-affirmative action initiative passed by voters in 1996. The
video explores the authors' claims of reverse discrimination that fueled the
passage of Proposition 209. Another excellent video to start classroom discussion
about affirmative action and the danger of allowing unsubstantiated personal
antidotes to take precedence over facts and statistics.
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*"At the River I Stand"
by David Appleby, Allison Graham, Steven Ross
1993
Total Running Time: 56 minutes
This documentary reconstructs the two eventful months in the Spring of 1968
which led to the tragic death of Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the dramatic
climax of the Civil Rights Movement. As the story begins, Memphis' black community
rallies behind a strike by 1300 sanitation workers and their slogan, "I am a
man." Soon Dr. King joins their struggle to his growing, nation-wide Poor People's
Campaign. During the bitter 65 day strike, his non-violent strategy is sorely
tested and on April 4, he is assassinated. Four days later people from around
the country mobilize in Memphis for a non-violent demonstration. The city council
capitulates to the strikers; the sanitation workers have successfully challenged
the white power structure of the South.
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* "The Shadow of HATE: A History of Intolerance
in America"
by Teaching Tolerance, Southern Poverty Law Center
1995
Total Running Time: 40 minutes
Produced by three-time Academy Award winner Charles Guggenheim, The Shadow of
Hate spans three centuries to examine this country's ongoing struggle to live
up to its ideals of liberty, equality and justice for all. Through documentary
footage and eyewitness reports, viewers are given a powerful perspective on
historical events from the ordinary people who lived through them.
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"A Personal Matter: Gordon Hirabayashi vs. the United States"
by The Constitution Project
1992
Total Running Time: 30 minutes
This video tells the story of Gordon Hirabayashi, who, in 1942 defied Executive
Order 9066, refusing to be interned on the grounds that the order violated his
Constitutional freedoms. By documenting Hirabayashi's 43 year struggle to get
his conviction overturned, the program presents a profile of a man who not only
had the courage to take his stand at a time when anti-Japanese hysteria was
high, but insisted on doing so in order to defend American freedom and the Constitution.
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* "Changing Images, Mirrors of Life, Molds
of Reality"
by the San Francisco Bay Area Civil Rights Coalition
1990
Total Running Time: 21 minutes
This is an evocative film that confronts the realities of racism and the stereotypes
as they have existed through the centuries. Through harrowing pictures and stark
realism we see how different minority groups, from African-Americans to women
have been portrayed in the popular culture. It sardonically juxtaposes these
images to a parody of patriotic music. In addition, it shows how these social
attitudes influence social policies. This film speaks not to one audience, but
to multiple ears entreating us to rid ourselves of this plague.
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"Ethnic Notions"
by Marlon Riggs
1987
Total Running Time: 57 minutes
This award-winning documentary takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through
American history, tracing for the first time the evolution of the deeply rooted
stereotypes which have fueled anti-black prejudice. It is a fascinating and
depressing study of seemingly passive images and their corrosive, dehumanizing
affect on society. It is nothing less than a history of our racial consciousness.
It is also an illuminating view of how popular culture not only reflects but
also helps shape public attitudes and public policy.
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"Happy Birthday Dr. King"
by McDonald's.
Total Running Time: 28 minutes
This film documents a tumultuous period of history few can forget, and the man
that led us in the war against discrimination, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It
is a beautiful film told by young children, caught in a melody of background
music that sings the words to his heroic deeds. It tells of the Civil Rights
Movement, and Dr. King's role within it. It is interspersed with the voice and
words of Dr. King himself, and his dreams. It concludes with the different ways
his meanings are carried on today, from rock music to the classroom. This film
reveals a legend in Dr. King.
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*"KQED 9 Report: Race And Academics"
Total running time: 30 minutes
This special report by KQED news station takes a look at the controversy over
race and how it has affected academic life. It focuses on UC Berkeley, the most
diverse campus in the nation, and questions the issue of whether ethnic needs
are being met in the curriculum. With an inside look at the drama department,
we see how race issues are submerged in academics, and how students and faculty
alike are dealing with it. Some are skeptical as to whether the curriculum needs
to be changed, and even questions self-segregation in student unions and ethnic
studies. This issue is not contained only within the college campus, but has
affected elementary school curriculum as well in regards to who teacher, what
they teach, and who writes what they teach. It brings the issue of ethnic diversity
into the forefront.
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"Not in Our Town"
by the California Working Group
1995
Total Running Time: 25 minutes This is a realistic look into how one town came
together to fight against racism and prejudice, and as a community, sent out
a message of strength and hope. This small town of Billings, Montana was plagued
by hate crimes in the early 90's. Those targeted included, Jewish people and
ethnic minorities. To stop the crimes and the hate, the community came together
to make it known to those perpetuating the hate it was unacceptable and would
not be tolerated.
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"The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers' Struggle"
by Paradigm Productions
1997
Total Running Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
The story of Cesar Chavez, the charismatic founder of the United Farmworkers
Union, and the movement that he inspired -- a movement that touched the hearts
of millions of Americans with the grape and lettuce boycotts, a non-violent
movement that confronted conservative politicians like Ronald Reagan and the
powerful Teamsters Union. A story of hope and courage against overwhelming odds.
A story of poor people taking control of their lives.
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"Zoned for Slavery: The Child Behind the Label"
by the National Labor Committee
1995
Total Running Time: 22 minutes
This film takes a dramatic and disturbing look into the maquiladoras of Central
America, showcasing the harsh conditions of adolescent life in garment factories.
A $20.00 Gap shirt is made for only $ .22 by 15 year old girls. Where does the
other $19.88 go to? asks the NLC. Most of these girls have not finished school,
nor do they have an opportunity to. Instead, they are being exploited by the
numerous multi-national corporations of the United States, being paid $ .33
an hour to bring in millions to the U.S. The figures are staggering and shameful.
Documenting the words of these teenagers, we come to see how economic exploitation
stymies any opportunity for upward mobility. Companies like Osh Kosh b'Gosh,
Gap, Arizona, Gitano, and Eddie Bower are here only because those girls exist.
In conclusion, this film pleads to the companies for more ethical treatment
for these young girls, and appeals to the masses to see what is going on before
our own eyes, and not to sit silent.
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*"When Democracy Works"
by National Campaign for Freedom of Expression
1996
Total Running Time: 30 minutes
This is a brief look at the rise of the right wing, specifically examining three
separate cases where individuals rights have been violated. The first is the
national campaign of David Duke, ex-KKK member, and his move into politics.
This portrays how his platform of racism and prejudice wielded support, and
how the struggle against him eventually won. Next is the Colorado for Family
Values that led the passing of Amendment 2 that violated the rights of homosexuals.
It also documents the emergence of conservative religious groups in their fervor
to suppress rights. Finally we encounter the border patrol of California and
Mexico. This examines such issues as Proposition 187 and Proposition 209, and
how these affected and were affected by the border and economic relations that
extended into the social world. Each shows how the struggle for rights still
continue. Native American History .
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"The Columbus Controversy: Challenging How History Is Written"
by American School Publishers
1992
Total Running Time: 23 minutes
Every student knows about the brave voyage that brought Columbus to a beach
in the Bahamas in 1492. But Columbus did far more than explore a part of the
world previously unknown to Europeans: he began a desperate search for gold
and a slave trade that set the pattern for Spanish conquest in the Americas.
This program describes the debate about Columbus' legacy in America and challenges
students to examine how a society selects its heroes and what motivates these
choices.
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*"Earth and the American Dream"
by Home Box Office and Academy Award Winner Bill Couturie
1996
Total Running Time: 77 minutes
This beautiful, disturbing and moving film tells the story of a people who "discovered"
a new world and conquered it, who loved the land and lost it. Beginning with
the arrival of Columbus 500 years ago, the movie traces America's development
through the basic wilderness life of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries,
the agrarian lifestyle of the eighteenth century, and the great changes of the
Industrial Revolution. Using beautiful and haunting images combined with the
words of writers, politicians, historians, businessmen and ordinary citizens,
the film moves through the twentieth century into the highly industrialized
landscape of today. At the heart of the story lies desire, the desire that defines
the American Dream, but at great cost in terms of what has been lost.
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*"Act of War"
by Center for Hawaiian Studies
1993
Total Running Time: 55 minutes
This well-timed and intriguing documentary covers the history of the Hawai'ian
people since their "discovery" by Europeans, through the U.S. invasion and annexation,
to the present day. The film makes startling similar parallels with the plight
of the American Indian on the mainland and other groups who have suffered from
the U.S. grab for control and power. Explores the US rise to a global military
power and the price the Hawai'ian people have paid.
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Lesbian and Gay Rights
*"Out of the Past: The Struggle for Gay
and Lesbian Rights in America"
by Jeff Dupre
1998
A Sundance Film Festival awardee, this film covers the history of the lesbian
and gay rights movement, starting in the 1920s. The struggles and triumphs of
civil rights activists and other important figures of American history are profiled
in this powerful film. Told through the eyes of Kelli Peterson, a 17-year-old
high school student in Salt Lake City, Utah, this film explores Kelli's history-making
experience of forming a Gay Straight Alliance in her public school. The protests,
legislative battles and national media attention serve as a modern counterpoint
to the history of a Human Rights movement.
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* "Both My Moms' Names Are Judy"
by the Lesbian and Gay Parents Association
1994
Total Running Time: 10 minutes
This video presents a diverse group of children (ages 7-11) who have lesbian
and gay parents. In candid interviews, they talk about who's in their families,
how it feels to be teased about their parents, how classroom silence about homosexuality
affects them, and what they would like to see change.
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"We Are Not Invisible"
by the Indianapolis Youth Group
1996
Total Running Time: 38 minutes
Television and movie star, Wilson Cruz of the highly esteemed television series,
"My So Called Life," and the motion picture "Nixon," shares his personal experiences
with over 75 gay, lesbian, bisexual, and diversity-sensitive youth from across
the United States. In a talk-show format, Wilson and other gay, lesbian and
bisexual teens candidly exchange stories about: coming out as a gay youth, their
school experiences, gay youth and religion, and the video concludes with powerful
youth perspectives about the future for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
people.
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"Gay Youth"
by Pam Walton
1991
Total Running Time: 40 minutes
Gay and lesbian youth are a great risk in our culture: The Report on Youth Suicide,
published in 1989, found that of all suicides committed in the U.S. each year
by people between the ages of 15 and 24, fully 30% are gay and lesbian youth.
This group of young people suffers extreme isolation and is especially vulnerable
to drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, and physical and verbal violence. "Gay
Youth" breaks the silence surrounding adolescent homosexuality in a way that
is both powerful and accessible. It contrasts the suicide of 20-year old Bobby
Griffith with the remarkable life of 17-year old Gina Guiterrez. This videos
shows that information, acceptance and support can make an enormous difference
in the lives of these young people.
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*"All God's Children"
by Woman Vision Production
1996
Total Running Time: 26 minutes
This documentary looks at the Black Church's embracement of African American
lesbians and gay men as dedicated members of its spiritual family. Prominent
religious, intellectual and political leaders, family members, and activists
speak out about the role of the church and the importance of a commitment to
equal rights and social justice for all people. They all weigh in with heartfelt
stories about exclusion and discrimination, then about inclusion and the call
for healing.
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*"It's Elementary: Talking about Gay Issues
in School"
by Women's Educational Media
1996
Total Running Time: 78 minutes
Most adults probably don't see why or how schools should address lesbian and
gay issues with young children. With inspiring classroom footage, this video
urges educators and parents to re-think their assumptions. This beautifully
crafted film shows what actually happens when teachers lead class discussions
that address anti-gay prejudice. It makes a powerful case that children need
to be taught respect for ALL - and that this kind of education needs to start
in elementary school. Winner: Best Educational Film at the Northern Lights Festival.
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"The Castro"
by KQED
1997
Total Running Time: 86 minutes
Now known internationally as the world's first "gay hometown," San Francisco's
Castro district was a quiet, working-class neighborhood of European immigrants
only a few decades ago. In this moving documentary, filled with rare archival
film and fresh contemporary footage, the story of the Castro's transformation
is told by those who lived it, young and old, straight and gay. It's a tale
of social upheaval, exuberant street culture, political assassination, and the
inspiring coming-of-age of an entire community - an ongoing saga even today.
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Sexual Harassment
*"In Real Life: Sexual Harassment in Schools"
by the Altschul Group
Total Running Time: 24 minutes
An excellent video portraying different realistic situations students find themselves
in school and pointing out the sexual harassing behaviors between youth. Great
way to segue to a class discussion about sexual harassment. Ideal for staff
development as well.
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Reproductive Rights
*"Abortion Denied: Shattering Young Women's
Lives"
by The Feminist
Majority Foundation
1990
Total Running Time: 28 minutes
This video uncovers the devastating and sometimes deadly effect parental consent
and notification laws have on young women. It looks at why young women fear
telling their parents about their pregnancy, how judicial bypass is a cumbersome
and frequently inaccessible process, and the realities of adoption. In such
a short period of time, the video does an excellent job of covering a myriad
of issues associated with teen pregnancy and abortion.
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Freedom of Expression
"State of the Art: Art of the State?"
by Deep Dish TV
1991
Total Running Time: 56 minutes (divided into two parts, 28 minutes each)
A thought provoking look at the debate over public funding of the arts and the
move to abolish the National Endowment for the Arts. Through interviews with
lawyers, artists, and historians interspersed with visual art, video art, and
performances pieces, the video makes the connection between censorship of art
and the silencing of minority voices. This video is guaranteed to arouse classroom
discussion and debate. The second part of the video might contain images too
graphic for the classroom -- please be sure to preview before showing.
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*"The Ad and the Ego"
by Harold Boihem and Chris Emmanoulides
1996
Total Running Time: 57 minutes
This is the first comprehensive documentary on the cultural impact of advertising
in America. The film artfully combines clips from over 1200 familiar television
ads with insights from some of our most astute media critics. The average American
is exposed to 1500 ads a day. This constant stream of messages sells us not
just products but values, identities, our sense of "what is normal." The film
demonstrates the critical connections between consumerism, our debased public
discourse, environmental degradation and our blind faith in economic growth
at any cost. This film will cause every viewer to take more seriously the central
role of advertising in our society and our psyche.
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Bill of Rights
"The Pursuit of Justice: A History of Constitutional Rights"
by the ACLU of Delaware
Total Running Time: 30 minutes
This film is both amusing and informative at the same time. with a brief narration
by Burt Lancaster, it takes us through a brief look at the Bill of Rights and
the amendments. It documents four pivotal cases from history and the Supreme
Court's decision on them. these four cases, Brown vs. Board of Education, New
Jersey vs. TLO, Texas vs. GL Johnson, and Gideon vs. Wainwright, have been instrumental
in changing who the law works for and upholding the rights for all people. It
is a quirky film with cheesy but not overbearing qualities.
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