It’s Oscar Time — that time of the year when the movie industry gives itself a big pat on the back for a job well done.  I thought I’d list some of our favorite ‘Eco Films’ of all-time.  Here it goes:

Documentaries / Movies

• How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.  In 1990 Cuba was faced with a situation the whole world will see soon: peak oil.  This film addresses how they countered the crippling effects it had on the economy, agriculture and culture, and is a must-see for those thinking ahead to the day when we all will be in the same situation.
• Flow.  One of the better documentaries on water out there, Flow will make you think twice before you tout the cleanliness (and sustainability) of bottled water.  You won’t buy bottled again.
• The Gods Must Be Crazy.  Not a documentary, but a great commentary on cultural understanding (and misunderstanding) about consumerism and the growing gap between corporations and our roots.
• Planet Earth (the whole series).  You cannot conserve an earth you do not respect, and if you do not respect the earth after watching these… well, I don’t know if you’re a real person.
• The Cove.  Not for the weak stomached, The Cove addresses the dolphin fisheries in Taiji, Japan where fishermen roundup and slaughter dolphins. Shot undercover, it’s filled with suspense.
• Food, Inc. Director Robert Kenner serves up a heaping portion of reality about the sad state of our food industry.  With cinematic style, he prepares a feast for the eyes and disturbing content for the mind. Don’t miss this important film.

For Kids
You might not want to show your kids Food, Inc. or Blue Gold for a number of reasons.  They’re depressing, bloody and, honestly, pretty boring for kids.  That doesn’t mean there aren’t other movies made for them!

• Ferngully.  A classic, but still very relevant, and most recently ripped off by Avatar.
• Finding Nemo.  New, beautiful and full of conservational messages.  Fish are friends, not food!  Tell your kids about the seafood watch cards, over fishing and whaling practices from all around the world.
• Over the Hedge.  As a longtime fan of the print comic, I was very skeptical when this movie came out.  I am pleased to say, it’s hilarious and a great commentary on what suburbia is doing to wildlife.  Take your kids for a walk through the wild spaces near your house, and re-examine what you’re doing to help the local flora and fauna.
• The Lorax.  As always, Dr. Suess is both relevant and accessible to kids.
• Wall-E.  Beautiful, touching and really depressing all at the same time.  Wall-E is probably the best movie for kids that shows what really will happen if we continue consuming at the rate we are right now.  

Always bring home the message to your kids by telling them about how your family is working on this issues brought up in these films.

Shorts
Don’t have time to watch a full documentary?  Don’t want to go rent a movie, or walk out to your mailbox when the Netflix envelop comes in?  Here are some movies you can watch in just a half hour or so.  They’re short, sweet and oh so green!
The Meatrix.  Ok, it’s silly, but it does make a point.

The Solitary Life of Cranes.  It’s not supposed to be a green movie, but it certainly does speak to city development.

Life in Limbo.  Welcome to Hasankeyf, Turkey, where the life of your people is in danger.

Wake up, freak out – then get a grip.  An animated film on the dangers of climate change, and the tipping point we’re approaching.