The armed drone is the defining weapon in the war on terror—and one of the most controversial. First praised for surgical precision, laser-like focus and a capacity to reduce collateral damage—the drone has come to represent a reckless industrialized killing program reviled across the world. This includes the development of "militainment" programs—in which video-games are basically used as both a recruiting tool and a means of making military violence appear as an innocuous part of everyday life. Featuring survivors and those who live under constant threat of drone strikes, activist lawyers attempting to use international courts to stop the program, military analysts who still maintain their efficacy and Brandon Bryant, a former drone pilot turned vocal critic, Drone offers an absorbing and revelatory perspective on this disturbing weaponry. Eli Horwatt, Hot Docs
Docs For Schools Focus: Choices
Docs for Schools Focus offers a three-film series for in-school viewing that explores the theme: choices.
CHOICES. We all make them, dozens a day. Most we never think about, let alone consider the consequences. In these films, students will meet subjects who consider and knowingly make choices that will have lifelong ramifications.
Fall 2016 program now closed. Returning Fall 2017.
HOW IT WORKS
- FREE for grades 7-12 in Ontario
- Includes education packages with creative lesson plans and links to curriculum
- DVDs available for one week blocks between September 26 – December 12, 2016
- Confirmation will be sent within one business day
- DVD will arrive the Friday before your requested week
- At the end of the week, DVD must be returned to Hot Docs using the pre-addressed envelope
IMPORTANT
These films are relevant and contain content relating to the realities of our world today. The stories can be challenging and that is the goal of this program, to bring forth content that offers an awareness and perspective but also has the ability to generate questions and discussions. What is not appropriate for one class/school is fine for another. This is your decision. All films selected should be viewed prior to viewing with students.
DRONE
- Norway
- 2015
- Director:
- Tonje Hessen Schei
Pashto/Urdu/Eng. Subtitles, some profanity/graphic imagery. 78 min & 58 min
- Subjects:
- Challenge & Change in Society
- Civics
- Economics
- English
- Equity, Diversity & Social Justice
- Law
- Media Arts
- Philosophy
- World Issues
- World History
HOW WE CHOOSE
- USA
- 2016
- 15
- Director:
- Alexandra Bombach
English, Farsi with English subtitles
- Subjects:
- Grade 7/8 Languages
- Canadian History
- Challenge & Change in Society
- Equity, Diversity & Social Justice
- Geography
- Media Arts
- Origins & Citizenship
- Politics
- World Issues
- World Cultures
- World History
Director Alexandria Bombach explores the question: "How do you make the wrenching decision of whether to leave your homeland?" Helena Saboori remains positive and pursues her passions, accepting the risks of staying in Afghanistan. Omaid Sharifi wrestles with his decision to stay, but uses his art to make a positive change. Arash Seddique chooses to leave after receiving a special immigrant visa to the United States, while Rana and Wahid Qaderi make the decision to embark on a dangerous journey, leaving financial stability and their home in hopes of finding peace for their five children.
THE JOURNEY FROM SYRIA
- USA
- 2016
- 73
- Director:
- Matthew Cassel
Arabic with English Subtitles
- Subjects:
- Grade 7/8 Languages
- Civic & Citizenship
- English
- Equity, Diversity & Social Justice
- Geography
- Media Arts
- World Issues
This multi-part documentary follows the treacherous, 1,700-mile migration of a Syrian refugee who fled the perils of wartime Damascus to build a better life for his family. More than a million people whose lives have been upended by desperation and violence in Syria have made similar journeys, but most of these treks take place in obscurity. Aboud Shalhoub was joined by the filmmaker Matthew Cassel, who documented—and participated in—the perilous migration in 2015. Cassel's colleague Simon Safieh stayed in Damascus with Aboud's wife, Christine, and his two children. The series captures Aboud's long trip to the Netherlands, the family's attempts to reunite, and the tide of nationalist sentiment sweeping across northern Europe.
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Exclusive Education Partner
Supported By
Additional support is provided by The Toronto Arts Council, The Andy and Beth Burgess Family Foundation, the Hal Jackman Foundation and through contributions by individual donors.
