Design for Disaster

Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet(en)

David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström examine Earth's biodiversity collapse and how this crisis can still be averted.

Les Mégafeux, la nouvelle guerre du feu(fr)

Desynchronized(en)

Recent studies show that insects are in decline across the globe and there may be a direct connection between the current climate crisis and these declining populations. DESYNCHRONIZED focuses on Pope Canyon Queens, a beekeeping and queen breeding company in Northern California. Pope Canyon Queens is currently trying to rebuild after the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex fires destroyed their farm, shop, and half of their hives. Their crucial work to breed honey bee queens with stronger genes fortifies beekeepers' hives across the country while they face the effects of climate change and unregulated industries. Dr. Nicholas Teets, PhD Entomology, explains how shifts in phenology are predicted to cause bigger issues. Howard Goldstein, Senior Forest Ecologist at the Prospect Park Alliance explores how community gardens and green spaces in large metropolitan areas may help insect populations recover from loss of habitat and food scarcity.

Chlorine and the Firefighter(en)

This 1974 film is dedicated by the Chlorine Institute to the public interest. It is specifically intended to assist firefighters and other emergency services. The techniques demonstrated are appropriate for emergency use; different circumstances might require modified or additional procedure. The information is drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The Institute, its members any organizations cooperating in the development of this film, jointly or severally, cannot be responsible for how the information is used and must make this legal disclaimer. This is a 1960s era, color movie about Chlorine and emergency workers… specifically, firefighters. The film is intended to show firefighters what chlorine is, what a chlorine emergency might involve, how a company can plan ahead and how an emergency can be handled safely.

High Rise Building Problems(en)

This is a 1970’s era, color movie discussing problems fire departments have with high rise buildings. It opens with a massive high-rise tower with a ladder next to it and was produced with the assistance of the National Fire Protection Association and Fire Prevention through Films. Producer is Julian Olansky and the New Haven Fire Department in New Haven, Connecticut.

Condemned(en)

“Condemned” (c.1960s) is a color fire prevention film presented by Fire Prevention Through Films. It was produced by Julian Olansky in cooperation with fire departments across Connecticut (Andover, Eagleville, Hebron, Mansfield, Willimantic, University of Connecticut Fire Dept.). The film warns against the dangers of fire and not having a proper fire safety plan. The film starts out by focussing heavily on the risks associated with carelessly smoking cigarettes at home before showing other scenarios that can turn deadly.

The Fire Triangle(en)

"The Fire Triangle" presents different types of fires (electrical, chemical, etc.) and firefighting techniques, while exploring the "triangle" conception of fire, consisting of heat, fuel and oxygen. Shot in Los Angeles with the cooperation of the LAFD, it dates to 1962.

The Way Things Go(en)

Artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss create the ultimate Rube Goldberg machine. The pair used found objects to construct a complex, interdependent contraption in an empty warehouse. When set in motion, a domino-like chain reaction ripples through the complex of imaginative devices. Fire, water, the laws of gravity, and chemistry determine the life-cycle of the objects. The process reveals a story concerning cause and effect, mechanism and art, and improbability and precision, in an extended science project that will mesmerize the mind.

Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids(en)

Documentary depicting the lives of child prostitutes in the red light district of Songachi, Calcutta. Director Zana Briski went to photograph the prostitutes when she met and became friends with their children. Briski began giving photography lessons to the children and became aware that their photography might be a way for them to lead better lives.

Bowling for Columbine(en)

This is not a film about gun control. It is a film about the fearful heart and soul of the United States, and the 280 million Americans lucky enough to have the right to a constitutionally protected Uzi. From a look at the Columbine High School security camera tapes to the home of Oscar-winning NRA President Charlton Heston, from a young man who makes homemade napalm with The Anarchist's Cookbook to the murder of a six-year-old girl by another six-year-old. Bowling for Columbine is a journey through the US, through our past, hoping to discover why our pursuit of happiness is so riddled with violence.

Tarnation(en)

Filmmaker Jonathan Caouette's documentary on growing up with his schizophrenic mother -- a mixture of snapshots, Super-8, answering machine messages, video diaries, early short films, and more -- culled from 19 years of his life.

Full Metal Village(de)

The film describes the microcosmos of the small village Wacken and shows the clash of the cultures, before and during the biggest heavy metal festival in Europe.

Amy's Victory Dance(en)

A New York City based former professional dancer crossed the street and was hit and ran over by a 15 ton New York City Express. As she regains awareness, her first thought, "Am I ever going to dance again?" Her second thought was " If I survive the night there will be a Victory Dance!"

Il coraggio di essere Franco(it)

Once Upon a Time in Croatia(hr)

Docu-drama about Croatia's first President, Franjo Tudjman.

The New Greatness Case(ru)

Anya was an ordinary Moscow teenager who found a chat group of her choice online. They talked about animals, the stars and social issues. A man called Ruslan D joined the group, who set up an office space for the online group to meet. Step by step, he began to lead young people who were critical of the Putin's regime towards political activism. Ruslan D placed a camera in the meeting room, and when he had enough footage, he handed it over to the prosecutor. The police raided the teenagers' homes and they were arrested on charges of planning to overthrow the government and terrorism. Three years of legal proceedings transformed Anya's mother from a loyal follower of Putin to a hunger-striking activist. Moscow-based director Anna Shishova followed Anya and her mother's life throughout the event and eventually revealed the true identity of Ruslan D.

Paranormal : What's Behind The Story(ar)

Paranormal : What's Behind The Story documentary

Wild Wild West: Geronimo(en)

Born in 1829, Geronimo was a peaceful young Apache. However, that ail changed one night when his mother, wife, and three children were killed by Mexican soldiers. On that fateful night he became one of the boldest warriors of all time. Originally, Goyathlay, "One Who Yawns", Geronimo became the most famous Apache for standing against the U.S. government and for holding out the longest. In 1876, Federal authorities captured and forced Geronimo and his band onto a U.S. reservation at San Carlos, Arizona. It was described as "Hell's Forty Acres". He soon escaped to roam Arizona and New Mexico. He was pursued relentlessly by more than five thousand U.S. troops. Exhausted and hopelessly outnumbered, Geronimo surrendered in 1886 to live out the rest of his life imprisoned in Oklahoma.

Afternoons of Solitude(es)

The life of the bullfighter Andrés Roca Rey during a day of bullfighting, from the moment he dresses up to the moment he undresses.

Nicole Kidman: Eyes Wide Open(fr)

Nicole Kidman has worked with a host of top directors in a varied career including Gus Van Sant, Jane Campion, Stanley Kubrick, Lars von Trier and Sofia Coppola. A portrait of a fascinatingly ambivalent actress who shines in Hollywood blockbusters as well as auteur cinema, determined to explore, role after role, the female condition.