| 
"The independent project, produced and distributed by Missoula,
Montana-based High Plains Films, features "ordinary Americans"
in spectacular natural settings talking about what the idea of
wilderness means to them. The real-life cast of American Values is deliberately diverse, challenging Outside and Adventure magazines'
portrayal of nature as the domain of Tactel- and Lycra-clad Yuppies.
Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, and the children
of Cambodian refugees reminisce about their experiences in wilderness
and how important open spaces "as free from human intervention
and oversight as possible" are to their identity and quality
of life. At the end of its quiet, captivating hour, American
Values has redefined wilderness as neither a commodity nor
a luxury, but a public good that belongs to us all." Read
full review from San Antonio Current
"American Values, American Wilderness is the
latest in a line of critically-acclaimed films produced by High
Plains Films." Read
full article from Inside the Garden City
"An exemplary job in presenting diverse values from diverse
cultures, all returning full circle to Wilderness and its importance
in helping shape who we are as Americans."
— Kari Gunderson, Ph.D. College of Forestry & Conservation,
University of Montana
"An elegant film. Low-key, yet powerful, the film lets
a diverse array of Americans speak of their hopes and fears for
the wild places. Schoolchildren, a writer of children's books,
inner city teens, Native Americans, artists, the physically challenged,
and numerous others are seen in the wilderness as they experience
and describe what it means to them. The photography effectively
depicts the scenic beauty of many Western states, including Montana.
In a poignant final statement, Christopher Reeve says he hasn't
been able to visit the wilderness recently, but hopes to soon."
Montana Magazine
"Explore the values of wilderness along with the people who have truly come to appreciate the many benefits of the planet's natural beauty in an inspirational documentary from filmmaker Christopher Barns. Few things can inspire quite so much as the majesty of mother nature's glory, and as an eclectic group of Americans including a Native American tribal chairman, a cancer survivor, a children's book author, and the late film star Christopher Reeve all discuss just how the rolling hills and awe-inspiring beauty of the land have influenced their values, images of the very landscapes that captured their hearts offer viewers the rare opportunity to truly get back in touch with nature in an increasingly modernized world." ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
"Inspiring and beautifully filmed." read
full review from www.hometheatersound.com
Nominated - American Library Association Notable Videos for
Adults Award
|
