Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky

Birth : 1928-12-07, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

History

American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and political activist. He is an Institute Professor and professor emeritus of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Chomsky is well known in the academic and scientific community as one of the fathers of modern linguistics. Since the 1960s, he has become known more widely as a political dissident and an anarchist.

Profile

Noam Chomsky

Movies

MIT: Regressions
Self
A documentary on the history of the Institute and America, spanning from World War 2 to COVID-19. Features AI-enhanced archival footage of MIT from throughout the past century. View now at https://regressions.net.
Salvia Divinorum: A Western Approach
Self
Salvia Divinorum is an often misunderstood and powerful psychedelic plant used by the Mazatec shamans in southern Mexico for centuries. This entheogen's mysteries are thoroughly explored, by Director Erin Wyche, from an American view point.
2020: The Dumpster Fire
Contributor
A documentary about the raging dumpster fire which was 2020.
Better Left Unsaid
Self
The premise behind Better Left Unsaid, lies in the unconfined analysis of the often violent extremism of today's Western political landscape. As liberal democracy becomes increasingly challenged in the West, we expose the dangerous tactics employed by the radical-left and far-right, alike. In a world where political polarization frames the way in which we live, a new path forward of unity is needed more than ever before. The value of the film lies in its impact, brevity and digestibility - as we confront the philosophical underpinnings of the radical left and their extreme right counterpart.
Symphony Of The Invisible
Himself (voice)
"Symphony of the Invisible" is a reflection on creation and how through art, poetry and images you can break the limits that have been imposed on language and life itself.
Her Socialist Smile
Self
The memory of a particular moment in early 20th century history when, in 1913, Helen Keller (1880-1968), a deaf-blind writer, lecturer and political activist, spoke, for the first time and in public, about socialism and progressive causes.
The Invisible Class
Himself
From the people in the streets, to it's root causes, The Invisible Class will forever change your perception of homelessness in America.
I Am (Not) a Monster
Himself
A journey to find the origins of knowledge.
The Weight of Chains 3
Himself
Boris Malagurski explains how the military-industrial complex, big business and political interest groups endanger peoples' health and existence, focusing on the examples of Serbia, Cuba, Chile, Italy and Bolivia.
WBCN and the American Revolution
Self
The amazing untold story of the radical underground radio station WBCN-FM set against the profound social, political and cultural changes of the late-1960s and early-70s, using the actual sights, sounds and stories of those who connected through the station, exploding music and countercultural scenes, militant anti-war and civil rights protests and emerging women’s and LGBTQ-liberation movements.
Noam Chomsky: Internationalism or Extinction
Himself
Noam Chomsky confronts the Anthropocene. He describes the avoidable but lethal realities of climate change, nuclear weapons, and our democratic deficits.
The Era of Neoliberalism
Himself
This film shows how four decades of neoliberal policies have resulted in a widespread of social injustice, economic inequality and popular anger.
In the Name of My People
Self
This a documentary film on Afghanistan and the effects of wars of the last 38 years. Malalai Joya, Afghan activist for human rights, democracy and women's rights, speaks to the atrocities committed against Afghans by Soviets, local Warlords, Taliban, and now USA and NATO presence in the country. Many victims of these atrocious wars tell their stories. A film by Pronesis Institute of Audiovisual and Social Change and Cine Cinematográfica of Brazil.
Propaganda: Engineering Consent
Self - Linguist
How can the masses be controlled? Apparently, the American publicist Edward L. Bernays (1891-1995), a pioneer in the field of propaganda and public relations, knew the answer to such a key question. The amazing story of the master of manipulation and the creation of the engineering of consent; a frightening true story about advertising, lies and charlatans.
Post Truth Times
¡Las Sandinistas!
Himself (archive footage)
¡Las Sandinistas! uncovers the disappearing stories of women who shattered barriers to lead combat and social reform during Nicaragua’s 1979 Sandinista Revolution, and who continue to lead Nicaragua’s current struggle for democracy and equality.
The Green Lie
Himself
Environmentally friendly electric cars, sustainably produced food products, fair production processes: Hurray! If everything the corporations tell us is true, we can save the world through our purchasing decisions alone! A popular and dangerous lie. In his new documentary film, Werner Boote shows us, together with environmental expert Kathrin Hartmann, how we can protect ourselves. Down with green lies!
Citizen Clark... A Life of Principle
Himself
For fifty years, former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark has challenged the abuses of U.S. power and championed the causes of human rights.
The World Awaits
Himself
"The World Awaits" is a documentary feature depicting the effects of nuclear weapons and the urgent need for the nuclear states to reduce and eventually eliminate these highly destructive weapons of mass destruction. The film features interviews with noted philosopher-linguist Noam Chomsky, world renowned author-activist Helen Caldicott, MD, and David Krieger, founder of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. 'The World Awaits' presents the dangers of nuclear weapons, including recent and past close calls and almost attacks we had had over 70 years since the first use of nuclear weapons in August of 1945. The film also explores the threat of nuclear terrorism and the dangers of nuclear power plants in our world today. These three intellectuals-activists interviews are interwoven with archival footage of presidents Barack Obama, John Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman. The film makes a strong argument for never using these weapons again and how these outdated weapons and power ...
Accidental Anarchist
Himself
Carne Ross was a government highflyer. A career diplomat who believed Western Democracy could save us all. But working inside the system he came to see its failures, deceits and ulterior motives. He felt at first hand the corruption of power. After the Iraq war Carne became disillusioned, quit his job and started searching for answers.
American Feud: A History of Conservatives and Liberals
Self (archive footage)
This documentary fulfills a unique niche by taking a non-partisan, unbiased approach to the history of Liberalism and Conservatism in the United States. The film starts at the foundation of the country and continues though the 2006 election. Scholars, authors, historians and partisan activists are used not only to tell the history of each movement, but also to show how the meaning of each term has changed over time. Modern Conservatism is depicted as arising from opposition to Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, becoming a national movement in the 1960's and reaching its apex with Ronald Reagan. Modern Liberalism has its roots in the progressive era of the 1890's becoming dominant with the New Deal, and losing influence with the perceived failures of the "Great Society programs" and Vietnam war policies of Lyndon Johnson.
PIIGS
PIIGS is a documentary that challenges prevalent European budgetary policies and the austerity dogma. It does so by bringing in lesser-known facts and evidence that have the effect of ridiculing prevalent European monetary policies and dominant political certainties.
Brexitannia
Himself
A sociological portrait of the United Kingdom after the historic Brexit vote of 2016. A funny, sometimes terrifying and non-judgemental look at the new populist politics sweeping western democracies.
All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone
Self - Professor Emeritus, MIT
Vancouver-based filmmaker and TV news veteran Fred Peabody explores the life and legacy of the maverick American journalist I.F. Stone, whose long one-man crusade against government deception lives on in the work of such contemporary filmmakers and journalists as Laura Poitras, Glenn Greenwald, David Corn, and Matt Taibbi.
Shadow World
Thanks
A detailed investigation into the political and economic interests that, since the beginning of the 20th century, have pulled the strings of the arms trade, hidden in the shadows, feeding the shameful corruption of politicians and government officials and promoting a state of permanent war throughout the world, while they cynically asked for a lasting and universal peace.
Vincennes, l'université perdue
Self
Recounts the epic of Vincennes Experimental University Center, from its creation after the events of May 68 until its demolition in the summer of 1980. To talk about Vincennes is to relive unique ten years of intense intellectual and political extravaganza, educational and artistic inventiveness, utopias, hopes, and betrayals that marked the history in a unique place, the forest with the eponymous name.
The Occupation of the American Mind
Himself
Over the past few years, Israel's ongoing military occupation of Palestinian territory and repeated invasions of the Gaza strip have triggered a fierce backlash against Israeli policies virtually everywhere in the world—except the United States. The Occupation of the American Mind takes an eye-opening look at this critical exception, zeroing in on pro-Israel public relations efforts within the U.S. Narrated by Roger Waters and featuring leading observers of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. media culture, the film explores how the Israeli government, the U.S. government, and the pro-Israel lobby have joined forces, often with very different motives, to shape American media coverage of the conflict in Israel's favor, and provides a sweeping analysis of Israel's decades-long battle for the hearts, minds, and tax dollars of the American people in the face of widening international condemnation of its increasingly right-wing policies.
The Divide
Himself
The Divide tells the story of 7 individuals striving for a better life in modern day US and UK - where the top 0.1% owns as much wealth as the bottom 90%. By plotting these tales together, we uncover how virtually every aspect of our lives is controlled by one factor: the size of the gap between rich and poor.The film is inspired by "The Spirit Level" by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett.
Noam Chomsky: Knowledge and Power
Himself
An in-depth look at the work and views of the man described as 'one of the greatest minds in human history'. He first emerged through his pioneering work in linguistics in the 1950s but later became a political activist and a critic of US foreign policy in Vietnam, its neo-liberal capitalism, and mainstream media. Consisting primarily of interviews with Chomsky and other writers, academics, philosophers, social commentators and broadcasters, this film explores the breadth, originality and importance of his work; and the alternative narratives he has advanced at some of the most critical periods in recent history.
Best of Enemies
Self
A documentary about the legendary series of nationally televised debates in 1968 between two great public intellectuals, the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Buckley Jr. Intended as commentary on the issues of their day, these vitriolic and explosive encounters came to define the modern era of public discourse in the media, marking the big bang moment of our contemporary media landscape when spectacle trumped content and argument replaced substance. Best of Enemies delves into the entangled biographies of these two great thinkers, and luxuriates in the language and the theater of their debates, begging the question, "What has television done to the way we discuss politics in our democracy today?"
The Brainwashing of My Dad
Himself
A filmmaker examines the rise of right-wing media through the lens of her father, whose immersion in it radicalized him and rocked the foundation of their family. She discovers this political phenomenon recurring in living rooms everywhere, and reveals the consequences conservative media has had on families and a nation.
Requiem for the American Dream
Thanks
Through interviews filmed over four years, Noam Chomsky unpacks the principles that have brought us to the crossroads of historically unprecedented inequality – tracing a half-century of policies designed to favor the most wealthy at the expense of the majority – while also looking back on his own life of activism and political participation. He provides penetrating insight into what may well be the lasting legacy of our time – the death of the middle class, and swan song of functioning democracy.
Requiem for the American Dream
Self
Through interviews filmed over four years, Noam Chomsky unpacks the principles that have brought us to the crossroads of historically unprecedented inequality – tracing a half-century of policies designed to favor the most wealthy at the expense of the majority – while also looking back on his own life of activism and political participation. He provides penetrating insight into what may well be the lasting legacy of our time – the death of the middle class, and swan song of functioning democracy.
A Walk Through the Tenderloin: The Invisible Class
Himself
A WALK THROUGH THE TENDERLOIN is a short film out of THE INVISIBLE CLASS, a feature length documentary about America's homeless population, our perceptions of it, and the devastating effects of a lack of affordable housing on modern society.
The Weight of Chains 2
Himself
'The Weight of Chains 2' is a documentary film largely dealing with the effects of the Washington Consensus economic doctrine on the newly established former Yugoslav republics, but also with neoliberalism as an economic concept. Through interviews with Noam Chomsky, Oliver Stone and many others, the author, Serbian-Canadian Boris Malagurski, attempts to analyze why so many people in the Balkans are disappointed with the systems imposed after the fall of socialism and how capitalism could be improved. Looking at the examples of Ecuador and Iceland, the film tries to uncover alternatives to the prevailing orthodoxies of Western economic dictates and help developing nations find their own way to shape their economies and their countries.
We Are Many
Self
The story of the biggest demonstration in human history, which took place on 15th February 2003, against the impending war on Iraq.
Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?
Himself
A series of interviews featuring linguist, philosopher and activist Noam Chomsky done in hand-drawn animation.
Project Censored the Movie
Himself
'Project Censored: The Movie' explores media censorship in our society by exposing important stories that corporate media fails to report/under report. Using the media watchdog group, Project Censored, as their road map, two fathers from California decided to make a documentary film that will help to end the reign of Junk Food News that Corporate Media continues to feed the American people.
Four Horsemen
himself
Documentary about the modern apocalypse caused by a rapacious banking system. 23 leading thinkers – frustrated at the failure of their respective disciplines – break their silence to explain how the world really works.
The Last Days of the USSR
Self
From 1989 to 1991 a string of unpredictable events happened that brought to light the rivalry between two men: Gorbachev, hindered by the economic results of his perestroika, and Yeltsin, embodying the hopes of the Russian people. Illustrated with interviews of top protagonists such as Mikhail Gobachev himself, the documentary recounts the critical last two years of the former USSR.
The Kingdom of Survival
Himself
The Kingdom of Survival explores modern skepticism in America, challenges the status quo and uncovers provocative links between survivalist philosophy, ecumenical spirituality, radical political theory, and outlaw culture. The audience is invited into a thoughtful conversation with the likes of Prof. Noam Chomsky, Dr. Mark Mirabello, Ramsey Kanaan, and the riveting final interview with beloved author, Joe Bageant. These unique thought leaders cast a rare shadow of doubt over our most blindly accepted American traditions.
Programming the Nation?
Himself
Programming the Nation? takes an encompassing look at the history of subliminal messaging in America. According to many authorities, since the late 1950s subliminal content has been tested and delivered through all forms of mass-media including Hollywood filmmakers Alfred Hitchcock and William Friedkin. Even our modern military has been accused of these practices in the "war on terror" against soldiers and civilians both abroad and at home. With eye-opening footage, revealing interviews, humorous anecdotes, and an array of visual effects, the film categorically explores the alleged usage of subliminals in advertising, music, film, television, anti-theft devices, political propaganda, military psychological operations, and advanced weapons development. Director Jeff Warrick makes it his personal mission to determine if these manipulative tactics have succeeded in "programming the nation?" Or, if subliminal messaging belongs in the category of what many consider urban legend.
I Am
Himself
I AM is an utterly engaging and entertaining non-fiction film that poses two practical and provocative questions: what’s wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better? The filmmaker behind the inquiry is Tom Shadyac, one of Hollywood’s leading comedy practitioners and the creative force behind such blockbusters as “Ace Ventura,” “Liar Liar,” “The Nutty Professor,” and “Bruce Almighty.” However, in I AM, Shadyac steps in front of the camera to recount what happened to him after a cycling accident left him incapacitated, possibly for good. Though he ultimately recovered, he emerged with a new sense of purpose, determined to share his own awakening to his prior life of excess and greed, and to investigate how he as an individual, and we as a race, could improve the way we live and walk in the world.
Ethos
Himself
Hosted by twice Oscar nominated actor and activist Woody Harrelson, Ethos lifts the lid on a Pandora's box of systemic issues that guarantee failure in almost every aspect of our lives; from the environment to democracy and our own personal liberty: From terrifying conflicts of interests in politics to unregulated corporate power, to a media in the hands of massive conglomerates, and a military industrial complex that virtually owns our representatives. With interviews from some of todays leading thinkers and source material from the finest documentary film makers of our times Ethos examines and unravels these complex relationships, and offers a solution, a simple but powerful way for you to change this system!
Human Resources: Social engineering in the 20th century
himself
Documentary film exploring the rise of mechanistic philosphy and the exploitation of human beings under modern hierarhical systems. Topics covered include behaviorism, scientific management, work-place democracy, schooling, frustration-aggression hypothesis and human experimentation.
PsyWar: The Real Battlefield Is Your Mind
This film explores the evolution of propaganda and public relations in the United States, with an emphasis on the elitist theory of democracy and the relationship between war, propaganda and class. Includes original interviews with a number of dissident scholars including Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Michael Parenti, Peter Phillips (Project Censored), John Stauber (PR Watch), Christopher Simpson (The Science of Coercion) and others. A deep, richly illustrated study of the nature and history of propaganda, featuring some of the world’s most insightful critics, Psywar exposes the propaganda system, providing crucial background and insight into the control of information and thought.
Noam Chomsky: The Mafia Principle of Global Hegemony
Himself
Renowned scholar and tireless critic of America's international policies and military behavior, Noam Chomsky delivers a lecture on the history and future of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people. Chomsky emphasizes the key influence of the Israel lobby on U.S. politicians and overall public opinion, examines the prospects for peace, and speculates on the true aims and interests of American power as it's expressed worldwide.
ReGeneration
Himself
ReGeneration is a 2010 American documentary film written and directed by Phillip Montgomery that looks at the issues facing today's youth and young adults, and the influences that contribute to America's current culture of apathy toward to political and social causes.
Teenage Paparazzo
Self
A documentary that examines the relationship between celebrity and society.
Standing Army
Himself
Standing Army, directed by Enrico Parenti and Thomas Fazi, is an award-winning documentary film about the global network of U.S. military bases, the impact that these have on local populations, and the military-industrial complex that lies behind it.
Theory and Practice: Conversations with Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn
Self
This timely, bold set of one-on-one interviews presents two of the most venerable figures from the American Left—renowned historian Howard Zinn and linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky—each reflecting upon his own life and political beliefs. At the age of 88, Howard Zinn reflects upon the Civil Rights and anti–Vietnam War movements, political empires, history, art, activism, and his political stance. Setting forth his personal views, Noam Chomsky explains the evolution of his libertarian socialist ideals, his vision for a future postcapitalist society, the Enlightenment, the state and empire, and the future of the planet.
American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein
Self
About the life and work of controversial American Jewish academic Norman Finkelstein.
Moderne slaveri
There's 27 million slaves in the world today. We find them in the sex industry, as child soldiers, as unpaid housekeepers and in production and as shop workers. We have all a responsibility for this.
Chomsky & Cie
At a time when powerlessness and resignation carry the day, Noam Chomsky's work is a radical antidote for all those who want to put an end to the factory of powerlessness and its intellectual media star watchdogs. Theoretician of language, born in Philadelphia in 1928, Noam Chomsky revolutionized linguistics with the "generative grammar." But Chomsky is also a political analyst involved in all political struggles for decades. His clear analysis and rational ideological mechanisms of our societies is a crucial resource for critical thinking today.
Encirclement - Neo-Liberalism Ensnares Democracy
Himself
Using the reflections and analysis of many renowned intellectuals, this documentary draws a portrait of neoliberal ideology and examines the various mechanisms used to impose its dictates throughout the world.
Noam Chomsky on the World: The Chomsky Sessions
Himself
Profiling prolific author and educator Noam Chomsky -- widely recognized as the father of modern linguistics -- this thought-provoking collection of frank interviews, lectures and speeches elucidates his political philosophy and world views. Known for his staunch opposition to the Vietnam War and his condemnation of subsequent U.S. foreign policy, Chomsky is a standard-bearer for American dissidents.
Ai passi con Pasolini
Himself
A documentary about Pier Paolo Pasolini and his film 'Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma'.
Free for All!
Himself
One Dude's Quest to Save Democracy. A FilmBuff Presentation.
I Need That Record!
Himself
Guerilla filmmaker Brendan Toller unleashes I NEED THAT RECORD! THE DEATH (OR POSSIBLE SURVIVAL) OF THE INDEPENDENT RECORD STORE, "an elegy for a vanishing subculture...a lively, bittersweet film that examines - with caustic humor, brutal candor, and, ultimately, great affection - why roughly 3,000 indie record stores have closed across the nation over the past decade," (Johnathan Perry, Boston Globe). A tour-de-force tale of greed, media consolidation, homogenized radio, big box stores, downloading, and technological shifts in the music industry told through candid interviews, crestfallen record store owners, startling statistics, and eye-popping animation. Fat cats or our favorite record stores? You decide. Featuring- IAN MACKAYE, NOAM CHOMSKY, MIKE WATT, THURSTON MOORE, LENNY KAYE (Patti Smith), CHRIS FRANTZ (Talking Heads), GLENN BRANCA, PATTERSON HOOD (Drive By Truckers), PAT CARNEY (Black Keys) , LEGS MCNEIL, BOB GRUEN, BP HELIUM, and many indie record stores across the U.S.
In Prison My Whole Life
Self
William Francome is a fairly typical, white middle-class guy. Typical except for the fact that he is about to embark on a journey into the dark heart of the American judicial system; the tangled world of renowned Death Row prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal.
Ever Again
Self - Author (archive footage)
Ever Again examines the sweeping resurgence of antisemitism in 21st century Europe and its connection to global terrorism.
Out of Place: Memories of Edward Said
Self
Documentary filmmaker Makoto Sato offers this reflection on the life and career of Edward Said, the deeply influential literary and cultural critic, Columbia University academic, and outspoken advocate for displaced Palestinians, of whom he was one. Exploring the landscapes of Said's childhood and how they influenced his philosophy, this film features rare footage of Said and interviews with many of his colleagues, including Noam Chomsky.
The U.S. vs. John Lennon
Himself
A documentary on the life of John Lennon, with a focus on the time in his life when he transformed from a musician into an antiwar activist.
Lake of Fire
Himself
An unflinching look at the how the battle over abortion rights has played out in the United States over the last 15 years.
Noam Chomsky: Imperial Grand Strategy
Himself
In two lectures and a 45-minute interview, intellectual and political activist Noam Chomsky -- credited as the father of modern linguistics -- delivers an unabashed criticism of the Bush administration's record on terrorism, framing the president's invasion of Iraq as part of an "imperial grand strategy." Filmed in 2003, this collection of Chomsky's personal views also provides an effective overview of the global political climate.
The Peace!
Self
Amid an escalating war in Iraq, rising terror levels and the threat of nuclear attack, a growing body of intellectuals, religious leaders and community organizers are getting tough with their questions about peace -- and that's no oxymoron. To shed light on the answers, filmmakers Gabriele Zamparini and Lorenzo Meccoli record a variety of speakers, including Noam Chomsky, Desmond Tutu, Scott Ritter, Pete Seeger, Howard Zinn and Gore Vidal.
On Power, Dissent, and Racism: A Discussion with Noam Chomsky
Discordia
Himself
In the fall of 2002, it was announced that Benjamin Netanyahu would deliver a speech at Concordia University in Montreal, and reaction from the student body was swift and sudden.
Plan Colombia: Cashing In on the Drug War Failure
Himself
Ed Asner narrates this documentary about U.S. involvement in Colombia's drug trafficking and civil unrest. The film examines the impact of chemical spraying and military funding and reveals alternate U.S. interests. Features interviews with Noam Chomsky, the late Senator Paul Wellstone, Colombian Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, Congressmen John Conyers and Jim McGovern, U.S. State Department officials, guerilla leaders and others.
The Corporation
Self
Since the late 18th century American legal decision that the business corporation organizational model is legally a person, it has become a dominant economic, political and social force around the globe. This film takes an in-depth psychological examination of the organization model through various case studies. What the study illustrates is that in the its behaviour, this type of "person" typically acts like a dangerously destructive psychopath without conscience. Furthermore, we see the profound threat this psychopath has for our world and our future, but also how the people with courage, intelligence and determination can do to stop it.
Noam Chomsky: Rebel Without a Pause
Himself
Linguist, intellectual and activist, Noam Chomsky discusses and reflects on the state of world events including the War in Iraq, September 11th, the War on Terror, Media Manipulation and Control, Social Activism, Fear, and American Foreign Policy in both large forums and in small interactive discussions with other intellectuals, activists, fans, students and critics. Interwoven, is Dr. Carol Chomsky, Noam's wife and manager who reflects on what drives Noam and what life is like with him. Other candid reflections about Noam Chomsky and his thoughts, work and influece are offerred by others throughout the film.
Stupidity
himself
An exploration into the nature of stupidity in Western society and its history of our perception of it.
Noam Chomsky: Distorted Morality
Himself
In this remarkable documentary, Noam Chomsky offers a riveting but devastating critique of America's current war on terror arguing, in fact, that it is a logistical impossibility for such a war to be taking place. Professor Chomsky presents his reasoning with astonishing and refreshing clarity, drawing from a wealth of historical knowledge and analysis. "Only those who are entirely ignorant of modern history will be surprised by the course of events, or by the justifications that are provided..."
Power and Terror: Noam Chomsky in Our Times
This documentary compiles a series of Noam Chomsky's interviews and lectures that address the events of 9/11.
Last Party 2000
Filmed over the last six months of the 2000 Presidential election, Phillip Seymour Hoffman starts documenting the campaign at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, but spends more time outside, in the street protests and police actions than in the orchestrated conventions. Hoffman shows an obvious distaste for money politics and the conservative right. He looks seedier and more disillusioned the campaign progresses. Eventually Hoffman seems most energized by the Ralph Nader campaign as an alternative to the nearly indistinguishable major parties. The high point of the film are the comments by Barney Frank who says that marches and demonstrations are largely a waste of time, and that the really effective political players such as the NRA and the AARP never bother with walk ins, sit-ins, shoot-ins or shuffles. In the interview with Jesse Jackson, Hoffman is too flustered to ask all of his questions.
This Is What Democracy Looks Like
Himself
This film, shot by 100 amateur camera operators, tells the story of the enormous street protests in Seattle, Washington in November 1999, against the World Trade Organization summit being held there. Vowing to oppose, among other faults, the WTO's power to arbitrally overrule nations' environmental, social and labour policies in favour of unbridled corporate greed, protestors from all around came out in force to make their views known and stop the summit. Against them is a brutal police force and a hostile media as well as the stain of a minority of destructively overzealous comrades. Against all odds, the protesters bravely faced fierce opposition to take back the rightful democratic power that the political and corporate elite of the world is determined to deny the little people.
Public Enemy: Reflections of The Black Panthers
Self
A documentary film of The Black Panther Party as told by four former Party members
Zapatista
Himself - Professor, MIT
"Zapatista" is the definitive look at the uprising in Chiapas. It is the story of a Mayan peasant rebellion armed with sticks and their word against a first world military. It is the story of a global movement that has fought 175,000 federal troops to a stand still and transformed Mexican and international political culture forever.
State of Fear
Novel
Seven hundred and seventy one words from Orwell, Chomsky, Shakespeare and others. Seven hundred and seventy one people off the street. A 15 minute meditation on Capitalism, Thought Control and the "Freedom" of Speech.
Noah Chomsky: Personal Influences
Himself
A Case Study: Cambodia and East Timor
Self
The Revenge of the Dead Indians
Himself
This is a full-length documentary honoring the life and work of American composer and artist John Cage. Cage is considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. This documentary features interviews with various personalities from different fields as they introduce us to the life and work of this great American artist.
Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media
Self
A film about the noted American linguist/political dissident and his warning about corporate media's role in modern propaganda.
The CIA's War Against Cuba
"The CIA's War Against Cuba" - a briefing of the past ten years of CIA activities in Cuba, and the agents and other staff involved by the Dirección General de Inteligencia (DGI). DGI executed a parade of CIA agents active in Cuba, technology used, arms caches, journalists and other correspondents involved in intelligence tasks. This action was taken by Fidel Castro when his top agent Florention Aspillaga defected to the US via their embassy in Vienna, which immediately was followed by more defections and disclosure of so-called double agents. "La guerra de la CIA contra Cuba" was being broadcasted in 11 episodes.
The Chomsky - Foucault Debate: On Human Nature
Himself
The Chomsky–Foucault debate was a debate about human nature, between Noam Chomsky and Michel Foucault in the Netherlands, in November 1971. Chomsky and Foucault were invited by the Dutch philosopher Fons Elders to discuss an age-old question: "is there such a thing as 'innate' human nature independent of our experiences and external influences?"
Truth to the Powerless: An Investigation into Canada's Foreign Policy
Self
A six part documentary series which seeks to explore the role Canada's foreign policy has played in the international arena since the post-World War II era.
The Great Irish Sell Off
Himself
A documentary exploring the effect of international investment firms ("vulture" funds) on the Irish economy and housing crisis.