American Studies

Journalist Linda Ellerbee examines the state of contraception in the U.S. today, including women's dissatisfaction with the methods currently available.

An emotionally compelling examination of NY artist and psychotherapist Jo Roman's pioneering work in developing a philosophy of "rational suicide" as a basic human right.

An intimate portrait of Chuck Solomon, a mainstay of the San Francisco theatrical community, who was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985.

Examines the impact of AIDS within Hispanic-American communities, focusing on the specific economic, social and cultural factors which influence perception of the AIDS crisis, including macho attitudes about sexuality, traditional relations between men and women, prejudices against homosexuality, and the prevalence of drug abuse.

Looks at the many individuals and organizations that have met the challenge of providing services for people with AIDS (PWAs) in San Francisco, including volunteers who provide vital services that government agencies have been unable or unwilling to provide.

Follows a class of six- and seven-year-olds through a six-week summer drama school at Philadelphia's Freedom Theatre, where intensive theater training provides the youngsters with valuable lessons of self-discipline and self-confidence.

The Bread and Puppet Theater has become famous in America over the last thirty years for its street theater and political satire utilizing giant papier-māche puppets, masks and twelve foot high stilt walkers.

Portrays the life of America's pioneer social photographer, Lewis Hine (1874-1940), who recorded the waves of immigration around the turn of the century and the development of industrial America during the first four decades of the 20th century, from the sweatshops of New York's Lower East Side to the mines, mills and factories across the nation. The video blends Hine's photos with historical footage and interviews.

More than 100 years ago, in his journalism and his influential book, How the Other Half Lives, photojournalist Jacob Riis dramatically portrayed issues of homelessness, poverty, crime, public health, and race relations in America.

Chronicles the life and career of Todd Webb, one of America's greatest photographers.

Profiles San Francisco painter and muralist Scott Williams who uses stencils and Krylon to appropriate images from movies, TV, magazines, advertising, and other pop culture sources.

Profiles Alan Bean, the Apollo XII astronaut who in November 1969 became the fourth man to set foot on the moon, and who later turned to painting to share the vision he brought back from space.

Surveys the work of plastic artists in Puerto Rico during the 20th century, as well as significant forerunners in the 18th and 19th centuries, focusing on the artists' expression of national identity. The video combines illustrations of hundreds of art works with interviews with a dozen major contemporary artists and commentary by art critics.

Chronicles the lives of the students of the EAGLES Center (student population: 30), an alternative high school in Los Angeles for gay and lesbian teens who, due to persecution, are unable to function in the regular school system. In addition to the students' discussions of the social discrimination they face and their own personal struggles, the video shows their historic efforts in organizing a citywide promo for over 200 gay and lesbian high school students throughout L.A. County, and the first gay and lesbian prom in America.

An award-winning documentary portrait of the controversial American painter best known for his drawings of the male nude and paintings in the ancient medium of egg yolk tempera. Scenes of Cadmus at work are combined with commentary by the artist on his life and work, dating from his days as a WPA artist in the Thirties.

An award-winning documentary portrait of one of America's foremost Social Realist painters, active since the 1930s, whose work skewers corrupt politicians and police, rages over social injustices, and satirizes the petty foibles of humankind.

Documents the Fall 1993 construction at Cornell University of site-specific installations by eight acclaimed Hispanic artists, featuring interviews with the artists, scenes of the exhibit, as well as the controversy and protest it engendered on campus.

Documents the history of a remarkable art exhibit which showcases the work of both American and Vietnamese veterans of the Indochina War.

Showcases the view of African life featured in the paintings, drawings and etchings of Betty LaDuke, one of America's most accomplished multicultural artists.

This video takes us on a trip through six decades and over twenty countries in tracing the development of Betty LaDuke, one of America's leading multicultural artists. Her vision encompasses not only American culture, but also influences from Native American, Mexican and African cultures and lifestyles.