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VTR Rosedale, 1974 (31 min)
Rosedale, once referred to as “the rear end of Alberta” by one of its frustrated citizens, pulled itself together as a community. It formed a citizens’ action committee, cleaned up the town, built a park, and negotiated with the government to install gas, water and sewage systems. It all happened within five months. The catalyst of this development process was the use of videotape recording (VTR) equipment by the citizens themselves.

VTR St-Jacques, 1969 (26 min)
This short film was an experiment in using video recordings and closed circuit television to stimulate social action in a poor Montreal neighbourhood. A citizen’s committee filmed people’s concerns and then played back the tapes for the community. Upon recognizing their common problems, people began to talk about joint solutions. It proved an important and effective method of promoting social change.

Some Problems of Fogo, 1967 (21 min)
Some of the problems discussed are the fishermen’s unions, the fish plant, able-bodied men on welfare, the problems of education, and the issue of the consolidation of schools.

The Things I Cannot Change, 1967 (55 min)
This film is considered to be the forerunner of the NFB’s Challenge for Change program. It is a look at a family in trouble, seen from the inside. Although filmed in Montréal, this is the anatomy of poverty as it occurs in North America, seen by a camera that became part of the family’s life for several weeks.

Citizens’ Medecine, 1970 (30 min) In Montréal, the St. Jacques Citizens’ Committee set up a community health clinic, aided by volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists and medical students. This film shows discussion, planning, and the clinic in operation, and presents its problems and advantages as seen both by medical workers and by local residents. Members of the Citizens’ Committee participated in the making of the film, from original planning through filming, selecting, and editing.

The Founding of the Co-operatives, 1967 (21 min)
A record of the founding meeting of the Fogo Island Shipbuilding and Producer Co-operative.

The Ballad of Crowfoot, 1968 (10 min) A bitter, haunting, and impressionistic film that examines the situation of Aboriginal people in North America through the figure of Crowfoot, the legendary 19th-century Blackfoot leader of the Plains. A rapid montage of archival photos, etchings, and contemporary newspaper clippings is married to the words and music of an impassioned ballad written by Micmac singer and songwriter Willie Dunn.

PowWow at Duck Lake, 1967 (14 min)
A discussion at Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, where Métis problems are openly and strongly presented before a gathering of Indians and whites. Among matters discussed are the kind of schooling available to Aboriginals and the limitations of education that restrict their opportunities to develop in their own way and in ways best for themselves.

You Are on Indian Land, 1969 (36 min) A film report of the 1969 protest demonstration by the Kanien’kéhaka (Mohawk) of St. Regis Reserve on the international bridge between Canada and the United States near Cornwall, Ontario. By blocking the bridge, which is on the Reserve, and causing a considerable tie-up of motor traffic, they drew public attention to their grievance. The community was prohibited by Canadian authorities from duty-free passage of personal purchases across the border; a right established by the Jay Treaty of 1794. The film shows the confrontation with police, and ensuing action.

They Appreciate You More, 1974 (14 min) Aliette lives in Montréal with her husband and three children. Since both Aliette and Pierre work outside their home full-time, they share household responsibilities. This development has changed them as individuals and, they think, has affected the dynamics of their family—for the better.

Mothers Are People, 1974 (7 min) Joy is a research biologist, a consultant to a large company. She is also a widow with two school-age children. In discussing her own dilemmas, she speaks for many other women. Apart from “discrimination against women,” Joy sees the absence of universal day care as a loss for children too.

A Woman’s Place, 1967 (16 min) Two women discuss the roles and problems of women, education, and shopping on Fogo Island.