Democracy à la Maude A Canadian woman leads the fight against unjust corporate globalization, and for social justice.
61 minutes
Closed Captioned
Directed by Patricia Kearns
Produced by The National Film Board of Canada
Canadian Maude Barlow is an international leader fighting against unjust corporate globalization, and defending social justice and economic sovereignty. Over the last several years the public sector in most industrialized nations has been dramatically weakened. Few voices have been able to break through the intrusive din of advertising and corporate propaganda on behalf of "free trade."
As chair of the Council of Canadians, an organization of independent, non-partisan citizens -- whose 100,000 members aim to build stronger communities at the grass-roots level -- Maude Barlow fought NAFTA and has opposed Canadian newspaper magnate, Conrad Black's, nationwide takeover of newspapers.
Articulate, unassuming, and cool under fire, Maude Barlow has inspired thousands in her own country and around the world. Her agenda? "Fair trade, full employment, cooperation, cultural diversity, democratic control, fair taxation, environmental stewardship, community, public accountability, equality, social justice: these are the touchstones of our vision and it is within our means--it is our right--to choose them."
Reviews "Throughout recent decades, political and economic power has been concentrated on an astounding scale. This film carefully depicts the enduring struggle of Maude Barlow who, against very long odds, has campaigned relentlessly to preserve the besieged institution of Canadian democracy."
Timothy McGettigan, author of Utopia on Wheels
"Worth putting two sessions aside to explore the debates on private capital and social democracy."
John D. Jackson, PhD, Concordia University Centre for Broadcasting Studies
"As a portrait of a feminist political figure, Democracy à la Maude has much to offer the viewer and would be recommended for high school and up."
Melinda Davis, University of Tennessee College of Law Library, MC Journal
"This film is a powerful statement about the true nature of democracy and citizen participation. An excellent choice for political science, gender, and critical sociology courses."
Mike Sosteric, Dept. of Global and Social Analysis, Athabasca University
"This biography describes...how she was transformed from traditional housewife to influential Canadian media celebrity campaigning on the platforms of safeguarding social programs, promoting economic justice, and renewing democracy for the ordinary citizen...well researched."
"I believe every Women's Studies program should have a copy."
Linda Rogers, Prof, Educational Psychology, Kent State Univ. Links Study guide
Awards and Festivals Gold Apple, National Educational Media Network Competition
Honorable Mention, Columbus International Film & Video Festival
The Other America Film Festival
Water On The Table An intimate portrait of international water activist Maude Barlow and the debate over whether water is a commercial good or a human right.
Economics Economics and its relation to social change and our lifestyles.
Life 30-part series that looks at the effect of globalization on individuals and communities around the world.
The New Rulers of the World Award-winning journalist, John Pilger, investigates the realities of globalization by taking a close look at Indonesia.
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