SDH Captioned
Grades 10 -12, College, Adults
Directed by Ian Cheney
Produced by Wicked Delicate Films
DVD Purchase $350, Rent $95
US Release Date: 2016
Copyright Date: 2016
DVD ISBN: 1-941545-64-5
Subjects
Astrobiology
Astronomy
Biology
Climate Change/Global Warming
Cosmology
Earth Science
Future Studies
Life
Life Science
Philosophy
Physical Science
Pollution
Rivers
Space Exploration
Sustainability
Technology
Toxic Chemicals
Water
Awards and Festivals
DOC NYC
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital
Princeton Environmental Film Festival
Camden International Film Festival
Salem Film Festival
Science Books and Films Best Films List 2017
Contrasts sci-fi ideas about terraforming Mars with the state of NYC's waterways, and questions the viability of colonizing Mars before making our own planet sustainable.
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"Stunning imagery...contrasting our scientific capabilities with our moral obligations in a way that is sure to provoke much discussion." Dr. Victor Baker, Prof, Planetary Sciences, Univ. of Arizona |
Could humans live on Mars? Would we want to? Emmy-nominated filmmaker, Ian Cheney, provides insight into our currently unsustainable relationship with our home planet by examining the sci-fi speculation of "terraforming," or making another planet Earth-like, by altering its atmosphere. He calls on a multifaceted brain trust to process this big idea including a desert camp of Mars hopefuls, a bevy of sci-fi writers, Hurricane Sandy survivors, the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club, and a who's who of astrobiologists and earth scientists. BLUESPACE makes a strong case for taking better care of our water-rich planet so that future generations won't have to resort to interplanetary colonization.
At times whimsical and funny, serious and poignant and always stimulating, this is a unique exploration of current thinking about the origins and evolution of life and its relationship to water.
There are two versions of BLUESPACE on the DVD: a 73 minute theatrical version and a 54 minute classroom version. The classroom version presents some key sequences and interview subjects in a slightly different order, and features narration by director Ian Cheney not present in the theatrical version.
Other films by Ian Cheney are THE CITY DARK, TRUCK FARM, THE GREENING OF SOUTHIE, and with Aaron Woolf and Curt Ellis BIG RIVER, KING CORN
Reviews
"Stunning imagery and thought-provoking commentary...Bluespace engages its viewers with the surprisingly interconnected issues of terraforming Mars while preserving Earth...This film delivers a powerful statement, contrasting our scientific capabilities with our moral obligations in a way that is sure to provoke much discussion following its classroom or community screening."
Dr. Victor Baker, Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources, Professor of Planetary Sciences and Geosciences, University of Arizona
"Bluespace confronts our future dreams of terraforming Mars with our present reality of human activity affecting Earth. The film serves a potent reminder of the visual impact of human pollution on tangible scales."
Dr. Peter Plavchan, Assistant Professor of Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science, Missouri State University
"Beautiful and powerful imagery...Bluespace makes creative use of the idea of Mars terraforming to send a powerful message about saving our planet. The scientists are both charismatic and passionate and help us understand the issues and the consequences of our actions. Imagining the reshaping of Mars teaches us about ourselves and our relationship with our own planet."
Dr. Jocelyne DiRuggiero, Associate Professor of Biology at Johns Hopkins University
"This atmospheric film conveys the message that it's all very well and good to dream of terraforming Mars, but we'd better take stock of what is happening to Earth's water first."
John Peters, School Library Journal
"Recommended...Bluespace is good for inspiring young minds to think about the possibilities for the future of humans and carrying civilization to Mars and other worlds."
James Gordon, Educational Media Reviews Online
"Gorgeous images...Provocative questions...This is what Bluespace is teaching: what the idea of terraforming Mars can teach us about the ecology on Earth, ways we have corrupted the planet, and ideas to restore the Earth."
Deborah Stevens, NSTA Recommends
"Highly Recommended...The science is clearly described and the level of detail is appropriate for general audiences. In addition, the scientific method and STEM applications are depicted throughout video. Hypothetical strategies for colonizing Mars are based on authentic inquiries by legitimate investigators as well as mainstream science fiction writers."
Brian R. Shmaefsky, Science Books and Films