Tag Archives: asia

Kano: An American & His Harem

In 1969, an American Vietnam war hero relocates to a remote village in the Philippines and invites hundreds of women to live with him in his compound. Through money and violence, he was able to rule as a king. “It was like having a vacation everyday”, he recalls proudly.

In 2002 he was charged with over 80 counts of rape.

Victor Pearson is now in jail serving two life sentences, but many of the women remain by his side. Pearson and his harem form an extended family bound together with codependency and power issues. Although still behind bars, he has since married five of the women who testified against him in court keeping them in apartments in the neighbourhood.

Unrepentant, Victor Pearson is undoubtedly a charismatic character who lived his dream. When confronted with his abuse of girls as young as fourteen, he claims that the lifestyle and education he provided these women with, outweigh the charges leveled at him.

“Kano” is the fascinating story of a convicted rapist and the women who come together to form a most dysfunctional family.

China: The Rebirth of an Empire

China’s unprecedented growth has placed it on the verge of overtaking the United States as the world’s preeminent power. But what type of power will China become? In today’s interconnected and globalized world, the answer effects each and every one of us.

In Pakistan and Afghanistan, China’s humanitarian activities and investment in infrastructure have won it the hearts and minds of the people. Yet in Tibet and Xinjiang, China is reviled as an imperialistic abuser of human rights. Will China use its strength to dominate its neighbors and become a 21st century empire, or will China’s youth lead the country towards democracy?

Whether it’s a peaceful rise or potential threat, China’s 21st century emergence as a great world power will change the lives of everyone.

Climate Chaos in the South

Climate Chaos in the South is a not about the science or reasons behind climate change but about the devastating impact that it is already having on many who live in the southern hemisphere.

Featuring interviews with the victims as well as the experts in Africa, Asia and South America, Climate Chaos in the South captures vividly the changes that climate change has wrought not just on the environment but on the lives and livelihoods of millions across three continents. Fertile land has been scorched and turned to desert while on the coasts increases in sea temperature has depleted fish stocks and a rising sea level has destroyed settlements. The huge rise in cyclones and other natural disasters continue to destroy homes on an unimaginable scale and the overall result is turning entire populations into climate refugees. While climate change once looked like a problem of the future, this film demonstrates with absolute clarity that it is a humanitarian catastrophe of the present.

Made with the support of Greenpeace, Oxfam, VOICE and numerous others, Climate Chaos in the South is the first comprehensive survey of how climate change is already devastating the lives of millions.