A greater knowledge of social issues means more effective social action.  Fourth Friday Films offers an inspiring series of solutions-focused films. Each is created to educate, spark conversation and stir the con­scious viewer to act on issues of social justice, ecological responsibility, politics and more. This is an opportunity to see that social actions really can—and do—work in the real world.

OCTOBER 28 – Lunch Line

The documentary Lunch Line takes a new look at the school lunch program by exploring its past, its current challenges, and its opportunities for the future. The National School Lunch Program began in 1946, and now, more than 60 years later, the program feeds more than 31 million children every day. In the film, leaders from all sides of the school food debate, including government officials, school foodservice experts, activists, and students, weigh in on the program and discuss ways to continue nourishing America’s
children for another 60 years. 63 minutes

NOVEMBER 25 – The Economics of Happiness 

A chorus of voices from six continents call for systemic economic change in this documentary which describes a world moving simultaneously in opposing directions. While government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power, all around the world people are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance. Communities are coming together to re-build more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm—an economics of localization. 67 minutes

JANUARY 20 – The Dhamma Brothers

This compelling documentary follows a group of prisoners at a maximum-security Alabama penitentiary as they embark on a transformative odyssey by immersing themselves in a grueling, 10-day meditative retreat rooted in Buddhist teachings. During the wrenching course of self-examination and self-discipline, the inmates are forced to confront their crimes, inner demons and dark memories which ultimately puts them on a path to deep-seated healing. 76 minutes

FEBRUARY 24 –  Last Chance for Eden

This very enlightening and emotional documentary provides unique insight into ways everyday Ameri­cans hold deeply-rooted perspectives about issues like racism, sexism, and multiculturalism. Director Lee Mun Wah facilitates a group of diverse men and women through discussions about race, the muse of political correctness, and the inability or unwilling­ness of dominant groups to understand their position of privilege. Uncomfortable pauses give way to reflec­tion, as people talk openly about various stereotypes and the impacts those labels have on relationships at work, home and in the community. 90 minutes

MARCH 23 – !Women Art Revolution

Renowned artist Lynn Hershman-Leeson spent 40 years gathering interviews and news footage for this stunning documentary profiling the feminist art movement, which seeks to empower female artists and improve their access to male-dominated art spaces. During the radical 1970s, artists such as Judy Chicago campaigned for freedom from restrictive gender biases, and contemporary activists such as the Guerrilla Girls continue the fight for equal access and representation. 83 minutes

APRIL 6 – Mad City Chickens

From backyard eggs to the family’s new favorite pet, the urban chicken is forging a fresh place in the pecking order of human importance. Mad City Chickens weaves multiple stories and contextual issues on city chickens and their keepers in a non-linear fashion that one rarely sees in a documentary. From leading experts to urban newbies, experience the humor and heart of what’s fast becoming an international backyard chicken movement.  81 minutes

APRIL 27 – Crossing the Line

A short film which celebrates the stories of five individuals, families and communities who, with the help of Midwest Environmental Advocates, stood up for their rights to clean air, land and water and won. 45 minutes

MAY 25 – Queen of the Sun

Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva. Together they reveal both the problems and the solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature. 83 minutes

JUNE 22 – Made in LA

Made in L.A. follows the remarkable story of three Latina immigrants working in Los Angeles garment sweatshops as they embark on a three-year odyssey to win basic labor protections from a mega-trendy clothing retailer. This film reveals the impact of the struggle on each woman’s life as they are gradually transformed by the experience. Compelling, humorous, and deeply human, Made in L.A. is a story about immigration, the power of unity, and the courage it takes to find your voice.  70 minutes