Big Opinions with Grace Parra

A panoptic film on water, energy and climate, SunGanges (SuryaGanga) is a wild and intense ride three filmmakers take across the vast Indian landscape in an attempt to connect the dots between vanishing rivers, massive energy projects and the quiet rise of renewable energy.

Two filmmakers attempt to cross the proposed Nicaraguan canal route from the Pacific to the Caribbean against the warnings of a reporter jailed for attempting the same feat. Their goal: show the landscapes, plants, animals and peoples that will be lost if the canal is ever built.

Dusty's Trail is an inspirational documentary about a young man's journey with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal and debilitating muscle wasting condition that affects one in 3,500 boys worldwide. The story tells about people coming together from around the world to climb a mountain in Borneo for charity to raise awareness for Duchenne. Dusty's Trail celebrates life through ties that bind all humanity. It's about the power of creating a positive, happy, fulfilling and inspiring life when the odds seem against it. Filmed in Borneo and California, the documentary is based on interviews with doctors, researchers, parents, friends and people who have been inspired by Dusty's life, some with whom he has never met, and others who share the same path.

Santis Productions' latest film, 'Senegalese Women: A Challenge to Strife', documents the great progress Senegal has made to counter extremist Islamic movements. Much of this progress is attributable to the peaceful nature of Islam in Senegal, which is dominated by the Tijani and Murid brotherhoods. But equally important is the powerful voice of women opposing violence and seeking to elevate their status as full participants in the national economy. While they strive to rid themselves of the discriminatory traditional restrictions, they are working hard to seek equality and prosperity. The film was a journey of discovery for its co-producer and director, Ed Nef, who was in Senegal at the time of its birth (1960-62). Its amazing transformation from a European colony to a strong independent nation prompted the production of this film.

This is the story of Rockaway, NY pre, during, and post Hurricane Sandy. Citizens of the peninsula warned the powers that be that our community was set up for a major disaster, and the worst case scenario came true on Oct. 29, 2012, Rockaway area residents offer dramatic first-person accounts of the night of the storm, and their struggles with FEMA, insurance companies and government in the storm's wake. As our ocean community continues to fight for proper beach protection from future disasters, Rockaway residents and businesses continue to be at risk. Interviews with elected officials, (Senators, NYC Comptroller, NY Congressman), activists, and media personalities offer unique perspectives on a timely and very serious subject. The movie culminates with a protest rally at City Hall.