2009-2010 PROJECTS 2010-2011 PROJECTS 2011-2012 PROJECTS OFFICES IN TORONTO & HONG KONG

THE FILMS:
Our lms are provided free of charge to educators and grassroots organizations, as an educational, fundraising and campaigning tool they can use to demonstrate the need for and importance of projects like theirs. Our lms are also available to embed in websites online to network potential donors in the global north to projects in developing countries, and also to raise awareness of the social and environmental justice issues our lms address. For each of our lms, we are developing an educators toolkit of curricula-related activities teachers can use with their students. For each lm, the educators toolkit will be available for Grades 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, and Post-Secondary levels. These resources will be downloadable, free of charge, from our website.

Voicing Disaster: Responding as Global Citizens to Natural Disasters

Directed, Produced, Filmed & Edited by Rebecca Sweetman Released June 2011 Due to the interconnectedness of our world these days, the global response to natural disasters is becoming an important key to mobilizing humanitarian relief aid. From the recent tsunami in Japan, to earthquakes in Haiti and Indonesia, to ooding in Pakistan and China, to hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami, natural disasters seem to be happening not only more frequently, but also with increased severity. But unlike natural disasters of the past that garnered little international media attention, todays natural disasters are featured front page, and touch the lives of people watching the six oclock news all over the world. And with these images of destruction comes an overwhelming desire to support these communities affected, although most of us are unsure of how we can really best help the situation. The Paradigm Shift Project digs deeper to answer the question, 'how can we most effectively respond as global citizens to natural disasters around the world?'. In this lm we examine the different roles that local and international organizations play in responding to natural disasters, and document survivors accounts of what kind of relief aid programming has been most effective for their community. We want to share with global audiences what really happens on the ground after natural disasters, and most importantly, how each of us can most effectively contribute to the relief efforts. For more information on this project, please visit: www.theparadigmshiftproject.org/indonesia-voicing_disaster.html
The Paradigm Shift Project | www.theparadigmshiftproject.org | info@theparadigmshiftproject.org | Registered Charity #837999820RR0001 448 Saint Johns Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6S 2L2 | +1.416.356.3129 | +852.9815.2904 | +62.812.3752.9357

Malaysias Invisible Children: The Rights of Street, Stateless & Refugee Kids
Directed, Produced & Filmed by Rebecca Sweetman; Edited by Paul Shirley Released May 2010 Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's most developed nations, and yet, is home to some of the most marginalized children in the world, whose rights are far from recognized or upheld. These children are stateless, refugees, and/or street kids. It has been estimated that there may be as many as half a million children between the ages of 6 and 18 who roam Malaysia's streets every night. And the UNHCR has counted 18,600 refugee children. In the red light district of Chow Kit and other neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur, many of these kids are at risk of sexual abuse, imprisonment and deportation, and human trafcking. These youth face a host of social issues including violence, drug abuse, poverty, and sexual abuse, and are continually failed by a lack of education, social support, and a justice system that often even perpetuates these cycles of abuse. Most live in fear everyday for their security. This lm concerns the hardship endured by these youth in urban Malaysia and the measures currently being taken to protect them. Informed by local non-prot organizations Protect and Save the Children Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (P.S. the Children), Nur Salam, and the work of Belle and her committed team with refugee children, this project educates the public on the urgent need for international support in an increasingly pressing situation affecting the lives of millions of youth today on the streets of cities throughout the global south. For more information on this project, please visit: www.theparadigmshiftproject.org/malaysia-invisible_children.html

Greasy Palms: The Impact of Indonesias Palm Oil Plantations

Directed, Produced & Filmed by Rebecca Sweetman; Edited by Paul Shirley Released March 2010 Indonesia is a country of incredible beauty. As one of the more biodiverse regions on our planets, its role in the environmental future of our globe is paramount. With the increasing demand for cheap biofuels to lessen the global norths dependency on foreign petroleum, palm oil plantations have taken precedence over much of Indonesias last remaining rainforest- the only refuge for critically endangered species, such as the orangutan, who shares 96.4% of our genes. This project concerns the social, environmental, and economic impacts of palm oil production in Indonesia, including the loss of over 2.8 million hectares of primary rainforest each year. A common ingredient in thousands of products, from anti-freeze to shampoo to potato chips, palm oil comprises an integral part of Indonesias economy. However, its resulting impacts on local communities, including conicts over human rights, land rights, and environmental protection, are little known. Informed by the work of local non-prot organizations like Sawit Watch, Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari, WALHI- Friends of the Earth Indonesia, Pan Eco, Leuser International Foundation, Fauna and Flora International, the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, and the Sumatran Orangutan Society, this project is building tools to educate global consumers, enabling them to realize the effects of palm oil consumption, and also how they can be part of a more sustainable solution. For more information on this project, please visit: www.theparadigmshiftproject.org/indonesia-palm_oil_plantations.html

The Paradigm Shift Project | www.theparadigmshiftproject.org | info@theparadigmshiftproject.org | Registered Charity #837999820RR0001 448 Saint Johns Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6S 2L2 | +1.416.356.3129 | +852.9815.2904 | +62.812.3752.9357

From the Earth to the Pot: Urban Agriculture & Food Security in Lima, Peru
Directed, Produced & Filmed by Rebecca Sweetman; Edited by Natasha Nancekivell Released October 2009 Rapid urbanization and population growth in the shanty towns on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, where the majority of residents live in poverty and lack access to basic necessities such as potable water and adequate sanitation, has led to serious negative consequences on both human and environmental health. These trends, which are not unique to Peru but can be seen in urban areas of low-income countries throughout the world, have particularly devastating effects on household food security and nutrition. However, among many of Limas poor neighborhoods, community-based solutions are emerging that tackle these problems in collaborative and sustainable ways. Food production within city limits has recently come to the forefront as a strategy to improve food security among poor, landless households. The capacity for engagement in urban agriculture is especially important when food access is compromised due to prevalent unemployment, under-employment and the uctuating costs of basic food staples. Informed by local non-prot organizations and research institutes like Asociacin Familias En Accin, EcoCiudad, IPES, IDMA, Instituto de Investigacin Nutricional, and Urban Harvest, as well as municipal authorities, social workers, and communitymembers, this project illustrates the positive impacts of local involvement in the eradication of malnutrition and starvation in impoverished urban communities. For more information on this project, please visit: www.theparadigmshiftproject.org/peru-food_security.html

Rice Cultivation in Bali And The System of Rice Intensication (SRI)

Directed, Produced, Filmed & Edited by Rebecca Sweetman Released January 2009 Until 1969, the Balinese grew and ate at least a dozen traditional varieties of rice known as Padi Bali, which took about 150 days to mature. Balis Green Revolution began in the late 1960s, when food security in Indonesia became a serious issue. The Indonesian government and the World Bank introduced a hybrid white rice called IR36 which was to mature in 120 days, and all Indonesian farmers were ordered to grow this new crop, which was heavily dependent on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In this conventional cultivation method of growing hybrid rice, farmers plant about 10 rice seedlings in bunches about 20 cm apart, ood the eld and treat it with chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. A new method of cultivating rice has just been introduced to Bali: the System of Rice Intensication (SRI). Planting just one seedling 30 cm apart instead of a bunch together allows the plant to grow more strongly, saving 90% of seed costs and 80% of the water used in conventional crops. Because the seedling doesnt have to compete for nutrition and sunlight, SRI can yield 100% more rice than conventional rice cultivation, while rehabilitating the soil since no chemical inputs are needed. The impacts of this new method are far-reaching, offering more income for farmers and a healthier environment for future generations. The Paradigm Shift Project has documented these impacts and the needs of the community for more training workshops on the SRI method, led by local Balinese organization Tri Hita Karana Bali (who have now trained over 200 communities in Bali!). For more information on this project, please visit: www.theparadigmshiftproject.org/indonesia-rice_cultivation.html

The Paradigm Shift Project | www.theparadigmshiftproject.org | info@theparadigmshiftproject.org | Registered Charity #837999820RR0001 448 Saint Johns Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6S 2L2 | +1.416.356.3129 | +852.9815.2904 | +62.812.3752.9357

ABOUT PSP:
Founded by Rebecca Sweetman in 2008, The Paradigm Shift Project (PSP) is a registered Canadian charity that creates documentaries to change worldviews. We connect people around the world to grassroots projects in developing countries, also providing these organizations with tools that enable them to reach out for support. We focus our documentary work on contemporary and pressing issues in sustainable development. Through our lms, we show that even with the worlds toughest issues, there is indeed hope. Grassroots organizations all around the world are nding and implementing solutions to the worlds toughest problems, and its easy for us to help and get involved but only if we know about them! PSP is a facilitator, building important relationships to bridge the divisions in our world. PSP is also an educator, informing us on the issues, and more importantly, how we can be part of the solutions. The Paradigm Shift Projects mission is to advance education on important issues relating to poverty, ecology, health and community development in developing countries. Through the production of documentary lms and educational materials that are informed by local communities and those who work to help them, PSP works to demystify international development for the general public through education initiatives, and to teach our youth how each individual can help to create positive change in our society. PSPs impact is truly global. To date, we have released ve lms on a wide range of social and environmental justice issues that have been viewed in over 100 countries by over 30,000 viewers! This fall, were releasing free online toolkits for educators so that teachers all over the world have access to relevant resources for their classrooms. PSP also conducts workshops, guest lectures and public screenings for all age groups internationally.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Were currently working on four new projects on the issues of access to clean water, sexual slavery, waste management, and slum housing. These projects focus on emerging solutions from grassroots initiatives in Indonesia, India, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. To make these projects happen, we require your support, in funding, in kind, and in networking. For more information, or to donate online, please visit our website: www.theparadigmshiftproject.org.

Your support will enable us to:

Raise awareness on these important in a positive, proactive and solution-oriented manner. Demonstrate how the solutions to these problems are already successfully happening, and how these efforts can be replicated by others. Encourage every individual to consider their relationship to these issues, to ask questions, and learn how they can make a difference. Empower individuals, businesses, and communities globally with the knowledge required to adopt best practices. Serve as a fundraising and campaigning tool for non-prot organizations to support their work. Educate youth worldwide on these issues and appropriate sustainable solutions through an innovative curricula toolkit designed for educators by PSPs global education outreach team.

The Paradigm Shift Project | www.theparadigmshiftproject.org | info@theparadigmshiftproject.org | Registered Charity #837999820RR0001 448 Saint Johns Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6S 2L2 | +1.416.356.3129 | +852.9815.2904 | +62.812.3752.9357