Chapter 5 – Middle and South America

Time-lapse Shows How Ships Get Through The Panama Canal by Business Insider (2017, Length: 1:30)

A short time-lapse video taken by a U.S. Coast Guard ship as it travels through the Panama Canal. Connects with section 5.1.

2016 Olympics: What Rio doesn’t want the world to see by Vox News (2016, Length 8:36)

A short video documenting the ways in which the government of Rio de Janiero has sought to hide their impoverished areas in advance of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Connects with section 5.4.

Once Upon a Time in Venezuela (2020, Length: 1:36:00) (Streaming)

This documentary explores the Venezuelan village of Congo Mirador, a town once thriving with fishermen and poets that is now crumbling as Venez. Connects with section 5.5.

River of Gold (2016, Length: 1:06:00) (Streaming)

Lesson plan guides: https://journeysinfilm.org/product/river-of-gold/

This documentary film exposes the devastating impact of illegal gold mining in the Amazon, where ancient forests, rare species, and local communities suffer from environmental destruction, corruption, and exploitation. Connects with section 5.6.

Which Way Home (2009, Length: 1:30:00) (Streaming)

This powerful documentary follows a group of young, unaccompanied Central American children as they journey through Mexico, facing poverty, perilous train rides, and dangerous encounters, all in pursuit of a new life in the United States. Connects with section 5.6.