A Simple Question: The Story of STRAW

This inspiring 35 minute film tells the story of the Bay Institute's STRAW project (Students and Teachers Restoring a Watershed).  In 1992, Laurette Rogers' 4th - grade class asked her what they could do to save endangered species? It was a simple question that would change their lives. Partnering with ranchers, scientists, government agencies, and schools, this remarkable effort led to the restoration of 20 miles of habitat for the endangered California freshwater shrimp. In the process it galvanized community and led to significant educational innovations by connecting classrooms with their local watershed.  The STRAW program serves as testimony to the importance of empowering children, which in turn transforms us all.

A welcome addition to schools and public libraries. This well-produced film is just the thing for spurring similar hands-on activities and encouraging kids to get involved.
- American Library Association (Starred Review)

• Winner, John Muir Award, Yosemite Film Festival
• Best Short, Reel Earth Environmental Film Festival
• Best Classroom Film, International Wildlife Film Festival
• Best Educational Value in the Classroom and Conservation Hero of the Festival, Laurette Rogers - International Wildlife Film Festival
• Spirit of Activism Award, Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• Best Educational Film, Mammoth Mountain Film Festival
• Official Selection, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
• Official Selection Ojai Film Festival
• Official Selection, American Conservation Film Festival
• Official Selection, Sonoma Environmental Film Festival
• Official Selection, Blue Planet Film Festival
• Official Selection, Swansea Bay Film Festival, Wales UK
• Official Selection, Santa Cruz International Film Festival
• Official Selection, Hearts & Minds Film Festival
• Official Selection, Green Film Festival, Seoul
• Official Selection, San Francisco International Children's Film Festival
• Starred Review, American Library Association

Produced, written, and directed by David Donnenfield and Kevin White
Narrated by Peter Coyote
Edited by Greg O'Toole
Camera: Don Starnes, Eli Adler, David Donnenfield, Kevin White

Topic areas: Watershed Restoration, Children, Environmental Education, Community Building, Place-based Education, Children Empowerment, Environmental Studies

Extra features on the DVD include extended interviews with:

• Richard Louv, Author, Last Child in the Woods
• Dr. Roger Hart, Director of the Children's Environments Research Group, City University of New York
• Dr. Josh Collins, Ecologist, San Francisco Estuary Institute

For more information on the video, visit asimplequestion.org
To learn more about the STRAW program, visit bay.org

©2010 Filmmakers Collaborative, SF