Geography Catalog


All of our geography tapes are intended for classroom use, but everyone will enjoy the beautiful scenery and factual presentation of how people live their lives in each country. We have the following series:

 

 

 

 

  From the "Mexico Today" Series.

 

 

 

" Peru," from the South America Today Series, was awarded the Red Ribbon at the American Film and Video Festival.

 

 

All the tapes in this section are licensed for public exhibition for educational purposes and are distributed exclusively by AGC Media of Evanston, Illinois. Please contact them directly to order.

 

South America Today Series

  Argentina

Argentina is the second largest nation in Latin America, and South America's most atypical country. One-third of the country's population lives in the capital city of Buenos Aires. The three periods of Argentinean government are discussed in detail, including the leadership of Juan Peron. The arctic life of the southern Argentinean coast, including Patagonia, is shown.

  Bolivia

Bolivians take great pride in their country, because they believe that Bolivia is where Mother Earth and Father Sun chose to begin civilization on earth. Viewers will see how this emerging country is dealing with the changes involved in modernization. A look at Bolivia's economy, educational system, and culture gives viewers an excellent introduction to this fascinating country and people.

  Brazil

This program focuses on the many contrasts to be found in South America's largest country, Brazil. A look at Brazil's major cities and a history of its government is provided. Viewers will explore the beautiful Amazon and learn of its importance to the world's ecosystem. The wide variety of exports Brazil has to offer and the diversity of the people and their traditions are also discussed.

  Chile

Viewers will explore Chile's largest city and capital, Santiago, and also learn about Chile's primary resources and their importance to the economy. The various economic, political, and historical changes that have occurred in Chile are reviewed, including Salvador Allende's efforts toward industrialization and Augosto Pinochet's leadership.

  Ecuador

Ecuador, located on the equator, has been known as the center of the earth since ancient times. This program looks at Ecuador's diverse culture and its history. Viewers will learn how ancient customs and traditions are able to exist today in the emerging modern Ecuadorian society.

Paraguay & Uruguay

This program compares and contrasts these very different countries, which are often mistaken for each other. They share the gaucho heritage of the South American cowboy and are located close to each other, but, the similarity stops there. Uruguay is an urban, seacoast democracy, while Paraguay is rural, landlocked and has a history of autocracy.

  Peru

This program looks at the great Inca empire that encompassed Peru, and how the arrival of the Spanish changed it. Viewers will learn why tradition is important to the people of Peru; the effects of modernization are also reviewed. This program explores how Peruvians try to incorporate old values and traditions into modern practices.

Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela's capital city, is filled with modernistic buildings and well-laid-out highways. Viewers will learn how the economy is assisted by vast oil reserves, which helps support a free educational system. The diverse geography ranging from seacoast, to savanna, to Amazon jungle, to high mountain peaks is shown.
 

 

 

 

 

The Mexico Today Series

Mexico: The Nation

This program takes viewers on an exploration of the cities, government, religion, geography, and industry of Mexico. Diversity can be found in every aspect of Mexican life. From the racial backgrounds of Mexican citizens, to the various geographic and topographic features, viewers will see how variety really is the spice of life.

The heart and soul --and capital --of Mexico, Mexico City, is visited, and viewers learn of its rapid growth. Viewers will see how Mexico City, as well as developing villages, are preparing for the future. Mexico's free education system is very unique, and is best shown at the University of Mexico, which boasts over 300,000 students. Viewers will learn about the exports of Mexico, from corn, beans, rice, and petroleum, to beautiful silver from Taxco. The Yucatan, Cancun, Acapulco, Vera Cruz, and the old colonial town of Guanajuato are visited, showing the incredible beauty and diversity of Mexico, the nation.

Mexico: The Heritage

Many factors have played a part in defining the heritage of the modern Mexican citizen. This program examines the strongest influences and how they have affected modern life in Mexico. They include:
-- Mexico's roots in such advanced and extensive civilizations like the Maya and the Aztecs.
--The legacy of humanistic ideals from the Revolution of 1910.
-- Mexico's history of relations with the United States.

This program covers three major periods in the country's history from advanced civilizations that existed before Columbus discovered America, to the present day. The ancient city of Teotihuacan is visited, and various ancient civilizations including the Maya, are discussed. Other factors that play a part in Mexico's heritage are covered as well, including food, clothing and art. Viewers will gain much insight into Mexico's proud heritage and see how it influences the Mexico of today.

Mexico: The People

The lifestyles of the Mexican people are quite diverse. This program looks at how the region in which they live and their socioeconomic heritage continue to be powerful factors in determining the quality of their lives.

The Catholic church is an influential part of Mexican life, but not as influential as the family. Viewers meet several families of different classes, and are given an in-depth look at the Mexican family, which is frequently made up of several generations. A lower class rural family, a middle class woodcarving family, and an upper class professional family are visited, and viewers learn that although they may have very different lifestyles, they do have much in common, including the influence of the church and the free educational system.

This program provides much insight into how the people of Mexico live their daily lives.
     

 

 

             

"Life In Central America" and "The Heritage of Central America" were both selected as 1998 Aegis Award winners. The Aegis Awards recognize excellence in the Video Production Industry.  A "Silver Apple Award" was presented by the National Educational Media Network for "The Heritage of Central America.

 

The Central America Today Series

The Geography of Central America

An overview of how the region was first formed is presented with animated graphics. The major geologic features of the region are shown, along with plenty of animated maps and graphics.

Seven countries make up the region. In many ways they are alike and in a few very important ways they are different. We explore these similarities and differences and look into the climate, vegetation, natural resources, transportation, and commerce.

Life In Central America

The unique and unusual qualities of life in the sub-tropics for both people and animals is shown.

We see where the people live and how they earn their living; their religious beliefs and the daily routine of life. The ethnic diversity of the people, from pure Spanish to pure Native American to African Blacks is explored.

Animals of Central America are likewise varied and unique to the area. Many animals are shown, from the Coatimundi to the Great Currasow, including many from the rivers and lagoons.

The Heritage of Central America

The history of the region dates back over 4000 years, and during this time Central America has produced many high civilizations, including the ancient Maya. But even during those ancient times, and down until the present day, the region's position at a crossroads of the world has brought strong outside pressures to bear upon the lives of the local people, often creating hardships and despair.

Through historical footage, old photos, maps and recent footage, the often sad history of the region is told.

Let's see some frames from the Central America Today videotapes

 

 

 

Merit-Finalist - Worldfest Houston International Film Festival 1997

 

"The Country Evolves," part of the U. S. Geography Series, was chosen a Merit Finalist in the prestigious Worldfest Houston International Film Festival of 1997, a finalist in The New York Festivals, and received an Honorable Mention Award from the 1997 Columbus International Film and Video Festival.

 

United States Geography: From Sea to Shining Sea

New England Region

This program looks at the geography of New England--Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut --and shows how the protected bays and rugged terrain contributed to the growth of this region's industries, manufacturing and agriculture. Viewers visit big cities, small towns, and winding roads in between, as they learn about New England.

Middle Atlantic Region

This spectacular program examines New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Viewers will learn how geographical features, including the natural and man-made waterways, protected bays, and moderate climate all combined to make this region a key transportation center of the country. The importance of manufacturing, agriculture, mining and commerce to this region's growth is emphasized.

Southeast Region

The Southeast region is a fast-growing, vibrant part of the United States. It includes the states of Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Viewers learn of the region's rich history, from early settlers through the Civil War, to the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement The way in which a primarily agrarian economy changed to one of diversified manufacturing, service and communications is detailed.

Midwest & Great Plains Region

This program explores Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri--a region often called the Heartland because of its location. Viewers learn about the importance of agriculture to this region's growth and the contributions of manufacturing, mining, and commerce as well. A visit to Chicago shows how this city grew to become a powerful commercial center of the region.

Mountain West Region

The Mountain West Region -- Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona -- contains some of the wildest and most rugged land in the United States. Viewers will see that all the states in this region have two things in common: they all have mountain ranges with high elevations, and they all share a dry climate. Viewers will see the profound impact these two features have had on the region's economy, development, and heritage.

Pacific West Region

Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii--has some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery of any part of the United States. Viewers learn how the geographical features and climate of this region has shaped it's settlement, development and economic growth.

The Country Evolves

This overview of the United States Geography: From Sea to Shining Sea series describes how the physical features of the land have influenced the growth and development of our nation. It serves as both an excellent introduction and as a review for students.

"The Country Evolves" has received three prestigious awards: the 1997 Worldfest Houston International Film Festival; the 1997 New York Festivals, and the 1997 Columbus International Film and Video Festival.

All the tapes in this section are licensed for public exhibition for educational purposes and are distributed exclusively by Discovery Education of Evanston, Illinois. Please contact them directly to order.

SHELBURNE FILMS -- PO Box 6, Reedsville, Ohio 45772 -- ORDER:740-378-6297
Send mail to info@shelburnefilms.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: March 17, 2005