12 Years A Slave
“From acclaimed director Steve McQueen comes this winner of
three Academy Awards, including Best Picture -- a ‘deeply evocative and
brilliantly acted’ film (Claudia Puig, USA Today) based on the true story of
Solomon Northup. In 1841, Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor in a gripping performance),
an accomplished, free citizen of New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery.
Stripped of his identity and deprived of all dignity, Northup is ultimately
purchased by ruthless plantation owner Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender) and must
find the strength within to survive. Filled with powerful performances by an
astonishing cast that includes Best Supporting Actress Oscar Winner Lupita
Nyong'o, Benedict Cumberbatch,and Brad Pitt, 12 Years A Slave is both an unflinching
account of slavery in American history and a celebration of the indomitable
power of hope.” –Container
Bee The Change
“From the years under the Communist/Socialist rule of
Salvador Allende, to the heavy-handed rule of General Augusto Pinochet, life
wasn't easy in Chile. For John Hernandez and his family, political and economic
changes in the country have greatly benefitted their successful beekeeping
business. In 2005, a worldwide die-off of the bee population jeopardized
one-third of the world's crop production and challenged their business.
Ultimately it became a blessing in disguise as John, using newly-learned
techniques, kept his bees healthy and expanded in to selling queen bees to
other countries. Veronica Cerezo's family is taking advantage of the changes as
well. Her recently formed micro-factory is part of a Chilean effort to further
lower the poverty rate in the country." –Container
The Book Thief
”Based on the beloved best-selling book comes this
profoundly moving story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her
during World War II, Germany. Although Liesel (Sophie Nelisse) is illiterate
when she is adopted by a German couple (OSCAR Winner Geoffrey Rush and Emily
Watson), her adoptive father encourages her to learn to read. Ultimately, the
power of words helps Liesel and Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew hiding in the
family's home, escape from the events unfolding around them in this
extraordinary, acclaimed film directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey).”
–Container
Economic Freedom In Action: Changing Lives
"From Zambia to South Korea, from Slovakia to Chile,
increased economic freedom is leading to positive changes in people's lives,
allowing them to work hard, become self-sufficient and independent, and to
improve the quality of their lives for themselves and for their children.
Swedish scholar Johan Norberg showcases five stories of extraordinary people,
highlighting how this transition is happening, and demonstrating how people can
lift themselves from poverty when given the opportunity. From honey bees in
Chile to a Paul Frank store in Slovakia...from a food distribution service in
Zambia to a North Korean defector who serves as a venture capitalist to his
fellow defectors in South Korea, witness economic freedom in action,
transforming lives...and entire nations." –Container
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer
Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and arrives in 1922 New
York in search of the American dream. Nick lands next door to a mysterious,
party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), and across the bay
from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan), and her philandering husband, Tom
Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). Thus, Nick becomes drawn into the captivating world
of the wealthy and -- as he bears witness to their illusions and deceits --
pens a tale of impossible love, dreams, and tragedy. –Summary
Heaven is for Real
“Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book, Heaven is
for Real recounts the true story of a small-town father who must find the
courage and conviction to share his son's extraordinary, life-changing
experience with the world. Starring Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear (Best
Supporting Actor, As Good As It Gets, 1997) as Todd Burpo, the real-life father
whose son Colton claims to have visited Heaven during a near death experience.
Colton shares the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence and
speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth ... things
he couldn't possibly know.” –Container
Les Misérables
“Hugh Jackman, Academy Award winner Russell Crowe and Anne
Hathaway star in this critically-acclaimed adaptation of the epic musical
phenomenon. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les
Misérables tells the story of ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Jackman), hunted
for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole.
When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young
daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.” –Container
Life of Pi
“Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in this visual
masterpiece from Oscar Winner Ang Lee, based on the best-selling novel. After a
cataclysmic shipwreck, young Pi Patel finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with
only one other survivor -- a ferocious Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Bound
by the need to survive, the two are cast on an epic journey that must be seen
to be believed.” –Container
Mamma Mia
“Sophie has just one wish to make her wedding perfect: to
have her father walk her down the aisle. Now she just has to find out who he
is... Join the music, laughter and fun of the irresistibly charming Mamma Mia!
The Movie. Academy Award-winner Meryl Streep leads an all-star cast, including
Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth - as well as up-and-comers Amanda Seyfried and
Dominic Cooper, in this musical celebration of mothers, daughters and fathers,
and true loves lost and new ones found. Based on the Broadway smash-hit and
filled with the ABBA songs you know and love, it's the feel-good experience
that will have you singing and dancing over and over again.” –Container
Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom
“Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom is based on South African
President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his
early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming
President and working to rebuild the country’s once segregated society. Idris
Elba (Prometheus) stars as Nelson Mandela, Naomie Harris (Skyfall) stars as
Winnie Mandela, with Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) directing.”
–Amazon
Monkey Business
"Can you imagine not being able to pursue
the livelihood you'd like? Growing up in Czechoslovakia, controlled by the
communist Soviet Union, there was very little freedom or opportunity. Even
after liberation and the split into two separate countries, the Czech Republic
and Slovakia, times were tough. But with the right changes, things began to
look up fir Katarina Rybáriková and her family. Katarina's idea? To bring the
Paul Frank brand, with its distinctive monkey logo, to Europe." –Container