30 for 30: Hillsborough (2013)—In the news on April 15, 1989, one of the lead stories was about a riot in a soccer stadium that killed nearly 100 people; originally, the deaths were blamed on rowdy fans. The truth is a little different.
- Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
- What information was omitted from the original coverage that could changed opinions? [Give an example of information omitted from many news sources that could change public opinion. Why do you think this happens?]
- How did media bias affect this tragedy and the public’s perception? How does media bias affect other newsworthy events? Why do you think this happens?
- What programs that touch on current news topics are clearly biased? How do you know?
- Were these articles biased? How do you know?
- Where do you get your information? Is it from reliable sources? How do you know?
- Pre-watching questions––
- Why did it take 25 years between the events in Hillsborough and a documentary about it? Best guess (amend your answer after the documentary)
- Why do these deaths matter? Explain.
- Post-watching questions––
- Were the deaths in Hillsborough preventable? How?
- Who was ultimately responsible for how wrong things went? Explain.
- What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?
- Should the film maker have used more graphic imagery? Explain.
- Can you think of any other situations where families have had to fight so hard or wait so long for justice/compensation? Explain.
- What impact on sport stadiums and crowd control worldwide are evident based on the events of Hillsborough? Explain.
30 for 30: Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau (2013)—follows the life of lifeguard, surfer, and adventurer Eddie Aikua who disappeared at sea in 1978
- Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
- Why is it important for people who are native to an area to keep their cultural traditions? Support and explain.
- Why was it so important for the Polynesian Voyaging Society to make their trips? To continue on after the first, unsuccessful, voyage? Support and explain.
- Why is it important to try to make a positive difference in your community? How did Eddie Aikau do this? How and why did others do this in his name? Support and explain.
- Pre-watching questions––
- What does it take to be a hero? Explain.
- How do you inspire others? Good or Bad.
- Who inspires you? How?
- Post-watching questions––
- What qualities made others listen to Eddie Aikau?
- Why did people latch on to the tagline "Eddie Would Go"? How does it represent part of Eddie Aikau's legacy?
- What made Eddie Aikau insist on becoming the first North Shore lifeguard? What did it say about him as a person?
- Why did the film maker choose to "re-enact" certain events? What impact did that have on the way you reacted to the film?
- What was the purpose of this film? How do you know?
How to Die In Oregon (2011)—Oregon is currently the only state with a "Death with Dignity" Law. Then Senator Gordon Smith tried to get the law overturned three times (and failed each time)
- Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
- Pre-watching questions––
- Should terminally ill people have the ability to choose to end their lives early? Explain.
- What is the difference between Euthanasia and Death with Dignity? Explain.
- Why won't other states enact this law? Explain.
- Post-watching questions––
- How has your understanding of terminal illnesses, their management and care, changed after watching How to Die in Oregon?
- How has your understanding of the Death With Dignity law changed after watching How to Die in Oregon?
- What impact did the opening scene have? How did it set the tone for the film? Explain.
- How does Cody Curtis' journey affect the viewers? Why do you think she was the primary subject of the film?
- What elements are similar to the other documentaries?
Other documentaries to follow
Read, answer questions, and discuss the related articles––
Pre-watching questions––
Post-watching questions––
