Heroes Of the Earth

A profile of the seven 1993 winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize for recognition of their outstanding efforts on behalf of the environment, Heroes of the Earth, hosted by Ed Begley, Jr. seems like an extended news report (there are fades-to-black which suggest commercials). In South America, a Colombian man fights to preserve the Sierra Nevada area, home of the Kogi tribe; in North America, a Native American woman halts plans for a hazardous waste dump on the reservation; in China, a former journalist lobbies against building a dam on the Yangtse River; in Australia, a man works to preserve the natural splendor of Frazier Island; in Russia, an activist organizes environmental protests; and, in Africa, two South Africans work towards protecting elephants and rhinos from rapacious slaughter. Unfortunately, the anthology approach (with some segments longer, and others bafflingly short) makes this more of an inspirational piece than a satisfying documentary--the brevity doesn't really give the audience a chance to understand or appreciate the scope of the award winners' accomplishments. An optional purchase. (R. Pitman)