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Commentary The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, has been a Christian pilgrimage trail for more than 1,000 years. At the end of the journey in northwestern Spain is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, reside. During the 15th century, Pope Alexander VI declared that, along with Rome and Jerusalem, the Camino de Santiago would be officially recognized as one of the “three great pilgrimages of Christendom.” The trip is a challenging one, as it is hundreds of miles long and crosses over some harsh terrain of mountains and deserts. Walkers along the route can also expect to experience the legendary Galician rains. Despite this, the pilgrimage is more popular now than ever—more than 300,000 people from all over the world lace up their shoes or boots every year to make the trip. It can also be done by bicycle, although walking is best. This lengthy journey isn’t along just one path or road, but rather a multitude of routes that all end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. One of the more fascinating stories of the pilgrimage is the one told by Kristin Dickerson and her husband, Peter Fleisher, in the inspiriting documentary “Camino de Santiago: Faith Walk,” also known by its alternate title “Camino de Santiago—Faith Walk with Kristin and Peter” [available to watch on Epoch Cinema]. Some of the incredible scenic beauty that Kristin and Peter witnessed in “Camino de Santiago: Faith Walk” (Spirit & Nature Productions) Along the way, there are two words that travelers will hear a lot: “Buen Camino!” we hear cyclists call out to Peter and Kristin as they pass by. These polite words in passing by Spaniards, who also travel along the route, essentially translate to “good way,” and are offered to encourage people who are making their pilgrimage, and also to wish them well. This film has some excellent camera work, with candid shots of the film’s main subjects, their trials, and triumphs as they embark on their spiritual pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. There is also a lot of footage of the other-worldly beauty of both Spain and France, where they started their 500-mile walk. In one of the more enchanting scenes, Peter and Kristin stop for the night at a bed and breakfast high up in the Pyrenees Mountains. They wake up in the morning to be greeted by incredible views of the verdant mountains and foothills and herds of animals being guided by their herders. From L to R: New friend Laura, Kristin Dickerson, and Peter Fleisher in “Camino de Santiago: Faith Walk” (Spirit & Nature Productions) Kristin hails from Las Cruces, New Mexico, and for over a decade, worked in broadcast journalism in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She met her husband-to-be Peter on a blind date, and after establishing a strong bond together, they never looked back. Eventually, however, they felt they needed a change. So, they quit their jobs, liquidated their belongings, and began their next big life’s adventure together—answering the call of the Camino de Santiago. Along their spiritual journey, Peter and Kristin capture many of the moments they shared with other folks they met on the Way. Some of these fellow travelers had a profound effect on them, and the couple considers the meetings to be more than a mere coincidence. For example, one morning after the couple woke up, Kristin couldn’t find her passport. With a history of depression, Kristin began “freaking out” about the situation. Even though they later found the passport at the bottom of her backpack, a dark cloud hung over her despite Peter’s best efforts to cheer her up. Married couple Peter Fleisher and Kristin Dickerson discovered some valuable insights during their journey in “Camino de Santiago: Faith Walk” (Spirit & Nature Productions) Suddenly, a British woman named Laura, whom they’d met before, showed up on the trail at just the right moment to talk with Kristin and get her to realize some things about herself that she hadn’t considered before. After their talk, Kristin felt rejuvenated and the dark cloud dissipated. This is one of many transformational events that Kristin interpreted as God delivering insightful messages to her—through the various people they met along the way. Initially, Peter and Kristin did not expect to make a movie, they simply had a lot of film footage. But after the journey, they realized that by sharing their experiences in the format of a film, they could help to inspire others seeking their own spiritual path. Along the way, both express gratitude to God for guiding them on their beautiful—physically as well as spiritually—journey. They said the pilgrimage made them stronger in their faith and opened their eyes to new horizons, filling their hearts and souls with joy and a new appreciation of life. “Camino de Santiago: Faith Walk” is a film that should appeal to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Its universal message of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and going on a transformative journey should be shared with anyone interested in personal growth. This inspiring documentary is available to watch on Epoch Cinema. Watch “Camino de Santiago: Faith Walk” on Epoch Cinema here. Camino De Santiago: Faith Walk Director: Peter Fleisher Running Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: May 6, 2022 Rated: 4 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/camino-de-santiago-faith-walk-documentary_4854785.html

Commentary When I used to live in Hollywood, California, years ago and was studying the history of cinema, I’d often wonder what it used to be like back in Hollywood’s Golden Age (from the 1910s to the 1960s). Stars were real stars back then and many of them who have now passed on most likely wouldn’t even recognize what the American film industry has become. With all of the absurd budgets that go into all of today’s sprawling billion-dollar film franchises laden with copious amounts of computer-generated imagery (such as many of the mega-popular superhero franchises), everyone is competing to be the next big thing in the industry. Of course, things were very different back in the Golden Age. Before such modern advancements as proprietary subscription services (video-on-demand), the film industry was dominated by only a handful of big movie studios. Fortunately, some of the great movie stars are still among us and each of these individuals carries with them a veritable plethora of wisdom and inside knowledge about Old Hollywood. French-American star Leslie Caron knows all too well about the film industry back then—first-hand since she lived through that incredible era. “Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star” (ARTE) In the fascinating documentary (available to watch on Epoch Cinema). “Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star” (produced in 2016 by Larry Weinstein), the titular performer talks about her past with Hollywood, and beyond. In 1949, Caron was spotted by dancing sensation Gene Kelly when he and his entourage were visiting Paris. She was an 18-year-old brunette beauty who had trained in ballet and after Kelly witnessed her dancing on stage, he reckoned she’d be the perfect fit as the leading lady in his upcoming film, “An American in Paris” (1951). Caron was asked to come in for a screen test for the film so that the producers (and Kelly) could see what sort of talent she had. “Jazz … I don’t know jazz,” Caron remarked about Kelly’s dancing style in the upcoming musical production. “Just to be polite, I said ‘Okay, I’ll do the test.’” She went to do the test and then “promptly forgot about it.” Two weeks later, she received a call—she not only aced the test but was going to be on a plane flying straight to Hollywood in a few days to not only be in the film but also sign a big seven-year movie contract. Caron’s nervousness kicked in since she didn’t speak English and had never been on camera before. Leslie Caron incorporates her natural talent for ballet while performing with Gene Kelly in 1951’s “An American in Paris.” “Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star” (ARTE) However, Caron had matured beyond her years, having grown up in an oppressed Paris that was occupied by the German army during World War II. Her mother was pretty icy, demeanor-wise. Caron remembers that her mother would never hold her hand when crossing the streets nor show her one iota of affection. Once, her mother told her, “Sweetheart, I know I am not there now. But I will be there when you are a star.” Caron thought that was such an odd thing to tell a little girl. And become a big star she did. Caron hit a grand slam with her role as Lise Bouvier in “An American in Paris,” which launched her into the stratosphere. She went on to star in films with Hollywood stalwarts such as Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Orson Welles, and Jerry Lewis. She headlined such classic films as “Lili” (1953), “The Glass Slipper” (1955), “Daddy Long Legs” (also 1955), and “Gigi” (1958). Indeed, Caron has such a joie de vivre, that she is still performing to this day at the age of 91. Although all of the old pictures and film footage of Caron are nice, the real attraction is watching this lovely woman as she’s being interviewed for the documentary. Caron is the epitome of the class indicative of the days of yore. Elegantly dressed in chic outfits, her voice is rich and powerful—a far cry from the vocal fry and uptalk that is so prevalent these days. Leslie Caron is the picture of class and grace in “Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star” (ARTE) Although much about Caron’s past is interesting, I feel it would have been even more affecting if she would have delved more into some of the darker aspects of her life. For example, her mother had a huge struggle with depression and ultimately committed suicide. Caron had a past involving substance abuse and also attempted to take her own life. But perhaps that’s not how the film was designed to be.“Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star” is more of a love letter to one of the last Hollywood stars from a bygone era that will forever hold a place in cinematic history—and I’m fine with that. This excellent documentary is available to watch on Epoch Cinema. Watch“Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star” on Epoch Cinema here. ‘Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star’ Director: Larry Weinstein Running Time: 53 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: April 2, 2017 Rated: 4 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/leslie-caron-the-reluctant-star-documentary_4873495.html

Commentary I’ve always thought it was slightly amusing to see news reporters on TV with gobs upon gobs of makeup plastered on their faces. And not just women—men as well. In many cases, although their faces would be coated with a thick layer of makeup, their necks weren’t and were another color altogether. But later on, when I did a little research and discovered the wide array of toxic ingredients that go into everyday makeup and personal care products (such as shaving creams, deodorants, etc.), I realized that the way in which these toxins negatively impact people’s health was no laughing matter. In award-winning filmmaker Jennifer B. White’s 2021 documentary, cleverly titled “Pretty Toxic” (available to watch on Epoch Cinema), we see how pervasive the health issues caused by makeup and personal care products actually are. The film’s tagline puts it succinctly: “a riveting documentary that asks the question … Is your make-up safe?” Like many people, filmmaker Jennifer B. White began wearing makeup at a young age. “Pretty Toxic” (Synergetic Distribution) This film focuses on many of the lesser-known aspects of the $500 billion beauty industry and the terrible price people pay in order to feel better about themselves, by using any of the numerous products that populate our store shelves. The film begins with White’s harsh, first-hand journey of self-discovery with regard to the makeup and personal care product industry. “It started with adrenal fatigue and debilitating lethargy,” White says. She also experienced weight fluctuations, heart palpitations, and the feeling of being cold all of the time. She went to see her doctor and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis). Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a disorder that progresses gradually. At first, people may not notice any signs or symptoms of the disease. But eventually, people’s immune systems attack their thyroid glands. When this happens, thyroid hormone production can decline, which can result in many adverse symptoms such as fatigue and sleepiness, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, and many others. In White’s case, things kept getting worse and worse. So, she consulted a number of different doctors and was eventually diagnosed with two additional autoimmune disorders. Because of the large number of different symptoms she was exhibiting, doctors had to constantly adjust the type (and dosage) of the medications they prescribed to her. Jennifer B. White began inspecting the products she used more closely. Pretty Toxic” (Synergetic Distribution) In a candid scene, White bends down in her bathtub to pick up some of the black hairs scattered at her feet. She mentions that one of the most terrifying events she experienced was when her hair began falling out in large clumps, saying that it “stopped me in my tracks and made me breathless.” Horrified, she wound up sobbing on her bathroom floor. Amid this turmoil, she began to wonder if all of the disorders affecting her body were part of something bigger than she couldn’t have imagined; perhaps something that even the doctors weren’t aware of as well. White consulted numerous doctors and several of them prescribed Minoxidil, a hair loss treatment medication. But that only increased the rate at which she was losing her hair. Exhausted and confounded, she finally began conducting her own research online, starting with Minoxidil and branching out into all of the other products she’d been using. She took a closer look at the many products she was putting on her body every day and says she felt that she was going “down a rabbit hole,” since most of the ingredients contained in them were unpronounceable and unrecognizable. What she found out shocked her; many of the ingredients in these products were also used in such things as paint thinners, industrial pesticides, plastics, and many other toxic substances. And these weren’t merely in a few of her household products, but almost all of them—her makeup, shampoos, shaving creams, deodorants, nail polishes, and sunscreen. The beauty industry has slick, well-funded marketing and advertising campaigns. “Pretty Toxic” (Synergetic Distribution) More of her research also led to another disquieting discovery—that today’s young girls begin wearing makeup at much younger ages than even a decade ago; as soon as 8 to 13 years of age. And a whopping 1 out of 5 of these girls also reports that if they don’t wear any makeup, their self-image suffers. White goes on to talk about how all of the toxic chemicals in these products are absorbed through our porous skin and then pass through into our bodies. Once they are inside our bodies, they can wreak havoc and cause any number of health disorders. Wearing makeup is nothing new. Throughout the history of mankind, people have been wearing makeup. Many folks knew that the substances they were putting on themselves contained hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and even arsenic, but risked it anyway in the name of beauty. This eye-opening documentary reveals how many of the products that we use in our everyday life, to look and feel better about ourselves, are largely unregulated by any sort of official health departments or organizations. It also delves into all of the advertising and marketing that helps to sell these toxic products. Thankfully, “Pretty Toxic” doesn’t just dwell on the negative aspects of things; it also offers some practical solutions to these harmful products, such as safer alternatives people can use to avoid all of those toxic chemicals. This highly informative documentary is available to watch on Epoch Cinema. Watch “Pretty Toxic” on Epoch Cinema here. ‘Pretty Toxic’ Director: Jennifer B. White Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: 2021 Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/pretty-toxic-documentary_4871407.html

Commentary The world-renowned Loire Valley is one of the most visited regions in all of France, and in Dreamscape Media’s excellent 2019 documentary, “Passport to the World: Chateaux” (available to watch on Epoch Cinema), those of us who haven’t been there will get to find out why. There are over 3,000 grand chateaus scattered throughout the north-central and west-central regions of France. Many of these dwellings date back to the Middle Ages and were the homes of kings, dukes, princes, and other nobles. Although some have fallen into ruin, the majority of these sprawling estates were restored during the 16th and 17th centuries. The tour begins in Angers, a bustling city that still reflects this rich past. Built near three rivers—the Sarthe, the Mayenne, and the Loir—it was a major stronghold in northwest France. Today, it has a population of just over 150,000 people. The city boasts a plethora of museums and galleries, adored by art lovers, culture junkies, and tourists from around the globe. Some of the many towers of the Castle of the Dukes of Anjou in “Passport to the World: Chateaux of the Loire” (Dreamscape Media) However, the main draw of Angers is also one of France’s finest examples of feudal architecture—the Castle of the Dukes of Anjou (also known as Angers Castle). The castle was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX (1214–1270) as a major bulwark against the English. Although the ravages of time and the many wars that France has endured in its long history have left their marks on the Castle of the Dukes of Anjou, it still remains an imposing structure that is definitely worth a visit. After leaving the castle, we are treated to some historic structures and areas near Angers, including some venerable old houses, cathedrals, ports, and hotels. For instance, not far down the Loir River from Angers is the beautiful city of Saumur (nicknamed the Pearl of Anjou), which is crowned by a large château that overlooks the entire area. The château was built in the 10th century and sports fabulous white-washed walls. It was used by the Dukes of Anjou at different times for different purposes—such as a prison and armory. Saumur is also the home of the French National Riding School (established in 1972), which harks back to the region’s rich equestrian heritage. The iconic Château de Chenonceau in “Passport to the World: Chateaux of the Loire” (Dreamscape Media) The beautiful landscape of France is marked by many elements that indicate the excess for which the French nobility was famous. Among these is the Château de Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley. The enormous chateau contains an outrageous 77 stairwells and 282 chimneys. And then there’s one of the best-known châteaux in all of France—the iconic Château de Chenonceau, which famously spans the river Cher near the village of Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire (Loire Valley). It is second only to the Royal Palace of Versailles in terms of being the most visited château in France. The Château de Chenonceau sports sprawling gardens and incredible architecture built on the foundations of an old mill in the 16th century. The entire thing would have seemed ridiculously extravagant and indulgent to the average peasant back then, and even now, tourists gawk at it with mouths agape. A typical medieval village in France. “Passport to the World: Chateaux of the Loire” (Dreamscape Media) One of the things that I found interesting about this documentary is that the filmmakers didn’t just concentrate purely on the châteaux. They also explore many of the places that surround these magnificent structures. Those intriguing places include many vibrant vineyards, quaint medieval villages and towns, abbeys and cathedrals, and hotels with their own local cuisine. We also learn about the people who contributed to the country’s rich history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, the Cointreau brothers, Joan of Arc, and various important nobles and French royalty. If there was one drawback to this documentary, it would be that the narrator doesn’t pronounce many names correctly, so don’t think you’re going to get a free French language pronunciation lesson. Overall, I enjoyed watching “Passport to the World: Châteaux of the Loire” (sans the slightly distracting narration). It combines some fascinating French history with the sumptuous scenery of (mainly) the Loire Valley. This informative documentary is available to watch on Epoch Cinema. Watch “Passport to the World: Châteaux of the Loire” on Epoch Cinema here. ‘Passport to the World: Châteaux of the Loire’ Director: Fannie Leblond Running Time: 1 hour, 17 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: May 28, 2019 Rated: 3 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/passport-to-the-world-chateaux-of-the-loire-documentary_4861277.html?utm_source=epochtv

Commentary For someone who has served in the military, returning home after serving a tour—or multiple tours—overseas is a much anticipated event. Anticipation grows as the date of departure approaches. Usually, laying low is key to avoiding anything that might tarnish or delay one’s exit. With this in mind, knowing how U.S. Army General George S. Patton died makes his death all the more tragic. Considered the most formidable commander of World War II, Patton’s final days were spent as a quadriplegic in a bleak room at the 130th Station Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany. He died there in his sleep from congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema on Dec. 21, 1945. Twelve days earlier, on Dec. 9, 1945, Patton and two other soldiers were traveling through Mannheim (he was on his way to a pheasant hunting expedition south of Mannheim) when a two-ton army truck swerved across the road and hit their Cadillac limousine. Patton’s head hit the glass partition separating the front seats from the back, where he was seated. In a tragic instant, his neck was broken, rendering him paralyzed from the neck down. An artist’s rendering of the automobile crash that paralyzed Patton. “Silence Patton” (The Nexus Project) Patton was scheduled to return to the United States (from his post-war desk job post in Germany) the very next day, Dec. 10, 1945. He planned to tell the truth about questionable (and downright bad) decisions that had been made by many of the higher-ups—including Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Omar Bradley—during the war. Further, he was going to argue that the United States had been naive in partnering with the Russians. In director Robert Orlando’s 2018 documentary, “Silence Patton” (available to watch on Epoch Cinema), we look at the days leading up to Patton’s mysterious death and learn what a liability he was considered by people in positions of immense power. Nicknamed “Old Blood and Guts,” Patton was a strategic genius whose risky yet calculated military tactics led American troops to victory after victory throughout Europe during World War II. However, he was also considered to be a loose cannon when it came to expressing what he was thinking. This no-holds-barred approach to telling what he considered the truth never sat well with the Allied senior command, nor with politicians in Washington. Through a wide array of recorded quotes, fascinating interviews with historians, and archival footage, Orlando takes us back in time and navigates the sea of controversy surrounding Patton, including what may have led to his suspicious death—which could have been an assassination. Award-winning investigative journalist Robert K. Wilcox posits a similar theory in his popular book “Target Patton: The Plot to Assassinate General George S. Patton.” General Patton (L) in Messina, Italy, during World War II, in “Silence Patton.” (The Nexus Project) This is a very objective film. It doesn’t idolize Patton but presents him as a preternaturally gifted, yet flawed military leader. In some cases, Patton’s personality traits, such as his abrasive communication style, held him back from securing the orders he needed from his superiors to execute his various strategies. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II, acknowledged Patton’s formidable military capabilities. However, he also viewed Patton as a diplomatic liability. During the post-war period, as the Eisenhower administration dealt with—some would say “cozied up to”—brutal Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Patton saw through Stalin’s phony overtures of peaceful collaboration with the West. He warned that joining forces with Soviet communists would result in death, destruction, and hardship across Europe and pose a major threat to future American sovereignty. There were those in the Roosevelt administration who were “outright Soviet spies, strong Soviet sympathizers, dupes, soft on communism.” “Silence Patton” (The Nexus Project) However, Eisenhower largely ignored Patton. As a result, after the American political apparatus signed its Faustian deal with Stalin, the Russians swept through much of Europe (including Germany), looting, murdering, raping, and razing all along the way. The world watched as communism spread like a virulent red stain, racking up casualties in the tens of millions and dwarfing Adolf Hitler’s ethnic cleansing efforts. Thus, the European lands that were recently liberated were tragically subjugated to the Soviet Union’s unmerciful rule, even though Patton had argued to put a stop to Soviet expansion before its blood-soaked spread began. This well-researched and cogently laid-out documentary contains highly informative interviews and some great wartime footage. Patton’s trajectory somewhat reminds me of what former American President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II faced in their lifetimes (as I covered in another one of director Robert Orlando’s informative documentaries, titled “The Divine Plan”). These great men cared deeply for their countries. They were staunch patriots who stood up against the evils of communism. While both Reagan and John Paul survived their respective assassination attempts, “Silence Patton” theorizes that Patton’s demise may not have exactly been an accident. It’s available to watch on Epoch Cinema. Watch “Silence Patton” on Epoch Cinema here. ‘Silence Patton’ Director: Robert Orlando Running Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: Apr. 3, 2018 Rated: 4 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/silence-patton-documentary_4849547.html

1835: An Anti-Slavery meeting on Boston common showing free Black people amongst the crowd. (MPI/Getty Images) Commentary Today in America, the history of slavery and racism is most often used to explain the crime and dysfunction that many in the African-American community faces. However, the EpochTV documentary “Uncle Tom II” tells a different narrative, revealing what they believe is the key to black success and empowerment. “My hope is this will help to break the spell that so many people are under,” says one of the film creators, “that keeps them angry, makes them bitter, blinds them from the truth, and realize that they are being deceived. That they’ve been lied to, that we’ve all been lied to our entire life.” A Change in Character and Values The narrative today purports that due to slavery and systematic racism, everything in the United States is structurally created to keep black people down. This belief is used to capitalize on anger and bitterness among African-Americans. The facts, however, tell a different story. The film follows the historical journey of the black community in America, making the case that African-Americans at the turn of the century had more functional lives than many today. The film attributes this to their culture of deep religious and strong Judeo-Christian family values and principles. The documentary shows how the farther away blacks today get from those principles, the more dysfunction is seen. It explains how the church formed the basis for the black community, arguing that it provided a sense of right and wrong, morality, and discipline that were once well-known character traits of African-Americans. They make the case that the church produced hope and stability of purpose, which held the black community together. Families were strong, and it was the norm for African-American children to grow up in two-parent homes. But eventually, that all changed. “It’s not because of racism. It’s not because of police brutality. It’s not because of slavery. It’s not because of Jim Crow. It’s not because of white supremacy, white privilege, and all that crap they’re telling you now,” a man interviewed in the film argues. “It’s because of a lack of character. Black people lost character.” The film cites the crime, homelessness, rap, and gang culture associated with the black community today. “That is not black culture. That’s a facade. Throughout history, black folks have been honorable. They had integrity. That’s what black people were. But now our black people are Jay-Z, Cardi B, and George Floyd.” An image from video footage featured in “Uncle Tom II” about race and the history of the African-American community. (EpochTV) Pawns in a White Marxist Agenda The documentary examines organizations throughout American history that claim to be founded by and for black people. Instead, it reveals that usually, there is a white Marxist behind these groups. For example, Saul Alinksy is considered the father of community organizing and the progressivism we now see across America. He was a Marxist strategist and author of “Rules for Radicals,” which, along with the “Communist Manifesto” by Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx, is the playbook of today’s political left. According to the documentary, people in the 60s thought they were in black organizations, but white people actually ran those groups. It says Alinsky used the black population to achieve his political Marxist goals. The EpochTV film examines BLM, which is supposedly formed by three African-American women but digs deeper to see if a white Marxist is behind it. What they discovered was a man named Eric Mann. Mann trains Marxists—including the women who founded BLM. Through video footage and examining Mann’s strategy and work, the film argues that BLM Inc. is a white-run organization with a white-run agenda meant to destroy America and use African-Americans as the front faces. According to the film, the goal of the Marxist can be summarized in this way: Capitalize on anger and emotion, and get people fighting among themselves to divide and weaken. It shows footage of the Black Lives Matter founders saying that they are trained Marxists. But how does marxism relate to the black community? Does this ideology benefit the oppressed? The thinking and writing of Karl Marx focused on relationships of power—those who had power and those who did not. For Marx, it was the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Although the message of marxism is enticing, promising a utopia, it delivers a nightmare instead. The film shows graphic live footage of Marxist control worldwide, with tens of millions dead and always resulting in a more oppressive regime than what people were fighting against in the first place. It then explores cultural marxism, critical theory, and other ideologies impacting American culture today. The documentary explains that these ideologies had an agenda that infiltrated institutions and culture gradually, slowly, generation-by-generation. It says the fruit of this ideological infiltration is seen in most adults today, who are products of an educational system that has destroyed the United States and comprised it of Marxist ideas, secular humanism, and brainwashed, angry, divided people. An image from video footage featured in “Uncle Tom II” about race and the history of the African-American community. (EpochTV) The Historical Success of African-Americans The film examines the black community’s economic success and educational achievement during historical periods that are not commonly taught in schools today. What changed? Where did it all go wrong? Booker T. Washington was an African-American academic born into slavery but went on to be an author, educator, orator, and presidential adviser. He taught the importance of hard work, faith and character, and education. The film shows how this school of thought, influenced by Judeo-Christian ethics, allowed post-civil war African-Americans to remake themselves and become inspirational and highly successful members of society. As a result, the black community of the early 20th century delivered healthy, stable families, innovation, creativity, and economic success. “No one can give us these qualities merely by praising us and talking well about us,” wrote Booker T. Washington, “and when we possess them, nobody can take them from us by speaking ill of us.” The film shares African-American stories and how they were raised to love America. Many say they were taught about slavery but not in a way that made them hate others. They worked their lands, went to college, and owned their own businesses. It includes testaments from people whose parents grew up in the Jim Crow south, and how they were taught work ethic and that they could accomplish what they wanted. They were never taught they were oppressed and never saw themselves as lesser than others. Larry Elder, interviewed in the documentary, suggests there’s a strategic reason those lessons aren’t taught to black youth today. “Whenever you have something to be proud of, people have less chance of controlling you.” The film cites facts that counter mainstream narratives of black history today, pointing out that the first slave owner in America was a black man and hundreds of black people owned slaves. In addition, it points out that even before the civil rights movement, during the 1920s and 30s, when Black Wall Street existed, black people overall were highly educated and prosperous. Although the political left cites the Tulsa Race Massacre as the reason Black Wall Street and black success died in 1921, the documentary shows that Black Wall Street was rebuilt in 1925. By the 1940s, the black community was successful and happy again. The documentary says this was true for many places throughout the south and that the businesses, cultures, schools, and families didn’t begin to be destroyed until after the civil rights movement, with the introduction of socialist programs and government dependency. The film poses a series of questions to black viewers, such as: are there things culturally and generationally that we’ve been doing, thinking, and believing that have contributed to the problems we face today? For example, did black Americans depend on the government at the expense of relying on God, fathers, families, and their character and abilities? The EpochTV documentary describes the narrative today as saying black people were always at the mercy of white people and white people decide if they make it or not. However, it argues that blacks have not always been at the mercy of whites, at least not the ones who put Booker T. Washington’s values into practice. The American Heritage The film concludes that it is essential to know where we came from. Many black people have an origin story, but the film says that aside from the slavery origin story, as Americans, they have another origin story, and it is not 1619; it is 1776. The American origin story is filled with suffering, struggle, bloodshed, and overcoming adversity. An Irish immigrant who survived the potato famine, or a Jewish person whose family survived the holocaust, are all part of America’s story. It states, “you could go on and on and on and then what you eventually realize is that God, in his providence, has brought us all from hardship.” Watch “Uncle Tom II” on EpochTV here. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/uncle-tom-ii-documentary_4922460.html

Commentary In many of today’s popular media, such as films, TV, and literature, capitalism is often maligned. Capitalists, particularly entrepreneurs, are often portrayed as inherently morally compromised and self-aggrandizing scumbags who don’t care about anyone else but themselves. This negative stereotype is reinforced through numerous movies such as “American Psycho (2000)” and far-left filmmaker Michael Moore’s 2009 documentary “Capitalism: A Love Story.” And who can ever forget Michael Douglas’s performance as Gordon Gekko in 1987’s “Wall Street,” and his crazy “greed is good” speech? However, this negative sentiment isn’t just coming from Hollywood and the fringe left (which ironically utilizes capitalism at every turn)—even Adam Smith, the 18th-century philosopher, and political economist who is considered the father of capitalism wasn’t too fond of entrepreneurs. However, a very revelatory 2007 documentary titled “The Call of the Entrepreneur” (available to watch on Epoch Cinema), produced by The Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty (or The Acton Institute for short) seeks to dispel many of these highly irrational, uninformed perspectives of capitalism and the entrepreneur’s role within it. Farmer Brad Morgan transformed his dairy farm into a thriving compost business in “The Call of the Entrepreneur.” (Acton Media) Fortunately, this documentary sports some high production values and is not only skillfully shot, but contains some highly fascinating interviews with numerous business experts, as well as informative commentary by the co-founder of The Acton Institute, Roman Catholic Priest (and former Pentecostal minister) Robert Sirico. In a sea of hostile views toward capitalism and entrepreneurship, this documentary highlights and honors the ingenuity, creativity, productive virtues, and bravery of entrepreneurs all over the world. The film’s first stop is in the small rural town of Evart, Michigan. There, dairy farmer Brad Morgan has faced numerous challenges (many from the government) over the years, just as most farmers across America do. While Morgan may not have much in the way of a formal education, his innate “think-outside-the-box” creativity and steadfastness (he describes himself as “stubborn”), enabled him to develop something he thought was worthless—into a valuable commodity. Morgan discovered that he could turn his cow’s manure into compost that could be brought to market. Since he didn’t know that much about the actual science of manure composting, he hired people who had expertise in that area and eventually built up a huge composting business that is sought after not only by a wide range of clients but also by prospective business partners. Dr. Self-made merchant banker Frank Hanna in “The Call of the Entrepreneur.” (Acton Media) Another fascinating story is that of Hong Kong activist and entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, the founder of media giant Next Digital. Lai shares his tale of growing up in abject poverty in Guangzhou, China, firmly under the iron fist of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Although Lai’s family was originally wealthy, under the brutal rule of Mao Zedong, the communists seized his family’s land (as they have always done throughout history) and forced his mother to go to work in the labor/slave camps. Desperate to survive, Lai went to work as a baggage handler at a train station in Guangzhou. There, he was exposed to all sorts of different people from outside of the communist regime. This led to him realizing that all of the information that was continuously disseminated to the Chinese people about outsiders was patently false. Lai eventually made the calculated decision to move to Hong Kong, where the rule of law still existed and entrepreneurship flourished in comparison to mainland China under the communists. He went on to found both Next Digital and global retailer Giordano International. Unfortunately, Lai has since been jailed numerous times for his outspoken criticism of the CCP. Communism survivor and media mogul Jimmy Lai talks about escaping the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) in “The Call of the Entrepreneur.” (Acton Media) This documentary contradicts the absurd notion that capitalism is a zero-sum game and that all entrepreneurs are self-serving individuals with little regard for others. It begs several questions—if capitalism is such a horrendous, zero-sum game, then why is it the first system to exist whereby anyone from the lower classes can drastically improve their financial circumstances? And how about all of the folks that entrepreneurs help? After all, entrepreneurs not only hire people to work for and with them, but they also provide numerous goods and services for the public’s various wants and needs. As the inspiring aforementioned stories illustrate, entrepreneurs typically see something that others didn’t—a need that they risked their own financial well-being to facilitate for others. And that’s very virtuous, any way you slice it. And as far as the tired old argument that capitalism creates lots of poverty—compared to what? The destitute masses under Soviet, North Korean, North Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Chinese communist rule? What about all of the death, poverty, and homelessness that have enveloped every single country that has embraced communism? North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, and the list goes on and on and on. As “The Call of the Entrepreneur” expertly illustrates, the various social, political, scientific, and economic advancements that capitalism has allowed to take place have been nothing short of miraculous and have proven to be factually superior to any other economic system, period. It’s an educational film that cuts through much of the misinformation and disinformation that exists out there and is well worth your time to watch. It’s available to see on Epoch Cinema. Watch The Call of the Entrepreneur on Epoch Cinema here. ‘The Call of the Entrepreneur’ Directors: Simon Scionka Running Time: 58 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: May. 17, 2007 Rated: 4 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-call-of-the-entrepreneur-documentary_4844235.html

Commentary Politics and business used to be two separate worlds. Politicians are supposed to make laws, and CEOs are meant to make profits, but all that is changing. The EpochTV documentary “The Shadow State” addresses the rising dominance of ESG. Short for Environmental Social Governance, ESG is a business scoring system that unites corporations, governments, and institutions under a woke leftist agenda. It includes the world’s largest banks, investment managers, pension funds, and insurance companies. Driven by International organizations like the World Economic Forum and with Wallstreet at its center, the ESG industry has reached an astounding 55 trillion in assets (it was 19 trillion in 2014). It is projected to nearly double by 2025. Consolidation of Corporate Power The film poses the question: will corporations turn into agents of morality and social change? Will Wallstreet be allowed to control and manipulate individual people? Are the days of customers and shareholders controlling banks and tech companies over? Large finance, tech, and media organizations have jumped on board with ESG. For example, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said, “you have to force behaviors, and we are forcing behaviors.” The rise of ESG has led to CEOs taking on both a moral and political role. Global organizations set the agenda and then coordinate the work of governments and corporations. For example, the documentary shows how all ESG industry initiatives align with the UN’s sustainable economic goals. In a free market, corporations and business entities are meant to make money for their shareholders. This requires serving fellow humans and providing what they need. The film notes that fascism changes the purpose away from the customer and consumer and towards the government’s goals and policymakers. An image from video footage featured in “The Shadow State” about the ESG industry. (EpochTV) According to the documentary, whoever owns the gold makes the rules. The corporations that control the flow of capital control the behavior of every industry. The film explores how the consolidation of corporate power allows companies to push progressive policies. It also cites the crossover between corporations and government bureaucracy. For example, the Biden administration employs many former BlackRock employees, with many holding positions influencing policy on economics and China. Climate change and racial equity have become central goals in agencies like the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, and the Department of Justice, rather than inflation and other issues these agencies were created to address. According to the film, the Department of Labor instituted a new rule under the Biden administration, allowing private pension funds to invest on ideological grounds rather than economic returns. The documentary shows how the Obama administration turned to banks when Congress failed to pass its gun control agenda. Operation Choke Point allowed banks to do what the president was not legally allowed to do. This included threats from bank regulators against banks that lent to gun shops. Shops found their bank accounts terminated without cause or explanation. Shortages and Environmental Impact The film cites that European countries are facing the potential for fuel and food shortages as well as a decline in living standards. Commodities, once in abundance, are becoming increasingly unaffordable, such as gasoline. While world leaders blame Russia, the documentary shows how the root causes trace back to before the invasion of Ukraine, with oil and gas producers knowing they are being phased out despite the growing demand for fossil fuels worldwide. Can wind and solar energy fill the gap? According to the episode, countries like Germany have invested heavily in wind and solar and are now facing critical energy shortages. Some claim it’s because Russia cut off their energy exports, but California has taken similar policy moves and is experiencing the same results, such as power outages. An image from video footage featured in “The Shadow State” about the ESG industry. (EpochTV) This EpochTV original details how ESG goals and requirements impact agriculture and business. For example, small and medium-sized farmers must comply with data reporting practices they may be unable to keep up with. The same is true for small businesses that don’t have the money to keep up with the infrastructure and reporting requirements of ESG. The documentary concludes that ESG guts the middle and consolidates power among large corporations and politicians. According to the film, the environmental goals of ESG may not be helping the environment at all. Despite being told that renewables are better for the environment, the film shows that renewable energy takes 300–400 times more land for solar panels than nuclear plants, requiring 17 times more steel and cement than nuclear plants. In addition, all the additional material becomes excess waste on the backend, with about 300 times more hazardous waste from solar panels than from nuclear. The documentary highlights a World Economic Forum report pushing for electric vehicles while noting that the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles emits twice as much carbon dioxide and uses double the energy as building a gasoline-powered car. This creates a carbon debt, meaning the average person needs to drive an EV for a more extended period to make up for the emissions required to build it. The documentary states that battery production causes more environmental damage than carbon emissions and goes into the water, air pollution, and more in various areas worldwide. ESG Is Bad for Business and Shareholders The film examines whether ESG benefits shareholders and those saving for retirement through 401k and pension funds. A 2020 study by the center for retirement research at Boston College found that ESG policies reduce annual returns by 70 to 90 basis points. Decisions from Disney, Coca-Cola, and Major League Baseball toward woke stances alienated large portions of their customers. PayPal also faced backlash for its political positions, leading to its stock tumbling after discovering that it would fine accounts that spread “misinformation.” In addition, companies like United Airlines announced racial and gender hiring quotas, violating the Civil Rights Act that prohibits racial discrimination in hiring. The film makes the case that complying with ESG standards exposes companies to prosecution and employee lawsuits and that ESG standards are anti-democratic and often illegal. ESG Threatens Freedom and Prosperity The EpochTV documentary also stresses that the ESG system and goals do not have the social impact they claim to. Instead of creating a cleaner, better world for everyone, ESG policies lead to shortages and crises. The film states that ESG is out of step with the American people and trying to achieve left-wing goals through extra-legal roles. This would allow corporations to run a country without the people ever taking a vote. While ESG tries to implement policy without public accountability, the documentary argues that the way to improve the world is by putting people and policies in place that are scrutinized and accountable to the American people and the political process. An image from video footage featured in “The Shadow State” about the ESG industry (EpochTV) Watch “The Shadow State” on EpochTV here. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-shadow-state-documentary_4877950.html

People gather in protest against COVID-19 mandates and in support of a protest against COVID-19 restrictions taking place in Ottawa, in Edmonton, Canada, on Feb. 5, 2022. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) Commentary Across the world, many remember the Freedom Convoy in the early days of 2022, with the crowded overpasses and the Canadian and American flags waving side by side for freedom. The documentary “Trucking for Freedom Chapter Two: Winter Wildfire,” available on EpochTV, shows the inspirational story of a country uniting for liberty and the power of grassroots movements. Canada’s Harsh COVID Measures The film cites that two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 90 percent of Canadians were vaccinated. Despite this, Canada remained one of the most locked-down places in the world. Leading up to the convoy, every Canadian province had implemented vaccine passports. Unvaccinated Canadians were barred from restaurants, cafes, and internal travel. Some were even denied life-saving medical procedures. College students were threatened, banned from campus grounds, and deregistered from classes. In addition, vaccines were mandated for the federal workforce and the federally regulated transportation sectors. Yet when the Omicron variant hit, it affected vaccinated and unvaccinated equally. The film shows public health data revealing that the vaccinated were more susceptible to infection from Omicron. The documentary cites growing hostility toward the unvaccinated due to accusations that they were prolonging the pandemic. So when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s campaign pledged to implement mandatory vaccination for cross-border truckers, a movement was born from an unexpected place. According to the film, this movement would shake the very foundation of Canadian society. Discrimination Toward the Unvaccinated The film features truckers talking about the discrimination they faced for being unvaccinated, from being unable to eat at restaurants, being denied written exemptions, facing run-ins with the law, and being treated poorly. Many felt defeated, but the voices that were ready and willing to stand up to the mandates gave others renewed passion for fighting for what they believed in. Brigitte Belton, a former cross-border driver and founder of the Freedom Convoy 2022, said she saw her fellow truckers sharing their passion for resistance on social media and knew she wanted to do something: “I was done. I didn’t know if I could fight. But hearing the rest of them talking about it, we could do this. We can do something.” But, she said: “I just have to get people on my side. And I have to let them know why it’s so important to me. And why people shouldn’t be suffering at the hands of their government.” Truckers, small business owners, and social media influencers started discussing freedom convoys. The idea evolved from local demonstrations to trans-Canada pilgrimages to Canada’s capital, Ottawa. The movement began as grassroots and disorganized, but when an organization known as Canda Unity put forth a clear plan on its website, it spread like wildfire. An image from video footage featured in “Trucking for Freedom Chapter Two: Winter Wildfire” (EpochTV) Thousands of truckers embarked on the journey, gaining steam along the way. Overpasses, roadways, and highways were packed with supporters, displaying flags and homemade signs supporting freedom from the mandates. But, unfortunately, the Canadian government began spearheading a hate-filled narrative in what the film referred to as “information warfare” geared toward the convoy and Canadian citizens. The film shows how the government and mainstream news outlets promoted misinformation that painted the convoy as dangerous. Andrew MacGillivray, a retired Naval Warfare officer, estimated that over 95 percent of the information the government was circulating, which he saw from the intelligence side, was incorrect. Trudeau is featured in a news clip accusing the convoy of abuse toward other citizens, hateful rhetoric, and performing acts of violence. The government and mainstream media outlets called them a “small fringe minority” with “unacceptable views.” Truckers in the film express the pain of being labeled as a fringe minority, bigots, racists, etc., by the leaders that were supposed to serve them. An Outpouring of Unity and Support However, despite efforts to skew the image of the grassroots movement, an outpouring of raw footage emerged as the convoy gained steam, telling a very different story. Canada was coming together, even while its leaders were attacking and diminishing them. Hardworking Canadians wanted to be heard by their government. The EpochTV episode cites polls that showed even those triple-vaccinated were offering support and ready for a conversation on the mandates. Along the routes, people came out to support their fellow Canadians. Despite the frigid temperatures, crowds gathered, cheering and honking; kids attended the rally instead of school, parents waved flags, and fires were lit. There were fireworks, and bystanders handed out food and coffee to the truckers. People threw supplies in the backs of the trucks in an outpour of love, generosity, and support. The truckers cite this as an emotional experience that they didn’t expect. An image from video footage featured in “Trucking for Freedom Chapter Two: Winter Wildfire” (EpochTV) Countries worldwide established their own convoys against mandates, including Australia, London, Switzerland, and the United States. Twenty-seven countries at one point organized similar convoys in support of Canadian truck drivers. International recognition highlighted the core intent of the movement—to bring Canada together again as a country, end the division, unite the nation from west to east, and stand in solidarity to accomplish a collective goal. Out of this movement was born hope and unity that had been scarce even throughout Canada’s history. The movement was initially thought to last only a few days but lasted nearly a month. As a result of the convoy, two Canadian provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan, dropped their mandates. Convoy footage features one trucker explaining the motives behind their actions. “A lot of people may not agree with us right now, but there may come a time when they actually have an issue that affects them, and they don’t have the freedom to choose. And if we don’t preserve it, we won’t have it, and our kids won’t have it. Our kids won’t be able to live the life they want to or choose to, so this is just for them.” The people of Canada wanted to remind government officials that they were hired by the people and for the people. A Conversation About Freedom Emerged From the movement emerged a broader discussion emerged regarding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Bill of Rights, and the International Declaration of Human Rights. The film cites that the mandates tested whether or not written individual rights and freedoms meant something in Canada. The film notes that laws created which violate the Charter of Rights are null and void. When rights were taken away, the people of Canada turned to the available documents that restored their rights. According to the documentary, Canadians had been watching the erosion of their freedom of speech and expression for years. Finally, they stood up and said enough. An image from video footage featured in “Trucking for Freedom Chapter Two: Winter Wildfire” (EpochTV) The mandates impacted too many. People lost their jobs, faced discrimination, and saw the harmful effects of the extreme COVID measures. Yet, parents, children, neighbors, and freedom-loving people, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, united in the name of love and peace. The convoy gathered for 22 days. Many were not leaving until the mandates were removed. The documentary on EpochTV features Dr. Julie Ponesse, who was terminated from her job for not complying with the vaccine mandate. At the film’s time, she served as an ethics scholar for The Democracy Fund. According to Ponesse, history shows that the vast majority will comply their way toward atrocities: “that’s not surprising at all. What’s surprising are these outliers, these people who say, ‘I’m going to step outside the shadow of the crowd. There are things that are more important to me than the comfort that the group can give me. And I will hold onto my integrity no matter what losses may come, even if that’s my life.” Watch “Trucking for Freedom Chapter Two: Winter Wildfire” on EpochTV here. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/trucking-for-freedom-chapter-two-winter-wildfire_4893242.html

Commentary With all of the recent controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccines, even people who previously put their full trust in regulatory agencies such as the CDC and NIH and monolithic pharmaceutical corporations (Big Pharma), have grown much more skeptical of these entities. Whereas during the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, natural alternatives to vaccines were maligned by the powers that be, now, in many cases, they are being embraced. However, long before COVID-19, another war was being waged, this one in the cancer arena. In the 2016 documentary “Burzynski: The Cancer Cure Cover-Up” (available to watch on Epoch Cinema), director Eric Merola details the long battle between regulatory agencies (and Big Pharma) and a trailblazing physician who developed an alternative cancer treatment. Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, seen in “Burzynski: The Cancer Cure Cover-Up” (Merola Films) While Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski was performing his Ph.D. research, he made a breakthrough discovery. He came across a type of peptide in human blood and urine samples that had never before been encountered in biochemical research (peptides are short chains of amino acids that link peptide bonds, as opposed to the long chains of amino acids known as proteins). Moreover, the peptides that Burzynski discovered seemed to be much more numerous in people who were cancer-free, while those with cancer didn’t have as many of them, as indicated by their blood and urine samples. He concluded that the peptides helped prevent the growth of cancer cells. Burzynski eventually found a way to extract the peptides from healthy donors. He pioneered a new treatment methodology that came to be known as antineoplaston therapy. “Burzynski: The Cancer Cure Cover-Up” charts Burzynski’s decades-long struggle to acquire approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for legal clinical trials of antineoplastons. Before he began using the experimental therapy, Burzynski’s attorneys investigated both state and federal law. They determined that he was legally able to administer his alternative cancer therapy without FDA approval because the state of Texas (where he established his clinic) didn’t require physicians to adhere to federal law in this particular situation. However, in more recent times laws have become more restrictive. Dr. Burzynski initially faced serious prison time in his fight against the FDA and Texas Medical Board. “Burzynski: The Cancer Cure Cover-Up” (Merola Films) The documentary details how Burzynski’s alternative cancer therapy successfully treated cancer patients, even rendering certain patients completely cancer-free. Naturally, the alternative cancer therapy faced a tremendous amount of skepticism from many different quarters and eventually come under fire from the FDA. Some of the initial legal attacks Burzynski faced came from the Texas Medical Board. The board investigated him in an effort to discredit the new therapy and revoke his ability to practice medicine. That struggle took Burzynski to the Texas Supreme Court but ultimately failed to stop him from using antineoplaston therapy. The FDA then came after Burzynski. That attack resulted in four failed federal grand juries, after jurors found him not guilty of any wrongdoing. If he had been convicted, he would have faced over 200 years in federal prison and millions of dollars in punitive fines. “Burzynski: The Cancer Cure Cover-Up” (Merola Films) Burzynski emerged from the smoke of these numerous legal battles not only unscathed but emboldened by the swelling ranks of cancer patients who had been successfully treated with antineoplaston therapy. The film explores some possible motivations behind the government and Big Pharma’s relentless legal persecution of Burzynski. In the wake of the failed attacks, it looks at how special interest groups are waging huge propaganda campaigns against the upstart doctor and his groundbreaking therapy. For the most part, I found this documentary to be an interesting watch. Much of the information it contains is rarely found in mainstream media. Although much of what the interviewees discuss is revelatory, the various talking heads in this film tend to have dry, monotone, and sometimes hard-to-hear deliveries. Overall, “Burzynski: The Cancer Cure Cover-Up” is an informative documentary about an alternative cancer therapy and its trailblazing founder. It’s available on Epoch Cinema. Watch “Burzynski: The Cancer Cure Cover-Up” on Epoch Cinema here. ‘Burzynski: The Cancer Cure Cover-Up’ Director: Eric Merola Running Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes MPAA Rating: TV-PG Release Date: May 10, 2016 Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/burzynski-the-cancer-cure-cover-up-documentary_4849357.html

Former President Donald Trump speaks to supporters at a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Sept. 3, 2022. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Commentary The world knows Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States and the most polarizing figure in American politics today. So why did he get elected? How do his policies help America? And what did his presidency mean for the world? The EpochTV documentary “Trump 2024: The World After Trump” seeks to provide the answers. Globalism and the New World Order An image from video footage featured in “Trump 2024: The World After Trump” about how President Donald Trump changed America (EpochTV) The film explains the concept of the “New World Order,” a phrase coined by George H.W. Bush after the Berlin wall fell. Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope John Paul II, and George H.W. Bush announced the term following their meeting. It refers to globalism, a movement to create one centralized world government with no borders and no state sovereignty. Under a globalist system, the economy, the law, and the government would be run by a small group of elites who have the power to control everyone and everything. For example, the European Union comprises 27 member states and is run by unknown bureaucrats from one centralized place—Brussels, Belgium. According to the film, few people know who these bureaucrats are or what they do. Moreover, they are unelected and, therefore, not accountable to anyone. The documentary says that America will be fundamentally transformed if the left prevails in establishing a globalist system. Of the 17 Republican candidates in the 2016 presidential election, it was Donald Trump who began talking about the New World Order. He labeled the current political establishment corrupt and called for it to be replaced with a new government run by We the People. In addition, he pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris Climate Accords during his four-year tenure. The film notes that although Trump believed in cooperation and getting along with other countries, he would not support policies that would aid in turning America into a globalist nation and losing its own sovereignty and power. The documentary explores various policies Trump enacted that gave strength and prosperity back into the hands of the American people. It makes the case that Trump’s presidency paused the globalist agenda. According to the film, without Trump, the American people would have woken up one day and realized their freedom was gone without even knowing it was under threat. Saving America From Socialism The film examines socialism, the practice of taking people’s earned money and giving it to people who didn’t earn it. It notes that socialism isn’t about free college or free health care, it’s about control. According to the EpochTV documentary, the Democratic Party has turned into the Socialist Party—with some members even identifying as Democratic Socialists. The film shows how Venezuela was the most prosperous country per capita in the world until it became a socialist nation. Now people in Venezuela are starving, and their money is valueless. If socialism achieves its goals in America, America will cease to be great. At a very critical time, Trump stopped the policies enacted by his successors that were leading the United States down a path towards globalism, communism, and socialism. The speakers in the film attribute this to the strong opposition Trump faced from establishment elites. The episode says Trump brought America back to the very things progressives want to be gone forever. The left is opposed to Christian values, capitalism, and the constitution. Trump recognized that those were the same elements that made America great and began bringing them back into politics again. An image from video footage featured in “Trump 2024: The World After Trump” about how President Donald Trump changed America (EpochTV) Pro-Israel Policies The film talks in depth about the biblical history of Israel and why a pro-Israel stance is so critical to many conservatives. In contrast to many leftist policies, Trump’s actions were very pro-Israel. For example, he officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which former presidents had been unwilling to do since 1995. According to the documentary, Trump was pressured not to follow through with this move. Nevertheless, Trump said he did it because he had promised he would and because it was the right thing to do. Defending Border Security The film discusses Trump’s work on border security, prioritizing preventing terrorism and human trafficking. According to the film, an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants live in the United States. It states that without borders, there is no national sovereignty. While socialist countries put up walls to keep people in, capitalism puts up walls to keep dangerous people out and make sure good people can come in. Pro-Life President Donald Trump was unapologetically pro-life, being the first American president to attend the annual March for Life rally in Washington. The film references the racist origins of abortion, with many in the south supporting abortion during the 70s as a means to control the African-American population. Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger is quoted saying, “We don’t want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the negro population.” Abortion is the number one killer of African-Americans in the United States. The film also points out that 30 percent of Hispanics voted for Trump, saying it was due to his pro-life stance. Most notably, Trump’s Supreme Court Justice appointments led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Keeping His Promises An image from video footage featured in “Trump 2024: The World After Trump” about how President Donald Trump changed America (EpochTV) The speakers interviewed in the EpochTV episode address the character and integrity of the 45th president. They say he kept his promises at a time when the American people had stopped expecting politicians to do so. Although Donald Trump receives much criticism for various personality traits, the episode argues that keeping one’s word, or failing to do so, is a character quality worth noting. They describe him as courageous. They say he knows what he wants to do, and he does it. Although many leaders fold in the face of opposition, Trump didn’t appear to do that during his presidency. Despite his blunt honesty and aggressive demeanor, those in the film who know the president personally speak about his humility, his ability to listen, and how deeply he cares for others. The episode points out that everyone has flaws and that God uses flawed people because that’s the only type of person that exists. Whether hated or admired, the episode shows that Donald Trump is a leader, truthful, and has done crucial work for the country. The documentary concludes that America is the greatest nation ever to exist and that if We the People fail to elect candidates that fight for freedom, we will eventually lose that freedom forever. Watch “Trump 2024: The World After Trump” on EpochTV here. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/trump-2024-documentary_4869702.html

Commentary I’ve written about a number of End Times narrative films, including the excellent 2019 thriller “The End of Days: Global Catastrophe,” and 2013’s “Final: The Rapture.” However, I haven’t covered any documentary films based on this subject, so I was excited to watch and review director Brent Miller Jr.’s recent 2020 film, “Before the Wrath,” (available on Epoch Cinema), and boy, am I glad I did. This fascinating documentary features new information about when, why, and how the rapture—Christ’s return for his followers—will occur in the final days of our earthly existence. Although some Christian productions have suffered when it comes to production values, many faith-based films (including this one) have strong production values and surprisingly better-than-average acting. The film is capably narrated by Christian actor and filmmaker Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” “God’s Not Dead”). The film jumps back and forth through time—from the first-century life of the Galileans to interviews with modern-day scholars, theologians, and pastors who share their views on The End Times and the current state of Christianity. We’re treated to a wide range of perspectives, such as those of theologian and pastor Jack Hibbs; Behold Israel founder and president Amir Tsarfati, and Jan Markell, Founder of Olive Tree Ministries. Pastor Jack Hibbs talks about the increasing divide between Christians in “Before the Wrath” (Ingenuity Films) Almost every Christian, at one time or another, has been told that the Messiah Jesus Christ will return in his second coming. This is part of Christian eschatology (the theological study of the end times) and is based on certain messianic prophecies. However, as the film points out, in recent times, Christians are divided more than ever, and this has led many Christians to skepticism about Christ’s return. For many Christians and biblical scholars, there is a big debate about the manner and timing of the second coming. As Kevin Sorbo explains, there are some deeper levels to important biblical events that we seem to have lost sight of over the last couple of centuries. Many people no longer believe that Jesus is even coming back one day. Biblical prophecy is a very important facet of Christianity, yet many churches don’t teach it to their flocks. As we look at the question today, we have to ask whether the ancient Galileans had the inside scoop on Jesus’s second coming. New anthropological findings from the first century reveal long-lost evidence that the second coming is indeed real, as is the wrath of God. Gemma Rizzuto as the bride in “Before the Wrath” (Ingenuity Films) In an interesting twist, “Before the Wrath” exposes the deeper meaning behind the most important event in first-century Galilean lives—the traditional Jewish wedding—and its correlation to Jesus’s promise to return one day. Just as Galilean bridegrooms took time to prepare a place for their new brides, Christ told his disciples (or bride, if you will) that he, the bridegroom, had to go away to prepare a place for them (the kingdom of heaven). There are many other similarities between the cultural practices surrounding Galilean weddings and the second coming of Jesus Christ. After all, Jesus and all of his disciples were Galilean (from northern Israel). For instance, the bridegroom had to wait a lengthy period of time—sometimes up to a year—before he could go and get his bride. However, the only person who knew the exact time that the wedding would take place was the groom’s father. Therefore, the film posits that Jesus may have chosen not to know when he will return, although his father does. As Amir Tsarfati points out, the most important thing isn’t when Christ will return, but how to properly prepare for that crucial event. Pastor and author Jay McCarl talks about the ancient Galileans in “Before the Wrath” (Ingenuity Films) Just as the first-century bridegroom waited with bated breath for his father to announce, “Go get your bride,” so too, Jesus will eventually return to claim every member of his flock—every repentant Christian and true believer—and take them to the kingdom of light. I would definitely recommend “Before the Wrath” for both believers and non-believers alike. It contains historical data and biblical information that present a fresh way to look at the second coming and may help viewers to understand it better. I would encourage people to watch the film with their families as well. The documentary is available to watch on Epoch Cinema. Watch “Before the Wrath” on Epoch Cinema here. ‘Before the Wrath’ Directors: Brent Miller Jr. Running Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes MPAA Rating: Not Rated Release Date: Mar. 3, 2020 Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Watch the trailer: Watch the full video: https://www.theepochtimes.com/before-the-wrath-documentary_4849197.html