FILMOGRAPHY

DOCUMENTARIES

BEING 80 – Producer (56 min.) Showcases a diverse range of vibrant, unique and memorable 80 year olds still finding meaning in their lives through long lived career choices contradicting the stereotype that their minds and bodies are obsolete in a world where only younger generations can make the world work. Coming to PBS stations starting January 27, 2024.

SILICON VALLEY PAIN INDEX – Producer (56 min.) Silicon Valley is known as the high-tech captial of the world as a result, one of the wealthiest areas of the country. Unfortunately, a large percentage of Silicon Valley's essential workforce and very diverse population has not shared in this prosperity. Silicon Valley Pain Index tells the story of the challenges these workers face as seen through their efforts to find affordable housing, put food on their tables, and secure a living wage. Airing on PBS stations starting April, 2023.

QUEER SILICON VALLEY - Produced with Ken Yeager (56 min.) Queer Silicon Valley traces the rich history of the LGBTQ+ Community's challenges and successes in the tech capital of the world through an ethnically diverse range of voices from its early beginnings in the 1970s to today. Airing on PBS stations starting June, 2022.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC - Producer (56 min.) A small mountain town becomes a catalyst for musicians crafting folk, blues and rock songs in a search for identity, purpose and community in an America transitioning between dissolution and hope. It’s All About the Music,  provides a poignant and engaging look into the lives of largely unknown seasoned song writers and performers overcoming a life time of challenges while finding meaning on a road less traveled. To PBS stations Jan., 2021.

WE'RE STILL HERE - Producer (57 min.) In We're Still Here, First Nation indigenous Hip Hop artists in Canada lead an effort to right long standing social injustices, heal personal traumas, and preserve their cultures, in a cutting edge and poignant look at how Hip-Hop plays an important role in transforming the lives of both musicians. their audiences and communities. To PBS stations Sept., 2020.

WALK THE WALK - Producer (30 min.) Showcases a unique college class where students over a twelve year period from 2007- 2019 have been going beyond talking about what might be possible solutions to problems facing the larger society to actually implementing policy changes which get at their root causes. Coming to PBS stations September 2019.

LEARNING FROM COSTA RICA - Producer (30 min.) A diverse group of American educators travel to Costa Rica to find out how a country with no defense budget prioritizes their educational system and what they might learn that could transform the schools they work in back home. Coming to PBS stations September 2019.

ONE CARBON FOOTPRINT AT A TIME - Producer (27 min.) As discussions of the impact of climate change intensify around the world, many Americans are wondering if changes they make in their everyday lives can make a difference. The short answer, as vividly demonstrated in One Carbon Footprint At A Time, is that they can. As seen through the lens of a diverse range of university and middle school students enthusiastically engaged in a wide range of climate change activities as part of the curriculum at their schools everyday actions play a critical and potentially inspirational role in impacting climate change. One Carbon Footprint At a Time will begin airing on PBS stations across the country in January, 2019.

JOB CENTERED LEARNING- Producer (57 min.) Many economists, business owners, and labor leaders have raised alarm about a rising skills gap in the United States between the jobs that are available and those with the skills needed to fill them. Job Centered Learning, takes a critical look at the wide range of career education options some high schools across the U.S. are offering, engaging their students in life changing classroom experiences. This new one hour documentary has the potential to add to the national debate around both the vitality of our economy as well as the role schools can play in shaping how a new generation of students can find more meaningful educational experiences, fulfilling livelihoods and worthwhile careers. Coming to PBS stations beginning October 2017.

Communities as Classrooms- Producer (28 min.) (In association with the Ministry of Education, El Salvador) An educational experiment in participatory democracy at four schools in El Salvador that can serve as a model here in the US – where viewers see students become actively engaged in solving problems in their own communities, not as an extra-curricular activity, but as part of learning math, language, writing and other basic educational skills – skills they see as necessary to solving the issues their communities face. Coming to PBS stations beginning June 2016.

LEARNING FROM EL SALVADOR- Producer (58 min.) El Salvador is a nation deeply connected to US policies that remains little understood by most Americans. Many Americans think of El Salvador as a country to be avoided because of the danger posed by violent gangs, fear the recent migration of Salvadorian children to US border regions and are afraid of its ties to other neighboring Latin American countries such as Venezuela. Yet recent changes to the country in the areas of education, health care, agriculture and democratic governance offer a different perspective with implications for helping us solve problems here at home. To PBS stations through NETA, January 2015.

GROWING UP GREEN- Producer (28 min.) Profiles a unique statewide, hands-on environmental educa tion program in Michigan, the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative. For the very first time, both rural and urban schools across the state are working to increase academic performance by involving students in local efforts to improve the environments they inhabit. To PBS stations through NETA, April 2014.

BAREFOOT COLLEGE - Producer (58 min.) Examines a unique community based education program in rural India. At Barefoot College, located in the Indian State of Rajasthan, education takes place off campus, in nearby impoverished villages, among all age groups, with a unique interdisciplinary curriculum intimately encompassing rural village life and the issues villagers must grapple with. While seemingly far removed from the American experience, it offers telling lessons for how the current debate around educational reform might be focused and curriculum transformed in the United States. To PBS stations through NETA, January 2014.

SCHOOLS THAT CHANGE COMMUNITIES - Producer (58 min.) While the classroom as a vehicle for educational success remains largely unchallenged, a few public schools across the country are trying a different approach to engaging students in the learning process, using the communities and neighborhoods where students live as classrooms - creating not only a different type of learning environment, but a different kind of student. To PBS stations through American Public Television (APT), January 2013.

LESSONS FROM THE REAL WORLD- Producer (57 min.) Contends, like many educators, that focusing on test scores to improve student achievement is looking in the wrong place. Learning to read, do math and other subjects will come if students care about what they are learning, rather than drilling them with subject matter largely divorced from their real lives, and the community and societal problems which often impact those lives. To PBS stations through NETA, April 2011.

GREEN RIM- Producer (58 min.) Examines efforts by China and the United States to create green energy solutions to climate change problems. Premiered January 2010 on PBS station KTEH. For more information.

LAND OF OUR OWN - Producer (57 min.) Examines the impact the Rural Development Institute (RDI) has had on improving land ownership opportunities for landless people in three countries - India, Rwanda, and China - where RDI is most involved, in the process exploring their impact on the endemic problem of world poverty. To PBS stations through NETA on HD and SDM 2009. For more information.

DEMOCRACY LEFT BEHIND - Producer (57 min.) Examines the impact of "No Child Left Behind" on the ability of schools to serve a civic mission – demonstrating how difficult it is now for many students to understand what their education means in the larger context of the society and world they inhabit. To PBS stations through NETA, October 2007. Read more and buy online. 

MAKING IT RIGHT: The Reality Show with a Conscience - Producer (87 min.) Follows teams of college students competing to come up with cutting edge solutions to real world problems – affordable housing, helathcare, consumerism. Premiered at Cinequest Film Festival, San Jose, California, March 2007. Under review for possible television broadcast.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS- Producer (57 min.) Follows the challenges facing several San Jose State University football players and their coach, Fitz Hill, as they struggle to overcome obstacles on the field, in the classroom, and on the campus from 2002-2004. Aired April 11, 2005, KTEH (PBS for Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area) Read more. Distributed by Films Media Group.

HEIFER - Producer (57 min.) Portrays Heifer Project International's work of giving animals to poor villagers in developing nations as a way of addressing poverty and promoting community development. Aired December, 2004, KTEH and to other PBS stations February, 2005. Read more.

EDUCATION FOR WHAT? LEARNING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - Producer (57 min.) Follows some of the thousands of college students who work to solve community problems as part of their regular curriculum and examines the impact of this learning strategy on students, the community, and the ability to engage a new generation of citizens. Aired on more than 50 PBS stations, fall 2004. Distributed by Films Media Group. Read more.

A WHEELCHAIR FOR PETRONILIA - Producer (28 min.) What happens to disabled people in developing nations? A wheelchair for Petronilia examines this issue by focusing on the efforts of Guatemala-based Transitions, a non-profit organization which builds and provides affordable wheelchairs for Guatemala's often rugged terrain. Aired April, 2003 on KTEH-54. (PBS, San Jose, CA) Distributed by Fanlight Productions.

EL SALVADOR– CRISIS AND CHALLENGE - Producer (57 min.) Assesses the extent of the earthquake damage, the prospects for recovery, and the role Americans might help play in these efforts. Aired May, 2001 on KTEH-54. (PBS, San Jose, CA) Distributed to other PBS stations through American Public Television, February, 2002.
Read more.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS ABROAD AND COLLEGE VOLUNTEERS ABROAD - Producer (2 documentaries, 60 min. each) Documentary about Americans who volunteer outside of the United States in Ecuador, East Africa, France, Italy and Ireland. Plus documentary about college students who volunteer outside the United States in Ecuador, France and Kenya. Aired August, 2000. Distributed to other PBS stations in October, 2000.
Read more. Distributed by Films Media Group: College Volunters Abroad, Films Media Group: American Volunters Abroad.

TIME FRENZY - Producer (58 min.) Examines the social and ethical consequences of the increasingly fast pace of life, particularly in high tech centers like Silicon Valley. Aired August, 1999 on KTEH (PBS, San Jose, CA). Distributed to other PBS stations, November, 1999. Distributed by Films for the Humanities and Sciences.
Read more.

SILICON VALLEY AT THE CROSSROADS - Producers Bob Gliner, Kristine Jensen (59 min.) Examines Silicon Valley problems and prospects as it heads into the next century. Aired May, 1998 on KTEH and then on other PBS stations. A KTEH and Joint Venture Silicon Valley Production.

CUBA: ON ITS OWN TERMS - Producers Bob Gliner, Kathleen Densmore (29 MIN.) Examines Cuban society in light of the U.S. economic blockade and efforts by Cubans to create a distinct economic and political identity. Aired Oct., 1997 on KTEH-54 (PBS, San Jose). Distributed to other PBS stations, November, 1997.
Read more and purchase online.

LESSONS FROM THE REAL WORLD - Producer (28 min.) Focuses on high school and college curriculums which make student involvement in community and corporate problem solving a regular part of instruction. Aired January, 1996 on KTEH-54 (PBS, San Jose, CA.) Distributed to other PBS stations May, 1996.

WE OWN IT - Producer (28 min.) Examines the worker buyout of United Airlines, and what it means for employee empowerment and corporate productivity. Aired October 30, 1995, on KTEH-54 (PBS, San Jose, CA.). Distributed to other PBS stations, May, 1996.

WHAT ABOUT MACEDONIA? - Producer (56 min.) An in-depth look at the new nation of Macedonia as it struggles to survive amidst the ongoing war in other parts of the former Yugoslavia. A co-production with KTEH-54 (PBS, San Jose, CA.) Aired October, 1995 on KTEH, and to other PBS stations, November, 1995. Distributed by The Cinema Guild.

RUSSIA AND AMERICA: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? - Producer (58 min.) An examination of post cold war Russia and its relationship to the United States as seen through an examination of Ekaterinburg, Russia and its sister city, San Jose, California. A co-production with KTEH-54 (PBS, San Jose, CA.). Aired July, 1994 and to other PBS stations, August, 1994. Distributed by the Cinema Guild.

VIET NAM: AT THE CROSSROADS - Producer (58 min.) An examination of the social, economic and cultural consequences of Viet Nam's transition from socialism to capitalism as seen through the eyes of Hien Duc Do, a Vietnamese American returning to his native country for the first time since 1975. A KTEH-54 co-production, aired April, 1994, and nationally to other PBS stations through the Pacific Mountain Network, May, 1994. Distributed by NAATA.

GIVING AND GETTING IN THE NINETIES - Producers Bob Gliner, Maura Phinney (28 min.) A critical look at problems nonprofit agencies face in Silicon Valley and the role corporations play in dealing with their situation. A KTEH-54 production, August, 1993.

JERUSALEM: THE BRIDGE TO PEACE - Producer (56 min.) Produced in Israel and the Occupied Territories, this documentary profiles a group of prominent Israelis and Palestinians who signed a model peace agreement. A KTEH-54 co-production, first aired April, 1992. Subsequently aired on 50 PBS stations throughout the country through the Pacific Mountain Network.

AMERICA WAS PROMISES - Producer (58 min. 30 sec.). An analysis of America's future as seen through the eyes of Americans, Eastern Europeans, East Africans, and the Huichol Indians of Mexico. A KTEH-54 co-production, narrated by Mike Farrell (MASH), aired April 1991. Shown on 50 other PBS stations through the Pacific Mountain Network, November, 1991.

THE TOURIST - Producer (28 min. 30 sec). Critical look at the impact of Western tourism on Third World or developing nations with a specific focus on Bali, Jamaica and Northern India. A KTEH-54 co-production, aired September 1990. Aired on 40 other PBS stations through the Pacific Mountain Network. Shown International Conference on Responsible Tourism, Hawaii, 1991.

JAMAICA, NO PROBLEM - Producer (28 min. 30 sec). Examination of the impact of the United States on Jamaica as seen through the eyes of a group of middle class Americans working in a poverty section of Kingston, Jamaica's capital. Aired on 40 other PBS stations, through the Pacific Mountain Network. First aired, 1990.

SOMEONE TO VOTE FOR - Producer (28 min. 30 sec.). An examination of campaign reform issues and their possible impact on voter apathy and indifference. Includes interviews with Jerry Brown, Alan Cranston, and various members of the California State Legislature. A KTEH-54 production which aired June 1989 and on 50 other stations through the Pacific Mountain Network. Distributed by Barr Films.

DEFENDING AMERICA: THE PRICE WE PAY - Producer (57 min. 40 sec). An examination of the impact of military spending on the economy, including employment, research and development, other national priorities, and what defense cuts are possible. A KTEH-54 production which first aired September 1988, and on 75 other PBS stations through the Pacific Mountain Network. Distributed by The Video Project.

CRUISING THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL - Producers Bob Gliner, Julio Moline (58 min. 30 sec). An examination of the values, problems and prospects of high school students as seen through their eyes. A KTEH-54 production which aired February and March, 1988 and on 50 other PBS stations through the Pacific Mountain Network.

RUSSIA: OFF THE RECORD - Producer (58 min. 30 sec). An examination of American stereotypes of the Soviet people. The program aired on approximately 100 PBS stations across the country, from March to November 1987. Distributed by Journal Films.

A SURVIVAL GUIDE TO CONSUMERLAND, PART 1 - Producer (28 min. 30 sec). Documentary dealing with consumer behavior in the United States. A KTEH-54 Co-production which aired December 1985. Shown on approximately 60 stations across the country through the Pacific Mountain Network. Distributed by Journal Films.

A SURVIVAL GUIDE TO CONSUMERLAND, PART II - Producer (28 min. 30 sec). Documentary dealing with the impact of consumer behavior in the U.S. on Third World nations. A KTEH-54 co-production, December, 1985. Shown on 60 stations through the Pacific Mountain Network. Distributed by Journal Films.

EDUCATION AND POLITICAL APATHY - Producer (28 min) Documentary on the relationship between public school and college education and lack of involvement in political campaigns, electoral politics, and the social issues which underlie such politics. Aired KTEH-54, November 1985 and KQEC-32, March 1986

SADDLE LAKE EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM - Producer (28 min. 30 sec) Effect of local control of schools on Cree Indian Band, Edmonton, Canada. Program aired at National Indian Conference, October 1984 and on KTEH-54, August 1985.

SOLEDAD: SYMPTOM OR SOLUTION? - Producers Bob Gliner with Bob Reynolds (28 min. 30 sec). Interviews with Soledad prison inmates on the causes, symptoms, and alternatives to incarceration. Aired KTEH-54, September 1984 and Pacific Mountain Network, April 1985

Educational Documentary Credits

Health Care for All - Producer Bob Gliner (52 min.) Spanish language film examines El Salvador’s recent changes to their health care system which provides universal health care for all of its citizens. 2015.

The San Jose GEAR UP Community Achievement Project: Building Relationships for Academic Success - Producer Bob Gliner (17 min.) Examines the efforts of Eastside Union High School District in San Jose, California of using additional counseling staff to promote access to college for a diverse range of students. 2015.

VOICES OF SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY - Producer (58 min.) Praises the history and challenges facing San Jose State University as it celebrates its 150th anniversary as the oldest public university on the west coast. Produced for San Jose State University, 2007.

IT TAKES A VALLEY - Producer (16 min.) Examines new teacher preparation program for high-risk schools. Produced for the College of Education, San Jose State University, August, 2001.

WATER IS LIFE - Producer (15 min.). Examines problems of environmental degradation on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona and New Mexico, and what might be done to solve these problems. Two different versions in Navajo and English. Used in chapter houses and schools in the Navajo Nation. July, 1997.

COMMUNITY IS EDUCATION - Producer (33 min.). Examines San Jose State University internship and community service programs. Jan., 1996.

BACK FROM EXTINCTION: The MUWEKMA OHLONES - Producer (28 min.) Traces the efforts of the Muwekma Ohlone tribe of the greater San Jose area to re-claim its heritage and gain federal recognition. September, 1994.

ALZHEIMERS: A MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE - Producers Bob Gliner, Celia Orona (28 min.) Analyzes how families of Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Hispanic descent deal with Alzheimers from a caregiver's point of view. December, 1992. Shown at National Conference on Aging, April, 1993. Distributed by Terra Nova Films, Chicago, Illinois.

WE, THE PEOPLE, PART II - Producer (15 min.) Describes new curriculum designed to teach constitutional issues to high school seniors. A Center for Civic Education production distributed to schools in all 435 Congressional districts nationwide, August, 1990.

WE, THE PEOPLE, PART 1 - Producer (14 min.) Describes new curriculum designed to teach constitutional issues to 8th graders. A Center for Civic Education production distributed to schools in all 435 Congressional districts nationwide, May, 1989.

BEYOND COPING: ORGANIZING TO SOLVE SOCIAL PROBLEMS - Producers Bob Gliner, Bob Reynolds (28 min. 30 sec) Interviews with community organizers and how they motivate people to get involved in solving social problems, April 1985. Used in classes at San Jose State University.

| Home |