Free Documentary

A parable of making peace with both the earth and its residents, Taking Root is one of the most inspirational documentaries the Series has presented at the Fremont Library. In the words of noted author and activist Frances Moore Lappé, this remarkable film "captures the transformative potential of regular people finding their voices . . . it will inspire untold, endless acts of courage."

Starting with the simple act of planting trees throughout her native Kenya, Nobel laureate activist Wangari Maathai initiated a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy. She and those she inspired have reclaimed land from 100 years of deforestation, provided more food and income to rural communities, empowered previously impoverished and powerless women, and ultimately helped to bring down Kenya’s twenty-four-year dictatorship.

In the 1970s, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental non-governmental effort focused on trees, environmental conservation, and women's rights. In 2004 she became the first African woman—and the first environmentalist—to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for “her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.” Maathai was elected to Parliament and served as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources in the government of Kenya's new president, Mwai Kibaki.

Taking Root has won the Amnesty International Human Rights Award, the Durban Film Festival Prize, and ten other awards.

Discussion will be led by Tabitha Kanogo PhD, University of Nairobi, currently Professor of history at UC Berkeley.