The Films of Fogo Island

Lesson Launcher/Inquiry Questions: This documentary reviews the National Film Board’s Fogo Island films, which were part of a community-development initiative in the 1960s. At a time when communication was limited, the films brought people together to understand each other’s point of view and create a vision for economic and community development on the island. Students will benefit from a discussion or debate about the impact of the Fogo Island films. They can compare the filming process to the way we use technology today to communicate. Questions to examine could include: How were the Fogo Island films used to develop the communities of Newfoundland and give them a voice with the government? What challenges did the filmmakers face and would they face similar challenges today? How has education, health and the economy on Fogo Island changed since the films were made?