Watching this film will challenge your idea of 'progress', and leave you with plenty to ponder and talk about with friends. Join discussion on the Forum, and see more Books and Films.  [Directed by Chris Malloy. Running Time: 87 minutes] 

180 Degrees South is a powerful documentary that forces its audience to consider the impact of humankind's relentless quest for progress. The film follows Jeff Johnson, a charismatic adventurer as he retraces the footsteps of his heroes, Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins (founders of Patagonia and The North Face adventure wear companies, respectively) on a mission to climb Cerro Corcovado in Patagonia. His quest takes him along the Pan American highway, over the Pacific Ocean, and (due to nautical mishap) to Easter Island before reaching his final destination.

The focus shifts when Johnson reaches Easter Island and takes on a more contemplative tone as he learns the story of Easter Island's moai, the monolithic stone head statues that dot the island's coastline. Construction of these moai from volcanic stone was a colossal undertaking. To produce, transport and erect these statues demanded widespread deforestation and to enable this, the island's natural resources were ravaged. As a result, 18 different plant species were extinct, and the tiny island struggled to provide for its inhabitants. A striking parallel is drawn between the demise of Easter Island and the dam construction planned along the Aysen waterways of Patagonia to fuel the growing demand for energy from Santiago and Chile's ever-hungry mining sector. The cinematography here is striking as the frame shifts from the reflective, almost regretful faces of the moai to the bustling city of Santiago.