Documentary Films on Caribbean Islands

During the past few years Bill Found, University Professor in the Department of Geography (Arts) and the Faculty of Environmental Studies, has been producing a series of videos which document geographical features of selected Caribbean islands. All are based on Bill’s research in 24 different Caribbean islands, and all illustrate how Caribbean islands are being quickly transformed in the face of modern tourism, changes in land use, and efforts by local people to preserve the best of the islands’ natural and cultural landscapes. The videos, originally prepared for Bill’s undergraduate class on the Geographical Transformation of the Caribbean Islands, can now be viewed publicly over the Internet (see instructions below).

The videos were taken in either Hi 8 or Mini DV format, and then transferred to digital computer files for processing. Editing, addition of sound tracks, voice-over, animation, insertion of stills, and production of videos were undertaken using the iMovie 2, iMovie 3, and iDVD systems developed by the Apple Computer Corporation. Production took place in the Faculty Support Centre, Computer and Network Services, York University. Many thanks are due to Bob McKenzie, Advanced Media Producer, for his great assistance and innovative ideas.

The videos may be viewed using RealPlayer. Each video is presented in two versions – a “high” version, best for computers with a high-speed connection; and a “low” version, best for computers using a conventional modem. For viewing, just click on the desired version.

Videos Currently Available