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Producers: Hoda Emam and Bogdan Mohora
“Birds can fly at very high speeds. Just think about plowing into a sheet of glass at 40 miles per hour, and head first.” New York City lies in the middle of one of North America’s crucial migratory super highways. Millions of winter birds annually stop in the Jamaica Bay salt marshes while heading south on their migratory path. The more than 20,000 acres of land between southern Queens and Brooklyn sees fowl ducks, geese, land birds, cockatoos and small songbirds use the land to rest and re-energize. In addition, as birds pass through Manhattan and it’s many skyscrapers, the lights and building windows distract the birds. The reflective glass on the towers mirrors habitat, fooling the birds into thinking the scene exists. In particular, the buildings in the Financial District along the East River, have claimed the lives of hundreds of birds, some with decreasing numbers. The fortunate ones who survive the impact are taken to the Wild Bird Fund, New York City’s only wildlife rehabilitation center. |
Director/Producer: Euna Lee
Associate producer: Hoda Emam As the U.S. troops began returning home from duty, many comrades where left behind to fend for themselves. Katie Reisner, the national policy director for the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project says the real tragedy is the many thousands of SIV's that were never put to use and eventually evaporated. Though thousands of Iraqi's and Afghan's have applied for the SIV with hopes of a quick approval, many end up spending years living under a constant threat to themselves and their relatives while waiting for approval. Now, translators are using the power of social media to raise awareness about their situation and put more pressure on the U.S. government to keep its promise. |
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Producers: Hoda Emam and Bogdan Mohora
Jamaica Bay has experienced a significant amount of marsh loss over the last six decades. Most of the erosion has happened in the last 15 years. Food availability affects the wildlife in the ecosystem native to the marsh as well as migratory birds who use the wetlands as a resting spot. The birds rely heavily on the vegetation in the area in order to continue on their long journey across North America. |
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Seneca Village from Hoda Emam on Vimeo. |
California's drought is hurting farmers but helping environmentalists
California’s drought may end up leading to extreme floods. In the meantime, it’s hurting local producers of organic milk and honey |