Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai (2008)

Biography, Documentary, History

Director: Alan Dater, Lisa Merton

Writer(s): N/A

Starring: Wangari Muta Maathai, Njogu Kahare, Leah Kisomo, Kinyanjui Kiuno, Ngorongo Makanga, Vertistine Mbaya, Naomi Kabura Mukunu, Kang’ethe Mungai, Moses Ndiritu Muta, Fredrick Njau, Lilian Wanjiru Njehu, Rose Wabuke, Kamoji Wachiira, Rebah Wasike, Michael Blundell, Trevor Adams, Nyakweya Ngunjiri, Njehu Gatabaki, Amos Wako, Ruth Wangari Thungu, Veronica Wambui Nduthu, Reverend Peter Njenga, Anastasia Njeri, Lilian Muchungi, Major General Njuki Mwaniki, Larisa Eryomina

Synopsis: TAKING ROOT weaves a compelling and dramatic narrative of one woman’s personal journey in the context of the turbulent political and environmental history of her country. Raised in the rural highlands of Kenya, educated in the United States during the 1960s civil rights era, and the first woman to receive a PhD in East and Central Africa, Maathai discovered the heart of her life’s work by reconnecting with the rural women with whom she had grown up. They told her that their daily lives had become intolerable: they were walking longer distances for firewood; clean water had become scarce; the soil was disappearing from their fields; and their children were suffering from malnutrition. Maathai thought to herself, “Well, why not plant trees?” Trees provide shade, prevent soil erosion, supply firewood and building materials, and produce nutritious fruit to combat malnutrition. With this realization Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, a grassroots organization encouraging rural women to plant trees.

Release Date: April 14, 2008 (USA) | Length: 81 min | Genre: Biography, History | MPAA Rating: NR

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