“Highly recommended for courses that seek to unpack the politics of development, local livelihood, and who can and should make decisions about environmental conservation.”

—Sarah Grant, Associate Professor of Anthropology, California State University-Fullerton

A Crack in the Mountain

A film by Alastair Evans

99 & 53 minutes | SDH captions | Scene Selection

Deep in the jungle of Central Vietnam, lies a magnificent underground kingdom. Hang Sơn Đoòng which translates as “mountain river cave”, is located in the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quảng Bình Province. It is the largest cave passage in the world and a place of spectacular beauty; the national park is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

In 2014, Son Doong’s future was thrown into doubt when plans were announced to build a cable car into the cave to attract tourism. With many arguing that this would destroy its delicate eco-system and the local community divided over the benefits this development would bring, A Crack in the Mountain follows those caught up in the unfolding events.

Beautifully shot and scored, the film uses this narrative as a lens through which to investigate related themes such as the challenges of modern day exploration, environmental conservation and sustainability, and the perils of operating as an activist in a country such as Vietnam—where freedom of speech is severely curtailed.

A Crack in the Mountain is now available on DVD with public performance rights for purchase and rental by schools, libraries, and other organizations. Academic streaming can be licensed from Docuseek. Campus and community groups interested in hosting a community screening can book now through Bullfrog Communities.

WATCH THE TRAILER

“Showcasing the spectacular beauty and sublime mystery of Hang Son Doong cave, A Crack in the Mountain exposes the complex trade-offs between environmental conservation and economic development at the heart of ongoing debates over the future of tourist access to this little-known natural wonder. Drawing on a diverse cast of voices, including those of local residents and business owners, expatriate tour operators, foreign visitors, scholars, and a passionate Vietnamese activist, the film effectively conveys the challenges facing environmental politics in Vietnam today and explores the prospects for sustainable tourism in a rapidly developing country. An excellent choice for classroom use, this film is sure to capture the attention of students and spark lively debate on these challenging yet important issues.”

—Jacob Weger, Lecturer of Environmental Studies, Seton Hall University

“A Crack in the Mountain offers a well-rounded examination of the tensions between development, environmental conservation, and environmental commodification. We see many perspectives offering insights into how they understand nature and its role in society as an artifact, an opportunity, and an organism. Beautifully shot, this film is a must-see for those interested in environmental controversies, development and the environment, and a clear example of the social construction of nature.”

—Robert Krueger, Professor of Social Science and Policy Studies, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Author, Adventures in Sustainable Urbanism

"If you were to step into the world's largest cave—backpack strapped, flashlight on—just what would you find? A Crack in the Mountain tells the story of a mega-ecological site at the acme of globalization. Featuring diverse perspectives of an uncertain future in Vietnam, this film is sure to strike at the heartstrings. Students of global studies and environmental humanities will be eager to listen to the international voices of the explorers, business owners, visitors, and environmental activists."

—Hieu Phung, Assistant Professor of Global Studies-Asia, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

To order A Crack in the Mountain,

visit the Bullfrog Films online catalog.

Order by phone at (610) 779-8226

or email us at info@bullfrogfilms.com

Bullfrog Films is the oldest and largest publisher of documentary films about the environment in the United States. We define "environment" broadly, and our catalog includes programs on ecology, energy, agriculture, indigenous peoples, women's studies, environmental justice, international relations, sustainable development, anthropology, economics, ethics, and conflict resolution.