Some of our Films
Not My Life
Not My Life is the first film comprehensively to depict the cruel and dehumanizing practices of global human trafficking and modern slavery.
Speaking for many of the courageous and compassionate individuals around the world fighting this modern plague, Bilheimer recently stated that "it is difficult to imagine anything more evil, or cruel, than this multi billion-dollar industry flourishing in our midst. How we respond, as a human family, to this pervasive and ubiquitous crime is the greatest moral challenge of our time."
Filmed on five continents, in a dozen countries, Not My Life features more than fifty interviews with trafficking victims and their advocates in government, law enforcement, civil society, and the private sector. From 10 year-old girls raped in USA truck stops or brothels in India; to street beggars in Africa; to domestic servants in Washington, D.C., Not My Life take viewers into a world that is difficult to imagine, let alone accept.
Heartbreaking though many of its stories may be, ultimately, however, Not My Life's message is an inspiring one of hope. "Each of us" declares Desmond Tutu, who was interviewed for the film, "has the capacity to become a saint." Despite the evil it portrays, Not My Life is a tribute to the enormous resilience of the human spirit, a moving and memorable testament that even in these harsh times, all hope need not be lost.
- Directed by:
- Robert Bilheimer
A Closer Walk
A Closer Walk is the first film to depict humankind’s confrontation with the global AIDS epidemic. Through interviews and profiles of more than 50 women, men and young people in regions and locations that include Uganda, South Africa, Haiti, Switzerland, India, Nepal, Ukraine, Cambodia, and various locations in the United States including New York City, Kansas City, San Francisco, and Cambridge, A Closer Walk encompasses the broad spectrum of the global AIDS experience. These are the stories of people with HIV/AIDS from all walks of life; AIDS children and orphans and those caring for them; doctors, nurses, and social workers; human rights advocates; and prominent scientists, economists, researchers, government leaders, and NGO officials. This film addresses the underlying causes of AIDS; the relationship between health, dignity, and human rights; and the universal need for action, compassion, and commitment to counter what has become the worst plague in human history. Narrated by Glenn Close and Will Smith.
- Directed by:
- Robert Bilheimer
Cry of Reason: An Afrikaner Speaks Out
A message of good news, hope and the possibility of human conversion. The remarkable personal/social odyssey of Rev. Beyers Naude as he moves from his ministry to South Africa’s white Afrikaner elite to his new ministry dedicated to the liberation of South Africa’s black population. Starting out as a member of the Afrikaner secret society which invented apartheid, he becomes a student of Steve Biko. Scorned by his own people, he is taken in by South Africa’s blacks: “I am astounded every day by the forgiveness that I find in blacks.” The wealth of footage and information on apartheid, South African history, massacres, the black consciousness movement, repression of children, death squads and the remarkable black religious leaders of the battle against apartheid. Hopes for a multi-racial South Africa. Cry of Reason was nominated in 1988 for an Academy Award.
- Directed by:
- Robert Bilheimer
I’m Still Here: The Truth About Schizophrenia
A film that strips away the ignorance and fear associated with schizophrenia. I’m Still Here presents compelling examples of individuals afflicted with this illness but who are able to lead lives of extraordinary courage and accomplishment. A comprehensive presentation of medical facts from professionals, heartbreaking experiences and the uplifting hope from families of schizophrenics, this film expresses the compassion these remarkable people deserve.
- Directed by:
- Robert Bilheimer (for Wheeler Communications Group)
Beckett Directs Beckett: Endgame
A film version of Samuel Beckett's masterpiece, staged by the author, for the San Quentin Drama Workshop. Robert Bilheimer was named Director of the Year by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for this project.
- Directed by:
- Robert Bilheimer (for Smithsonian Visual Press)