Forests and the Insect Factor: A National Factor (c. 1973)

Duration: 0:29:14

Year Published: c.1973

Sound: sound

Description: Presented by the American Forest Institute, this educational film utilizes animation, interviews, and real footage to educate its audience on the overwhelming destruction wrought by certain insects on American forests. The film visits various parts of the country, stressing the widespread threat of pests in all climates, terrain, and regions. Foresters and scientists brainstorm different solutions including pesticides and harvesting. The film criticizes the federal ban of DDT in the early 1970s, which increased the prevalence of insect pests. The pests listed in the film include the gypsy moth, spruce budworm, pine park beetle, and tussock moth. Animator Charles Vess went on to become a notable fantasy and comics artist, known for his collaborations with authors Neil Gaiman and Charles de Lint. Animator Steve Segal became a notable filmmaker, known for the cult classic, Futuropolis.