Fall Mini Film Fest
Racing Extinction
6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19
Louie Psihoyos/2015/90 min/Climate Change, Wildlife, Conservation, Water
Free virtual screening + discussion co-sponsored by Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library
FILM DESCRIPTION: We are in the midst of the 6th mass extinction. In “Racing Extinction,” a team of artists and activists exposes the hidden world of extinction with never-before-seen images that will change the way we see the planet. Two worlds drive extinction across the globe, potentially resulting in the loss of half of all species. The international wildlife trade creates bogus markets at the expense of creatures that have survived on this planet for millions of years. And the other surrounds us, hiding in plain sight — a world that the oil and gas companies don’t want the rest of us to see.
Eating Up Easter
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20
Sergio Mata’u Rapu and Elena Rapu/2018/70 min/Waste & Recycling, Climate Change, People & Culture
Free virtual screening + discussion co-sponsored by Plant Chicago
CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: The iconic statues and sensationalized "mysteries" of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) have drawn the interest of the world for centuries, attracting curious visitors to its shores. Today, this tiny, barren island is experiencing an economic boon as tourism skyrockets. Yet the indigenous culture and the island’s fragile environment are suffering. In their own voices, these Rapanui reveal the reality of modern life and the actions they are taking to preserve their culture and environment amidst rapid development. “Eating Up Easter” reveals and suggests ways forward in tackling the universal complexities of balancing growth and sustainability faced by local communities worldwide.
Thirst for Power
6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21
Mat Hames/2018/63 min/Energy, Water
Free virtual screening + discussion co-sponsored by College of Lake County, Grayslake
FILM DESCRIPTION: “Thirst for Power” is adapted from Dr. Michael E. Webber’s book “Thirst for Power: Energy, Water, and Human Survival.” Combining anecdotes and personal stories with insights into the latest science of energy and water, both the book and the documentary identify a hopeful path toward wise, long-range, water-energy decisions and a more reliable and abundant future for humanity.
Q&A with
Film Director
Mat Hames.
Child of Nature
6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22
Marcos Negrão/2019/90 min/People & Culture, Environmental Advocacy, Environmental & Social Justice
Free virtual screening + discussion co-sponsored by Jackson Park Fieldhouse, Chicago
CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: Captured over the course of three years, “Child of Nature” follows five stories of children from Kenya, Philippines, Syria, Canada, and Germany who, against all odds, are transforming their lives and their communities. These are stories of courage, hope, and generosity that will both amaze the mind and touch the heart.
Q&A with
Film Director Marcos Negrão.
Beyond Climate
6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23
Ian Mauro/2018/49 min/Environmental & Social Justice, Health & the Environment, Historical Perspectives, Climate Change
Free virtual screening + discussion co-sponsored by Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park
CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: British Columbia - Canada’s most westerly province along the Pacific coast - is a hotspot to visualize and experience how global warming affects local environments and communities. Heat waves, droughts, melting glaciers, pest outbreaks, back-to-back record setting forest fires, and changes to the oceans. “Beyond Climate” takes viewers beyond the headlines and into the heart of the issues. Shot throughout the province over many years, the collective wisdom and perspectives of Indigenous leaders, local communities, scientists, and policymakers are featured.
Ay Mariposa and Biomimicry
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Ay Mariposa/Krista Schyler/2019/57 min/Wildlife, Conservation , Environmental & Social Justice
Free virtual screening + discussion co-sponsored by Triton College, River Grove. Presented in partnership with Wild Ones West Cook.
FILM DESCRIPTION: “Ay Mariposa” tells a story of three characters in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas whose lives are upended by plans to build a US-Mexico border wall. Meanwhile the butterfly, la mariposa, fights its own daily battle for survival in a landscape where more than 95 percent of its habitat is long gone and much of what remains lies directly in the path of the wall.
Q&A with film subject Marianna Treviño Wright, Director of National Butterfly Center.
Biomimicry/Leila Conners/2015/22 min/Environmental Advocacy, Wildlife, Health & the Environment
FILM DESCRIPTION: Janine Benyus describes how biomimicry has been applied to create design solutions that capture carbon, conserve water, eschew toxic chemicals in favor of structural approaches, and rethink materials, among others.
Watermelon Magic
3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Richard Power Hoffman/2013/38 min/Family, Sustainable Food & Agriculture
Free virtual screening + discussion for families with children ages 3 to 8+.
FILM DESCRIPTION: “Watermelon Magic” chronicles a season on the family farm, as Sylvie grows a patch of watermelons to sell at market. With time, patience, and tender loving care, Sylvie nurtures the seeds from tender sprouts to sprawling vines and flowers that become the fruit that she harvests. But when it's time to say goodbye to her watermelon babies, can she part with them? Journey with Sylvie as she learns how to care for plants in various stages, discovers the magic of growing healthy food in her garden, and realizes the greatest joy of all: sharing.
Overload:
America’s Toxic Love Story
6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Soozie Eastman/2019/68 min/Health & the Environment, People & Culture
Free virtual screening + discussion co-sponsored by Wilmette Theatre, Wilmette
FILM DESCRIPTION: Soozie Eastman learns that hundreds of synthetic toxins are now found in every baby born in America and the government and chemical corporations are doing little to protect citizens and consumers. With guidance from world-renowned physicians and environmental leaders, interviews with scientists and politicians, and stories of everyday Americans, Soozie uncovers how we got to be so overloaded with chemicals and if there is anything we can do to take control of our exposure.
Seasons of Change
on Henry’s Farm
11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25
Ines Sommer/2019/83 min/Food & Agriculture, Climate Change
Free virtual screening + discussion
FILM DESCRIPTION: For a quarter-century, Henry Brockman has worked alongside nature to grow delicious organic vegetables on his idyllic Midwestern farm. But farming takes a toll on his aging body and Henry dreams of scaling back. While his former apprentices run the farm, Henry spends a “fallow year” with his wife Hiroko in Japan. But things don’t turn out as planned, and Henry must grapple with the future of farming in a changing climate on personal, generational, and global levels.
Q&A with
Film Director
Ines Sommer.
UseLess: Documentary About Food & Fashion Waste
3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25
Rakel Garðarsdóttir & Ágústa M. Ólafsdóttir/2018/55 min/Environmental & Social Justice, People & Culture, Waste & Recycling, Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Conservation
Free virtual screening + discussion co-sponsored by Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago
FILM DESCRIPTION: In the documentary "UseLess," the filmmakers try to find out why food and fashion waste has become a pressing social and environmental problem, and what we can do to change it. The documentary is seen through the eyes of a young Icelandic mother who is trying to understand the issues and change her ways. Interviews with experts, designers, activists, and producers shed light on the problem as well as offer many solutions to the audience.
Q&A with Film Director Rakel Garðarsdóttir.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.