The Falconer
Mardi & The Whites
Annie Kaempfer/2021/75 min/Wildlife, Conservation, Environmental & Social Justice, Youth
FILM DESCRIPTION: “The Falconer” is a documentary feature that captures beauty and hope. This is a story of second chances: for injured birds of prey, for an abandoned plot of land, for a group of teenagers who have dropped out of high school, and for Rodney himself.
This intimate portrait film follows master falconer Rodney Stotts on his mission to build a bird sanctuary and provide access to nature for his stressed community. “The Falconer” weaves Rodney's present-day mission with the story of his past, both of which are deeply rooted in issues of social and environmental injustice, and consistently orient the viewer to his worldview: nature heals.
AWARDS: 1) 2021 1st Prize Storyteller's Award, Destiny City Film Festival. 2) 2020 Winner, Best Outdoor/Environmental Feature, Bend Film Festival.
"PG-13" May contain heavy themes, graphic images or language.
Paula Champagne/2022/11 min/Wildlife, Conservation, People & Culture, Youth
FILM DESCRIPTION: Mardi Fuller has a rich relationship with nature that has evolved and deepened throughout her life. In the last 20 years she’s dedicated much of her time to exploring the landscape in the White Mountains (unfortunately coined “The Whites” by New Englanders) on Abenaki land. In that time Mardi summited all forty-eight 4,000 footers multiple times, often as the only Black person on the mountain. She has experienced great joy from communing with this landscape, but the overwhelmingly white hiking community that is so steeped in white supremacy and colonialism complicates her experiences. Recently, she has focused on creating more opportunities for Black folks to join her in appreciating this magnificent wilderness. Enjoying this land with her community has been a liberating balm that has strengthened her sense of identity as an outdoorswoman.
Teens and young adults encouraged to attend these screenings.
IN PERSON: Friday, March 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time
North Park Village Nature Center
5801 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL [North]
Doors open 60 minutes before start time for short, guided nature and
bird walks, refreshments, and engagement with youth action partners.
Arrive early to avoid lines, check in/register, and get best seats.
PRE-FILM BIRD WALKS by Jorge Garcia, Volunteer Coordinator
Birds in My Neighborhood program, Openlands
Friday, March 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time
Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church
2619 E. 76th St., Chicago, IL [South]
Doors open 45 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines,
check in/register, enjoy refreshments, and get best seats.
IN PERSON: Friday, March 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time
Euclid Ave. United Methodist Church, Wesley Room
405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park, IL [W Suburbs]
Doors open 45 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines, get best seats, check-in/register, enjoy refreshments, and visit with community partners. ADA compliant accessible venue.
IN PERSON: Friday, March 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
25055 W Walnut Lane, Channahon, IL [Will County]
Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines,
check in/register, enjoy refreshments and get best seats.
ADA compliant accessible venue.
VIRTUAL: Friday, March 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time
Virtual watch party “doors” open 15 minutes before start time.
Post-film discussion will be streamed to virtual watch party and to all in person nature centers and churches above.
Welcome/Closer:
Manolo A., One Earth Youth Advisory Council Member
Co-Facilitators:
Maia N., One Earth Youth Advisory Council Member
Liam S., One Earth Youth Advisory Council Member
Panelists:
Rodney Stotts, Film Subject, The Falconer; Master Falconer, Rodney's Raptors
Sebastian D., Youth Leader, Revolutionary Oak Park Action League (ROYAL)
Ethan H., Youth Leader, BUILD Chicago's Austin Grown program
*There will be 15-20 min of youth-facilitated small group breakouts in-person and online, between the films and panel discussion.
