6 Films to Watch This Earth Day
This year, recognizing Earth Day may be more imperative than ever after a sobering report released just earlier this month by the United Nations. That report summarizes the need for quick, effective responses to the climate crisis in order to steer clear of the worst consequences of climate change.
At the Woodstock Film Festival, we understand that film can be a great vehicle to educate and spread awareness of the various environmental issues we face. The best way for us at WFF to celebrate Earth Day is by doing what we do best: by celebrating impactful films that inspire and promote a better sense of ecological consciousness. Read on for our list of recommendations.
MY OCTOPUS TEACHER
WHERE TO WATCH: Netflix
In 2021, WFF sat with the film’s directors to chat about their experience working on MY OCTOPUS TEACHER (- you can watch that here!) During a period of burn-out, filmmaker Craig Foster returns to his childhood home searching for something more meaningful. He returns to ocean diving in his backyard in Cape Town, South Africa. He spends his days flying through an underwater kelp forest until he discovers an octopus, which he patiently befriends and earns its trust. This stunning documentary reminds us of the unique, transcendent connection human beings have with the Earth and its fascinating creatures. It certainly sticks with you long after the credits roll.
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon Prime // Kanopy // AppleTV
This 2006 Academy-Award-winning documentary ignited a critical discussion on global warming – and inadvertently politicized a crisis. Hosted by Former Vice President Al Gore, this film examines the science behind global warming in an engaging, haunting way via motivational lectures with solid facts (that need only slight revision due to updated research performed by climate scientists.) Sixteen years later, this film is still widely used to raise public awareness of the issue, encouraging the need for effective action and protection of our planet.
DON’T LOOK UP
WHERE TO WATCH: Netflix
This satirical dramedy received a nomination for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars. When a professor and his student discover an Armageddon-sized asteroid headed straight for Earth, their warnings are ignored and discounted by the media, tech billionaires, government, family, and friends. It’s a frustrating allegory for climate change, highlighting the very distressing reality that a global climate response is lacking as well as dooming. At least writer/director Adam McKay (THE BIG SHORT) can keep us laughing through it.
WASTED! THE STORY OF FOOD WASTE
WHERE TO WATCH: YouTube
As it turns out, food production is also an ecological issue. It’s a leading cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss. One of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions comes from food thrown away - and 40% of food in America typically goes to waste. But there’s hope - this film is presented through the eyes of celebrity chefs like the late Anthony Bourdain, offering audiences the opportunity to learn from resourcefulness and creativity to use whatever’s in your kitchen, to tackle and reduce food waste and demand change in the food industry overall.
PRINCESS MONONOKE
WHERE TO WATCH: HBO Max
Though not the first animated fantasy to contend with ecological issues (FERNGULLY, WALL-E also come to mind), this classic is another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, where environmentalism is a prominent theme. This Studio Ghibli tale takes viewers on an epic adventure filled with deadly curses, forest spirits, and even a wolf princess. It also explores the environmental impact of industrialism and stresses the importance of having respect for the natural world that we inhabit.
I AM GRETA
WHERE TO WATCH: Hulu
Get to know environmental student activist Greta Thunberg and her mission to solve our climate crisis. This documentary is a timely one, told through captivating, never-before-seen footage that reminds individuals of their power to make a difference. The film follows her journey across the Atlantic Ocean while she inspires school strikes around the world with her message. I AM GRETA is directed by Swedish filmmaker and photographer Nathan Grossman, whose work often explores issues pertaining to the environment. The documentary was screened at the 2020 Woodstock Film Festival as part of our drive-in program.
Our second Annual Filmmakers Residency / Incubator builds on the Woodstock Film Festival’s legacy of nurturing and supporting independent filmmakers who seek to tell stories that examine today’s most pressing social issues, like the climate crisis.
Please visit our website for more information and follow us on social media to keep up with the project!
Written by Casey O’Connell for The Woodstock Film Festival.