Three ecoDocs at the Sundance Film Festival
Climate change, nuclear power and the history of the environmental movement were the subjects of three ecoDocumentaries premiering at this year’s annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Here’s a brief description and preview interviews and footage from each film, all awaiting release to the general public this year.
Chasing Ice
Director: Jeff Orlowski, Photographer: James Balog
The winner of Sundance’s Excellence in Cinematography Award: U.S. Documentary — for good reason. Chasing Ice follows the passionate journey of National Geo photographer James Balog, as he captures time-lapse photography of glaciers over several years in his quest to record tangible visual evidence of climate change. In this breathtakingly beautiful doc, filmmaker Orlowski follows the indomitable photographer as he brings to life the Extreme Ice Survey (EIS)—a massive photography project that placed 30 cameras across three continents to gather visual evidence of the Earth’s melting ice. Ultimately, Chasing Ice is the story of Balog, an artist who, in facing his own mortality, bequeaths not only his amazing photos, but his love of the adventure inherent in shooting them – all the while delivering the most visible sign of climate change on the planet today.
More info about Chasing Ice.
The Atomic States of America
Directors: Don Argott, Sheena M. Joyce
Based on Kelly McMasters’s memoir about growing up in a nuclear-reactor community, this stirring film illustrates the dire health consequences for many residents in Shirley, her Long Island hometown. With the memory of the recent Fukushima disaster in Japan still vivid in most of our minds, The Atomic States of America documents both the history of this allegedly clean source of energy and society’s collective denial of a potentially looming disaster at our aging sites. Eyewitness accounts from people connected to the nuclear industry combine with the behind-the-scenes fiascos of related to the maintenance and regulation of the plants. Heralded as “potent, emotionally powerful, and highly revealing,” the film aims both a personal and political lens at the reality of nuclear power. “We all live downstream from something,” McMasters reminds us in this cautionary film.
A Fierce Green Fire
Director: Mark Kitchell
This is the history of one 20th century social movement that continues to seek nothing less than the salvation of the planet from its own most destructive force – humanity. Shot and edited over four years (and counting), A Fierce Green Fire chronicles crucial moments in the history of environmental activism. Eyewitness accounts and archival images shine a light on pivotal moments spanning five decades. Each enlightens the audience to the power of activism and the impassioned commitment of ordinary citizens caught in a unique historical moment, often at tremendous personal cost. Anyone who is passionate about the environment should take this opportunity to look back on the last century’s activism and be inspired to participate in its 21st Century future.
The Fierce Green Fire filmmakers encourage you to join its Facebook fan page or visit A Fierce Green Fire to get updates on the film.
