A virtual film festival? Yes, please!
During this pandemic, we have all seen beloved gatherings transformed into virtual experiences. While it's not the same, there are some advantages, including how easy it is to participate from anywhere!
One event I was looking forward to attending was the DC Environmental Film Festival. Because of its switch to virtual presentations, it's now easy for me (and you!) to watch more than I possibly could have otherwise. Here are a few on my list from the 2020 festival that you can enjoy at home:
As land trusts know, even a small group of passionate people can make a large impact in the conservation movement. The River Guards tells the story of a community faced with a contaminated river and city — and how they fight to restore both.
After decades of forest destruction, the customs of an indigenous culture are nearly forgotten. A young woman works to document the knowledge of older women in her community and save these customs for future generations.
This film follows a woman running through three National Monuments, asking questions about how those who have historically been underrepresented in land access can feel comfortable on it and within the conservation movement.
George Was the Last of His Kind
In Hawaii, snails are disappearing faster than any other animal on the planet — but they aren't the only creatures going extinct at an alarming rate. What does it mean for our Earth when species continue to disappear?
Included in Climate Change Online playlist, the film features beautiful shots of the Arctic and captures the impressions of artists visiting this area, which continues to undergo radical change.
I haven't had a chance to watch this one yet, but after visiting the "Becoming Jane" exhibit at the National Geographic Museum in January, I'm looking forward to learning more about the legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall and the hope she holds for wildlife conservation.
Many of these films are short enough that you can watch a few in just an afternoon! Find these films and many more on the DCEFF website.