CLIMATE JUSTICE
FILMS
Film allows us to see new perspectives, develop a deeper understanding, and can inspire
us to take climate action.
Down To Earth Storytelling
Down to Earth Storytelling, a Maine nonprofit organization founded in 2015 to document the environmental justice stories of Maine people that would "change hearts and inspire action," provided technical support and secured funding from the Eleanor Haney Trust; the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation via MCAN, and individual donors for the youth film. Down to Earth has produced other climate justice films and companion resources available for free streaming and download from its website.
Maine Youth Voices for Climate Justice
is a three-part film featuring Maine youth and their concerns about a changing climate and its impacts on their communities and vulnerable Maine populations. For the film high school senior filmmaker Isaac Russell interviewed high school and college students from diverse backgrounds and experiences who share one observation in common — in their short lifetimes they have seen dramatic and disturbing changes to the climate and natural environments where they have grown up. Their fishing families and communities have experienced smaller catches resulting in less income. They have fewer cold-weather days to participate in a favorite outdoor activity...cross-country skiing. The island homes of Puerto Rico and the Philippines where their families emigrated from have been decimated by more intense ocean storms. Yet, each storyteller is finding a path to cope with their fears for their future and to take action for climate justice.
Watch the films below!
Maine Youth Voices for Climate Justice: Part 1 - Seasons and Perspectives
Three Maine climate activists share their observations on the effects of the
growing climate emergency on their lives and communities. (2022)
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Seasons and Perspectives: What climate changes have you observed that impact things you like to do? If you feel worried about how climate change may impact your future, who can or do you talk to about your concerns…parents, other family members, friends?
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Seasons and Perspectives:
What climate changes have you observed that impact things you like to do? If you feel worried about how climate change may impact your future, who can or do you talk to about your concerns...parents, other family members, friends?
Maine Youth Voices for Climate Justice: Part 2 - Equity
Two youth from Maine BIPOC communities talk about their concerns about the climate crisis through the lens of economic and racial justice. (2022)
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Equity: Climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations: poor, elderly, youth, Indigenous and People of Color, and often solutions are economically out of reach. Which concerns raised by the storytellers were most compelling to you?
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Equity: Climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations...poor,
elderly, youth, Indigenous and People of Color ,and often solutions are economically out of
reach. Which concerns raised by the storytellers were most compelling to you?
Maine Youth Voices for Climate Justice: Part 3 - Realizations
Five young Maine women, unsettled by the enormity of the climate crisis, share their unique approaches to addressing the issue. (2022)
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Realizations: Think about ways you like to engage with the world. What makes you feel alive? What ways can you take action in your home/your school/your community that feel right to you and bring you joy and connection while you engage in one of the most pressing issues of our time?
Maine Roadtrip to the Future
This film showcases a variety of climate solutions in communities across Maine: The film format can be replicated with simple technology by anyone wishing to document local solutions.
Check out Down To Earth Storytelling's website for activities and resources to launch a local filmmaking project (2019)
