The Athena Cinema, Alden Library and Environmental Studies, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs are presenting the first virtual Sustainability Film series and the eighth year of Sustainability Film screenings for students and the regional community. The series is working in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council, Ohio University Climate Ambassadors and many others.

We would like to celebrate the life of civil rights activist and Representative John Lewis with the quotes:

“When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.”

“These young people are saying we all have a right to know what is in the air we breathe, in the water we drink, and the food we eat. It is our responsibility to leave this planet cleaner and greener. That must be our legacy.”

— Lewis on youth climate activists in a statement released in September 2019

Our vision and goal is to offer attendees the opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of global environmental sustainability challenges and solutions. This year, we will focus on environmental racism and social justice to illuminate inequities within our country and globally. We would like the film series to assist many of us to move forward in understanding the deeply engrained racism and division that permeates our society and global communities. Through the series we aim to bring together students, faculty and regional community members. The program recognizes the strength of this integration, coming together and learning from each other.

The fall screenings highlight new releases and classical films that explore diverse topics with the central theme of racial and social justice. We choose films that engage and challenge the audience to integrate the information from these stories into their everyday life as well as delve into solutions. We also search for films that are visually stunning and a pleasure to screen.

Following each film we invite audience members to join us for a virtual panel discussion hosted by faculty members, students and community members. Please join us for a conversation following these beautiful, thought-provoking and timely films. Once you register for a film you will receive the invitation. For up to date film schedule: http://athenacinema.com/sustainabilityseries/

For further information contact: Loraine McCosker, mccosker@ohio.edu, Environmental Studies, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, Lorraine Wochna, media librarian, Alden Library, Ohio University. We will do our best to answer questions you may have and to search for resources that are relevant to sustainability films.

Students may engage further by enrolling in the 1 credit and virtually screened class, ES 4900/5900 Debating Sustainability.

Previous Virtual Fall Sustainability Series Showings