Sustainability Series: THE GREAT GREEN WALL

Watch Trailer Director: Jared P. Scott

About the films

Great Green Wall (93 minutes)

A bold and visually epic documentary feature following the emergence of a new world wonder changing lives on the African continent. The Great Green Wall tells the incredible story of one of the planet’s most timely and ambitious endeavors taking route on the edge of the Sahara desert. A dream to grow a wall of trees and plants across the entire width of Africa, and stop the ravages of climate change firmly in its tracks. By the time it’s completed in 2030, the Great Green Wall will be the largest living structure on the planet – three times the length of the Great Barrier Reef.

Church Forests of Ethiopia (9 minutes)

Over the past century, farming and the needs of a growing population have replaced nearly all of Ethiopia’s old-growth forests with agricultural fields. The Church Forests of Ethiopia tells the story of the country’s church forests — pockets of lush biodiversity that are protected by hundreds of churches “scattered like emerald pearls across the brown sea of farm fields.” The film documents the work of forest ecologist Dr. Alemayehu Wassie, who is working with local priests and communities to protect these “arks of biodiversity” that mark the confluence of forest and faith as a “mystical geography.”

About the series

Athena Cinema, University Libraries and Environmental Studies Program present the 9th annual Sustainability Film Series.

In keeping with all previous series, each film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring faculty members, students and community members. The events will be in-person.

Following each film we invite audience members to join us for a panel discussion hosted by faculty members, students and community members. Please join us for a conversation following these beautiful, thought-provoking and timely films.

The series is possible thanks to the support of: Voinovich School of Leadership
and Public Affairs, OHIO Honors Program, Honors Tutorial College, Cutler Scholars, Office of
Sustainability, Center for Campus & Community Engagement, University College, Athens
International Film and Video Festival, and beloved nonprofits and businesses.