For Earth Day Mini Film Fest (April 19 to 23) from One Earth Film Fest and the City of Chicago:

Fernanda Heinz Figueiredo, Ataliba Benaim/2022/107 min/Built Environment, Conservation, Climate Change

U.S. PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: How would you reinvent some part of your world using nature as a model? In “Biocentrics”, this and other provocations are answered by the eyes and voice of biologist Janine Benyus. Traveling to different corners of the planet, the film reveals the birth and principles that guide biomimicry, a transdisciplinary methodology of technological innovation inspired by a master with 3.8 billion years of experience. As a hub connecting knowledge, cultures, natural technologies and initiatives that choose the continuity of life as the premise of their projects, the charismatic activist proposes a common agenda, a new posture and a tool that is at the tip of the spear of contemporary science to face the global challenges that lie ahead.

Post-film discussion with Facilitator:

• Doug Dixon, Neighbor—OUR Community

Panelists:

• Fernanda Heinz Figueiredo, Director, Biocentrics

• Rachel Hahs, Project Management & Research, Biomimcry 3.8

• Dr. Udit Halder, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Coordinated Science Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne

Teens and young adults encouraged to attend.

Register for screening at Chicago Cultural Center: https://biocentricsculturalcenter.eventbrite.com

IN PERSON: Saturday, April 22, 2 p.m. CDT [Central]
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.,
Claudia Cassidy Theater, Chicago

Arrive early, at 12:30 p.m., for an Action Fair in the 2nd Floor Rotunda.
Enjoy free refreshments and fellowship with environmental advocates. Register here.
ADA compliant accessible venue.

Register for screening at Wayfarer Theaters: link not available yet

IN PERSON: Saturday, April 22, 2 p.m. CDT [Lake County]
Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 2nd St., Highland Park

A Collaboration with Wayfarer Theaters and Organic Oneness.
Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines,
check in/register, purchase concessions, and get best seats.
ADA compliant accessible venue.

Register for virtual screening: https://biocentricsvirtual.eventbrite.com

VIRTUAL: Saturday, April 22, 2 p.m. Central Daylight Time

Register for Action Fair beforehand: https://earthdayactionfair.eventbrite.com

Start your Earth Day celebration early, at the Earth Day Action Fair beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the same location as the first screening above, the Chicago Cultural Center. Join One Earth Film Festival, the City of Chicago's Office of Climate & Environmental Equity, and partners working on environmental and climate justice initiatives. Visit with groups to learn about and plug into their work, opportunities, and events. Enjoy refreshments and fellowship with other environmental advocates.

For Earth Day Mini Film Fest (April 19 to 23) from One Earth Film Fest and the City of Chicago:

Celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day by taking action for our planet! Join One Earth Film Festival, the City of Chicago's Office of Climate & Environmental Equity, and partners working on environmental and climate justice initiatives. Visit with groups to learn about and plug into their work, opportunities, and events. Enjoy refreshments and fellowship with other environmental advocates.

Register here: https://earthdayactionfair.eventbrite.com

N PERSON: Saturday, April 22, 12:30 to 2 p.m. CDT [Central]
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.,
2nd Floor Rotunda, Chicago

Then join a special Earth Day watch party of the award-winning film, "Biocentrics" (and dialogue with activists) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Cultural Center's adjacent Claudia Cassidy Theater. These events are free and open to the public. Space is limited and reservations are highly encouraged. Reserve your spot now.

Or dive right into Earth Day morning, prior to the above events, with a Cleanup in Chicago's Columbus Park. For more info & to register, go here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJGNODU1ykprgtbm3OCZi12DPxqh4wGOVB2XEO2dQdbmsLDQ/viewform

From One Earth Film Fest:

Sign up and join BUILD Chicago, Openlands, One Earth Collective, Field Museum, Friends of the Parks, Interfaith Green Network, Oak Park Climate Action Network, Seven Generations Ahead, and many other partners in an Earth Day clean-up of Harrison St and Columbus Park (near the Field House on Central Ave)! 

Sign-up for clean-up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJGNODU1ykprgtbm3OCZi12DPxqh4wGOVB2XEO2dQdbmsLDQ/viewform

Location: Meet at pavilion/shelter house north of Columbus Park Field House on Central Ave, Chicago.

Schedule on Saturday, April 22, 2023:

• 9:00 a.m. sign in at the shelter/pavilion

• 9:00-11:30 a.m. trash clean-up, garden prep & mulching

• 11:30-12:30 p.m. reflection & lunch

IN PERSON: Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT [Central]
Columbus Park (pavilion north of Field House), Chicago

Please continue the free Earth Day fun and celebration!

• 12:30-2:00pm Earth Day Action Fair with refreshments at Chicago Cultural Center, 2nd Floor Rotunda, 78 E. Washington St. Chicago

• 2:00-4:30pm Earth Day "Biocentrics" Film Watch Party + Discussion, Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater

From One Earth Film Fest:

Connect in community the day after Earth Day, Saturday, April 23. Reach out, give back and make new friends. Reveal the beauty of our city after a long winter.

Neighborhood Cleanup, 10 am to noon, at two locations – you choose

• Columbus Park (500 S. Central Ave) Field House & Pavilion cleanup

• BUILD (5100 W Harrison St.) chicken coop cleanup and garden bed building

Noon to 1 pm

Both crews will enjoy a short gathering and delicious local food at Columbus Park Pavilion. Sponsored by BUILD, Flybird Experience, One Earth Collective, the Field Museum, Friends of the Park and other partners.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfAnwo_GmQTAOd97TJw5k-60gMd2Q7Fdhg_3FtHcv6C4W9jw/viewform

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County to help clean up litter in Thatcher Woods in honor of Earth Day. A great Service Project for students, families and Scouts! Held with partner organization the River Forest Park District. Bags and gloves provided; check in and get the supplies in Trailside Museum’s lobby.

From One Earth Film Fest:

Bob Dolgan/2021/53 min/Wildlife, Conservation

FILM DESCRIPTION: "Monty and Rose 2" tells the story of a pair of endangered piping plovers attempting to nest on a busy beach in Chicago. They became the first piping plovers, since 1948, to successfully nest within the city limits of Chicago. The documentary chronicles these unique birds and an unpredictable series of events, including a proposed music festival that propelled them to national headlines.

For general audiences (ages 12 and over).

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monty-rose-2-watch-party-tickets-305005869767

Post-film discussion with Facilitator:

• Doug Dixon, Neighbor, OUR Community

Panelists:

• Bob Dolgan, Director, "Monty & Rose 2"

• Citlally Fabela, Forestry Program Coordinator, Openlands

• Leslie Borns, Montrose Beach Dunes Conservationist and Champion, Chicago Wilderness Force of Nature Award Winner

From One Earth Film Fest:

From One Earth Film Fest: The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest will continue the celebration of award-winning student films via a virtual event to kick off Earth Week Mini Film Fest. See eight short, student films from among 13 honorable mention/notable winners.

Topics range from conserving the last frontier of Alaska, to reducing ocean waste, to disconnecting from electronics and re-connecting with nature. Founding Director Sue Crothers will facilitate a short Q&A with each filmmaker after their film screens.

“There are some very thought-provoking films that should lead to interesting discussions,” said Sue. “Students will Zoom in from the Midwest, East Coast, Scotland, and even Turkey.”

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eight-winning-short-films-from-one-earth-young-filmmakers-contest-tickets-308214246107

These films are among the best from 148 submissions, as rated by a jury of 16 film and sustainability professionals. The Young Filmmakers Contest asks students from grade 3 to age 25 to create a 3- to 8-minute environmental film that inspires change or action. Animated or stop-motion films can be a minimum of 45 seconds long.

Films featured will be:

• Bats and White-Nose Syndrome (2 min)
  by Henry Sobel, Grade 6, Illinois

• Stop Pebble Mine (5 min)
  by Mason Mirabile, Grade 6, Virginia

• Sealing the Leak (7.5 min)
  by Callie Deng, Grade 7, Maryland

• Less Waste (1 min)
  by Destiny Hardy, Grade 8, Michigan

• My Journey Across the Ocean (4 min)
  by Madeleine Toomey, university freshman, Scotland

• How Chicago’s Rapid Transit is Failing (3 min)
  by Nathan Goswick, Mariel Mudrick, and Liam McCormick, university freshmen, Illinois

• Climate Change: A Call to Action (5.5 min)
  by Grace Cancian, Jason Chan, Sergei LeFaivre, Parker McKenzie, and Spencer Steinke, university juniors and seniors, Connecticut

• Scent/Koku (5 min) (a Notable film)
  by Sezgin Yüzay, university student, Turkey

Five additional honorable mention winning films will be posted for viewing along with the above films on this page on Tuesday, April 19. To learn more about the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest go here.

here.

For ages 10-24 and general audiences.

Pamela Tanner Boll/2021/91 min/Agriculture, Climate Change

FILM DESCRIPTION: Science is showing that if we draw down enough carbon from the sky back into the soil through regenerative agricultural practices, we can actually reverse climate change bringing carbon dioxide down to pre-industrial revolution levels.

“To Which We Belong” tells the stories of nine farms and ranches going against the grain to bravely leave behind practices that are no longer profitable or sustainable. These unsung heroes just might save their livelihoods—and our world itself. And in this time of turmoil, it might be the best news you receive all year.

Tickets available to U.S. viewers only.

After the screening, stay connected to discuss the film with:

Discussion Facilitator Susan Lucci, Soulful Facilitator and Purpose Guide; Co-Founder, Global Purpose Guides and FeelReal

Panelists:

• Lucia Leon, Farm Manager, Herban Produce

• Anton Seals, Jr., Executive Director, Grow Greater Englewood

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/to-which-we-belong-watch-party-tickets-149313764489

Presented by One Earth Film Festival in our Sunday Double Fest, Double Feature.

At 6 pm, watch ‘The Great Green Wall,’ presented by Sixth Festival.

The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest awards environmental films created by students from grade 3 to age 25. Films that inspire change or action stream in from across the country each year, with 149 total submissions in 2021.

In this virtual event, we feature seven, short, Honorable Mention winning films (from college to post-grad level), which were just a hair's breadth away from first place. Zoom discussion with filmmakers from Texas to Washington, DC, will be facilitated by Young Filmmakers Contest Founding Director Sue Crothers.

Young Filmmakers and their short films:

• MacKenzie Claflin and Karli Weatherill (CO) “Saving Solitary Bees” (8 min)

• Maddie Matsumoto (CA) “Bee the Solution” (1.5 min)

• Matthew Taylor (TX) “A Few Feet Away” (4 min)

• Eliza Ward (Washington, DC) “The Bambi Effect” (3 min)

• Anna Lee Ackermann (IL) “As We Are Planted” (7 min)

• Lexie Chu (CA) “Embers” (5 min)

• Mark De Bruin (IA) “Troposphere” (4.5 min)

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-filmmakers-contest-honorable-mention-winning-films-college-level-tickets-149090456569

The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest awards environmental films created by students from grade 3 to age 25. Films that inspire change or action stream in from across the country each year, with 149 total submissions in 2021.

In this virtual event, we feature seven, short, Honorable Mention winning films (from elementary school to college level), which were just a hair's breadth away from first place. Zoom discussion with filmmakers from California to New York will be facilitated by Young Filmmakers Contest Founding Director Sue Crothers.

Young Filmmakers and their short films:

• Katrina Larner (CA) “One Choice” (1 min)

• Aarya Naringrekar (IL) “Plastic Bags? No Thanks!” (8 min)

• Phillip Sugar (NC) “Breaking News That Will Be Happening” (5 min)

• Marin Chalmers (IL) “Sondaica” (3.5 min)

• Jake Koren (CA) “What Can We Do About Car Pollution?” (5 min)

• Rishub and Krishna Madhav (TX) “Water: Not a Drop to Waste” (5.5 min)

• Caitlin Clonan (NY) “Enviroman” (3 min)

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-filmmakers-contest-honorable-mention-winning-films-all-age-levels-tickets-149089309137

Alexander Glustrom/2019/75 min/Energy, Environmental Justice, Health

FILM DESCRIPTION: Mossville, Louisiana: A once-thriving community founded by formerly enslaved and free people of color, and an economically flourishing safe haven for generations of African American families. Today it’s a breeding ground for petrochemical plants and their toxic black clouds. Many residents are forced from their homes, and those that stay suffer from prolonged exposure to contamination and pollution. Amid this chaos and injustice stands one man who refuses to abandon his family’s land—and his community.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mossville-when-great-trees-fall-watch-party-tickets-149087379365

Esta película está disponible con subtítulos en español. Recibirá instrucciones en el correo de confirmación de Eventbrite antes del evento.

After the screening, stay connected to discuss the film with:

Discussion Facilitator Toni Anderson, Founding Executive Director, Sacred Keepers Sustainability Lab

• Erica Jackson, Film Subject, "Mossville: When Great Trees Fall," Former Mossville resident

• Additional panelist Gina Ramirez, Midwest Outreach Manager, Natural Resources Defense Council; Co chair, Southeast Side Coalition to Ban Petcoke

Peter Bratt/2017/95 min/Social Justice, Sustainable Agriculture, People

FILM DESCRIPTION: Dolores Huerta is among the most important, yet least known, activists in American history. An equal partner in co-founding the first farm workers unions with Cesar Chavez, her enormous contributions have gone largely unrecognized. Dolores tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice alongside Chavez, becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the twentieth century—and she continues the fight to this day, at age 90. With intimate and unprecedented access to this intensely private mother to eleven, the film reveals the raw, personal stakes involved in committing one’s life to social change. This Sundance selection has won best documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival and the Denver Women & Film Festival. Teens and young adults encouraged to attend.

Tickets available to North American viewers only.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dolores-earth-day-watch-party-tickets-149084942075

Esta película está disponible con subtítulos en español. Recibirá instrucciones en el correo de confirmación de Eventbrite antes del evento.

Graham Sheldon and Rin Ehlers Sheldon/2018/93 min/Waste

FILM DESCRIPTION: Going “circular” refers to the necessary change from our current take-make-waste linear economy to a borrow-use-return circular economy. The film is directed by Emmy® Award winning filmmaker Graham Sheldon and presented by global sustainability expert, Prof. Dr Wayne Visser. And despite its dire warnings, it is an optimistic film about innovative solutions. The documentary explores five key strategies for achieving circularity—reduce, reuse, recycle, renew and reinvent—by showcasing examples from Europe, Latin America and Africa and featuring insights from experts from the likes of the World Economic Forum and the Universities of Cambridge and Harvard.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/closing-the-loop-a-documentary-about-the-circular-economy-revolution-tickets-149083726439

Esta película está disponible con subtítulos en español. Recibirá instrucciones en el correo de confirmación de Eventbrite antes del evento.

After the screening, stay connected to discuss the film with:

Discussion Facilitator: Kyra Woods, Policy Advisor, Office of Sustainability, City of Chicago

Panelists:

• Thomas Fecarotta, Vice President of Marketing, Rheaply

• Jonathan Pereira, Executive Director, Plant Chicago

• Jason Feldman, Co-Founder & CEO, Green Era Sustainability

Clement Guerra and Sophie Guerra/2019/82 min/Energy, Social Justice, People

FILM DESCRIPTION: This award-winning documentary showcases a truly inclusive movement led by the most impacted. When so many of us feel isolated and helpless, "The Condor & The Eagle" brings us together in these times of crisis—reminds us of our deep interconnectedness with the Earth and one another. As world climate scientists predict unprecedented global catastrophe, “The Condor & The Eagle” features Indigenous women leaders deploying unparalleled global responses. Never-before-seen images expose the global rise of land and water protectors across the Americas.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-condor-and-the-eagle-watch-party-tickets-149080577019

Your free ticket will automatically enter you into a raffle drawing for a free, overnight test drive of a Tesla electric vehicle.

Esta película está disponible con subtítulos en español. Recibirá instrucciones en el correo de confirmación de Eventbrite antes del evento.

After the screening, stay connected to discuss the film with:

Discussion Facilitator: Doug Dixon, Principal, Sales Performance Solutions & Neighbor, OUR Community

Panelists:

Casey Camp-Horinek, Councilwoman, and Hereditary Drumkeeper of the Womens’ Scalp Dance Society of the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma; Activist, Environmentalist, Actress; Published Author

Yudith Azareth Nieto (appears in "The Condor and the Eagle"), Co-Founder, BanchaLenguas Language Justice Collective; Core leadership, Another Gulf is Possible Collaborative

Angela Tovar, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Chicago

Nathan Grossman/2020/97 min/Advocacy, Climate Change, Youth-Teen-Young Adult

FILM DESCRIPTION: The story of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is told through compelling, never-before-seen footage in this intimate documentary from Swedish director Nathan Grossman. Starting with her one-person school strike for climate action outside the Swedish Parliament, Grossman follows Greta—a shy schoolgirl with Asperger’s—in her rise to prominence, and her galvanizing global impact as she sparks school strikes around the world. The film culminates with her astonishing wind powered voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to speak at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City.

Appropriate for general audiences, including teens and young adults.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-greta-a-force-of-nature-watch-party-tickets-149077678349

After the screening, stay connected to discuss the film with:

Welcome/Closing: Manolo Avalos, It's Our Future & One Earth Youth Advisory Council; High School Student

Facilitator: Kaleigh Clark, One Earth Youth Advisory Council & Living History Project; High School Student

Panelists:

• Matt Ellis-Ramirez, Chicago Storytelling & Collectives Lead, Sunrise Movement

• Adelina Avalos, Environmental Organizer, Southeast Youth Alliance

From Carbon-Free Chicago:

Charge Your Spirit. Get connected. Celebrate the Earth.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with two virtual events!

Start your day by creating and sharing our own small contained fires, watching the sunrise, sharing inspiring words, and practicing yoga.

End your day with a virtual sunset dance party, curated short movie clip and inspiration for moving forward in partnership to create a Carbon-Free Chicago that benefits everyone.

Sunset Dance Parties - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Welcome from Carbon-Free Chicago, DJ sets from SOLARBEATZ and LaVerite, virtual sunset dance parties, special performance by Gaea Lady and Jason Miller, and short earth day film: When the Earth Moves. Bring your best virtual dance moves!

From Earth Day Coalition for Chicago:

Inspiring Stories, Dialogue, and Action-Building with Chicago Activists and the Outrider Foundation.

Co-sponsored by the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center and One Earth Film Festival.

Kick-start your celebration of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary with an engaging virtual coffee, short film, and conversation! Featuring:

• Short film and live virtual Q&A with Tia Nelson of Outrider Foundation, and daughter of Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson.

• Lively interactive small-group discussion with local Chicago environmental activists.

• Ways to continue celebrating Earth Week, and to stay engaged in helping our Earth.

From Carbon-Free Chicago:

Charge Your Spirit. Get connected. Celebrate the Earth.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with two virtual events!

Start your day by creating and sharing our own small contained fires, watching the sunrise, sharing inspiring words, and practicing yoga.

End your day with a virtual sunset dance party, curated short movie clip and inspiration for moving forward in partnership to create a Carbon-Free Chicago that benefits everyone.

Dawn Bonfires - 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM

Welcome, your virtual fire or flames shared, fire performance by Liz and Devin Breen of Full Moon Jam, contributed content, sunrise silence, yoga sun salutation with Tania Hughes Wellness, inspirational video, send off message from Carbon-Free Chicago.

• Set up your candles, your fire pit, your flashlight the night before.

• Add to your calendar and set your alarm!

• If you have a song verse, tune, or short reading that expresses your connection to a carbon-free future, we will invite you to share during the live stream.