Films as Change Agents for Peace and Climate Change

Mar 27, 2015 | Women's National Democratic Club
Washington, DC

The presentation of these films represents a progression from the despair at what we see the Iraq war has left behind to the hope that real change is possible through creating alternatives to military force and building a new ethic of interdependence with the natural world. Audience and Panel will explore how film can change people’s understandings and alter their perceptions of key priorities.

6:00 pm. Reception with light supper ($15).  Reservations required.  URL and registration link forthcoming.

7:00 pm. Premiere Screening of Five Short Films* ($5 for all 5)

WHAT WE HAVE LEFT BEHIND IN IRAQ (USA, 2011, 7 min.)

An Iraq war veteran who served two deployments tells what he saw we are leaving behind in Iraq and recorded with over 3,000 photos.

ECOSYSTEMS, WAR AND CLIMATE CHANGE (USA, 2009, 4 min.)

Four scientists describe the impact of climate change on wildlife and fragile ecosystems, and underline the destructive role of warfare in undermining our capacity to protect and sustain our essential natural resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL PATHWAYS TO PEACE BUILDING (USA, 2009, 6 min.)

Building peace parks, sharing common eco-system needs, such as access to scarce potable water, and providing children and adults with first-hand experience of nature are presented as specific, do-able strategies for maintaining peace and furthering sustainable practices toward the earth’s natural systems.

TOP PRIORITY (USA, 2009, 3 min.)

A Lt. General (ret.) says that a top priority is raising consciousness in the military about the need for protection of the environment for future generations. As long as the national leadership is not strongly on side, it is unlikely that the military will recognize the importance of natural security to national security.

FORGING A NEW ETHIC (USA, 2009, 7 min.)

“What we need is a new ethic in which every person changes lifestyle, attitude, and behavior.”  Achim Steiner, Executive Director. UN Environment Program.

Discussion with Ted Conwell, Climate First! Inc., Linda Pentz Gunter, Beyond Nuclear, Steve Michelson, President and Executive Producer, Specialty Studios/Video Project

Moderated by filmmakers, Alice and Lincoln Day

* Based on Alice and Lincoln Day’s award-winning documentary film, Scarred Lands and Wounded Lives: the Environmental Footprint of War, which premiered in the Environmental Film Festival, 2008.

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