The 6th Annual Spring 2011 Film Series

AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking

and Filmmakers for Conservation

Present:

The 6th Annual Spring 2011 Film Series

Hosted by Chris Palmer and Justine Schmidt

Free and Open to the Public

No Reservation Required

Wechsler Theater, 3^rd Floor, Mary Graydon Center
American University

For more information, please contact:
Chris Palmer 202.885.3408 or palmer@american.edu
Justine Schmidt 202.413.4490 or justineschmidt2002@yahoo.com

Or visit environmentalfilm.org or filmmakersforconservation.org

Tuesday, February 8 at 7 p.m.
National Geographic Society’s landmark series Great Migrations

Series Producer David Hamlin will show excerpts from the stunning footage he and a team of world-class filmmakers shot over three years in 20 countries and talk about the challenges they encountered. Great Migrations is the most ambitious series in the history of the National Geographic Society -- a seven hour exploration of the millions of creatures who wage tortuous journeys every year for the sake of themselves, their families and even their species.

Tuesday, February 15 at 7 p.m.
Using Satellite Images to Protect our Environment
An illustrated talk by John Amos, the Founder and President of SkyTruth

SkyTruth, a nonprofit organization based in Shepherdstown, WV, uses satellite images to investigate and illustrate the many ways in which human activity is changing our environment. We'll look at the impacts of mountaintop removal of coal in Appalachia, natural gas drilling in Wyoming, and oil pollution in the Gulf of Mexico from last year's tragic BP spill. And we’ll enjoy a few images that remind us what a beautiful and fascinating planet we live on.

Note: The March 17-24 events are also part of the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org)

Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
On Coal River (2010, 80 minutes)

Viewers embark on a gripping emotional journey into the Coal River Valley of West Virginia, a community surrounded by lush mountains and a looming toxic threat. Local people fight against the destructive practice of mountaintop removal and confront Massey Energy.

Monday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m.
The River Why, followed at 8:15 p.m. by Greenlit
Screening followed by discussion with Chris Palmer and Larry Engel

The River Why depicts a man’s love for the wilderness and his love for a beautiful woman who comes to share it with him. Greenlit explores the damaging effects of the film business on the environment by following the crew of The River Why as they try to “green” their film.

Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. (Reception with drinks and food at 6:30 p.m.)
An Evening with Chris Palmer: The Impact of “Shooting in the Wild: An Insider's Account of Making Movies in the Animal Kingdom”

When Chris Palmer’s book Shooting in the Wild was published last May, it sparked praise, great interest, and controversy after he appeared on ABC Nightline, Good Morning America, NPR, and many other programs. Chris will discuss the controversy and sign books after his presentation. He will also announce the winners of the Eco-Comedy Video Competition (co-sponsored with the Sierra Club) and show the winning entries.

Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. (Reception with drinks and food at 6:30 p.m.)
Student Environmental Short Film Festival (co-sponsored by REI)
Screenings hosted by Professors Chris Palmer and Sandy Cannon-Brown

More than ten short student films will be shown, followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.

Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m.
“OK, I’ve Watched the Film, Now What?”

Panel Discussion featuring Maryanne Culpepper, National Geographic; Jason Robey, Animal Planet; Diane MacEachern, author and founder of Big Green Purse, and Vanessa Serrao, founder, producer and host of NatureBreak.org. Moderated by Chris Palmer.

How do we produce films that make a difference? This panel, punctuating their remarks with clips of inspiring films, explores ways we can turn films into action at both the policy and personal levels. Our panelists consider the challenge of producing films that have a tangible, palpable, and measurable impact on their audiences.

Tuesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.
“Duck! (a duckumentary)”
Screening and presentation by AU/SOC alum Danny Ledonne

They swim, they waddle, and they fly. They are the subjects of art, science, history, and popular entertainment. They are cartoons, stamps, carvings, pets, and even dinner. They are ducks! Across America, their quirky and often comical interactions can teach us about our feathery neighbors, our planet, and ourselves. Danny Ledonne will premiere his thesis film about these extraordinary and often humorous birds. After the screening, he promises not to duck any fowl questions.