Documentary Films

RECENT DOCUMENTARY FILMS

• UNBREATHABLE: THE FIGHT FOR HEALTHY AIR (2020)
  • Half of all Americans are impacted by unhealthy levels of air pollution. Emerging research suggests a link between air pollution and higher death rates from COVID-19; and communities of color are disproportionately impacted. Highlights the inspiring people on the ground who fight for the health of their communities.
• THIRST FOR JUSTICE (2019)
  • The film links Flint to the Navaho Nation and Standing Rock, framing water crises as connected in a wider governance crisis due to foundational injustices of our country as those now shape fault lines in our democracy.
• DARK WATERS (2019)
  • Excellent Hollywood documentary on Robert Bilott’s crusade against PFAS and the DuPont Corporation.
• BLOWOUT: INSIDE AMERICA’S ENERGY GAMBLE (2019)
  • American energy’s global impacts on profits, public health, and climate change, from the oil fields of West Texas to tanker traffic busting the Panama Canal to an energy revolution in Asia.
• PARIS TO PITTSBURGH (2018)
  • From coastal cities to America’s heartland, this film celebrates how Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. And as the weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act.
• HAPPENING: A CLEAN ENERGY REVOLUTION (2017)
  • How clean energy is creating jobs, turning profits, and making communities stronger and healthier across the country.
• THE AGE OF CONSEQUENCES (2016)
  • Investigates the impacts of climate change on increased resource scarcity, migration, and conflict through the lens of US national security and global stability. Diplomats and military leaders discuss how climate change interacts with other socio-political factors to exacerbate societal tensions and spark conflict.
• TIME TO CHOOSE (2016)
  • Explores the comprehensive scope of the climate change crisis and examines the power of solutions already available. Interviews with prominent entrepreneurs, innovators, thought leaders and individuals living on the front lines of climate change.
• MERCHANTS OF DOUBT (2014)
  • Inspired by the acclaimed book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway, lifts the curtain on a secretive group of pundits-for-hire who present themselves in the media as scientific authorities, yet have the contrary aim of spreading maximum confusion about well-studied public threats ranging from toxic chemicals to pharmaceuticals to climate change.
• TWO RIVERS (2014)
  • Documents how a group of Native and European Americans in northern Washington state came together to examine, grapple with, and heal centuries-old wounds, forming lifelong friendships in the process. The film demonstrates the power of reconciliation methods drawn from Native American spiritual and cultural practices.

In addition to the above, additional documentary film resources of note include:

• Bullfrog Films, which has an excellent documentary film series, including environmental justice and environmental ethics.  (https://bullfrogfilms.com)
• Citizens Climate Lobby, which has an impressive set of films and other resources for educational use. (https://citizensclimatehighered.org/films)

Please see the Earthcare Committee webpage for more information about the Meeting’s efforts for environment and climate justice.