Documenting Sustainability

In 2010, lorraine wochna, Librarian at  Ohio University Libraries , Loraine McCosker from  Environmental Studies , and Alexandra Kamody from  The Athena Cinema   began the  Sustainability Film Series  (SFS). It all started in Alden Library with an intern from the  Office of Sustainability  who wanted to raise awareness about environmental issues and educate staff on sustainable practices.  

The mission of the series is to engage the community on a variety of environmental subjects. As the series grew, guest panelists were incorporated which included faculty, grads, undergrads, community members, and local organizations - Rural Action, Community Food Initiatives, Village Bakery and Cafe, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Athens ACLU.

Over 100 films have been purchased, screened and are available through University Libraries on DVD and streaming when available.

The most alarming of all man's assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers, and sea with dangerous and even lethal materials.

Of all the films screened throughout the history of the Sustainability Film Series, there are a few themes that stand out: food, water, community issues and community building (both local and global), activism and environmental justice. The connection between environmental justice and activism is bound together where issues of water, food, and land are being investigated. These themes overlap and connect here in Ohio, the US, and around the globe.

This exhibit will begin to connect the dots, by comparing intersecting issues from a local and global perspective.

Environmental justice and activism go hand in hand. As studies show, environmental harm disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The films highlighted here focus on individuals that have gone above and beyond to enact change in their communities. These films give us a look at the challenges individuals and communities alike have encountered as they fight for their rights.  

We as humans are bombarded with incorrect information or biases from all media outlets every day; though biased in their own way, documentaries -- well, they document! As we offer these films to you, we ask that you think critically about the subject of the documentary; whose voice is heard, who produces these films, and who is watching them? Ask yourself, what new perspectives do documentaries bring to the table? 

Try out some of these titles below. Though not focused on a particular activist, these films represent what people can do when they come together.

Environmental issues occur in every country, and it is important to share the issues that affect our global communities. Many countries have little resources but make the most of what is available. A Malawian decides to find ways to build windmills in his small community to bring an energy source to his people. In Mali, a young entrepreneur finds ways to bring solar power to his community.  And an elder from Macedonia keeps an ancient bee keeping tradition alive for future generations.  

Check out some of these titles from other global communities around the world:

You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them.

The following films shine a light on the multitude of issues affecting the African continent. Given the prevalence of environmental concerns related to wildlife, conservation, water, land, food, community, commodities, the role of women, and government policies, Africa has been the subject of many films intended to raise awareness. Often, they highlight the role of younger generations, their initiatives, and dedication. Throughout these films, we see parallels in issues of sustainability present in South America, Southeast Asia and other global cities and places. 

From Athens County and across the US

Environmental activism in many forms can be found in Southeast Ohio. You can find community members, students, staff from Hocking College, Ohio University, Athens City Schools, and other local institutions creating videos on the local environment, protesting fracking in the Wayne or living off the grid. In Southeast Ohio, some of the biggest issues are fracking, care of the Wayne National Forest (and fracking), Injection Wells, coal mining, rural poverty, and food insecurity.

Water is life; where the water goes - we go. What we are seeing is not so much "water pollution" but water pollution caused by chemical spills, fracking, plastics, systems and processes that contribute to our water's health. 

We need a healthy environment to grow food. Below is a selection of films that focus on food issues. Urban farming, school lunch programs, food coops, local food systems, food supply and farm labor, palm oil, sustainable agriculture, permaculture and organic farming. A fascinating array of films about what people do on a local level, both urban and rural. As well as larger issues of permaculture and sustainable agriculture. The future of food without clean water and regulations to keep that water clean, is a future we need to address.

These films reveal gross injustices and major triumphs and everything in between.  Our water is being corrupted, our land is being mistreated and activists continue to fight and die. For the planet.  This series offers a selection of titles and issues that documentary filmmakers have dedicated themselves to bringing to life.  We are all connected.

“You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to remember that the planet is carrying you.”— Vandana Shiva

• Environmental Justice
  •  Environmental Studies 
  •  Sustainability 
  •  Food, Nutrition and Dietetics 
  •  Activism 
  •  Geography (Physical) 
• Global Community
  •  Southeast Asian Studies 
  •  African Studies 
  •  East Asian Studies 
  •  Latin American Studies