Philly Green Reels: Environmental Film Fest

Join us at the “Philly Green Reels” environmental film festival that will inspire and ignite your passion for environmental activism. Our festival showcases a selection of groundbreaking films that highlight the urgent need for action on critical environmental issues, all centered right here in Philadelphia. These films cover a range of ecological concerns we face today, spanning from the destruction of wildlife ecosystems to the catastrophic effects of climate change.

Come witness the power of cinema as we bring together a diverse community of filmmakers, environmentalists, and socially responsible community members to spark important conversations and drive meaningful change. With guest speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, this event is not only a celebration of art but a call for action. Our festival caters to a broad audience with thought-provoking documentaries, stimulating narratives, and motivating short films that are guaranteed to pique your interest.

Come and be a part of a remarkable and meaningful event that will not only explore the beauty of our planet and the pressing need to protect it, but will also leave you informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference. Together, let’s strive towards building a world that is both sustainable and equitable.

Film Descriptions:

Everything Wrong And Nowhere To Go directed by Sindha Agha, is a powerful short film that explores the inner struggle and anxiety about an ever-changing world that is deeply affected by climate change. This emotional and personal documentary questions how we can create a state of emotional stability amidst the climate crisis and emphasizes the importance of mental well-being while recognizing the gravity of the situation.

My Climate Story (2021): This short follows the efforts of students and teachers in the Philadelphia area to start conversations about climate change through the My Climate Story project, initiated at the University of Pennsylvania. The project encourages people young and old to share their own thoughts and personal experiences related to climate change through workshops. Members and participants of the program explain how it aims to help every individual recognize how climate change affects their lives and form a clearer sense of what everyon can do to prevent it.

On the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air (2021): This short documentary tells the rousing story of a low-income South Philadelphia community fighting for their basic right to breathe clean air. As the operations of the East Coast’s biggest oil refinery produce alarming levels of air pollution, the residents face severe health problems. After an explosion at the refinery worsens these issues, the community decides to fight to stop all operations on the refinery land. The film follows the growth of their grassroots-level movement, showing the power communities hold to drive change even in front of major opponents.

RiverBlue is a documentary, directed by Roger Williams and David Mcllvride, that exposes the devastating impact of the fashion industry on our rivers and ecosystems while also showcasing solutions that offer a glimmer of hope for a more environmentally-friendly future. By examining the toxicity of the fashion industry’s manufacturing practices, RiverBlue delves into how this industry has destroyed our waterways and its impact on various communities. This film serves to bring attention to this pressing issue and urge the industry to implement substantial changes.

The Majestic Plastic Bag directed by Jermey Konner is a satirical short film that humorously highlights the harmful environmental impact of plastic bags. This film follows a plastic bag’s detrimental journey to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the destruction it causes along the way. It offers a critique of our society’s wasteful culture and raises awareness to this issue.

To the End (2022): This documentary follows the inspiring efforts of four young women working to push for legislation to address the burning issue of climate change. Stressing the importance of political involvement from a community level, they attempt to hold the government and corporations responsible for the impact they have on the environment. This film expresses the value of maintaining hope throughout the difficult but imperative fight to protect our home.