Environmental Documentaries
Using professional equipment and focusing on framing and video production skills, we produced documentaries with interviews from professionals who educated us and our viewers on environmental issues, innovations, and interests.
Will Roberts
Walking Tours
When we think of environmental issues, we often think of solutions on the surface level. However, many of the issues we face today (rising temperatures, carbon emissions, etc.) are enhanced by more corporate reasons, with large companies often acting as a catalyst for these environmental changes. Rideshare companies are no exception. Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America put on a walking tour that highlighted how Uber and big tech have taken over Washington, D.C.. In order for people to understand the impacts of big tech companies and Uber on the environment, Metro DC DSA uses community engagement as a way of educating the public.
Claire Leibowitz
Centering Community: The Anacostia Community Museum
In April 2023, the Anacostia Community Museum created the Center for Environmental Justice, an exhibit dedicated to showing the environmental successes and wishes in Ward 8. The Center highlights community voices, showcasing the reality of its citizens’ true work. Lisa McClure, associate director, explains the focus of justice in four areas – where we work, play, pray and live. Dennis Chestnut, a community member involved in environmental activism, further defines how the Center meaningfully serves Anacostia and helps to preserve its history.
Layla Nayfeh
Climate Polarization
Public opinion on whether climate change is a human-caused crisis is more polarized and partisan now than 10 years ago. Why? Dr. Astrid Caldas from the Union of Concerned Scientists recounts her experience communicating her findings with different audiences. Dr. John Cook, who specializes in cognitive psychology and climate misinformation, explains the science. Karly Matthews of the American Conservation Coalition talks communicating with a conservative audience. Aaron Dye, multimedia editor of Planet Forward, discusses climate journalism and communication.
Andrea Serra
Water Reaches Everyone
What can the conditions of nearby bodies of water teach us? A lot, apparently. Thanks to this Maryland-based start-up, analyzing those conditions has never been easier (or more entertaining). CEO Dietrich Ruehlmann explains the importance of GaiaXus' device both to him and the community. CTO Lee Brindel talks science, and how the technology behind their device works.
David Ruff
WANDA Doc
The documentary showcases Tambra Raye Stevenson's WANDA, focusing on empowering Black women and girls as "food sheroes" and advocating for a "Food Bill of Rights." Emphasizing WANDA's mission, the film highlights the vision behind the Food Bill of Rights, aiming to address health challenges in Black communities caused by colonial culinary practices and discriminatory environmental laws. Stevenson's work in ensuring representation in the food system, legislative advocacy, and initiatives to transform the food landscape in Washington, D.C., and beyond, underscores the importance of the Food Bill of Rights in promoting equitable and healthy food practices.
Flannery Dunn
Swimmable D.C.
Contrary to a popular belief in the District, the Potomac River is clean enough for DC residents to swim in. Despite this, swimming has been illegal in the Potomac in DC since the 1970s when the river was filled with untreated or inadequately treated sewage on a daily basis. Nancy Stoner, president of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network explains the history of swimming in DC and how the PRKN stays committed to community science water monitoring, increasing public awareness of the sources of pollution and how to stop them, and advocates to end routine dumping of raw sewage into the Potomac river.
Rachel Garton
Climate Change & Changing to Include People with Disabilities
Climate change and, consequently, natural disasters are affecting us all with rising temperatures, hurricanes with unprecedented strength, never-ending wildfires, and many more. What many don’t realize is how people with disabilities are disproportionately affected, with two to four times the mortality rate because of their vulnerabilities. Thus, this documentary investigates this topic using 3 categories: change, impact, and advocacy.
Ayah Mahana
Woodlands Renewed: Clearing the Path to a Greener Future
Ward 8 of Washington, D.C. is home to 500 acres of woods of which only 1.5 miles are accessible to the public due to trash pollution and safety hazards. Ward 8 Woods Conservancy is a grass-roots organization dedicated to cleaning the parklands within Ward 8 that are vastly inaccessible to the public. The organization advocates for the preservation of existing forestry and initiative to plant more throughout the region. This documentary will feature the founder, Nathan Harrington, and park steward Edward Greene as they discuss the work they do and the reasons why they do it. It will also feature commentary from Sarah Graham a program analyst for Zero Waste DC. Graham will share perspective on the issue of trash dumping as a larger issue throughout the District.
Avery Davis
Pollution's Toll: A Story of Southeast Washington, DC
Southeast Washington D.C. is facing an environmental crisis. Research has shown a number of harmful effects of pollution, both air and water, that impact the health of residents. Four professors from American University, Georgetown University, and The George Washington University discuss their research and analysis of the issue and provide their insights on how it can best be addressed.