Film storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for creating impact and social change, but we need to take a deeper look into who and what informs the films made today. In the history of the climate movement, documentary filmmaking can be largely extractive, especially in communities of color who have been on the frontlines of fighting the climate crisis. Film teams parachute in to document what’s happening, then return back to their edit suites to piece together a story through their perspective. How might we, as filmmakers, keep ourselves accountable to those who have been most impacted by the social issues we seek to change? We believe that filmmakers need to start by building long-term trust with frontline movements, because those closest to the problems are closest to the solutions. To make real lasting change, we have to start listening. Join a group of filmmakers and Southern climate organizers as they discuss the power of a movement-informed, collaborative approach in impact storytelling.
