Dear Friends,

The results of last week’s elections are not what many environmentalists hoped for. The next President of the United States has openly called the climate crisis a myth and has a track record of being antagonistic towards policies that would protect clean air, water, and communities.

That said, we at DCEFF have been heartened by proactive statements shared by many environmental organizations and leaders like Al Gore, Bill McKibben, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood, including this one by Dr. Jane Goodall: 

“This time of uncertainty and adversity must be met with a heightened sense of resolve and determination to move forward and rely on the power we all have, to strive for solutions and progress for our communities and the environment we all depend on.”

The message is clear, we must continue to remain resilient and strive to find pathways forward, even in the face of stronger headwinds. It’s important to remember these efforts do not exist in a vacuum, and cannot be undertaken without the strength of community.

The 33rd Annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital will take place March 20-29, roughly two months into the new administration. That period may be marked by a radical shift in how our Federal government approaches the issues facing our planet, but this isn’t our first rodeo. DCEFF has seen five presidential administrations come and go, but the work and our mission remain the same. For those looking for a place to share their fears and find hope, we will be there.

We don’t undertake this alone. We are stronger for the partnerships we maintain with institutions, universities, agencies, embassies, and other cultural landmarks. We are stronger for the diversity of stories on our screens and for the range of backgrounds and lived experiences in our audiences. We are stronger for the dialogues that follow eye-opening films, and for the opportunities to take the next best action, time after time, when we feel unmoored or overwhelmed.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Join your voice with ours this March — and with our community of filmmakers, activists, journalists, and experts — and let them hear us in the corridors of power. Let them know: we're not going away.

Sincerely,

Monica Schorn

DCEFF Executive Director

Your Support is Critical

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Farming While Black Virtual Encore

Join us for our final virtual encore screening of the year! Audience favorite Farming While Black will be free to stream Thursday, December 5, through Sunday, December 8.

As the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm in upstate New York, Leah Penniman finds strength in the deep historical knowledge of African agrarianism — agricultural practices that can heal people and the planet. Influenced and inspired by Karen Washington, a pioneer in urban community gardens in New York City, and fellow farmer and organizer Blain Snipstal, Leah galvanizes around farming as the basis of revolutionary justice.

Farming While Black examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States and the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership to land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots.

Inspiring Films You Can Stream Today

Can't wait until December 5? Our Watch Now pages feature hundreds of past DCEFF Selections that are available to stream (many FREE).

Inspiring films about youths exploring nature (Skyward), an artist who develops a unique method for cleaning up pollution (Toxic Art), and Indigenous activists who successfully reclaimed a river (Bring the Salmon Home) are just some of the titles we'd recommend from our 2023 and 2024 Festivals.

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The Environmental Film Festival is a non-profit organization that informs and inspires communities around the world to preserve and protect the natural environment through the power of film.

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