Following up on last year’s successful Austin Grown summer youth leadership program—but adding in a pandemic—proved . . . challenging. Last year, youth worked at BUILD Chicago’s Iris Farm and Peace Garden. They had their hands in the dirt. But during the first week of June, and with the program scheduled to begin on July 6, the word came in that all youth programs through After School Matters and One Summer Chicago (of which Austin Grown is a part) had to be 100% virtual.
Who We Expect to See Where and Doing What
Some of you might have already heard of Christian Cooper via the 2019 One Earth Film Festival screening of "Birders: The Central Park Effect." Far more of us had a first introduction to him via his disturbing encounter with a dog walker in Central Park on Memorial Day and the subsequent news reports.
"Those who have fewer resources often take the brunt of environmental degradation and pollution, but their voices and faces are now being heard and understood and seen. At long last, people are recognizing that the crucial focus of our environmental movement cannot be LED bulbs and recycling but breathable air and drinkable water. What we say about the environment must be placed in a context of justice, of anti-racism. The environmental movement in its best and broadest sense is about justice."
Q: What are you most excited about learning this year with One Earth Film Fest?
A: As an Apprentice, my primary goal is to prepare myself for the future by learning from an expert in this field. Working closely with Ana, I will build entrepreneurial skills and learn how to run a successful business.
Q: What part of OEFF’s mission do you most connect with and why?
A: Something that grinds my gears has to be injustice in society. I love that OEFF works to support environmental and social justice. I'm passionate about women’s rights around the world.
The United Nations Association-Greater Chicago Chapter (UNA-Chicago) honored One Earth Film Fest, among others, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at International House on the University of Chicago Campus.
In response, Film Festival Director Ana Garcia-Doyle wrote: "The Festival is working at the nexus of ecology and equity, and has been intentional about addressing these and myriad other topics that intersect with the environment. With special missions for engaging youth and new, diverse, and hard-to-reach audiences -- the Festival's Young Filmmakers Contest is open once again to young filmmakers across the country, and its venues will once again include screenings and events from Hyde Park to Oak Park, from Uptown to Englewood, and from Cook County to Kane County."
