Earth Day Film Festival

Films will be shown Saturday April 19 and Tuesday April 22 from 2:00--9:00 PM. Each day, a board will be placed outside the theater with a list of films and the order they will be shown.


Highlighted Films

01

Antartica

2 Part film about penguins


Showing Saturday April 19

02

Tembo and the Kingfisher

Children's animated film about anials and harmony


Showing Saturday April 19


03

The Secret Life of Plants

Documentary on plants


Showing Tuesday April 22

04

Stone Age

Geology Short Film


Showing Tuesday April 22

Project Title Synopsis Duration Country of Origin
Beautiful Mountains A poetic short film dedicated to all the beautiful mountains. 0:01:00 France, India
Secret world of squirrels Enter the Secret world of wildlife and meet Midnight the cat, Freddie the fox and many, many cheeky squirrels. 0:01:28 United Kingdom
GHOSTS OF HUMANITY 40 light years from Earth a historic mission takes place as humans set foot on the surface of the Earth-like exoplanet Trappist-1e. 0:04:00 Latvia
The Last Atlantis As the echoes of a lost civilization rise from beneath the waves, The Last Atlantis delivers a haunting vision of environmental collapse—and a quiet plea for hope. Through prophetic imagery and poetic visuals, the film warns of ecological collapse—urging us to face climate change, resource loss, and imbalance with collective hope, action, and a renewed reverence for the fragile beauty of our shared planet. Crafted especially for younger audiences, it speaks without preaching, igniting reflection and responsibility through emotion and visual storytelling. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the film bridges art and advocacy, calling for global unity in the face of ecological crisis. THE STORY BEHIND THE FILM The Last Atlantis draws inspiration from the ancient myth of a lost civilization. It symbolizes both human achievement and downfall. The word "Last" is a wake-up call—humanity stands at the brink of irreversible environmental collapse. This is our final chance to change course. If we fail to act now, we risk becoming the "last Atlantis"—a civilization remembered only as a cautionary tale. The title urges us to reflect on our choices, knowing that “the last” doesn’t have to be our fate. We still have time to protect our only home. 0:02:15 Taiwan
Whale of Rebirth This poetic and philosophical animated short takes viewers on an introspective journey through the cycles of life, death, destruction, and rebirth. With a dreamlike narrative, it invites reflection on the fundamental questions of existence: Where do we come from, and where are we destined to go? Symbolizing reincarnation and nirvana, the whale serves as a vessel for the soul’s transformation and the world’s renewal. The film transcends personal emotions and memories, intertwining with the fate of humanity and the future of our planet. It is a meditative experience, urging viewers to pause, embrace the present, and find meaning in love, loss, and reconciliation. Blending Eastern and Western philosophies and mythologies, Whale of Rebirth draws inspiration from Buddhist sutras and biblical wisdom, weaving together themes of nature, humanity, and spirituality. Beyond animation, it is a profound exploration of the human spirit—one that resonates beyond words and time, touching the core of our existence. This is a meditative and mindfulness-themed animated short, designed for audiences of all ages—whether children or adults seeking inner tranquility. Through poetic visual storytelling, the film invites viewers to pause, embrace the present, and appreciate the beauty of life. In a fast-moving world, this film serves as a gentle awakening, guiding audiences through themes of love, loss, and rebirth, helping them find balance and deeper understanding. THE STORY BEHIND THE FILM Between the roots of the World Tree and the tides of the Fusang Sea, an ancient story is told. Some say it speaks of a White Whale, guiding lost souls across the river between life and death. Others believe it never truly appears, yet it is everywhere. In every fall and every rebirth, in every faint light and every breath, there is the quiet echo of the Whale— a reminder that within impermanence, the soul will one day take flight. The White Whale may not be a being at all, but the awakening within us, the silent transformation, as we return to the boundless sky we had always belonged to. Inspired by timeless myths from both East and West, this film weaves together elements from Journey to the West, Investiture of the Gods, Classic of Mountains and Seas, and Legend of the White Snake, alongside the profound wisdom of the Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra. At the same time, it echoes the sacred narratives of the Bible and the legendary Yggdrasil, the World Tree from Norse mythology, symbolizing the eternal cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth. Through this fusion of ancient traditions, the story unfolds as a bridge between cultures, exploring universal themes of destiny, enlightenment, and transcendence. 0:02:36 Taiwan
Song of Impermanence Song of Impermanence is a poetic meditation on the transience of life, born from the director’s profound contemplation on existence. Blending surreal fantasy with lyrical imagery, the film invites viewers on a spiritual odyssey—where solitude deepens, and healing unfolds in silence. Through shifting landscapes of black-and-white and color, the film mirrors the emotional tides of memory and presence. Monochrome evokes reflection and loss; color, immediacy and feeling. Each frame becomes a quiet hymn to impermanence—fragile, fleeting, and achingly beautiful. Some dreams bloom only briefly, like a flower in passing. Some people drift by, like clouds. Life flows like water—impermanence is its only constant. In the space between gain and loss, we grow. Between remembering and forgetting, we learn to let go. Song of Impermanence walks the delicate boundary between dream and reality, searching for the quiet light within the flow of time. May we, in the face of impermanence, still choose to hope. And in this transient life, may eternal tenderness quietly bloom. THE STORY BEHIND THE FILM In the vast desert, a solitary traveler walks, where time is undefined, and the line between dreams and reality has long faded. Each step he takes is a conversation with his past, an exploration of forgotten truths. Along this path, he encounters an inexplicable piano—one not of this world, but from the depths of his soul. Whenever his emotions shift, the piano resonates, turning its notes into a reflection of his inner world. Whether in sorrow, solitude, or a longing for light, the piano’s melody becomes the expression of his deepest emotions. The owl stands unmoving, its gaze fixed, unyielding to the traveler’s presence. It remains distant, representing the traveler’s sense of detachment, the isolation he feels from others. The blue jay, elegant and still, watches from a distance, embodying the traveler’s inner illusion. Its gaze glimmers with a beauty that never reaches him, a symbol of his endless chase for fame and wealth, lost in the emptiness of these desires. The elk appears briefly, offering a glimmer of hope—a fleeting moment of light in the vast desert. The flying octopus follows, a shadow, silently accompanying him. When fear creeps in, it becomes the embodiment of his anxiety, a reminder to confront the darkness within. The piano's melody, slow and steady like the turtle's pace, teaches him to coexist with his past and release the pains he cannot control. Each note is a step toward healing, a quiet surrender of the weight on his soul. As he approaches the spaceship, ready to launch, he feels the urge to escape—yet it also symbolizes the endless farewells and the impermanence of life itself. Throughout his journey, the traveler begins to understand that impermanence is the nature of existence. Each loss leads to rebirth, each meeting is fleeting, a brief spark of light before it fades. He arrives at a door that once beckoned to him. Beyond it, darkness and light intertwine, but he no longer fears it. He stands still, gazing at the moonlight. As the fears and uncertainties within him fade, he smiles softly, closing the door behind him. The moonlight reflects his face, an ephemeral light that hints at eternity. The piano’s melody returns—not as comfort, but as a release. In this moment, he accepts the transient nature of life, embracing the beauty in letting go. In the song of impermanence, he learns to embrace loss, rebuild hope, and let the light shine beyond time, everlasting. 0:03:31 Taiwan
Labora pro nobis / Work for us The Earth’s natural environment - not of your navel, not of your room, football field, city or region: of the EARTH! - is in DANGER! To solve the different problems of the environment and live all in a better world also needs... 0:03:00 Italy
Encounters A conversation with an anonymous fossil, who has a lot to tell. 0:02:00 Italy
Ventotene does not fear the wind The Island of Ventotene is one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean Sea. Let's follow the Class 2 in a 3-days school residence, guided by Michele Lariccia. 0:04:00 Italy
Ode to the Climate The evidence of the climatic changes pushes the Humans to ask Mother Nature "why?". Her answer is: «Not me, but you, rebellious Humans, transfigure me for egoistic purposes». This Ode to the Climate might be the last invocation before the catastrophe, or an appeal to human intelligence. Performed and filmed during the first dramatic lockdown, in distance teaching and learning (April-june 2020). 0:02:00 Italy
BADWOODS Animated short about environmental pollution with an eco-educational overtone. A kind soul wanders into the forest and creates the film's main character - Trashy - from discarded garbage. Trashy gets to know nature and discovers how indifferent people are to it. His path, full of suffering, leads through the forest to a recycling yard in Sorttown. In the end, the main character sacrifices himself to improve the situation in the region and his soul flies off to find a new body. 0:14:30 Czech Republic
Deodar - Roots of Paradise Deodar - Roots of Paradise Basically, this film is based on the majestic Deodar forests and their spiritual, cultural, and ecological significance. Deodar is more than just a film—it is a heartfelt tribute to the timeless bond between nature and humanity. The narrative explores the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, showcasing the vital role these ancient trees play in our environment and heritage. As a filmmaker, I wanted to capture the soul of these towering sentinels, which have stood witness to history, myths, and generations of human existence. The film highlights the urgent need for conservation, shedding light on the threats posed by deforestation and climate change. Through poetic visuals, immersive storytelling, and deep emotional connections, Deodar seeks to evoke a sense of responsibility and reverence for nature. With this film, I hope to inspire audiences to see trees not just as resources, but as living entities with stories of their own—guardians of our past and pillars of our future. 0:09:44 Not Specified
Stone Age Stone Age wasn't over because they ran out of stones. I created “The Stone Age” in 2007. As a geology graduate, I was well aware of the climate change issues humanity was heading toward. This was not the case for most other people at that time, and my short film was not understood. Today, the climate crisis is a central topic in public opinion. I re-edited the short film, making some changes to update it with current scientific language. I believe my short film is still highly relevant. Unfortunately, the quality is from 2007 (SD 720x576 16:9). I hope it can be considered for your festival based on its content. 0:01:38 Italy
Down To Earth Down to Earth is a documentary that highlights real human experiences of climate change from around the world. Stripping away politics and ideology, it focuses on personal stories and the tangible impacts on communities. The film brings the conversation back to what truly matters—people and their connection to the changing planet. It features students from 15 different countries, uniting them under one story: climate change is not a looming threat of the future; it is a reality today—a reality that impacts billions of people worldwide. In the face of it, we are all snails in a race we didn’t choose. And yet, the race is on. 0:24:31 Slovenia
Axe Two ax characters who are in love with each other spend happy hours in the forest with a grinder. Since they are axes, they are forced to cut trees by the hand that uses them. This time, cutting down the trees hurts their friend, the bird, and the bird dies. In the meantime, the ax woman is very affected by this incident... 0:06:00 Iran, Islamic Republic of
Capacity An old man goes fishing, but he has principles for himself. 0:03:00 Iran, Islamic Republic of
Water Star Medicine Dr. Lisa Spencer assigns her Santa Fe middle school students the study of water. They traveled to sites to explore the Rio Grande, drought in New Mexico, and farming in the desert by early Pueblo peoples. Interviews were conducted that include the research of New Zealand Māori Scientist, Veda Austin. This film also explores water beyond the science realm to include the emotional, historic, and spiritual power of water. It also explores water being from outer space, perhaps from asteroids, and the study of water on Mars. About 10% of the footage is from various NASA stock footage. This film won Audience Choice Award for middle school films in New Mexico. 0:08:05 United States, United States
REBIRTH This 3D digital art conveys the intricate connections between the human body, mind, spirit, and the natural world, highlighting the healing energy that flows within. It explores the dynamic interplay between the macrocosmic physical world and landscapes and the microcosmic plant veins, cells, and neural networks, all influencing and connecting with each other, with 3D techniques of Maya, Zbrush, Blender, and Gaea, and 2D techniques of AE. 0:02:23 China
Nature’s Bandage Wars don't just kill people when they happen. Wars have often been judged in terms of their human casualties. There have not been many investigations into how wars pollute the environment. Wars always leave a toxic legacy that continue to hurt for a long time, impacting even future generations. The documentary explores the science of phytoremediation, which is an eco-friendly, organic and sustainable approach that uses plants and microorganisms to detoxify war zones. Dr. Liz Rylott, a leading scientist from the UK, narrates the innovations, prospects and challenges she has faced in this field. This documentary is also the story of a little girl who fell in love with the world of plants as she grew up and took on a mission to heal the wounds left by wars on Mother Earth. The documentary presents phytoremediation as a ray of hope for a world ravaged by war. 0:22:50 India
Antarctica Antarctica – an infinite world of fearfully hanging glaciers cut by malicious cracks. Biting cold, cunning climate and countless secrets waiting to be revealed. The documentary takes viewers on a journey with the bulgarian famous musicians Theodosii Spasov and Hari Tsvyatkov to the ice continent. They will perform a concert for the most unconventional audience on Earth - a large colony of penguins. For the first time Bulgarian musicians create music in the coldest place on the planet, inspired by the majestic nature. I am the director, screenwriter and cinematographer of the film. 0:16:57 Bulgaria
Robot's Fall in Love ! "Iliya Bot" is an animated short film designed for children, teaching them the values of kindness and compassion. Through music and adventure, Iliya—a caring and intelligent robot—guides children on a journey to discover how small acts of kindness can brighten the world. With a heart full of love and a mission to spread joy, Iliya inspires young minds to choose empathy over conflict, making the world a better place, one kind act at a time. But Iliya Bot is more than just an animated film—it’s a cultural message. In a world where humans sometimes drift away from kindness and love, Iliya shows that compassion isn’t exclusive to people. Even robots can embody care, empathy, and the spirit of service. Rather than using direct messages or rigid slogans, the film takes a creative and engaging approach to teaching children that kindness is a choice that comes from the heart. Through Iliya’s warmth, music, and adventure, kids will learn that small acts of love can shape a brighter, more compassionate future. More than just entertainment, Iliya Bot is a heartfelt invitation to create a world where kindness, love, and empathy know no limits.At its core, the story asks: "Can we, as humans, be as kind as a robot? If every child chooses kindness like Iliya today, what will the world look like in 20 years?" 0:02:00 Not Specified
Fallen Piece The film revolves around a person who is concerned about cleanliness and feels bad to see leftover plastic wrappers and all. He tries to bring everyone's attention to the problem of litter and is willing to make them learn the importance of keeping their city and surroundings clean. And for this, he takes an approach that appeals to the youth and all with the help of social media. And he makes some changes in society. 0:05:33 India
Cinders A man ascends through a dry and inhospitable landscape, searching for the appropriate place to perform his intimate and personal rite of expiation, as a vital need to reconnect with his environment and his present. 0:07:28 Spain
ABIGAIL'S DRESS A little girl receives the perfect dress on her birthday, but it is a bit too large. We watch as she wears this favorite dress throughout the seasons and the years. Finally, cleaning and repairing it for the thrift shop for another little girl. Recycle, Reuse and Donate 0:02:12 United States, United States
The walkway Through a direct recording of what happens around the San Marcos Sierras walkway (Province of Córdoba, Rep. Argentina), this film attempts to revalue the poetic and transcendent meaning of the simple flow of everyday acts and the transformations of nature. 0:29:59 Argentina
Let’s Lower Our Gaze Erika Rodríguez is an independent rescuer who, living in a low-income neighborhood, has managed to transform the reality of stray dogs and cats in her community. Thanks to his efforts, he has not only managed to significantly reduce and control the number of abandoned animals, but has also inspired others to join the cause. 0:24:11 Mexico
Power plant Power Plant I love you This is a music animation completed by my father and I, the song comes from the city I have been to, the city has a thermal power plant, this is the city where my father lived, there are many memories of him, I write these bits and pieces into a song, and make it! 0:03:21 United States
Atomic Enthusiasts Ural radiobiologists and radioecologists have been traveling annually for forty years to the place where the East-Ural Radiation Trace is located. It arose as a consequence of the first largest radiation accident in the USSR, which occurred in 1957. The epicenter of the accident is still unfit for human life. This trace is one of the three places in the world that provide an opportunity to observe the effects of radionuclides on plants and animals in their natural habitat, which is impossible in laboratory conditions. Modern scientists have been able to identify unique patterns that occur to an ecosystem under the influence of radiation over long periods of time. These studies make it possible to use this knowledge in a practical way: in the field of human safety. Thus, destroying stereotypes and fears related to nuclear energy. 1:01:22 Russian Federation
Sinfonía incompleta de artesanías de Fonce Using audiovisual tourism, the camera reveals inaccessible places and shows us wonderful machines and crafts that are not known to the public. These secrets that are kept there are ancestral works of these lands that are used for the processing and transportation of coffee. The fique fiber gives a special bouquet to this drink, but unfortunately these are traditions that are being lost but not the tenacity of the people's work. 0:15:54 Colombia