Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

Ep 251: Lights, Camera, Climate: Building a Festival for a Warming World


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In this episode, we sit down with Alec, co-founder of the New York Climate Film Festival, to explore how cinema is being used to spark conversations around climate change. From building a community of diverse storytellers to rethinking what climate narratives can look like, Alec shares the journey of starting a film festival focused on one of the most urgent issues of our time. Whether you're a filmmaker, climate advocate, or simply a lover of good stories, this episode uncovers the creative intersections where art meets environmental action.๐Ÿ“ Show Notes:In this episode, we discuss:
  • ๐ŸŽฌ The origin story of the New York Climate Film Festival
  • ๐ŸŒ Why climate is as much a cultural issue as a scientific one
  • ๐Ÿง  How experimental and narrative formats push climate storytelling forward
  • ๐Ÿค Collaborations between artists, scientists, and curators
  • ๐ŸŽฅ What Alec looks for in a festival film submission
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ The real challenges (and joys) of building a niche film festival
  • ๐Ÿ”Š The underrated power of good sound in indie filmmaking
  • ๐Ÿ Highlighting โ€œKeeper,โ€ a touching short film about beekeeping and family in the Bronx
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Hopes for the future of media, festivals, and climate narratives
๐ŸŽฌ Mentioned Films & Resources:
  • One With the Whale โ€“ a coming-of-age climate story set in the Aleutian Islands
  • Keeper by Hannah Rafkin โ€“ a short film about a father-daughter beekeeping duo
  • Climate storytelling resources:
    • Good Energy Playbook
    • Climate Spring (UK)
    • Earth Angel (sustainable production)
    • Albert (BAFTAโ€™s sustainability program)
W: https://www.climatefilmfest.com
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Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien SwabyBy Damien Swaby

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