EcoFocus Film Initiative

Director

Sara Beresford

Description

High-quality environmental films can simultaneously entertain and educate audiences, and can enable viewers to better understand the scientific and socio-economic principles underlying the impact of human activity on the environment. The aim of the EcoFocus Film Initiative is to inform and inspire the Athens community about environmental issues through the use of film and associated outreach activities. Past festivals have featured films from around the world and included dynamic speakers, guest filmmakers, panel discussions and public events including special programs for children and youth. The primary activity of EcoFocus is an annual environmental film festival that includes award-winning films from the past two years, filmmakers and special guests, and discussion participants from UGA and the Athens community. In addition to the festival, the EcoFocus Film Initiative also presents film screenings and discussions in local schools and year-round film screenings and events.

EcoFocus is a collaborative effort of the Willson Center, the Office of Sustainability, and the Odum School of Ecology, which initiated and houses the festival. It draws upon the expertise of UGA faculty and collaborators from across the country and throughout the greater Athens community. By combining the strengths of local academic and creative groups, and leveraging Athens’ community support of film and the arts, EcoFocus places renewed emphasis on environmental awareness to inspire positive, productive change.

Associates

• Antje Ascheid, Associate Professor, Department of Theatre and Film Studies
• Chris Cuomo, Professor, Department of Philosophy and Institute for Women’s Studies
• John Gittleman, Dean, Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology
• Marilyn Hall, Water Conservation Coordinator, Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department
• Suki Janssen, Waste Reduction Coordinator, Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department, Recycling Division
• Kamala Lyons, Communications Director, Athens Film Arts Institute & Ciné
• Jennifer Smith, Associate Professor, Department of Telecommunication Arts, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication

Affiliates

• Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department, Water Conservation Office
• Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department, Recycling Division
• Athens Film Arts Institute & Ciné
• Department of Philosophy
• Department of Telecommunication Arts, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Institute for Women’s Studies