EnviroJustice Film, Media and the Arts
From the early days of film—from Lumière's Coolies at Saigon (1897) illustrating life in Vietnam half a century before the outbreak of civil war, to Minamata (1971), the Japanese exposé of mercury poisoning, to Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 911 (2004)—documentary film has demonstrated a special power to influence and move public opinion into social action.
So, too, has the theatre, from the tragedies of Aristotle to modern-day classics like Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun (1959) and Tony Kushner's Angels in America (1991).
At EnviroJustice, we believe strongly in the use of film, media and the arts to support our mission statement — to promote fundamental systemic change, environmental and social justice through education, activism and mobilization from a progressive, faith-based perspective. To that end, we produce documentary films, and, in special cases that reflect and further our mission statement, we assist other filmmakers as fiscal sponsors of projects.
Below are two of our documentary film projects already in production. If you are interested in fiscal sponsorship for a film or other project, please visit our fiscal sponsorship page or contact us for further information.
We are also interested in the development of theatrical works that can be utilized in faith communities and the general public that highlight our work. Below are some of our work along these lines.
EnviroJustice Documentary Film Projects
John Muir's Martinez
Today, if one were to stand on the large hill rising up in the middle of Martinez, California and look to the west one would look down upon the home of John Muir, noted naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club. Martinez was the home of John Muir from 1880 until his death in 1914. But, standing on that same hill in the middle of town if you look to the east you will see oil refineries, chemical plants, and Superfund sites nestled into residential neighborhoods and adjacent to schools.
This hour-long documentary film will examine the challenges a community like Martinez, including its faith communities, faces in creating and maintaining a toxic-free, economically sustainable community in the light of its treasured heritage.
en todo, amor
Tijuana Justice is another segment of the EnviroJustice campaign for safe, sustainable and just communities.
As part of the campaign, EnviroJustice is producing en todo, amor, a documentary film chronicling the thirtieth anniversary of Northern California high school youth mission trips to Mexico to build homes and promote environmental justice for the poorest of the poor in Tijuana.
The film will dramatically show how lives and communities have been changed, not only for the Mexican poor but for the Northern Californian well-to-do.
En todo, amor, in everything, love.
EnviroJustice Theatrical Projects
Still in the preliminary stages, with a working title of Thirsty, a full-length play is being developed that will highlight issues of concern to the EnviroJustice Campaigns for Safe, Sustainable and Just Communities.
Also in preliminary development is another play that will highlight Table Justice, the EnviroJustice Campaign for Safe, Sustainable and Just Sources of Food and Water.
We are also always looking for theatrical projects to pursue, particularly those that can involve youth in the dramatic process.