University of North Carolina, Greensboro
IN-3: Innovation 3

UNCG Sustainability Film and Discussion Series

The UNCG Sustainability Film & Discussion Series started in the Spring semester of 2007. Since its inception, over 40 films have been screened at no cost to attendees. Each film is picked specifically to connect a campus sustainability initiative with the surrounding community. A loyal following of campus and community members has developed, with typical attendance ranging from 80 - 100 people at each film. In addition, every month new attendees sign up for the sustainability list serv (SUSTAIN-L) which we offer for publicizing campus and community green events.

The films shown include classics such as "An Inconvenient Truth," "King Corn," and "Who Killed the Electric Car?" Some of the films presented were produced by our own faculty, and in these instances the film makers discuss the film and address questions from the audience. The most distinguished guest, Senator George McGovern, came a couple of years ago to lead a discussion around a film he narrated, "Hungry for Green," which coincided with his conference on food. The film was made by UNCG professor Matthew Barr. Due to the large crowd, the event was moved to a larger venue (http://sustain.uncg.edu/hungryforgreen.html).

Another Matt Barr film, "Wild Caught," was screened early on. This production focused on the North Carolina fishing industry. Another UNCG media studies faculty member, Anthony Fragola, led discussion after his film about mafia lands turning into organic farm lands: "Another Corleone: Another Sicily - Living Sustainably in the Land of the Godfather." For a list of films screened, please see: http://sustain.uncg.edu/film_old.html.

In order to show these films for free, several of local businesses have sponsored the series (for an affordable $250 per academic year or a careful $125 per semester) including The Sierra Club, Goat Lady Dairy, The Proximity Hotel, Piedmont Biofuels, Sustainable Health Choices.

A tradition of sponsors and other sustainability-oriented groups bringing materials and information to share before the films start has developed as well. Representatives from Appalachian Voices (http://appvoices.org) have led discussions after several films, and they have brought petitions to address the issue of mountain top removal as it is directly related to energy issues in our area. Other film discussion leaders have included historic preservation authorities and waste reduction/recycling experts.

Two years ago the UNCG Sustainability Shorts Film Competition (http://sustain.uncg.edu/shorts.html) was developed. This short film contest encourages local film makers to create new films addressing issues of sustainability. A reception, including live local music and local food, is held after the event to the winners and all participants.

Finally, one other benefit of the series is that it has promoted a stronger relationship between UNCG and the surrounding community regarding sustainability issues, which impact us all.