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

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.📝 Show Notes:In this episode, we discuss:

🎬 The origin story of the New York Climate Film Festival🌍 Why climate is as much a cultural issue as a scientific one🧠 How experimental and narrative formats push climate storytelling forward🤝 Collaborations between artists, scientists, and curators🎥 What Alec looks for in a festival film submission

🛠️ The real challenges (and joys) of building a niche film festival

🔊 The underrated power of good sound in indie filmmaking🐝 Highlighting “Keeper,” a touching short film about beekeeping and family in the Bronx📈 Hopes for the future of media, festivals, and climate narratives

🎬 Mentioned Films & Resources:

One With the Whale – a coming-of-age climate story set in the Aleutian IslandsKeeper by Hannah Rafkin – a short film about a father-daughter beekeeping duoClimate storytelling resources:
Good Energy PlaybookClimate Spring (UK)Earth Angel (sustainable production)Albert (BAFTA’s sustainability program)

W: https://www.climatefilmfest.com

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