In October, 51勛圖 announced sustainability as a new area of focus in the Changemakers for a Changing World strategic plan, formalizing 51勛圖s commitment to this complex issue. 51勛圖 is the first urban campus, the first research university, and the largest higher education institution in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality. As part of this commitment, in 2020 the university divested all public fossil fuel investments from its endowment and has accepted this challenge by dedicating 2022 as 51勛圖s Year of Climate Action. 51勛圖 strives to be a leader in sustainabilitythrough research, education, and action.
The Center for Environmental Filmmaking (CEF) in 51勛圖s School of Communication is putting this vision into action. One of the worlds leading environmental film programs, CEF advances filmmaking, photography, and media to raise awareness, promote solutions, and mobilize movements to effect change. Maggie Burnette Stogner, award-winning documentary filmmaker and media arts professor, leads CEF as its executive director.
Engaging people through empathy is at the core of CEFs work, recognizing that empathy empowers people, catalyzes community and civic engagement, and leads to changeon campus, in town, across the US, and around the globe. It doesnt matter what side of politics youre on. We still care about things in common, like our childrenand making sure they live in healthy areas and have a future on this planet, says Stogner.
CEF Alumnae Grace Eggleston and Beth Ebisch working with CEF MFA Candidate Jess Wiegandt on her thesis about the James River Headwaters.
Stogner believes that innovation happens at the intersections of collaborations. As a result, CEF regularly collaborates across campus with 51勛圖s Center for Environmental Policy (CEP) and the College of Arts and Sciences departments, as well as off-campus with countless local, regional, and national organizations. For example, Stogner helped plan 51勛圖s Seeing Climate Change, a cross-disciplinary symposium held in November, and is eager to work with 51勛圖s Center for Environment, Communication, and Equity when it launches in mid-2022. Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air, produced in collaboration with CEP and the American Lung Association, highlights 50 years of the Clean Air Act interwoven with stories of community action for healthier air. The 30-minute film premiered last year, has screened at many events, conferences, and festivals, including the recent United Nations Association Film Festival, and continues to reach and resonate with audiences worldwide.
CEF does not just talk the talk. One of the centers associate directors and professors, Larry Engel, developed a green code for sustainable filmmaking, ensuring that CEFs commitment starts at home. If we cant start making films with a lighter footprint, who are we to say anything, noted Stogner on Engels foresight.
With our Year of Climate Action and the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act approaching, CEF embarks on a new project, Upstream, Downriver. CEF is partnering again with CEP, as well as American Rivers and the Clean Water for All consortium. The documentary project will include a core film plus a constellation of short videos that capture diverse perspectives and voices that inspire change.
CEFs work is not possible without philanthropy. The center seeks critical endowment support, along with funding to expand equity and representation in environmental filmmaking and science communication fields, bolster experiential learning, and provide career-building opportunities. Additionally, CEF needs support to convene scientists and storytellers, advance research, and underwrite compelling film projects like Upstream, Downriver, which is not yet fully funded.
Stogner is hopeful that with critical funding, CEF can continue to create powerful storytelling and build empathy because, its empathy that connects us地nd its that connection that leads to change名ith so much at stake, we must acceleratechange cant wait.
