Film and Video: A Catalyst for Systems Change

This panel discussion will bring together three filmmakers working at the intersection of social impact, sustainability and climate justice to explore the transformative power of film and video beyond what most people think of it as. They will delve into how film can touch hearts and minds, perhaps one of the most overlooked, most effective systemic change tools. The conversation will highlight the stark contrast between the superficial engagement with buzzwords and acronyms like DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), or SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) goals, and the profound impact of witnessing these concepts in action through cinema, or well designed video production. The panelists will discuss how films that showcase conservation efforts can inspire millions in funding, and how stories of lives transformed by DEI initiatives or the implementation of an SDG goal can deeply influence leaders. They will argue that film is not merely a “nice to have” to annual marketing and communications strategies, especially in the realm of sustainability, but a vital, essential, powerful tool for communication and a business imperative. This session aims to underscore the role of video content in driving systemic change over time and reiterate its critical importance in our efforts to effect positive change, by showing powerful examples and leaving room for questions and guidelines for annual video budget recommendations.