For Your Viewing Pleasure: Film and the Environment

At one point or another, we have all scrolled past a documentary on Netflix or Disney+. Typically, during this brief encounter, I would make a remark somewhere along the lines of “who would want to watch a documentary for fun?”

Well, I now can say that I am a prime example of someone who would, in fact, watch a documentary for fun.

I am probably biased in the sense that I only really search for environmental documentaries to watch. Filled with science, statistics, and in-depth explanations, I find myself learning new things about a topic I am passionate about each time I watch one.

However, I want to show other people that watching a documentary, even ones that are science-heavy such as environmental films, can, in fact, be an enjoyable experience. They are not all full of pompous and overbearing scientists that just spit out facts.

That is why I have compiled a environmental film bucket list! These are the absolute must-see documentaries that are informative yet enjoyable enough that you can watch them on a Friday night!

#1: Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Streaming Service: Netflix

As the title states, this eight part documentary series stars High School Musical heartthrob, Zac Efron. However, in contrast to his typical song and dance routine, this series shows Zac Efron traveling around the world to learn more about environmental issues, countries’ responses to them, and how to develop a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

The TV series aired in early July of 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. So, naturally, what else better was there to do than sit down and watch a documentary series with Zac Efron in it?

Efron, accompanied by wellness expert Darin Ollen, traveled to a new country each episode to explore the country’s sustainable living practices, efforts to combat climate change, and meet some interesting people along the way.

The show includes discussions about the use of geothermal energy as a means for cleaner electricity, France’s push towards a single-use plastic water bottle free society, and London’s implementation of green walls (highly suggest you check this idea out if you don’t know what they are).

While the show incorporates heavy topics based in science, the duo are able to create light atmosphere for the show by also exploring methods of clean living and personal wellness. They also take the time in each episode to meet people from the country which allows the series to feel more relatable.

This selection is great for anyone who is starting out in the world of documentaries and wants a light start. Down to Earth is able to educate the viewers while still making them feel as if they are watching a tv sitcom.

Down to Earth has eight, forty-minute episodes and can be streamed on Netflix. There are rumors that there will be a second season which will be released sometime in late 2021 (Yay!).

Trust me, this is a must watch and it is easily a binge-worthy show!

#2: Before the Flood

Streaming Service: Disney+ and Amazon Prime

Among all of the streaming platforms, it is well established that Disney+ takes the cake for their nature documentaries. From films following individual, young animals’ journeys to films covering historical events such as the Amoco Cadiz Oil Spill, it seem that Disney+ has it all.

Disney+ has even partnered with National Geographic to create over thirty films, which each look at an aspect of the environment or the scientists at the forefront.

Needless to say, there are countless options for those who want to watch an interesting nature film and have a subscription to Disney+. However, I have found one of Disney+’s featured films in particular to be extremely interesting. That film is National Geographic and Fischer Stevens’ Before the Flood.

A nature film with another star-studded cast, Before the Flood  features Leonardo DiCaprio as its leading man. As well as being a famous actor, in 2014, Leonardo DiCaprio was named an United Nations Messenger of Peace “with a special focus on climate change” (Secretary-General Designates Leonardo DiCaprio as United Nations Messenger of Peace).

The film follows Leonardo as he “travels the globe to see the impact of climate change first hand, as well to see what society can do to save the planet” (18 of the Best Nature Documentaries). The film explores affected communities, investigates possible solutions, and includes interviews with several important figures such as Pope Francis and Barack Obama.

In a style similar to Down to Earth with Zac Efron,  Stevens creates a film that allows viewers to see, up close and personal, the serious effects of climate change on the world around us. While climate change may not visibly be affecting your “personal world”, the film strives to make viewers realize that the issue is still present, whether we see it or not.

The hour and a half long documentary can be found on both Disney+ and Amazon Prime. This film is a great selection for those who which to get a much broader overview of the issue as well as hear the opinions of our world’s leaders.

#3: A Life on Our Planet

Streaming Service: Netflix

For my final selection, we have a David Attenborough film!

For those of you who do not know, David Attenborough has been one of the leading figures in the discussion of climate change since the conversation basically started. Sir David Attenborough has been traveling the globe and documenting all of his travels since 1952, leading him to be considered the communicator of all thing environmental.

Fun fact: Sir David Attenborough joined Instagram right before the film’s release and “broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest time anyone has ever reached one million followers” (Travel+Leisure). His Insta handle is @davidattenborough !

However, since he has been documenting our Earth for over 68 years, he has witnessed first-hand the radical changes that Earth is undergoing due to climate change. Thus, his films, especially A Life on Our Planet, work to demonstrate, to the viewer, humanity’s impact on the world.

This film is the highly anticipated recount of Sir David Attenborough’s life and personal experiences. The film also provides an opportunity for Sir David Attenborough to speak candidly about the situation as well as possible solutions.

I cannot say more on the film because I also have yet to see it, due to the fact it was released less than a month ago on September 28th, 2020. However, I am so excited to sit down and watch this film! Sir David Attenborough is one of the most knowledgeable individuals in regards to how climate change has directly affected our world.

I highly recommend this film for anyone who has a budding interest in climate change or for those who have no interest in the topic. It is important to just be aware of climate change and the threat it poses to life on Earth as we know it. This film could provide you with the basics, or it could spark a deeper passion.

What You Can Do

Well, for this week’s blog, I think it’s obvious that you should watch a nature film or tv show!

My other suggestion is that, if you happen to watch any of these films, leave a comment about what you thought about it! It is always great to use media sources as a means to start a meaningful conversation!

Finally, if you have any personal nature film favorites, leave them as a comment down below as well! I am always looking for new films!

Broaden your World (Sources)

Secretary-General Designates Leonardo DiCaprio as United Nations Messenger of Peace