By Mabel Pais

The ONE EARTH FILM FESTIVAL returns April 17 to 23, 2024, in partnership with the City of Chicago’s Department of Environment for its 13th festival season. Five days of in-person screenings at over 14 locations across the greater Chicago area will be followed by two days of virtual screenings. The 2024 festival opens with its annual opening night launch party at the LEED Certified B-Corp Radio Flyer headquarters on April 17, offering both in-person and virtual participation.

In observance of Earth Day 2024, One Earth will co-host an annual park clean-up at Columbus Park in Chicago’s Austin community on April 20 at 9:00 a.m. with BUILD Chicago, Chicago Park District, the Field Museum, NCH2, Columbus Park Naturalists/Stewards, and Interfaith Green Network.

The annual Earth Day action fair and indoor market at the Chicago Cultural Center will precede the acclaimed film, “Common Ground,” and offer opportunities for community activism on April 21.

The Festival chose the theme “Reel Stories. Real Change.” to encapsulate the power of storytelling to effect meaningful shifts in attitudes and behaviors towards climate change and the fight for environmental justice. By sharing authentic human experiences and truths about climate change, these stories hold the power to catalyze real change across all spheres.

This year’s films highlight revolutionary climate action on topics ranging from water and energy conservation; to the fights against environmental racism in the U.S., Central America, and Africa; and sustainable food and regenerative agriculture. Post-screening panel discussions with distinguished experts feature diverse voices, including leading climate scientists, passionate grassroots community activists, inspiring film subjects, and visionary filmmakers. These conversations shed light on pressing environmental issues and empower audiences with action steps to confront climate change and champion environmental justice in their communities.

“Since its inception, and in this crucial election year, One Earth has stressed the importance of taking collective action,” said Ana Garcia Doyle, Executive Director of One Earth Collective. “Film is a powerful way to spur us toward social change and collective action. Much environmental communication heavily depends on data, but that’s not going to change hearts. The stories told through film invoke our empathy and spur our will to act. We must pull together to make a real impact. The urgency is now.”

OFFICIAL SELECTION AND SCHEDULE

New screenings are being added. Schedule subject to change. Most events are free. Please see oneearthfilmfest.org/films-by-date for trailers, tickets, and the most updated information. Check the website for early opening times, with the chance to enjoy refreshments and tabling with action partner organizations. 

Opening Launch Party

April 17, 6 p.m. CDT | Radio Flyer

Upstream Downriver + Wings of Dust

April 18, 5 p.m. CDT | Epiphany Center

April 18, 5:15 p.m. CDT | Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Earthbound: Nzambi Matee + A Good Neighbor

April 19, 6 p.m. CDT | Unity Temple, Triton College and “View & Brew” at Kehrein Center

Young Filmmaker Voices

For Families with Kids Age 7 to 12+ | April 20, 1:30 p.m. CDT | Oak Park Public Library

Razing Liberty Square

April 20, 6 p.m. CDT | Bethel New Life

 Common Ground

April 21, 1:30 p.m. CDT | Chicago Cultural Center, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Illinois Institute of Technology, Three Brothers Theater, and Oak Park Public Library

Patrol

April 22, 6 p.m. CDT | Virtual

Carbon: The Unauthorized Biography

April 23, 6 p.m. CDT | Virtual

April Earth Day Celebration Apr 21, 2024

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A ONE-STOP SHOP AT THE WELLNESS FAIR CAN BE FUN!

By Mabel Pais

Who knew that being healthy could be so much fun? The NJPAC Wellness Fair is your one-stop-shop for FREE and creative health resources.

Hop on a stationary bike attached to a blender and pedal your way to a yummy smoothie treat. Or experience a reiki circle and get moving at a soul line dancing class. The annual NJPAC Wellness Fair offers health screenings, mental health resources and heaping doses of fun.

New for 2024: A “Passport to Health” bingo card! Collect stamps at the Wellness Fair and get entered into a raffle to win fabulous prizes including two round trip tickets on United Airlines and two tickets to a performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

SCHEDULE

Find your zen with I’m So Yoga:

11:00 AM: Soundbath

12:00 PM: Restorative Yoga

1:00 PM: Meditation

Get your groove on during our three dance breaks:

11:30 AM: Traditional African Dance with Karen Miles

12:30 PM: Jersey Club with Anthony Harris

1:30 PM: Soul Line Dance with Najah Riker

Other Wellness Fair highlights include:

Vision screenings from Eyes Like Mine Inc.

Mental health resources from Horizon, including coverage information

LGBTQ+ health resources from NJCRI

Chair massage from A Friend in Knead

Aphasia quiz with Adler Aphasia Center

Arts activity with Newark School of the Arts

Craft activity with The Newark Museum of Art

Newark history quiz with New Community Corporation

Financial tips from Valley Bank

Hand mandala with RU-N Health Promotion Division

Mammogram Screening

New! Sign up for your annual mammogram with University Hospital’s Mobile Mammography Unit. Sign up at forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=DtvLwCYxAE-kLlocETexRUvVagNAJ-9OmIG5r305ewZUODNBUzA1QkRNRkRONk9SMllBRENKWjJEOS4u&origin=QRCode

Note: Accepts both insured and uninsured individuals, must be over 40 and register in advance. 

REGISTRATION

Registration is required to attend the Wellness Fair.

Register at njpac.org/event/2024-wellness-fair/#register 

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

Learn more at NJPAC.org.

(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, and Business)