Human beings love a good story. When a story is compelling, it pulls out an emotional response and connects to an audience in a way that can’t be replicated in anything else. Novels, films, and tales help us learn about the world, give us entertainment, and shape modern culture. They are one of the most powerful tools to connect us with each other and the world around us.
But not all stories are created equal. When it comes to climate specifically, the best stories are those that inspire an audience to take action and protect planet Earth. The Ohana Festival hosts a fantastic stage called Storytellers in the Cove to hear some of the best stories about oceans, environmental activism, nature conservation, and climate topics. Here are seven of the best environmental films from the storytellers at the festival.
Artifishal
From storyteller Bones Murphy comes this documentary film full of an incredible telling of the salmon hatchery industry and the challenge conservationists face in their environmental impact.
Short Surfing Films
How do we best save nature? By connecting with it and immersing ourselves in its beauty. Surfer Leah Dawson does just this through a series of short surfing films.
Racing Extinction
Activists, scientists, environmentalists, and Louie Psihoyos all come together for this thrilling documentary film telling the story of how humanity is responsible for the potential extinction of half of life on Earth.
Sharkwater Extinction
In a sad but very real situation, illegal shark hunting is prominent. This film aims to expose the industry that is putting the very existence of sharks at risk. Captain Paul Watson along with Filmmaker Rob Stewart travel the globe to capture it all.
Seaspiracy
After seeing Seaspiracy, you’ll never think of fish the same way again. Starring Dr. Sylvia Earlle, the human impacts on ocean health and the environment as a whole is documented along with a compelling urge to cease fish consumption altogether.
The Cove
While dolphins are generally regarded as beautiful and intelligent creatures, in Taiji Japan, they are brutally captured and slaughtered. In a dangerous but thrilling hunt for the truth, Louie Psihoyos uncovers and exposes this sad mistreatment and abuse.
How to Change the World
If you’ve heard of Greenpeace, this story is a must-see. Directed by Jerry Rothwell and starring Captain Paul Watson, this film details the incredible founding of the organization. The co-founder Bob Hunter details the commitments to environmental issues that Greenpeace has aimed to solve. Since its conception, this incredible organization has changed the world for the better in ways that are too numerous to count.
Key Takeaways
- By attending Storytellers in the Cove at the Ohana Festival, you will learn about important environmental topics.
- These 7 films will not only educate you, but enable you to take action and make the world a better place.
- Even if you can’t attend the festival, check out these incredible stories on your own or with friends and family.
