Cinematic Visions for a Climate Just World: An Evening of Climate Justice Storytelling at the New Parkway Theater

Earlier in October, the New Parkway Theater was filled with guests as the Center for Cultural Power and Movement Generation co-hosted a private community screening, debuting the latest projects from our Climate Woke campaign’s "Create With Us" contest. The event drew a diverse crowd of artists, activists, and community members, all excited to immerse themselves in evocative narratives of climate justice.

The evening began with a powerful welcome from Director of Campaigns, Krystle Edwards who grounded audiences by acknowledging the rich histories and contributions of Black and Indigenous communities especially in the context of recent climate crisis and ongoing and escalated imperial violence in places like Congo and Palestine. Later on, the dynamic climate activist and influencer, Dominique Drakeford, delivered a rousing opening as the host of the event. Her chants and breathwork exercises kept the audience grounded and energized. The night opened with a stirring performance by youth poet Aniya Butler, whose poignant verses resonated deeply: “No more scraping up our last breaths and heartbeats to invest in a system that feeds off our struggles, trauma, & inabilities / no more begging for healthcare, housing, food, water, or life / We live to thrive / In unison with all life, land, and seas.” Butler's words served as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility in shaping the world we inhabit.

This emotional resonance set the tone for the evening’s films starting with the premiere of Lily Xie’s stop-motion animation, “Remembering Our Way Forward.” This short, narrated by members of Movement Generation, tells the story of communities striving to restore a reciprocal balance with the land after centuries of colonial domination. The film focuses on the LandBack movement at the Segorea’Te Land Trust, highlighting that LandBack is not just a metaphor, but the urgent need to Indigenize our relationship with the earth in the pursuit of a just and sustainable future.

Next, was the first screening of Shenny De Los Angeles and Iiritu’s “hija de Florinda,” a haunting yet hopeful exploration of Black life and liberation amidst environmental chaos. Shot in the Everglades, the film follows a Dominican woman returning to her ancestral lands impacted by climate change. With breathtaking imagery of intergenerational Black and brown communities intertwined with nature, it offers a poetic meditation on the spiritual bonds that connect us to the land and each other.

Despite other heavier themes, both films also embody the 2024 Climate Woke theme of Environmental Optimism, leaving audiences inspired to take action. The films’ reverent depictions of nature remind us of its preciousness and power, while also illuminating the possibilities for transforming our world into one where we exist in harmony with nature. During the closing panel discussion, the filmmakers explored the shared narrative of fire present in both films, contrasting the dominant culture’s portrayal of fire as solely destructive. Instead, they offer an Indigenous perspective that sees fire as a generative force, essential for clearing paths for new life and restoring balance.

The panel further explored the complexities of Black and Indigenous sustainable filmmaking. The filmmakers shared their experiences navigating real-life climate catastrophes during production and emphasized how staying community-centered enhanced the authenticity and impact of their projects. Local media group We Rise Production recorded this insightful dialogue, so stay tuned to hear these insights directly from the artists when the podcast is released later this year. 

As the evening drew to a close, audience members lingered, expressing their appreciation and emotional resonance with the films. Many felt seen, inspired, and motivated to mobilize behind climate justice causes.

Remembering Our Way Forward is now available online, and both films are available for community screenings. Reach out to krystle@culturalpower.org to find out how to set up a screening in your community!