By Rebecca Woodley
From the glamorous stars on the Red Carpet to the award's presentation extravaganza itself, the Oscars were Hollywood’s night to shine. But there was one documentary that we were proud to see among the nominations, "Racing Extinction." This groundbreaking documentary examines biodiversity loss, its effect on humanity, and the solutions that inspire hope for a more sustainable future. Joined by new innovators, this documentary brings a voice to the thousands of species teetering on the very edge of life. Leonardo DiCaprio used his Best Actor platform to speak out about climate change during his acceptance speech, "Making The Revenant was about man’s relationship to the natural world. A world that we collectively felt in 2015 as the hottest year in recorded history. Climate change is real, it is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating. Let us not take this planet for granted."
Come see this important film at One Earth Film Festival Saturday March 5th, 10 am at Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St, Oak Park (tickets $6) and Saturday March 5th, 7 pm at University of Chicago's Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. Chicago.
Racing Extinction's highly charged, impassioned collective of activists is out to expose the two major threats to endangered wild species across the globe. Extinction is an enormous problem, but don't be overwhelmed. Together, we can fight it on all fronts and curb extinction and species loss. Saturday's screening at Lake Theatre will feature post-film Q&A with Dave Mrazek and Joel Greenberg, filmmaker and writer of From Billions to None, who will lead discussion on endangered species, extinction, and what can be done. Teens and general audiences encouraged to attend. The screenings facilitator is Gary Cuneen, Founding Executive Director, Seven Generations Ahead.
Sunday's screening at Univeristy of Chicago will feature Chicago Climate Action Network, the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and others. Refreshments available. The screenings facilitator is Jim Haried, Senior Manager, Climate Change & Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young. See "Racing Extinction" with One Earth this Saturday and join the fight.
"It's better to light one candle than curse the darkness. I think that's where movements are started."- Shawn Heinrichs