Q: What did you learn from making this film?
Ann Kaneko: This film really gave me a much much deeper understanding of where we live and how California was settled--a sense of how we are connected to living in this place. The story of the forced removal is the story of all indigenous people in this country. It made me feel how we are so close to all these histories. It’s not just a historical film; it's trying to show our ties to where we have been and where we come from.
Q: What picture did you get of U.S. environmental justice?
A: Well, there really wasn't any justice for the people of Flint. There was no satisfactory outcome and still isn't. Obviously, there are now charges being faced by officials involved, from [former Michigan] Gov. [Rick] Snyder, which in a sense is some kind of turning against the state of affairs today.
Ever wondered how the films for One Earth Film Festival are selected? Reviewing films is a volunteer role, and one way that you can get involved with the film fest next year. Film reviewing usually starts in the summer—we call it our "summer movie club."
Many film festivals seek submissions, but we have a unique model in that we go out looking for the best of the best films from all over the world. We look at other film festivals, industry awards, what's hot in popular culture, and recommendations from festival friends.
We’re happy to have filmmakers (directors, producers, film subjects, and writers) joining us for 14 festival programs during our 10th anniversary run. The filmmakers listed below will be participating virtually from around the globe in post-viewing panel discussions. Click on the film names below to book free tickets (for most events) and ask questions via live chat.
Q: What is the focus of your film?
A: The film looks at colonization and the destruction of food systems, and at those attempting to revive them. It focuses on areas that were colonized post-1870s, west of the Mississippi—places where I could find the essential imagery, the photographic evidence, I needed to tell these stories. The challenge was to hone a very large subject scope into something based in image. Structure is essential in film, as are length considerations, as is, of course, finding the best stories to tell.
Our 10th anniversary launch party mixologist, Dave Hudson, author of “A Year of Magical Drinking: Cocktails in the Time of COVID,” created this drink—Turmeric Beer (non-alcoholic) One Earth Mule (with alcohol)—just for our filmmakers toast (link to invite page), happening this Friday at 6 p.m. Join us!
