Earth on Screen
April brings Earth Day, and this month we’re highlighting films that explore our relationship with land, environment, and community. These stories remind us that cinema isn’t just something we watch. It’s something that helps us see the world differently. Here are a few films we’ve loved at AIFF and beyond that continue to resonate today.
Watermark
Director: Jennifer Baichwal
Watermark is a visually stunning documentary that explores the global relationship between water and human life. Moving across continents, the film captures both the scale of industrial use and the fragility of natural ecosystems.
From massive engineered landscapes to disappearing waterways, it invites us to consider how deeply water shapes our world and how we, in turn, shape it. It’s an immersive and quietly powerful reflection on resource, responsibility, and the systems we often take for granted. (Available on Apple TV)
Standing Above the Clouds
Director: Jalena Keane-Lee
AIFF Official Selection (2024)
Standing Above the Clouds follows a Native Hawaiian mother and daughter as they stand at the forefront of a movement to protect Mauna Kea. What unfolds is both deeply personal and politically charged, rooted in questions of land, identity, and belonging.
The film offers a grounded perspective on environmental stewardship, where protecting the land is inseparable from protecting culture and community. The short version captures the emotional core of a much larger and ongoing story. (Available online)
In the Quiet and the Dark
Director: Nance Ackerman
AIFF Official Selection (2023)
In the Quiet and the Dark follows one woman’s effort to protect Eastern Hemlock forests from an invasive, tree-killing insect. Through immersive footage of old-growth landscapes, the film captures both the beauty of these ecosystems and the urgency of what’s at risk.
Blending science with community knowledge, it offers a thoughtful reflection on our role in caring for the natural world. With its calm, observational approach, the film invites us to consider how we engage with the environments that sustain us. (Available on CBC Gem)
Looking to explore more environmental stories?
The National Film Board of Canada offers a curated screening catalogue that can be filtered by environmental themes, featuring a wide range of documentaries and short films. It’s a great place to discover more stories that reflect on our relationship with the natural world. You can browse their environmental collection here.
Looking Ahead
These films remind us that stories rooted in place, environment, and community are more important than ever. Whether through global perspectives or local voices, they help us better understand the world we live in and the role we play within it. This April, we invite you to take a moment, slow down, and engage with stories that ask us to listen more closely. Stay tuned for more AIFF Film Recommendations throughout the year.
(Image sources: IMDb and official distributor materials)