THE FALCONER

Annie Kaempfer/2021/75 min/Wildlife, Conservation, Environmental & Social Justice, Youth

FILM DESCRIPTION: “The Falconer” is a documentary feature that captures beauty and hope. This is a story of second chances: for injured birds of prey, for an abandoned plot of land, for a group of teenagers who have dropped out of high school, and for Rodney himself.

This intimate portrait film follows master falconer Rodney Stotts on his mission to build a bird sanctuary and provide access to nature for his stressed community. “The Falconer” weaves Rodney's present-day mission with the story of his past, both of which are deeply rooted in issues of social and environmental injustice, and consistently orient the viewer to his worldview: nature heals.

AWARDS: 1) 2021 1st Prize Storyteller's Award, Destiny City Film Festival. 2) 2020 Winner, Best Outdoor/Environmental Feature, Bend Film Festival.

MARDI & THE WHITES

Paula Champagne/2022/11 min/Wildlife, Conservation, People & Culture, Youth

FILM DESCRIPTION: Mardi Fuller has a rich relationship with nature that has evolved and deepened throughout her life. In the last 20 years she’s dedicated much of her time to exploring the landscape in the White Mountains (unfortunately coined “The Whites” by New Englanders) on Abenaki land. In that time Mardi summited all forty-eight 4,000 footers multiple times, often as the only Black person on the mountain. She has experienced great joy from communing with this landscape, but the overwhelmingly white hiking community that is so steeped in white supremacy and colonialism complicates her experiences. Recently, she has focused on creating more opportunities for Black folks to join her in appreciating this magnificent wilderness. Enjoying this land with her community has been a liberating balm that has strengthened her sense of identity as an outdoorswoman. 

"PG-13" May contain heavy themes, graphic images or language. Teens and young adults encouraged to attend.

Post-film discussion was streamed to virtual watch party and to all in person nature centers and churches .

Welcome/Closer:

• Manolo A., One Earth Youth Advisory Council Member

Co-Facilitators:

• Maia N., One Earth Youth Advisory Council Member
• Liam S., One Earth Youth Advisory Council Member

Panelists:

• Rodney Stotts, Film Subject, The Falconer; Master Falconer, Rodney's Raptors
• Sebastian D., Youth Leader, Revolutionary Oak Park Action League (ROYAL)
• Ethan H., Youth Leader, BUILD Chicago's Austin Grown program

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