Local producers are raising funds for a different kind of climate change film.

"Are you concerned about our changing world?" That's how retired marine scientist John Anderson starts the climate change talks he's been giving around Grey/Bruce for over 4 years. Two years ago, John asked poet/filmmaker Liz Zetlin to help him turn his talks into a different kind of climate change film, one that charts a hopeful course for the future. Now after much planning and filming, co-producers John and Liz are launching a GoFundMe campaign (gf.me/u/hwrz8z) to ask for the community's help to complete the film, Resilience: Transforming our Community.

"Our climate is changing more than it has for millions of years. Many are concerned, but it's so hard to know where to start. Change our light bulbs? Drive less? Eat less meat? These are all doable," says John Anderson, "but the trouble is, if we act as individuals, it's just too little. If we wait for governments to take action, it will be too late. But if we work together as a community, it might just be in time."

"Our vision is that change happens when people understand the risks they face," says John. "Without understanding that our future is going to be very different from what we have known, and much more chaotic, "business as usual" will prevail. How to tell people our future is going to be much more uncertain? Through a story, that's how!"

Local stories include elders' tales (both settlers and First Nations) on how things used to be done "in the old days," to shape the future from past success stories. Local farmers, business and home-owners (lost apple crops, frozen pipes, flooded buildings, etc.) will talk about how they've been impacted and are adapting. Projects such as Eat Local Grey Bruce, Bluewater Trading Community, the Transition movement (Owen Sound, Meaford) and other local groups are leading the way.

The film has three parts: why the world is changing (the science of climate change); how it will affect us in Grey/Bruce (local impacts); and how we could respond (some solutions). The film team includes creative consultant/filmmaker Paul Eichhorn and cinematographer Darlene Vanwyck. The team is partnering with award-winning professional community arts company, Sheatre, who will engage youth in the filming, using scenes created by youth, to highlight the issues around climate change and demonstrate how young people can play a part in creating a resilient community.

The film began as a project of Transition Owen Sound, part of a worldwide movement of communities coming together to re-imagine and rebuild our world. The Community Foundation Grey Bruce and Grey Bruce Sustainability Network also provide support.

The film will be screened to community groups, churches, politicians, and schools, focusing on families and youth, and on social media and at targeted film festivals. There will be facilitated post-screening discussions to give audience members a chance to share their own ideas and join already existing projects.

"We really hope those who are concerned about climate change will feel inspired to take part," says co-producer/director Liz Zetlin. "All funds raised go to local artists and professionals who will help us turn our vision into reality. We plan to release the film in 2019. John and I are donating our time to this project because we are so passionate about this chance to make a difference for our community."

Liz adds: "You can support us at GoFundMe: gf.me/u/hwrz8z; follow us on Facebook: "Resilience: Transforming Our Community"; Twitter: @resiliencedoc1; and Instagram: resiliencedoc. Website: www.resiliencedoc.info

source: media release