UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As part of its "Intersections" film program, Penn State Sustainability (SustainPSU) is hosting a final spring online screening of two short films that feature people working to create more resilient biological communities while cultivating their own personal resilience. The films will be screened at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2.
“This screening is a fitting finale to our year-long theme of ‘Mind Over Matter,’” said Grant Rowe, public programming coordinator for Penn State Sustainability. “We have focused our films this year on stories of strengthening personal resilience and reconnecting to one’s values while addressing sustainability challenges. These final two films exemplify that theme beautifully.”
Masha Karpoukhina’s “Last of the Nightingales” explores the work of Bernie Krause, a pioneering acoustic ecologist who studies the soundscapes of natural ecosystems. Krause is trying to come to terms with the meaning of 30 years of recordings, which clearly reveal lasting impacts, not readily apparent by sight alone, on natural areas affected by climate change and disasters. The haunted soundscapes left behind leave many questions for viewers, as well. (Note that this film is best appreciated when viewed with high-quality speakers or headphones.)
In Andrew Nadkarni’s “Between Earth and Sky,” viewers follow renowned biologist Nalini Nadkarni, known as the “Queen of the Rainforest Canopy,” who has her own limited edition Barbie doll that celebrates her accomplishments as a leading scientist of the rainforests. But when Nadkarni suffers a near-fatal fall from a tree, she has a chance to reconsider the concept of balance, recognizing the need for it in her own life as well as in nature.
The film will be introduced by Nalini Nadkarni herself, who will provide participants with perspective on how to process ecological disorder wrought by climate change and still find value and meaning in our altered landscapes and futures.
"Intersections" films are free and open to all. Pre-registration is required at this link.
Note: The screening starts at 8 p.m., an hour later than the usual start time for "Intersections" films. An in-person screening at the Arboretum at Penn State was originally planned, but these films will instead screen online only. There will be no post-film panel discussion.
"Intersections" is currently starting its sixth year and has drawn nearly 7,000 attendees to more than 50 films since 2019. This particular film screening is a collaboration with POV, PBS’ award-winning nonfiction film series, and also in partnership with WPSU. "Between Earth and Sky” originally premiered on POV on Oct. 5, 2023.
For more information, contact Grant Rowe at ger5277@psu.edu.