6 Environmental Films to Watch this Women's History Month
Around the world, women play a central role in solving the climate crisis, yet they are underrepresented in films about environmentalism. Thankfully, there are iconic examples of women taking environmental action that we hope inspire our industry to tell more of these stories.
We encourage you all to celebrate Women's History Month with these environmental films:
Erin Brockovich (2000)
"For the first time in my life, I've got people respecting me. Please, don't ask me to give that up."
This EMA Award-winning biographical legal drama tells the story of Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts), a paralegal and environmental activist who successfully sued the Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) for groundwater contamination.
Jane (2017)
"The more I learned, the more I realized how like us they were in so many ways."
This documentary film details the life and work of Jane Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist and conservationist whose groundbreaking research challenged the male-dominated scientific consensus of her time, revolutionizing the world's understanding of nature. Jane won best documentary at our 2018 EMA Awards!
Moana (2016)
"I have no idea why the ocean chose me. But my island is dying, so I am here."
This animated film, set on a Polynesian island, follows Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho), the village chief's daughter, who embarks on a journey to save her island. Indigenous wisdom and connection to nature are integral themes of this musical adventure.
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
"You like this ring? You want to keep the hand this ring is on? If I see or hear or smell you anywhere near my gorillas, you'll be writing with your other hand and I'll have a new ashtray."
Set in the forests of Rwanda and Uganda, Gorillas in the Mist is a film adaptation of the autobiography of wildlife expert Dian Fossey (Sigourney Weaver). It follows Fossey's research on gorillas, her bond with them, and her efforts to protect them from dangerous poachers.
The Story of Stuff (2007)
"Remember: that old way didn't just happen. It's not like gravity that we've just got to live with. People created it. And we're people, too. So let's create something new!"
Written and narrated by filmmaker Annie Leonard, this short, animated documentary follows the life cycle of material products from start to finish. Through this exploration, The Story of Stuff demonstrates the connection between overconsumption and environmental pollution in a fun and accessible way.
Credit: Joshua Richardson/Searchlight Pictures
Nomadland (2020)
"I love this lifestyle. It is a lifestyle of freedom, and beauty, and connection to the Earth. Yet, there is a trade-off: you got to learn how to take care of your own s**t."
Nomadland follows a woman named Fern (Frances McDormand) who lives a nomadic lifestyle, traveling across the United States after her life falls apart. Conveying the peace that can come from simple living and connection to nature, the film received many awards and accolades, winning Best Picture in 2021 and making Chloe Zhao the first woman of color to win Best Director.
Katy Ho (she/her) is a Chinese Canadian writer, activist, and daughter of refugees who explores the intersections of gender, climate, and pop culture through her work. When she's not writing about feminism and climate justice, you can find her hosting book club meetings, visiting her local thrift store, and coaching the next generation of climate leaders.