EMA Green Seal for Sustainable Production Goes to College: 5 Student Films that Earned our Seal
When it comes to the climate justice movement, the future is now. The Environmental Media Association is dedicated to amplifying the creative works of young people, as we believe they are our future. Each year, we award EMA Green Seals to films and television productions that are energy efficient, showcase green plotlines and characters, have sustainable resource management, and have an environmentally aware cast and crew. Further, it's critical to teach the next generation of filmmakers to tell stories sustainably to adapt to Hollywood's shift towards climate action. That's why we launched the EMA Green Seal for Students! Below are five films that we have recognized in the past year for their sustainable production and student leadership.
"Roadkill" Temple University
Directed by Grace Sullivan at Temple University, Roadkill depicts interactions between humans and animals, specifically related to cars. When her boyfriend accidentally runs over an animal on the road, the main character falls into a spiral of grief and regret for the deceased animal. The film portrays themes of environmental awareness, compassion for animals, and sustainability in transportation, earning it an EMA Green Seal.
"The Philosophy of a College Dropout" NYU
In "The Philosophy of a College Dropout", Margot, a born and raised New Yorker and Ivy League student, drops out of school mid-semester to flee to South Dakota as a last attempt to fix her declining mental health in this dark comedy. Directed by Natalie Collat of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, the film highlights the need for rest and connection with nature for humans to prosper.
"Paper Planes Don't Always Soar" Nanyang Technological University
Diyana Amir's Paper Planes Don't Always Soar is inspired by a true story of a daughter who tries to bridge the bond she lost after her father returns home from a plane crash, after which he struggles to remember his life before that fateful catastrophe. Produced by Nanyang Technological University Singapore School of Art, Design, and Media students, the film seamlessly incorporates messages about environmental disasters, transportation, pollution, and an individual's connection to the lived environment.
"Friend of the Year" NYU
"Friend of the Year," directed by Natalie Parker of the NYU Kanbar Institute of Film & Television, is a poignant exploration of teenage dynamics and personal growth set against the backdrop of Seattle. The film provides a raw and honest portrayal of the teenage experience, steering away from idealized and overly dramatic narratives. The socioeconomic struggle depicted in this film is relevant to high schoolers and translates to environmental disparities and the fight for climate justice. The setting in Seattle and the emphasis on local environments like foliage and damp streets contribute to a sense of place and atmosphere that reflects a connection to nature. Filming in the creator's hometown adds authenticity and highlights local landscapes and settings, indirectly promoting appreciation for the environment. Further, interactions between characters and elements of the production process demonstrate a care for the environment.
"All Things Must Crumb to an End" Vancouver Film School
Vancouver Film School's "All Things Must Crumb to An End," directed by Ella Ferneyhough, incorporates environmental themes in its comedic portrayal of the main character, Ginger's, quest for career stability. Ginger is an office worker in a mundane job that does not inspire her. When she overhears her boss joking about a stolen cookie, she seizes the chance to solve the mystery and impress her superiors, believing it could secure her career advancement. Following her journey, the filmmaker exposes viewers to a world where environmental consciousness exists through small actions, conversations, and plotlines that form a well-crafted story of curiosity, joy, and self-expression.
This list doesn't end here. We don't want it to. The Environmental Media Association selects numerous student films each year for the Green Seal Award. If you are a student filmmaker passionate about sustainability, consider submitting one of your films to our Green Seal Student Film Application. Our mission is to uplift the voices of environmental storytellers and bring them from the classroom to theaters near you.