In 2007, photojournalist James Balog and a team of researchers, climate scientists, engineers, and mountaineers, founded the EIS (Extreme Ice Survey) to study and document the climatic phenomenon of melting ice in the Earth’s seas and glaciers. Balog figured (correctly) that there was no better way to alert people to the effects of global warming than by showing them irrefutable photographic proof of the planet’s increasing temperatures which are driving the disappearance of ice formations that have lasted for tens of thousands of years. Through Balog’s lens, viewers get a stark reminder that action against human-led climate change must be taken immediately, before the ecological scales are forever thrown out of balance.

Winner of an Emmy for Outstanding Nature Programming and a Satellite Award for Best Documentary, Chasing Ice was directed by Jeff Orlowski-Yang, who also oversaw the cinematography for the production. The film is a visual triumph coupled to a story of the urgent need to reexamine our impact on our fragile environment.

About the series

Athena Cinema, University Libraries, and OHIO’s Environmental Studies Program present the 11th annual Sustainability Film Series.

This year’s batch of films will be centered on reflecting the urgency of what is before us. After a decade of screening movies and hosting discussions led by experts from the OHIO student body and faculty and the Athens community detailing the problems facing the world, this semester’s focus will be on solutions.

The films will demonstrate that a collaborative approach to problem-solving — involving all members of our global community, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender — is a necessity. Education is the first crucial step in both understanding the world’s problems and developing sustainable solutions.

Following the screening of each of these beautiful, thought-provoking, and timely films, audience members are invited to join us for a panel discussion hosted by OHIO faculty members, students, and members of the Athens community.

The series is sponsored by Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, OHIO Honors Program, Honors Tutorial College, Cutler Scholars, Office of Sustainability, Center for Campus & Community Engagement, University College and beloved nonprofits and businesses.

Free admission and post-show discussion as part of the Spring Sustainability Series.