Earth Protectors
Directed byAnne de Carbuccia
Written byAnne de Carbuccia, Luigi Montebello
Produced byExecutive producer Max Brun, Associate Executive producer Stefano Curti
CinematographyLuigi Montebello
Edited byLuigi Montebello
Music byFilippo Manni, Massino Perin
Distributed byMinerva Pictures Internationals
Release date
2023
Running time
96 minutes
CountriesItaly and USA
LanguagesEnglish, Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese

Earth Protectors

Every one of us can become a positive geological force.

"Earth Protectors" is a documentary directed by environmental artist Anne de Carbuccia. It explores the Anthropocene era, delving into global environmental challenges such as drought, reef degradation, and deforestation. The film features young activists from various regions, including Yucatán, Siberia, Italy, New York, and the Amazon, who are engaged in efforts to mitigate environmental impacts. The documentary integrates scientific perspectives, notably from earth scientist Dr. Julie Pullen, to emphasize the global interconnectedness of environmental issues.

The film aims to convey the urgency of the climate crisis and the potential of collective action in fostering a sustainable future. Anne de Carbuccia's work in this documentary underscores the role of art and beauty as catalysts for global environmental change.

Earth Protectors

Scientist

Synopsis

As a leading environmental artist, Anne de Carbuccia has for the last decade artistically portrayed and documented human-caused threats to the planet, including drought, plastic oceans, species extinction and endangered cultures. Her feature-length documentary, Earth Protectors, addresses our need to adapt as a species to the Anthropocene: the new era in which the impact of humans overwhelms natural cycles with fires, floods, pollution, super typhoons and a deadly virus that has paralyzed our planet. A burning planet and a silently spreading disease provide incontrovertible evidence for the necessity of systemic change.

On her expeditions around the world creating her art installations, Anne meets a new generation of women and men who are working to save our planet and is inspired by their commitment and their achievements. Her narrative recounts the stories and the diversity of these young protagonists whom she calls “Earth Protectors”.

The film takes us on an emotional journey, crossing the continents to meet these change-makers who have dedicated their lives to our planet and who are adapting by inventing new ways forward. We meet Lili in the Yucatán, Tashi in Upper Mustang, Dasha in Siberia, Mariasole in Italy, Alexandria in New York, and Jared in the Peruvian Amazon. They are fighting droughts, protecting reefs, helping climate refugees and defending the Amazon; and all of them are contributing to create a new system. They form a collective of citizen empowerment and their voices become one voice in the film.

The obstacles faced by these Earth Protectors are contextualized by Dr. Julie Pullen, a prominent earth scientist, who has collaborated with Anne for many years. Their exchanges in the film provide relevant information and remind us of the leading role science must play on the path to adaptation.

Anne also addresses the social tensions linked to this transformational period from climate refugees to the environmental youth movement. She weaves together the stories of the Earth Protectors like a patchwork, with impactful images and interviews. The film shows us that the threats posed by the Anthropocene are all interconnected and cannot be dealt with individually. Solutions can only be found by collective and global action. Earth Protectors gives hope and inspires us all to act. It also amplifies how modern technologies can work for the planet rather than against it.

While filming this documentary, Anne and her crew (along with the rest of the world) are confronted with the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis brings focus to the film’s message and highlights the importance of both our connection to our planet and of trust in science.

Cast

Production

"Earth Protectors" was produced by the One Planet One Future Foundation, led by artist and filmmaker Anne de Carbuccia. The executive production is by Max Brun and Stefano Curti.

Prioritizing environmental responsibility, the production featured a small crew, consisting of the director, 1 or 2 cameramen, and an audio technician. Lightweight cameras and drones were used to facilitate travel on foot, reducing the film's carbon footprint. The team also compensated for CO2 emissions from film expeditions by supporting reforestation projects in partnership with MyClimate.

Release

The documentary had its World Premiere at the Festival CinemAmbiente[1] in Turin in June 2023. Closely followed by its Asian Premiere at the Seoul International Eco Film Festival[2], also in June 2023. Later in the year, the film achieved its International Premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival[3] in November 2023.

In addition to these premieres, the film was also screened at other film festivals throughout the year. It was included in the lineup for the Clorofilla Film Festival[4] and the St. Moritz Art Film Festival[5] in August 2023, and was presented at the Capalbio Film Festival[6] in September 2023.

Reviews

"Earth Protectors" has garnered attention from various media outlets and film critics, with a mix of interviews and reviews highlighting different aspects of the film.

References

  1. ^ "Earth Protectors at Festival CinemAmbiente Turin 2023".
  2. ^ "Seoul International Eco Film Festival 2023".
  3. ^ "European Green Capital 2023 presents: PÖFF environmental film programme". poff.ee.
  4. ^ "Clorofilla Film Festival 2023 - 5 AGOSTO - ore 21.30" (in Italian).
  5. ^ "St. Moritz Art Film Festival". St. Moritz Art Film Festival.
  6. ^ "Capalbio Film Festival". Fondazione Capalbio.
  7. ^ Granström, Mikk - Tallin Black Night Film Festival. "Interview with Anne de Carbuccia, the director of "Earth Protectors"".
  8. ^ Baldini, Paolo. "Cinemambiente, report sul Pianeta in crisi". La Voce di Marilyn by Corriere della Sera.
  9. ^ Roy, Marie-Astrid. ""Earth Protectors" sur les écrans, le film d'Anne de Carbuccia, milanaise d'adoption". Le Petit Journal.com.
  10. ^ Perrone, Tommaso (17 April 2023). "L'arte di proteggere la Terra. Intervista ad Anne de Carbuccia".
  11. ^ Ng, Alan (27 December 2023). "EARTH PROTECTORS". Film Threat.
  12. ^ Asankomah, Tony (5 January 2024). "Documentary Review: "Earth Protectors" – Anne de Carbuccia's Chronicles of Change". GhMovieFreak.
  13. ^ Johnson, J. Paul (6 January 2024). "EARTH PROTECTORS FEATURES PRESENT AND FUTURE ENVIRONMENTALISM". Film Obsessive.
  14. ^ Johnson, J. Paul (19 January 2024). "FOR FILMMAKER ANNE DE CARBUCCIA, THE EARTH NEEDS ITS PROTECTORS". Film Obsessive.
  15. ^ Kotecha, Ronak (20 January 2024). "Earth protectors: An artist's tribute to those fighting to preserve our planet". Reviewron Clarity in Chaos.