What do Robert Redford and The Wild & Scenic Film Festival have in common? The motto of the film festival is “where activism gets inspired.” In “The New Environmentalists – From Guatemala to The Congo,” Redford ends his narration saying, “individuals can make an important difference. It’s inspiring to see what one person armed with courage and commitment can accomplish."
Each year for many years, a “New Environmentalists” documentary summarizes the effectiveness of the Goldman Environmental Prize winners. For many years, the Wild & Scenic has included these annual spotlights on how good things get done.
Wendy Bowman (Australia, age 83) says “I don’t think I’ve done anything special except that I’ve done it for longer.
Mark Lopez (California) characterizes something about his commitment, “People tell me: you know Mark’s mad when he smiles really big.”
Rodrigo Tot (Guatemala) can better fuel his stamina, hearing from the people, “Fight for us and we will support you.”
Prafulla Samantara (India) says, “People came from all over the country and formed a human chain around the mountain.”
Uhos Macerl (Slovenia) asserts, “The legal part of the fight was probably the most important part of the process.”
Rodrigue Katembo (The Congo) responded to threats by his torturers, “Many of my colleagues have already died. If I die today, it’s not a problem.”
To feel the context of these six activists’ struggles and successes, the commitment over time, the number of people rallied to each cause, the formal channels traversed, see “The New Environmentalists.”