Global View: A Different Kind of “Home Movies” for Earth Day 2010

By: Stephanie Savage
Posted In: News

Newport, R.I.–In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Salve Regina University and the Aquidneck Land Trust are teaming up to offer a special screening of the internationally acclaimed film Home on Thursday, Apr. 22, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jane Pickens Theater in downtown Newport. Complimentary refreshments, as well as local foods, will be served at this free and public event as part of the Land Trust’s 2010 Conservation Speaker Series and the McKillop Library’s monthly program.

Produced by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, a French photographer, journalist, reporter and environmentalist, this documentary is composed almost entirely of aerial shots from various places on Earth. Released simultaneously on June 5, 2009 in cinemas across the globe, Home explores the diversity of life on this planet while focusing on how humanity is unfortunately threatening the ecological balance of our Earth after roughly 4 billion years of evolution. According to the film’s official website, “The price to pay is high, but it’s too late to be a pessimist; humanity has barely ten years to reverse the trend, become aware of the full extent of its spoliation of the Earth’s riches and change its patterns of consumption.”

By capturing some of the Earth’s most amazing landscapes from over 50 countries, Arthus-Bertrand shares his concern for the planet, while showcasing its astonishing beauty and acknowledging its susceptibility to change. As an award-winning aerial photographer, Arthus-Bertrand traveled the world for 18 months while filming Home.

Equally concerned about the damaging effects on our planet, Salve Regina University hopes to promote active ecological recovery by joining together with the Aquidneck Land Trust on this unique event. The film delivers an inspirational message and is sure to charm members of the university and community.

“We are pleased to team up with Salve on yet another environmental project,” said Ted Clement, Aquidneck Land Trust’s executive director. “Together, we have protected land, monitored owls, taught students about the environment, worked on lesson plans for the Sakonnet Greenway Trail, provided students with work experiences in an environmental organization, and looked after our water supplies. Our relationship with Salve is one where we help our community think globally and act locally to address environmental issues and protect our home.”

While it is estimated that the Earth’s climate is changing at a much faster rate than normal and that the actions of mankind are struggling to keep up, we still have the opportunity to make the necessary changes in fighting back.

To find out what you can do to save our planet, be sure to catch this special screening of Home later this month with the evening’s welcoming reception kicking off at 6:30 p.m. The film begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a brief question and answer session.