2 AWARD-WINNING ECO SHORTS

Award-Winning Gardening for the Planet
Directed/Produced by Joanne Hershfield

Gardening for the Planet reveals how your garden choices can make a crucial difference in the fight against climate change. Unlike many films that spark despair, this one empowers individuals to enhance their local ecosystems by choosing native plants over invasive species.

Featuring passionate professors and native plant enthusiasts, the film highlights the importance of these plants in supporting pollinators, which in turn fosters a thriving food web of insects, birds, and wildlife. It contrasts the benefits of native flora with the drawbacks of invasive species and the common monoculture grass lawn, which fails to support biodiversity.

With stunning visuals and engaging speakers, the film effectively advocates for native plants while showcasing how to create an attractive landscape. It’s a must-watch!

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Award-Winning Soul of Sicily
Directed/Produced by Margie Raimondo

Soul of Sicily provides a profound exploration of the rich culture and spirit of the Sicilian people. Through a series of engaging narratives, it delves into the lives of individuals who call this captivating island home. The film highlights their remarkable resilience in the face of challenges, showcasing their innovative approaches to preserving the stunning landscapes and vibrant heritage of Sicily.

Viewers are introduced to various communities across the island, each with its unique traditions, culinary practices, and artistic expressions. The documentary emphasizes the importance of family, community bonds, and the deep connection the Sicilians have with their land. It captures the labor-intensive methods used in traditional crafts, the rich flavors of local cuisine, and the spirited festivals that celebrate Sicilian culture. And it’s a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of its people and a celebration of what makes this island an extraordinary place in the world.

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OUR AWESOME PANEL:

JOANNE HERSHFIELD, Director/Producer of Gardening for the Planet, is a graduate of the Stanford University film program and has been producing documentary films for thirty years. She taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was Director of the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies.

Joanne’s films are in the permanent collections of over five hundred universities and libraries in the U.S., Japan, Canada, and Australia.

MARGIE RAIMONDO, Director/Producer of The Soul of Sicily, is an author, filmmaker, and chef, deeply rooted in the vibrant cultures of Sicily and Campania. Inspired by her year on Italian farms, she passionately explores the bonds between food, agriculture, and community. Her acclaimed film, *L’anima della Sicilia* (The Soul of Sicily), highlights local farmers’ resilience in the face of climate change and food insecurity while honoring cherished traditions.

As the author of two Mediterranean cookbooks, *Mangiamo* and *Finding Your Path*, Margie shares her culinary expertise with the world. Alongside her partner, Chris, she runs a small urban farm and kitchen, offering engaging Simply Sicilian cooking and canning classes. Margie is committed to preserving farming traditions and nurturing a sustainable future through hands-on workshops and community initiatives.

MADDIE BRIGHT is the Executive Director of Earth Sangha where she has worked full-time on native plant conservation since 2011, and where she grew up as the daughter of co-founders Lisa and Chris Bright. Maddie has worked closely with ecologists, botanists, and park managers across the Northern Virginia region on plant conservation and ecological restoration projects over the years, including a brief stint interning at Huntley Meadows Park. She regularly teaches for the Arlington Regional Master Naturalist chapter and serves on the steering committee for the National Capitol Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management.

REKHA DOLA iis a dedicated member of the Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA), an organization committed to educating homeowners about the detrimental effects of invasive species on our ecosystem. FIRA also facilitates collaboration among neighborhood associations to combat invasive vegetation throughout Fairfax County.

With a longstanding passion for the environment and conservation, Rekha pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and has accumulated nearly 15 years of experience in the consulting industry.

When she is not engaged in ecological restoration projects with the Fairfax Master Naturalists, Rekha actively participates in tree installation efforts alongside the Fairfax Tree Stewards.

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MODERATOR:

ELISA SOLOMON is the Project Coordinator at the Fairfax Food Council. She holds a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in food security and nutrition.

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EVENT SPONSOR: Climate Action NOW (CAN) 501c3. EVENT PARTNERS: Network NOVA, Trace – The Zero Waste Store, Climate & Clean Energy Working Group, Go Electric DMV.

BOOK SEATS NOW before theater reaches capacity!