As wildfires continue to devastate los Angeles, the entertainment industry is stepping up to address the crisis through innovative climate initiatives. One such effort is the Earth Lounge, a day-long climate event taking place during the Sundance Film Festival on January 24. This collaboration, organized by the Hollywood climate Summit, the Redford Center, Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, Good Energy, Common Ground, Pop Culture Collaborative, NBCUniversal, and the Doris Duke Foundation, has already attracted over 800 registrants.
The event, held at the Impact Lounge in Park City, is designed to “activate the unique power and opportunity of the creative community to advance climate consciousness and resilience.” attendees, whether seasoned climate advocates or newcomers, are invited to engage in discussions, panels, and workshops aimed at fostering collective action.
In response to the ongoing wildfires, Earth Lounge has introduced an optional donation feature on its registration form, with proceeds going directly to verified LA fire relief efforts. While attendance is free, the event encourages contributions, with a default suggestion of $10 and a “pay what you want” option. so far, the initiative has raised over $5,000.
A newly added panel, ‘Wildfires: Rebuilding & Community Resilience’, will explore the entertainment industry’s role in documenting loss, amplifying community voices, and fostering resilience. Other highlights include ‘Stories as Solutions: Answering The Call to Support Environmental Films’, led by the Redford Center’s executive director Jill Tidman, and a session featuring comedians Jenny Yang and W. Kamau Bell, who will discuss weaving real-world issues into their work.
The panel ‘Building Longterm Climate Resilience With Regeneration’, led by the Common Ground film team, will delve into how regenerative storytelling and sustainable practices are reshaping industries and restoring ecosystems. “The wildfires in Los Angeles have been a stark reminder of the urgency to act,” said a spokesperson. “Regenerative practices and sustainable storytelling are not just about reversing damage—they’re about empowering communities to rebuild and thrive.”
Key Highlights of Earth Lounge
| Event | Details |
|—————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Date | January 24, 2025 |
| Location | impact Lounge, Park City |
| Organizers | Hollywood Climate Summit, Redford Center, Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, good Energy, Common Ground, Pop Culture Collaborative, NBCUniversal, doris Duke Foundation |
| donations | Optional, with proceeds supporting LA fire relief efforts |
| Panels | Wildfires: Rebuilding & Community Resilience, Stories as Solutions, Building Longterm Climate Resilience With regeneration |
As the Sundance Film Festival continues to spotlight groundbreaking storytelling, Earth Lounge serves as a reminder of the entertainment industry’s potential to drive meaningful climate action. Whether through donations,attendance,or simply spreading awareness,this event offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a more resilient future.
“As devastating fires sweep through Los Angeles, our hearts are with everyone experiencing profound loss,” the organizers shared. “We ask our sundance community to donate to our fundraiser to support communities impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.”
Join the movement and be part of the solution. Register for Earth Lounge today and help make a difference.The 2023 documentary Common Ground, co-directed by Josh Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell, has sparked a global movement toward regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship. Following its success, the filmmakers launched the 100 Million Acres pledge, a bold initiative encouraging brands, farmers, and individuals to transition 10% of U.S.-sourced acreage into certified regenerative systems by 2030. This enterprising goal aims to foster healthier soils, more resilient ecosystems, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
“The stories we tell about our planet shape how we respond to crises like the wildfires,” said Rebecca Tickell. “With Common Ground, we’re not just talking about solutions; we’re fostering a movement to protect and regenerate the places we call home.” The documentary has become a rallying cry for environmental action, blending storytelling with actionable solutions.
The impact of Common Ground extends beyond the screen. The film’s message has resonated at events like the Climate Mixer,led by the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance and Good Energy,where industry leaders and activists gather to discuss climate solutions. This event underscores the growing intersection of entertainment and environmental advocacy, proving that storytelling can drive real-world change.Climate-focused initiatives have also taken center stage at major film festivals. The sundance Institute, a long-time supporter of climate-related projects, has featured films like Sierra falconer’s Sunfish (& Other Stories On Green Lake), which explores the deep connection between a small town and its lake. similarly, the inaugural Climate Film Festival at New York Climate Week last fall highlighted the power of cinema to inspire action on pressing environmental issues.
Key Initiatives at a Glance
| Initiative | Description | Goal |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|————————————————————————–|
| 100 Million Acres Pledge | Transition 10% of U.S.-sourced acreage to regenerative systems | Healthier soils,resilient ecosystems,and a sustainable future by 2030 |
| Climate Mixer | Event led by Sustainable Entertainment alliance and Good Energy | Foster collaboration on climate solutions |
| Sundance Institute Grants | Funding for climate-related film projects | Amplify environmental storytelling |
| Climate Film Festival | Inaugural event at New york Climate Week | Showcase films that inspire climate action |
The momentum behind Common Ground and its associated initiatives demonstrates the power of storytelling to drive meaningful change. By engaging audiences and inspiring action, the tickells are proving that cinema can be a catalyst for a healthier planet. As Rebecca Tickell aptly put it, “We’re not just talking about solutions; we’re fostering a movement.”
For more information on how you can get involved, explore the 100 million Acres pledge or attend events like the Climate Mixer. Together, we can turn the tide on climate change and create a sustainable future for all.
headline:
“Sparking Change on Screen: A Conversation with Climate Action Pioneer, Rebecca Tickell”
Introduction:
As the entertainment industry steps up to address pressing environmental issues, we sit down with renowned filmmaker and sustainability advocate, Rebecca Tickell, to discuss her groundbreaking work in fostering a movement towards a greener planet.Rebecca, along with her husband Josh, directed the influential documentary ‘Common Ground’ and launched the ambitious ‘100 Million Acres’ pledge. in this interview, she shares her insights on the intersection of cinema and climate action, and the crucial role storytelling plays in driving change.
1. Can you tell our readers a bit about your journey as a filmmaker and how you’ve become involved in climate action?
Rebecca Tickell (RT): Absolutely. Josh and I have been making films for over two decades, but it was with ‘Common Ground’ that we discovered our true calling – using storytelling to inspire meaningful environmental change. We saw firsthand the power of regenerative agriculture and wanted to share that hope with the world. That film led us to launch the ‘100 Million Acres’ pledge, a tangible goal to transition 10% of U.S. acreage to regenerative systems by 2030.
2. With events like the ‘Earth Lounge’ at Sundance, it’s clear that the entertainment industry is stepping up to address climate issues. How do you see cinema’s unique role in driving this conversation?
RT: Cinema has an unparalleled ability to captivate audiences and spark emotion. When we can tell engaging, authentic stories about our planet, we can awaken people’s conscious and inspire them to take action. It’s about shifting our narratives from doom and gloom to hope and solutions. As we’ve seen with the success of ‘Common ground’, a compelling story can start a global movement.
3.The ‘100 Million Acres’ pledge is an ambitious undertaking. Can you share some of the key milestones or successes so far?
RT: We’re incredibly encouraged by the progress we’ve made. We’ve partnered with brands like Patagonia and lonely Whale to help them meet their regenerative sourcing goals. We’ve also seen a surge in individual farmers and ranchers embracing these practices. The University of California has committed to converting 100% of their agricultural land to regenerative systems by 2025, which is a major victory. But we still have a long way to go, and we need more people to join us.
4. How can the average person get involved in supporting the ‘100 Million Acres’ pledge?
RT: Every person can make a difference. You can start by watching ‘Common Ground’ to learn more about regenerative agriculture. Then, consider pledging a small portion of your own land, or supporting brands that have taken the pledge. Share the story with your friends and family, and encourage them to join in. Our website, 100millionacres.org, has all the resources you need to get started.
5. What do you think the future holds for climate action and storytelling?
RT: I’m optimistic. As we face more climate-related crises, like the wildfires in LA, people are waking up to the urgency of the situation.Storytelling is evolving with it – we’re seeing more and more films that inspire hope and action.We’re not just making awareness, we’re fostering a movement. And the entertainment industry’s involvement, as seen at events like the ‘Earth Lounge’, is a testament to that.
6.Lastly, what advice would you give to those who want to make a difference but don’t know where to start?
RT: Start with your own story. We all have a unique lens through which we can share the climate crisis and solutions.Find your angle, learn about the issues, and tell your story. Share it with your community, and encourage them to tell theirs. That’s how we’ll build this movement – one story at a time. And remember, every action counts.