Solutions-Focused Storytelling
What Is Solutions-Focused Storytelling?
Solutions-focused storytelling leverages films as catalysts for real, on-the-ground change. These stories allow us to witness success in action, leadership emerging under pressure, and communities exercising agency in the face of environmental harm.
Environmental filmmaking uncovers some of the world’s most pressing, yet often invisible, challenges like climate change, deforestation, microplastic pollution, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, degrading human health, and toxified communities.
In addition to shining light on these issues, The Redford Center chooses to support films that inspire hope by demonstrating tangible, actionable solutions that communities can implement to better protect their cultural and natural resources. This storytelling approach drives a narrative shift away from the defeatist narratives that define our media landscape, instead embracing the belief that each of us have a role to play in protecting and restoring the health of our planet.
“A lot of times we watch films, especially documentary films, and they make you feel horrible about the world.
But I try to do the opposite in my films. I try to show the power that we do have, the change that we can make and show the possibilities, show what we can do about these situations, and inspire people to do something about it.”
Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi
(Redford Center Grantee)