WORK
CLIMATE JUSTICE CAMP CARIBBEAN
The Climate Justice Camp is a unique annual event that provides hundreds of youth the space to collaborate in building power in their journey towards climate justice.
THE EVENT
Originating as a platform for young leaders of the Global South to come together and collaborate, this camp expands Roots’ reach to the Caribbean region. Designed to bring young activists from the Caribbean region together who are working at intersection of social and climate justice, it called on representatives from local non-profit organizations and representatives to join hands in solidarity, to gain and share knowledge, strategy and network. The camp stood as a platform for building knowledge, strategies, capacity, community, and networks during four days of workshops and events. Participants exchanged ideas, stories, and experiences in order to further work for climate justice in the Caribbean region and beyond.
A Greenpeace's ROOTs program, this edition of the camp placed a spotlight on tracks: The Energy Transition, Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience, Marine Conservation, and Gender, Justice and Climate. It was a comprehensive agenda designed to address the multifaceted challenges of our time focused on the Caribbean region.
At its core, these Climate Justice Camps facilitate a focus on the spirit of collaboration and collective action. Participants have the opportunity to share insights, best practices, and innovative solutions, fostering regional solidarity and amplifying the impact of grassroots movements. These unique events, co-created and co-led by participants themselves, promise not only to be a platform for learning, but also a catalyst for meaningful change.
THE FILM
The film explores the events, opportunities, and impact of the Climate Justice Camp through the eyes of many of the attendees, all from various Caribbean countries. Ultimately, the film aims to spread the word of the important and inspiring work of the youth of the Caribbean, and garner attention for future camps to come.
Director Kylie Scott
Producers Julie Costanzo, Kylie Scott
Executive Producers Dim Gerritse, Ynze Bijl, Christopher Hall
Director of Photography AJ Marson
CELEBRATE PLANET EARTH
Growing children who love and protect the Earth, our home.
THE ORGANIZATION
Celebrate Planet Earth's mission is grand yet tangible, simple yet profound: to inspire millions of children annually to celebrate and protect our planet through both monumental actions and everyday gestures. Experience, celebration, and play serve as the bridge connecting children and all of humanity to the natural world.
This organization empowers children to become stewards of the Earth by putting nature directly into their hands. Alongside classmates and family, children plant sunflower seeds, witness the magical transformation of butterflies, feed birds, and tend to gardens and trees. These hands-on encounters inspire awe, curiosity, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the environment. Through these experiences, important lessons emerge, teaching children about the intricate harmony between plants, insects, birds, and humanity in maintaining the Earth's beauty and vitality.
Their aim is to inspire millions of children to celebrate & protect the Earth every year through actions large & small, and to “cover the world in butterflies and sunflowers.”
THE FILM
Join us on an enchanting journey with Celebrate Planet Earth, where the boundless wonders of nature become the classroom and playground for young hearts and curious minds.
This film unveils the organization's inspiring journey, showcasing how they nurture the next generation of heartfelt conservationists. Through the lens of youthful enthusiasm and wonder, the film captures the essence of a movement dedicated to instilling a profound love for nature and cultivating a legacy of environmental guardianship for generations to come.
Director Ynze Bijl
Producer Kylie Scott
Cinematographer Andrew Brown
SLEEP OUT TIMES SQUARE
Covenant House's Sleep Out initiative is a fundraising and awareness campaign designed to support homeless youth.
We partnered with Rocket Social Impact agency to create digital billboards for the event in Times Square, NYC, both leading up to and during the event. American Eagle generously donated the billboard space.
THE EVENT
Participants, known as "Sleepers," spend a night sleeping outside to experience a small part of what homeless young people endure every night. This event aims to raise critical funds and awareness for Covenant House's mission to provide shelter, food, clothing, and essential services to homeless and at-risk youth.
Here's a closer look at the Sleep Out initiative:
Fundraising: Each Sleeper commits to raising a specific amount of money to support Covenant House. These funds go directly towards providing immediate care and long-term support for homeless youth, including safe housing, job training, healthcare, and educational opportunities.
Awareness: By sleeping outside, participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by homeless youth. The experience is often an eye-opener, fostering empathy and a stronger commitment to advocacy.
Community Engagement: The Sleep Out brings together individuals, families, community leaders, and corporate teams who are dedicated to making a difference. It is a powerful community-building experience that highlights the collective effort needed to combat youth homelessness.
Events and Activities: The night typically includes a series of activities such as speeches from formerly homeless youth, discussions about homelessness, and team-building exercises. These activities are designed to educate and inspire participants.
Solidarity and Support: By participating in the Sleep Out, Sleepers stand in solidarity with homeless youth, sending a powerful message that they are not alone and that the community cares about their future.
Overall, the Covenant House Sleep Out initiative is not just about raising money; it's about building a movement of people committed to ending youth homelessness. Through this event, Covenant House not only secures vital resources but also mobilizes communities to advocate for and support vulnerable young people.
A short film about the event and its impact is currently in post production
Producers Julie Costanzo, Kylie Scott
Graphic Design Justin Leibow
Animation Joel Lava
RAINFOREST ACTION NETWORK
Rainforest Action Network preserves forests, protects the climate and upholds human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through frontline partnerships and strategic campaigns.
SYNOPSIS
RAN works toward a world where the rights and dignity of all communities are respected and where healthy forests, a stable climate and wild biodiversity are protected and celebrated. They are committed to doing what is necessary, not only what is considered politically feasible, to preserve rainforests, protect the climate, and uphold human rights.
This video highlights recent achievements and successes of the organization, as well as outlines the future goals and campaigns to continue the fight for our rainforests and global climate justice.
Producer Julie Costanzo
Narration by Peter Coyote
LOCH NESS SWIM
Ultramarathon swimmer Patti Bauerfeind has conquered the English Channel, Cook Strait, and Monterey Bay, but swimming the legendary Loch Ness leads to an unexpected, live changing journey.
SYNOPSIS
Patti and her sister Joy grew up swimming together from a very young age. They supported each other at swim meets throughout the years which lead to Joy being right by Patti’s side as she dove into ultramarathon swimming. Patti has swum the English Channel, the Crooke Straight, Monterey Bay, and several other 20+ mile swims. Loch Ness would be her most challenging swim yet, in turbulent, black, 51 degree water.
Patti knew the swim would take her upwards of 12hrs, and with the conditions changing so drastically each hour, her swim became increasingly difficult. At hour 10, the winds pick up. She felt cold the whole time, being mildly hypothermic, trying to not think of the cold and clear her head. “You really never warm up. You see your crew on the boat, putting on jackets and beanies, and you have to tell yourself, ‘Only 2 more hours.’”As she made her way to land, at hour 12:26:03 a euphoric moment for everyone, Patti ran into her sister Joy’s arms. She may have been the one swimming, but it was a team effort.
Not long after returning home from Loch Ness, Joy had to have surgery to remove a tumor the size of a basketball. Patti went to see her but missed her going into surgery. After a life threatening surgery, she came out only to find she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Director Sean Gillane
Director of Photography Joe Lindsay
Producers Christopher Hall, Sean Gillane
AT THE CROSSROADS
At The Crossroads works with young people on the streets of San Francisco who are deeply immersed in the challenges of survival.
SYNOPSIS
As an agency, At The Crossroads has a mission to reach out to homeless youth and young adults at their point of need and work with them to build healthy and fulfilling lives. By bringing their services directly onto the streets, they cultivate long-term, unconditional relationships with young people who would otherwise be disconnected from consistent support.
We partnered with the team at At The Crossroads to make this film as a tool to be used in their efforts to bring awareness to their cause and aid in their fundraising efforts. The film touches on the stories of many people whose lives have been positively impacted by the services of At The Crossroads.
“We believe unconditional support transforms lives. Over two decades of experience has taught us that when young people identify their own goals at their own pace, they are much more likely to accomplish and sustain them. We collaborate with funders who understand that we don’t approach our clients with a pre-determined agenda for “success.” Instead, we help each of our clients find their own unique path to health and stability.”
Director Ynze Bijl
Director of Photography Cliff Traiman
Producer Ynze Bijl
EMPOWER AND ADVANCE HAITI
Empower and Advance is an organization dedicated to training young people in rural Haiti in basic medical skills, establishing locally operated clinics that create jobs while providing essential healthcare to thousands of Haitians.
SYNOPSIS
The film highlights and explains the Empower and Advance movement, following key people involved in the day to day operations of the organization.
The film was ultimately used as a fundraising tool to assist the organization’s mission of bringing quality medical care and resources to the area.
Director Ynze Bijl
Director of Photography Joe Lindsay
Producer Ynze Bijl
