A landmass stretching uninterrupted for nearly 4000 miles, from Senegal on the Atlantic Coast to Djibouti on the coast of the Red Sea, Africa’s Sahel region serves as a climatic transition zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more tropical environments to the south. The Sahel not only embodies a diverse population and geography as it passes through many of the continent’s nations, it also, sadly, exemplifies the devastating effects that climate change is having on our planet. As desertification creeps through the region and soil erosion undermines the efforts of agriculture, social problems like famine, mass migration, and armed conflict have taken root and threaten to destroy an already-fragile ecosystem.

THE GREAT GREEN WALL chronicles the efforts of an ambitious reforestation plan striving to restore the environmental health and revitalize the economies of the region. Written and directed by Jared P Scott and produced by Oscar-nominated director Fernando Meirelles  (City of God),  the film follows Malian musician/activist Inna Modja as she journeys from coast-to-coast, gathering stories of resilience and self-determination by, sharing songs with, and spreading hope among the people on the Sahel’s frontline in the battle against a changing landscape.

About the series

Athena Cinema, University Libraries, and OHIO’s Environmental Studies Program present the 11th annual Sustainability Film Series.

This year’s batch of films will be centered on reflecting the urgency of what is before us. After a decade of screening movies and hosting discussions led by experts from the OHIO student body and faculty and the Athens community detailing the problems facing the world, this semester’s focus will be on solutions.

The films will demonstrate that a collaborative approach to problem-solving — involving all members of our global community, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender — is a necessity. Education is the first crucial step in both understanding the world’s problems and developing sustainable solutions.

Following the screening of each of these beautiful, thought-provoking, and timely films, audience members are invited to join us for a panel discussion hosted by OHIO faculty members, students, and members of the Athens community.

The series is sponsored by Voinovich School of Leadership  and Public Affairs, OHIO Honors Program, Honors Tutorial College, Cutler Scholars, Office of  Sustainability, Center for Campus & Community Engagement, University College  and beloved nonprofits and businesses.

Free admission and post-show discussion as part of the Spring  Sustainability Series .