The Elements: An Annual Environmental Film Series
The Elements: An Annual Environmental Film Series, launched in 2015, is presented by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District, The Rockfall Foundation, the Russell Library, Middletown Garden Club, and Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts, Bailey College of the Environment, and College of Film and the Moving Image. The series offers three to four screenings each academic year, alternating between Wesleyan University and Russell Library. All events are free and open to the public.
2025-2026 Season
We are excited to announce the films for the 2025-2026 season! View our events calendar for upcoming screening details and registration.
October 13, 7 pm at Wesleyan: A Reflection of Life
Explores water issues in the Pacific Northwest, while noting the broader issues facing the entire West, with an emphasis on amplifying Indigenous voices. Filmmaker Jesse Locke interviewed members of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Chugach Alaska Native Corporation and Valdez Native Tribes, The Klamath Tribes, The Nez Perce Tribe, The Hopi Tribe, and Standing Rock Tribe to gather the Indigenous stories and wisdom featured in the film. While the film focuses on local and regional water issues, water health is a global issue. Listening to indigenous people, who have lived in relationship with water from time immemorial, is imperative to the shift we need for our planet. (90 minutes)
January 31, 2 pm at Russell Library: Ripples of Plastic
Embark on an eye-opening journey through the unseen impacts of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes region. Guided by Dr. Sherri Mason and other regional voices, witness the vast extent of contamination pathways, effects of microplastics, and the unexpected toll on human health. Beyond individual action, Ripples of Plastic, inspires a collective movement for transformative progress toward a plastic-free future. (56 min.)
March 30, 7 pm at Wesleyan: Last Paddle?
This inspirational and visually stunning film is about the amazing lifetime journey of renowned river advocate Mark Angelo who has paddled more than 1000 rivers in well over 100 countries. This film chronicles his life-long commitment to river conservation and restoration around the globe. (73 minutes)
