When the Earth Takes the Lead: Exploring Ecocinema
Start Date
7-8-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
7-8-2026 11:45 AM
Location
ALT 204
Abstract
Keywords: ecocinema, environmental humanities, French cinema, ecocriticism, sustainability
This research project supported the development of a French Ecocinema course by examining foundational scholarship in environmental humanities and applying its theoretical frameworks to French film by synthesizing interdisciplinary research from ecocinema scholarship and French film studies. Drawing articles primarily from Ecocinema Theory and Practice (Volumes 1 and 2), I conducted a literature review of key concepts in ecocinema, including environmental representation, sustainability and the relationship between film and ecological awareness. These scholarly perspectives were then used to analyze the French film Les Combattants, exploring how cinematic narratives engage with environmental themes and contemporary social issues.
As an Economics, Sustainability & Society major accompanying a French minor, this research offered an opportunity to connect environmental scholarship with cultural and cinematic analysis. The project illustrates how interdisciplinary approaches can enrich ecological scholarship by integrating perspectives from the humanities alongside social sciences. The research also highlighted how ecocinema scholarship encourages viewers to ecocritically examine environmental challenges through cultural narratives, demonstrating the value of film as both an artistic medium and a tool for environmental education. Ultimately, this work contributed to the development of a course that encourages students to engage critically with environmental issues through cinema while demonstrating the broader significance of ecocinema within contemporary sustainability discourse.
When the Earth Takes the Lead: Exploring Ecocinema
ALT 204
Keywords: ecocinema, environmental humanities, French cinema, ecocriticism, sustainability
This research project supported the development of a French Ecocinema course by examining foundational scholarship in environmental humanities and applying its theoretical frameworks to French film by synthesizing interdisciplinary research from ecocinema scholarship and French film studies. Drawing articles primarily from Ecocinema Theory and Practice (Volumes 1 and 2), I conducted a literature review of key concepts in ecocinema, including environmental representation, sustainability and the relationship between film and ecological awareness. These scholarly perspectives were then used to analyze the French film Les Combattants, exploring how cinematic narratives engage with environmental themes and contemporary social issues.
As an Economics, Sustainability & Society major accompanying a French minor, this research offered an opportunity to connect environmental scholarship with cultural and cinematic analysis. The project illustrates how interdisciplinary approaches can enrich ecological scholarship by integrating perspectives from the humanities alongside social sciences. The research also highlighted how ecocinema scholarship encourages viewers to ecocritically examine environmental challenges through cultural narratives, demonstrating the value of film as both an artistic medium and a tool for environmental education. Ultimately, this work contributed to the development of a course that encourages students to engage critically with environmental issues through cinema while demonstrating the broader significance of ecocinema within contemporary sustainability discourse.
