The One Earth Film Festival is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Admittedly, it’s a very nerdy event: an overwhelming amount of documentaries with varying environmental themes are displayed across Chicagoland. This year, there were more than 50 screenings in 45 different locations.

The festival occurs annually every March. This year, screenings took place from March 2 to March 11.

The goals of the festival are many, though inspiring environmental action takes priority. Before each film, local environmental organizations house tables with everything ranging from volunteer opportunities to baked goods. After each film, several guest speakers share their insights on the topic, taking questions and providing opportunities for activism.

The entire experience has an air of resolution and engagement. A small community comes together to learn, discuss, and act. And if that’s not of personal preference, the films are fantastic.

This year, I saw two documentaries: “Jane” and “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution”. The latter stars Robert Redford’s son, which is fascinating, as he journeys through the creation and implications of energy. The film dives into solar and wind energy and their realistic applications, though it also comes with all the idealism of renewable energy in a largley nonrenewable world.

The former now falls under my top ten favorite movies. “Jane” follows the life of Jane Goodall, complete with footage from her early career that is objectively breathtaking. The film is bittersweet and beautiful, complete with commentary on conservation and glimpses of wilderness.

For documentary enthusiasts, I highly recommend both the films and the One Earth Film Festival. It provides an opportunity to take action and prompt discussion or, of course, to just enjoy the magnificence of nature documentaries.