Cal State LA Community Impact Media Documentaries Fall 2024

Join us at Hauser & Wirth Downtown Los Angeles for a screening of three student-directed short films, the culmination of the fall semester of the innovative Cal State LA course Community Impact Media. The films feature organizations dedicated to implementing initiatives to reduce carbon footprints through sustainable practices and community engagement: CicLAvia, Los Angeles Arts Climate Coalition (LA ACC) and Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles (PSR-LA).

This semester’s focus was inspired by the exhibition ‘Gustav Metzger. And Then Came the Environment’ at Hauser & Wirth. This exhibition presents a range of Gustav Metzger’s scientific works merging art and science from 1961 onward, highlighting the late artist’s advocacy for environmental awareness and the possibilities for the transformation of society, as well as his latest experimental works, created in 2014. The exhibition title comes from Metzger’s groundbreaking 1992 essay ‘Nature Demised’ wherein he proclaims an urgent need to redefine our understanding of nature in relation to the environment. Metzger explains that the politicized term ‘environment’ creates a disconnect from the natural world, manipulating public perception to obscure pollution and exploitation caused by wars and industrialization, and that it should be renamed ‘Damaged Nature.’

Drawing inspiration from the themes explored in ‘And Then Came the Environment’ students from The California State University Los Angeles Television, Film, and Media Department have been paired with organizations that foster stronger community bonds to combat climate change by organizing local initiatives that encourage collaboration and shared responsibility. In an era where climate change poses a significant threat, these organizations emphasize the importance of building resilience and tackling environmentally challenges collectively.

This event is free to attend and open to the public, however, due to limited seating, reservations are recommended.

About Community Impact Media
Community Impact Media, a shared project between the university and the gallery, provides neighboring youth with hands-on media making and storytelling mentorship toward the production of video projects written and directed by the student filmmakers. It not only encourages students to reimagine the role of filmmakers as neighbors and citizens committed to meaningful social change, but also illustrates each organization’s commitment to engage and develop a positive, lasting relationship with their shared LA community.

Photo: Sarah Golonka | smg Photography