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By Mabel Pais
Vision Maker Media (VMM – https://visionmakermedia.org) via its 2026 Vision Maker Film Festival, Vision Maker Film Festival (https://visionmakermedia.org) continues its year-long celebration of the theme “Everything is Connected.” This year marks 50 years of VMM programs.
Earth Day is more than a celebration of our planet — it is a call to listen, to learn, and to act. Across generations, Indigenous communities have stood on the frontlines of environmental protection, defending land, water, and air not only for themselves, but for all of humanity. These following powerful stories illuminate resilience, justice, and the sacred responsibility to protect Mother Earth.
The festival features newly released documentaries, narrative films, and shorts produced and funded by Vision Maker Media. Designed as a flexible, dual-format experience, the festival offers in-person screenings at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center and online screenings available on the Vision Maker Media website (visionmakermedia.org).
The online festival in April offers films illustrating different types of connections, centered on the experiences of Indigenous women. The offerings include Kanenon: we – Original Seeds (https://visionmakermedia.org/film-library/kanenon-we-original-seeds), which follows three women reclaiming their ancient roles as seed keepers, returning heirloom seeds to Tribes for use by future generations. Redbird follows four generations of Cherokee women navigating grief after losing a family member.
Audiences can stream these films for free throughout April on VMM’s website at visionmakermedia.org/education/.
Children, families, and educators can explore Native heritage through VMM’s iNative Shorts for Kids on its YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@iNativeShortsforKids). April’s episodes examine the impact of the Indian Relocation Act using clips from the films Urban Rez (https://visionmakermedia.org/film-library/urban-rez) and Looking Toward Home (https://visionmakermedia.org/film-library/looking-toward-home).
The episodes explore the unique experiences and challenges of urban natives as they navigate the complex duality of living in a large, multicultural society while working to maintain the beliefs, traditions, and identities of their Native Nations.
iNative Shorts for Kids
Explore the series at https://youtube.com/@iNativeShortsforKids.
New videos premiere on the iNative Shorts for Kids YouTube channel on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month. You can subscribe to the channel so as not to miss an episode!
This channel is designed for students ages 6-12 and features animated guidance from Frankie the Hawk, who introduces viewers to Native languages, histories, and communities with built-in activities for interactive learning.
Vision Maker Media (VMM)
VMM is the premier source of media by and about Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Since 1976, VMM has been dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices through public broadcasting and public media, supporting producers to develop, produce, and distribute impactful programs, and investing in training programs that increase the number of next generation Native media makers. VMM’s mission is “empowering and engaging Native people to share stories,” guided by its vision of “a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate.”
Children, families, and educators can explore Native heritage through VMM’s iNative Shorts for Kids on its YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@iNativeShortsforKids). April’s episodes examine the impact of the Indian Relocation Act using clips from the films Urban Rez (https://youtube.com/@iNativeShortsforKids)
and Looking Toward Home (https://visionmakermedia.org/film-library/looking-toward-home).
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ONE EARTH FILM FEST’S MILESTONEEDITION OPENING FEATURES ETHOLOGIST-ENVIRONMENTALIST JANE GOODALL
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By Mabel Pais
Drawing on decades of work by the world’s most famous living ethologist and environmentalist, “Jane Goodall-Reasons for Hope,” is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them.
Featured stories such as the Northern Bald Ibis’ migration over the Alps, the re-introduction of the American Bison by the Blackfeet Nation, the worldwide recognized Sudbury Regreening Story and inspiring youth-led initiatives involved in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots align with historic footage of Jane’s beginnings as a chimpanzee researcher.
Throughout, the film reinforces Jane’s four pillars of hope that signal tremendous hope for the future: the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power and dedication of young people, and the indomitable human spirit.
Awards:
2024 Canadian Screen Awards Winner: Sustainable Production Award
2023 Canadian Screen Music Awards Winner: Best Score in a Short Film
Expect to Enjoy:
Arrive at 6PM to enjoy a welcome toast, in celebratory smart casual or semi-formal attire
Honor the life and contributions of our hero, the late Dr. Jane Goodall (April 3, 1934 – October 1, 2025) by watching the acclaimed film, “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope,” which celebrates her legacy in the global conservation movement, youth environmentalism, and the practice of cultivating hope.
Watch the film trailer, and learn more about One Earth Film Fest’s 15th milestone event @ https://oneearthfilmfest.org/2026-film-az/2026/3/11/15th-season-opening-screening-jane-goodall-reasons-for-hope-amp-post-film-opening-reception?mc_cid=9a5fe8e65e&mc_eid=cd541f929b.
Activities
Participate in an inspiring post-film discussion with local conservation and climate justice leaders
Enjoy a reception with plant-based heavy hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats, and savory sips (non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages available)
Mix & mingle amongst like-minded creatives, environmentalists, advocates and activists
TICKETS
For tickets to the festival, visit https://oneearthfilmfest.org.
A limited number of scholarship tickets are available, for those experiencing hardship. Reach out to joshua@oneearthcollective.org for more info, with the subject line: “Scholarship Ticket Inquiry.”
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Education, Business, Spirituality, Health and Wellness, and Cuisine.
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