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UPDATE: 'PLANETWALKER' HAS BEEN OSCAR SHORTLISTED
Los Angeles Times Short Docs and Bloomberg Green Docs co-release the acclaimed short documentary film Oscar contender "Planetwalker"
Directed by duo Dominic and Nadia Gill
Film Subject Dr. John Francis and Filmmakers Available for Interview
NEW YORK / LOS ANGELES (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) – The award-winning documentary PLANETWALKER co-released earlier this month by Los Angeles Times Short Docs and Bloomberg Green Docs tells the story of black environmentalist Dr. John Francis, known the world over as “Planetwalker.” In 1971, after witnessing an oil tanker collision in San Francisco Bay, he gave up motorized transport in protest and relied solely on his own two feet. Months after that he took a vow of silence, convinced that listening rather than adding fuel to any argumentative fire was the way ahead. During the next 17 silent years- serenaded only by his banjo - he walked across the United States listening to and studying the environment around him.
The award-winning film is one of 15 films shortlisted for consideration for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film this year. Academy Award nominations will be announced on January 17, 2025.
"The environmental crisis is not just about pollution and climate change, it's a crisis of the mind and spirit," said Dr. Francis, whose message centers around kindness being at the heart of any meaningful environmental and societal progress.
"We feel really fortunate to have found John's story, and I think his message of kindness and unity is needed now more than ever in our lifetimes," co-directors Dominic and Nadia Gill said.
In 1991, after obtaining a PhD at University of Wisconsin, Madison, and walking to the East Coast, Dr. Francis worked for the coastguard writing oil pollution prevention regulations and subsequently became a UN Goodwill Ambassador.
PLANETWALKER, with an original score by Greg Johnson and extensive animation by Remy Ndow, has won a dozen awards on the festival circuit including Artistic Vision Award at Big Sky Film Festival, Audience Choice awards from both Mountainfilm and Blackstar Film Festival, and the Special Jury Award at Jackson Wild.
The award-winning film is one of 15 films shortlisted for consideration for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film this year. Academy Award nominations will be announced on January 17, 2025.
"The environmental crisis is not just about pollution and climate change, it's a crisis of the mind and spirit," said Dr. Francis, whose message centers around kindness being at the heart of any meaningful environmental and societal progress.
"We feel really fortunate to have found John's story, and I think his message of kindness and unity is needed now more than ever in our lifetimes," co-directors Dominic and Nadia Gill said.
In 1991, after obtaining a PhD at University of Wisconsin, Madison, and walking to the East Coast, Dr. Francis worked for the coastguard writing oil pollution prevention regulations and subsequently became a UN Goodwill Ambassador.
PLANETWALKER, with an original score by Greg Johnson and extensive animation by Remy Ndow, has won a dozen awards on the festival circuit including Artistic Vision Award at Big Sky Film Festival, Audience Choice awards from both Mountainfilm and Blackstar Film Festival, and the Special Jury Award at Jackson Wild.
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