GSFF opens with a range of dynamic and impactful conservation shorts selected in partnership with the 2019 New York WILD Film Festival. New York WILD annually showcases documentaries about exploration, adventure, wildlife, conservation and the environment. The University of Miami’s Exploration Science Program is a founding sponsor of New York WILD.

FILMS

Un dia en el parque

Finalist NY WILD 2019

Director, Diego Porral

Spain, 2017, 3m

In “A Day in the Park” we are introduced to a monologue by a grandfather who explains to his grandkid how things used to be, or maybe, how they are now.

March of the Newts

Finalist NY WILD 2019

Director, David Herasimtschuk

Producer, David Herasimtschuk, Jennah Stillman & Jeremy Monroe

USA, 2018, 5m (4:25)

Follow one of the forest’s funkiest creatures into a gangly gathering of amphibious affection… and learn how you can help protect these sensitive animals from a serious disease.

Reefs at Risk

Finalist NY WILD 2019

Directors, Malina Fagan & Lynn Pelletier

USA, 2017, 5m

Set on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, “Reefs at Risk” explores the harmful effects some sunscreen chemicals have on coral reefs and marine life. In order to protect this fragile ecosystem, Hawaii strives to ban a commonly used UV chemical, called oxybenzone, and hopes that other states and nations will follow.

We the Reef

Official Selection GSFF 2019

Shireen Rahimi

We the Reef takes us underwater and into the hearts of people who live with underwater worlds, and leaves us with a heartfelt understanding of what is at stake for some of the region’s last remaining healthy reefs.

With the Winds

Official Selection GSFF 2019

Grant Bemis & Henry Bell

Two recent college graduates sail to the Caribbean aboard a 37-foot sailboat to take part in several environmental research endeavors. With the Winds tells the story of their journey and provides refreshing insight into several of the biggest issues facing marine environments.

The Fish are Here

Official Selection GSFF 2019

Erika Orstad & Charles Gonzalez

The Fish are Here is a mini-documentary about how perceived water quality issues in the Everglades have affected local fishermen in the area.

ADAPTATION: Bangladesh

Official Selection GSFF 2019

Alize Carrere

Adaptation: Bangladesh explores the many ways farmers are coping with sea level rise by building organic floating gardens and other buoyant infrastructure. Ultimately, these adaptive techniques are a testament to how we survive – and thrive – on a changing planet earth.

Adapting to Red Tide in Florida

Official Selection GSFF 2019

Sarah Topf

Adapting to Red Tide in Florida is a short documentary emphasizing the importance of examining Red Tide through a planetary health lens and explains how the phenomenon is affecting every aspect of Floridian society.

RISE: Poisoned River

Rise is a Viceland Series, which examines indigenous life in the modern age and gives viewers a rare glimpse into the front line of indigenous-led resistance. Brazil’s Krenak People struggle to survive in the wake of a massive toxic spill that has contaminated the their drinking water, hunting grounds and culture.

Directed by Michelle Latimer.

“ROW” by Agape Featuring Nadia Harris. Part 3 of Trilogy.

Winner of 2013 imagineNative Film + Media Arts Festival – “Best music video”

“A journey into light through the river of life.”

Executive Producer: Houston Cypress, Otter Vision, Inc.; Director: Erick Paredes, Sustainable Recordings; Producer: Miccosukee Magazine TV; Associate Producer: Ryan Furlong, Fenian Films

Kahayatle: A Journey of Everglades Restoration

Executive Producers: Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Otter Vision, Inc.

SCIENCE STORIES IN SECONDS

This segment of the festival features a series of super shorts (<2min) written, filmed, animated, and edited by high school students for the Upward Bound Math and Science Program for the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

A range of topics, from bioluminescence to invasive species, seagrasses to coral reef reforestation will be addressed, followed by a short Q&A with the students about their process and experience creating these short videos.

Xavier Cortada, Festival Host

Xavier Cortada is Professor of Practice: Artist at the University of Miami. Based in the Department of Art and Art History, Xavier also serves in the university’s Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, College of Arts and Sciences, Miami Business School, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (RSMAS), School of Architecture, School of Communication, and School of Law.

Learn more about Xavier’s inspiring science art practice oriented toward social engagement and environment concerns.

REV. HOUSTON R. CYPRESS, OTTER CLAN, Honored Guest

Rev. Houston R. Cypress is a Two-Spirit Poet, Artist, and Environmentalist from the Otter Clan of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Pronouns: He / They. He resides on the Miccosukee Reservation in the River of Grass region of the Greater Everglades, an area called by his community: KAHAYATLE, which can be translated as “Shimmering Waters.”

Art, conflict management, multimedia communications, gender diversity and spirituality are some of the disciplines & priorities that he contributes through collaborations with local, regional, and international organizations.

He invites you to join him in creating portals between worlds.

Meryl Shriver-Rice, Moderator of Faculty Panel

Dr. Meryl Shriver-Rice is a media anthropologist and archaeologist. She is the Director of the Environment, Culture, & Media Master’s Program at the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy.

FACULTY PANELISTS

Ali Habashi

Candice Barbot

Michelle Seelig

Hunter Vaughan

SPONSORS

And a special thanks to Goddess Garden for providing reef safe sunscreen for festival attendees!