Happy Earth Day! Today we have two short films to share.

The first, 3 Seconds, is for older students and adults – it’s a powerful message with strong images. As we celebrate Earth Day, we also celebrate Poetry Month, and this film beautifully combines spoken word with a message about the role we play in the stewardship of our planet. The film is also visually creative, using graphics, carefully chosen video clips, and a unique central image. This film was included in the Short Film Showcase for National Geographic, and was the winner of the Film4Climate competition organized by the Connect4Climate Program of the World Bank. 

“As the human population continues to grow, so does our impact on the environment. In fact, recent research has shown that three-quarters of Earth’s land surface is under pressure from human activity. In this short film, spoken word artist Prince Ea makes a powerful case for protecting the planet and challenges the human race to create a sustainable future.” National Geographic

Our second Earth Day arts break, Garden, is a visually stunning short film for all ages, featured in National Geographic’s Short Film Showcase in 2017. It affirms National Geographic’s belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The natural beauty on display in this film is a reminder to stop and appreciate how spring is unfolding just outside our windows. And the camera work, editing, and painstaking attention to detail (this was made over the course of three years!) will inspire photographers and filmmakers of any experience level.

If either of these films motivate you to take action or inspire you to create, please share on Instagram and Facebook and tag #TPHathome or email us at teacher@thepicturehouse.org — we want to hear from you!