From Film to Impact: How Storytelling is Changing the Future of Our Planet

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, host Mike McMahon sits down with environmental filmmaker Alan Lacy and producer Kelly Sallaway to explore how storytelling is shaping the future of environmental awareness and action.Alan shares his journey launching Real Earth Films, a nonprofit focused on giving back to the communities and ecosystems featured in environmental films—challenging the traditional “extractive” filmmaking model. Kelly dives into her role curating the Skyfire Environmental Film Festival, highlighting the power of global storytelling, youth filmmakers, and community engagement.Together, they unpack the deeper connection between film, economics, environmental responsibility, and innovation—while offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create impactful films, from wildlife cinematography to international storytelling.This conversation is a powerful reminder that storytelling isn’t just about awareness—it’s about driving real change.Why You Should Listen🌎 Learn how environmental films can create real-world impact—not just awareness🎥 Get insider knowledge on film festivals, filmmaking, and storytelling🌱 Discover how young filmmakers are shaping the future of sustainability🐺 Hear behind-the-scenes insights into wildlife cinematography and patience in storytelling🔥 Understand the vision behind the Skyfire Environmental Film Festival and its global reach💡 Walk away inspired by how small actions today can shape the next 100 yearsTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Harvesting Wisdom01:10 – Meet Alan Lacy & Real Earth Films03:45 – Rethinking filmmaking: giving back vs. extractive storytelling06:10 – Kelly’s journey: from event producer to environmental film curator08:20 – Inside the Skyfire Environmental Film Festival11:30 – Youth filmmakers & global storytelling impact15:40 – Powerful stories from around the world (Ireland, Korea, Kyrgyzstan)20:15 – Environmental issues: waste, economics & human impact25:10 – AI, job shifts & the future of work28:40 – Becoming a parent & finding hope for the future32:20 – Building Arizona as a sustainability & film hub36:10 – Connecting filmmakers, nonprofits & opportunities40:00 – What makes film festivals powerful (beyond the films)44:30 – Why filmmaking takes years (not minutes)48:20 – Wildlife cinematography & capturing rare moments52:10 – Arizona wildlife, wolves & biodiversity56:30 – Upcoming Arizona-focused documentary series59:00 – Skyfire Festival highlights & Alan’s live seminar01:03:30 – Final thoughts & call to action#HarvestingWisdom #SkyfireFilmFestival #EnvironmentalFilms #Sustainability #Filmmaking #DocumentaryFilm #ClimateAction #UrbanFarming #StorytellingMatters #WildlifeFilmmaking #ArizonaEvents #EcoStorytelling #FutureOfFilm #GreenInnovation #EnvironmentalEducation