As devastating fires haunt Los Angeles, Earth Lounge, a new day-long climate event taking place during the Sundance Film Festival, added programming and included an optional donation tab on for wildfire relief on its registration form
Over 800 have signed up for the first full day collaboration of the Hollywood Climate Summit, the Redford Center, Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, Good Energy, Common Ground, Pop Culture Collaborative, NBCUniversal and Doris Duke Foundation set for Jan 24. at the Impact Lounge in Park City.
Organizers call Earth Lounge “a space to learn about climate as well as activate the unique power and opportunity of the creative community to advance climate consciousness and resilience. Whether you’re a long-time climate advocate, new to climate, or processing recent climate grief in real-time, this is a space for you.
“As devastating fires sweep through Los Angeles, our hearts are with everyone experiencing profound loss. We ask our Sundance community to donate to our fundraiser to support communities impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.”
Attendance is free but the event encourages optional donations with a default of $10 but ‘pay what you want’ that will go entirely to verified LA fire relief efforts. It’s also possible to donate and not attend. The event has raised $5k+ so far.
A newly added panel called ‘Wildfires: Rebuilding & Community Resilience’ explores the entertainment industry’s unique role in documenting loss, amplifying community voices, and fostering collective resilience.
Other talks include ‘Stories as Solutions: Answering The Call to Support Environmental Films’ led by the Redford Center with its executive director Jill Tidman.
Comedians Jenny Yang and W. Kamau Bell will share how they are weaving real-world issues into their work, fostering connections between cultural storytelling and climate action
In ‘Building Longterm Climate Resilience With Regeneration’ a panel led by the film team from Common Ground will break down how regenerative storytelling and sustainable practices are reshaping industries and restoring ecosystems.
“The wildfires in Los Angeles have been a stark reminder of the urgency to act. Regenerative practices and sustainable storytelling are not just about reversing damage—they’re about empowering communities to rebuild and thrive. This panel is an opportunity to share resources and ideas that can help restore both our land and our spirits,” said moderator Josh Tickell, co-director with Rebecca Harell Tickell of the influential 2023 documentary Common Ground.
As a result of the success of the feature doc, the filmmakers launched the 100 Million Acres Pledge, which encourages brands, farmers, and individuals to commit to transitioning 10% of U.S.-sourced acreage into certified regenerative systems by 2030, contributing to healthier soils, more resilient ecosystems, and a sustainable future.
“The stories we tell about our planet shape how we respond to crises like the wildfires. With Common Ground, we’re not just talking about solutions; we’re fostering a movement to protect and regenerate the places we call home,” said Rebecca Tickell.
The event is capped by a Climate Mixer led by the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance and Good Energy.
Climate has been a part of Sundance for years and is one focus of the Sundance Institute, which offers grants for climate related projects. The film festival has also featured climate and nature focused fare including, this year, Sierra Falconer’s feature anthology Sunfish (& Other Stories On Green Lake), which follows the residents of a small town and the lake that binds them together.
Climate panels were front and center at New York Climate Week last fall, which saw the first edition of a filled to capacity inaugural Climate Film Festival.