Green Fire was produced in partnership between the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the Center for Humans and Nature, and the US Forest Service. The film provocatively examines Leopold’s thinking, renewing his idea of a land ethic for a population facing 21st century ecological challenges. Leopold's biographer, conservation biologist Dr. Curt Meine, serves as the film's on-screen guide.
Green Fire describes the formation of Leopold’s idea, exploring how it changed one man and later permeated through all arenas of conservation. The film draws on Leopold’s life and experiences to provide context and validity, then explores the deep impact of his thinking on conservation projects around the world today. Through these examples, the film challenges viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the land community.
The high-definition film will utilize photographs, correspondence, manuscripts and other archival documents from the voluminous Aldo Leopold Archives as well as historical film and contemporary full-color footage on location, including landscapes that influenced Leopold and that he in turn influenced.
The film also features commentary and insight from some of today’s most recognized and credible scholars and conservation leaders, including: three of Aldo Leopold’s children—Nina, Carl, and Estella, Leopold scholars, noted environmental writers, scientists, humanities experts, public policy leaders, business leaders; and leaders of non-profit groups inspired by Leopold.
Dr. Curt Meine, On-Screen Guide
Curt is a conservation biologist and writer based in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. He received his bachelor’s degree in English and History from DePaul University in Chicago and his graduate degrees in Land Resources from the Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His doctoral dissertation was a biography of Aldo Leopold, published as Aldo Leopold: His Life and Work (University of Wisconsin Press, 1988). Curt currently serves as Director of Conservation Biology and History for the Center for Humans and Nature, as senior fellow with the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and as research associate with the International Crane Foundation. He is also active locally as a founding member of the Sauk Prairie Conservation Alliance in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Courtesy: http://www.aldoleopold.org/greenfire/
This screening is brought to you by the generous financial support of the Mississippi River Fund, the charitable partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area—the Twin Cities’ own National Park. It is also made possible by the generous support of the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, which is proud to be located in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
