Earth, Air, Water, Fire: The mythical elements of nature are seen interacting with the Human element in this film. Photographer James Balog focuses his lens on the complex relationship between humans and nature and challenges us to contemplate our place in, and responsibility to, the natural world.

“The Human Element” features subjects who are often overlooked victims of climate change. Balog visits Tangier Island, a fishing community facing the imminent reality of sea level rise threatening their future. We meet Yadira Sanchez and her three children in Denver, all of whom suffer from asthma and attend a special school for children struggling with air. Balog embeds with a Cal Fire strike team on the front lines of the most expensive wildfire in California history. He ventures into Kentucky coal country, meeting unemployed miners finding hope from a new source. Balog argues that humans are part of the whole system of nature and not apart from it. Knowing this, he finds great hope that the fifth element, the human element, can bring the whole system back into balance.

The photography in this film is visually stunning, the human elements are feelingly brought forward, and the issue is the compelling current existential issue of our planet.

This is an engaging and important film by some of the same people who produced “Chasing Ice,” “The Cove,” and “Racing Extinction.”

Come join us at 6:30 for refreshments. The program starts at 7:00 and a facilitated community discussion will follow the film screening.

A poster/flyer can be downloaded here flyer TheHumanElement.