DEKALB COUNTY – October 14, 2026. Commissioner Ted Terry and his Resilient DeKalb initiative will present a Free 2026 Climate Film Festival on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center in recognition of International Day of Climate Action. This follows Commissioner Proclamation in observance of the International Day of Climate Action during the Board of Commissioners Meeting on October 13.
The two-day festival will include screenings of three featured films alongside a selection of short films submitted by Georgia-based filmmakers and creatives. Visitors can enjoy free popcorn, light bites, interactive art experiences, tabling from local environmental organizations and artists, insightful panels, and artist talks.
The weekend’s feature films include:
- The Tree Economy, made locally by DeKalb filmmaker James Schroeder, this film explores the tension between urban development and Atlanta’s massive tree canopy. (Friday, October 23 at 7:00 PM)
- Golden Globe-winning Groundswell which tells the story of a global movement of regenerative agriculture restoring farms, land and ecosystems and is narrated by Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson. (Saturday, October 24 at 1:30 PM)
- How to Live on Earth presented by Benedict Cumberbatch is a hopeful, ambitious feature documentary exploring how humanity can build a safe and thriving future by working with nature rather than fighting against it. (Saturday, October 24 at 4:00 PM)
This free film festival brings the concerns of climate change and the desire to achieve climate action to the big screen, using films as a means of encouraging environmental stewardship and bringing attention to the most pressing climate concerns we face today.
“I am thrilled to see so much excitement surrounding the Climate Film Festival,” said Commissioner Ted Terry.
“As a Commissioner, I regularly advocate for environmental justice and actions that can offset climate change and its impacts here locally in DeKalb County. We all deserve clean air, water, and healthy soil, I believe that is a human right. I also appreciate and respect the power of art to tell our stories and bring attention and awareness to important issues like climate change. Art has a unique ability to highlight not only the problems we face but also help us come together to find solutions and lead us into a healthier and more resilient future.”
At 6:00 PM on Friday night, October 23 join us for an artist talk featuring James Schroeder, Director of ‘The Tree Economy; Ryan Jones, Founder & Executive Director of Black Empowerment for Environmental Sustainability (BEES); Pam Longobardi, Regents’ Professor of Art, Emeritus, Georgia State University, and Founder, Drifters Project; alongside filmmaker Anaya “EcoArtist” Martin.
At 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 24, Commissioner Ted Terry will lead the opening ceremony for the festival, highlighting the work of DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Chief Resilience Officer Liza Milagro, alongside a presentation by local nonprofit Roots Down. The Georgia Climate Short Films Showcase kicks off at 11:30 AM.
Later that day, at 3:05 PM, the artist panel titled “Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change by Thinking Global and Acting Local” moderated by Commissioner Ted Terry will engage with Laura Seydel, Executive Producer of Groundswell; Ethel Richards, CIEO of iEatMorePlants® LLC; Kathryn Kolb, Executive Director of EcoAddendum & Master Naturalist; and Tasha Messer, SW DeKalb County Park Naturalist.
This free festival is open to the public and suitable for all ages. RSVPs are highly encouraged via Commissioner Terry’s website: www.commissionertedterry.com/climate-film-festival