Not Without Us

Not Without Us is a compelling 2016 documentary directed by award-winning filmmaker Mark Decena. This film takes viewers on an international journey through the perspectives of seven grassroots activists from different corners of the world, including Nnimmo Bassey from Nigeria, Alix Mazounie from France, and Pat Mooney from Canada. These impassioned individuals are deeply committed to the fight against climate change and environmental injustice. Their efforts are making a significant difference in their local communities while also affecting the global environmental movement at a fundamental level.

The film begins with a sobering introduction to the remarkable personal stories of each of the seven activists. Each protagonist shares their motivations, fears, and hopes in a series of intimate interviews that skillfully intersperse throughout the narrative. We see their relentless resilience as they combat a global problem on local frontlines, often in the face of considerable personal risk.

Nnimmo Bassey, an environmental activist, human rights advocate and poet, is a powerful voice against the damage caused by oil industries in his homeland, Nigeria. France’s Alix Mazounie, both a journalist and an activist, tirelessly works to raise awareness, galvanize public opinion, and hold politicians accountable for their environmental policies. Pat Mooney, a Canadian champion of bioethics and biodiversity, works relentlessly to expose the harmful effects of corporate-controlled technologies on the environment.

More compelling still are the stories of the other four activists from diverse regions. It is their collective strength and individual determination that indeed makes this movie so inspiring.

Decena skillfully captures the true grit and tenacity of these climate warriors, revealing the people behind the headlines and the human faces of climate activism. Audiences travel to different corners of the world – from the oil-damaged Niger Delta to the controversial fracking fields in the United States, from the open-cast coal mines of Germany to the deforested territories of the Amazon. In their struggle, the activists constantly fight against powers that seem insurmountable—the entrenched systems and interests that perpetuate environmental harm.

As we journey with these individuals through the film, it's clear that the climate change battle is much more than an abstract concept. The film powerfully underscores the urgency and importance of this global struggle that deeply affects people’s lives, cultures, and livelihoods.

Not Without Us challenges its viewers to confront the realities of climate change head-on. However, it goes beyond this, striving to inspire, motivate and educate. Despite the massive problems and seemingly overwhelming opposition, the film portrays an undeniable hope embodied by the activists. Their stories demonstrate that it is ordinary people who can drive extraordinary changes. The documentary invokes a sense of responsibility as it illustrates that everyone, regardless of their location or occupation, plays a crucial role in tending to the wellbeing of our planet.

Decena also adopts an unconventional narrative strategy that effectively shatters the illusion of a distant climate disaster. By bringing climate change down to an individual, human level, Not Without Us signals the need for collective responsibility and action. The struggles and victories of the activists illustrated in the film are not just their own; these are battles fought on behalf of all of us.

This film is not only poignant and moving, it’s also visually stunning. The bold cinematography captures both the stark realities of environmental degradation and the resilience of the human spirit. Each shot and scene is done with great care, providing profound visual insights into situations that are often only heard about.

Not Without Us leaves its audience with a sense of urgency but also a spirit of optimism. It portrays a world facing a massive environmental crisis but also highlights the relentless force of dedicated individuals determined to effect change, no matter the adversity. Indeed, Not Without Us is a testament to the power of collective action, the extent of human resilience, and the indomitable spirit of grassroots activists worldwide. It is a film that inspires viewers to believe that a sustainable future is possible—if only we are willing to act.