15th Season Opening Screening
Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope & Post-Film Opening Reception
Accessibility: OEFF commits to an ongoing effort to make our events as open and as accessible as possible. Our 2026 accessibility page is here!
Earth Day, Wednesday 4/22/2026
Film Row Cinema 8th Floor: 1104 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, 6-9PM
$80 per ticket/ two for $150
Accessibility Note: A live captioner and ASL interpreter will be present during this event.
Synopsis: Drawing on decades of work by the world’s most famous living ethologist and environmentalist, Jane Goodall-Reasons for Hope, is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them.
Featured stories such as the Northern Bald Ibis’ migration over the Alps, the re-introduction of the American Bison by the Blackfeet Nation, the worldwide recognized Sudbury Regreening Story and inspiring youth-led initiatives involved in Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots align with historic footage of Jane’s beginnings as a chimpanzee researcher.
Throughout, the film reinforces Jane's four pillars of hope that signal tremendous hope for the future: the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power and dedication of young people, and the indomitable human spirit.
Awards:
2024 Canadian Screen Awards Winner: Sustainable Production Award
2023 Canadian Screen Music Awards Winner: Best Score in a Short Film
Expect to Enjoy:
Arrive at 6PM to enjoy a welcome toast, in celebratory smart casual or semi-formal attire
Be welcomed by Swati Saxena of Baird & Warner, as well as Angela Tovar, Commissioner and Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Chicago's Department of Environment.
Honor the life and contributions of our recently passed hero, Dr. Jane Goodall (April 3, 1934 - October 1, 2025) by watching the acclaimed film, Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope, which celebrates her legacy in the global conservation movement, youth environmentalism, and the practice of cultivating hope.
The feature film will be preceded by an 8-minute One Earth Young Filmmaker Contest-winning film, The Reserve, by Australian filmmaker Lara Gribben -- accompanied by remarks from Sue Crothers, Young Filmmaker Contest Founding Director.
Participate in an inspiring post-film discussion with local conservation and climate justice leaders
Our facilitator will be Credell Walls, a former employee of Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots and a friend of Dr. Jane Goodall
Enjoy a reception with plant-based heavy hors d'oeuvres, sweet treats, and savory sips (non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages available)
Mix & mingle amongst like-minded creatives, environmentalists, advocates and activists
To watch the film trailer, and learn more about One Earth Film Fest’s 15th milestone event, see here.
We can’t wait to see and celebrate with you!
We may have a limited number of scholarship tickets for those experiencing hardship. Please reach out to [email protected] for more info, with the subject line: Scholarship Ticket Inquiry.
