By Cassandra West

Terry Spahr is a Philadelphia-based ecologist, environmental activist and documentary filmmaker. He left the corporate world to research, write and produce “8 Billion Angels,” a documentary that exposes overpopulation as the upstream cause of all our environmental emergencies. Terry founded and directs Earth Overshoot, a non-profit designed to promote public and private action to make ecological limits central to all decision-making. He lectures on issues of sustainability to students, investor groups and civic organizations, and regularly writes opinion pieces for a variety of environmental publications.

His latest film, “8 Billion Angels,” will be screened twice during the 2020 One Earth Film Festival. Learn more about Terry and the film in this Q&A:

Q. What was the impetus for making the documentary?

A. I have personally observed our environmental emergencies grow worse every year. Everything we have been trying to do to solve these crises for the past 25 years hasn't worked. Unless and until we change our way of thinking, we won’t solve our predicament. But what if there were a solution, a solution that is practical, feasible and scientifically proven to be effective? I made this film to expose the truth of our predicament and bring to the forefront a conversation that must be broached honestly, ethically and compassionately if we wish to leave the world in better shape than how we found it.

Q. Did you experience any personal transformation during the making of the documentary?

A. I experienced a deeper conviction for the truth and a moral resolve to enlighten others.

Q. Did you have to overcome any particular challenges or barriers in getting the documentary completed?

A. Too many to list especially for a first-time filmmaker. An open mind, persistence and determination are key ingredients to overcoming those challenges.

Q. What led you to become a director/producer?

A. The need to tell a story to the widest audience-- and film is that medium.

Q. Who or what has most influenced your filmmaking approach?

A. Michael Moore's many tips on making a documentary and being humble enough to recognize my limitations.

Q. Was there any character or subject in the documentary who left the biggest impression on you?

A. [Rev.] Martin Luther King once said that overpopulation is a modern plague and “what is lacking is not the knowledge of the solution but universal consciousness of the gravity of the problem and education of the billions who are its victims.” Although our topic is global, the stories and people in the film each bring a unique perspective that left indelible impressions on me.

Meet filmmaker Terry Spahr at the Chicago premiere of “8 Billion Angels,” 12-2 p.m., Sat., March 7, First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., Chicago. Reserve tickets here.

Or join him at the Opening Launch Party for the One Earth Film Festival, 6 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Tesla Gold Coast, 901 N. Rush St., Chicago. A special toast to filmmakers is at 5 p.m. Reserve tickets here.

One Earth screenings of “8 Billion Angels”:

12-2 p.m., Saturday, March 7
First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, Chicago

2-4 p.m., Saturday, March 7,
Catlow Theater, Barrington