#SUNDANCE: “TO THE END”

By Amanda Gilmore

Following up on her Sundance Award-winning Documentary Knock Down The House, Director Rachel Lears gives us a thought-provoking Documentary about the Green New Deal, which has captured the imagination of millions with its promise for economic and environmental change.

Lears follows four young leaders and women of colour — US Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Executive Director of the Sunrise Movement, Varshini Prakash, Executive Director of the Justice Democrats, Alexandra Rojas, and Climate Policy Director at the Roosevelt Institute, Rhiana Gunn-Wright, who also wrote with Ocasio-Cortez as an Author of the Green New Deal. 

Lears’ behind-the-scenes access to her subjects captures a coming-of-age story for a movement. She documents their social and political movements from 2018 to December 2021. The subjects examine the decades of leaders who have refused and continue to refuse to face the crisis, which has led to their unrelenting fight. Through their knowledge, the issue of climate change is clearly explained along with its relation to and further effect on other political and social issues. Making this one Documentary that has the ability to change minds.

Overall, the Film is an inspiring Documentary about young people standing up and taking action at all costs. Additionally, it works as an extension of their passion and urges us to act. 

To The End screens virtually at Sundance:

Premiere: Jan. 23 at 2PM EST

Second Screening: Jan. 25 10AM EST (available for 24hrs)