Environmental Film Festival Screening: The Burning Season

Every year there is a burning season in Indonesia. Areas of rainforest the size of Denmark are cut down and set alight by farmers and corporations to develop palm oil plantations. Not only is the habitat of critically endangered orangutans destroyed, but new scientific evidence also shows that deforestation comprises 20 percent of global carbon emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. The Burning Season is the story of a remarkable achievement by one young man not afraid to single-handedly confront the biggest challenge of our time. Dorjee Sun, a young entrepreneur, believes there's money to be made from protecting rainforests in Indonesia, saving the orangutan from extinction and making a real impact on climate change. Armed with a laptop and a backpack, he sets out across the globe to find investors in his carbon-trading scheme. It is a battle against time, but Dorjee's determination to succeed will uplift and entertain audiences and inspire hope in our future.

Narrated by Hugh Jackman. Directed by Cathy Henkel. Produced by Hatchling Productions in association with Films of Record.

Introduced by Geoffrey D. Dabelko, Director, Environmental Change and Security Program, Woodrow Wilson Center. Discussion with filmmaker Cathy Henkel follows screening.