The FernGully Effect

When Avatar came out in 2009, it shattered box-office records. And even though it was billed as a sci-fi epic featuring blue aliens on a far-away moon, the movie didn’t shy away from a pretty Earth-based message of environmental conservation.
So, with a third Avatar hitting theaters this weekend, we were inspired to bust out the popcorn, dim the lights, and play the part of pop culture critics.
How do movies – from blockbusters to documentaries to Disney films – shape our conception of the natural world?
Featuring Alyssa Vitale, David Whitley, Salma Monani, and Erin Trahan.
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LINKS
Similar to Avatar, the animation required to pull off Finding Nemo was a technological feat for its time. Here’s a documentary showing you behind the scenes. (youtube.com/watch?v=BGInqyjGExM)
Listen to all of “Little April Showers” (that catchy tune from Bambi) here (youtube.com/watch?v=S-FUcrQhTBY).
You can find Alyssa Vitale’s movie reviews on her Youtube channel, Mainely Movies (youtube.com/c/MainelyMovies).
Salma Monani’s academic work within ecocinema extends far beyond that of FernGully. Her faculty page at Gettysburg College can be found here (envhumanities.sites.gettysburg.edu/smonani).
Find some of Erin Trahan’s recent work on her website (erintrahan.com/writing), including a recent documentary following Michael Dukakis.
You can find David Whitley’s book on Disney animation here (routledge.com/The-Idea-of-Nature-in-Disney-Ani…).
CREDITS
Produced by Marina Henke. For full credits, transcript, and a list of movies mentioned in this episode visit outsideinradio.org

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