In the summer of 2020, we kicked off our impact campaign for Patagonia’s feature length documentary Public Trust with three virtual panel events in advance of the film’s September premiere on Youtube. 1,800 activists attended these events and 98% of those surveyed indicated that the event they attended helped them expand their understanding of the movement to protect public lands.

Public Trust explores the fight to protect our vast system of U.S. public lands, and each event addressed this complex issue through the different perspectives of experts and activists fighting the fight on the ground. You can watch all three events here, and read more about them below!

Event 1: Public Lands, A Solution to Climate Change

UCSB professor Leah Stokes spoke with Bernadette Demientieff (Gwich’in Steering Committee), Joel Clement (Center for Science and Democracy), Brian Sybert (Conservation Lands Foundation) and Public Trust producer Jeremy Rubingh about the role public lands play in providing solutions to the climate crisis. 

Event 2: Public Lands, An Opportunity for Grassroots Change

Campaign for Nature’s Brian O’Donnell spoke with writer & conservationist Terry Tempest Williams, Navajo & Hopi filmmaker Angelo Baca, photographer Chad Brown (Soul River Inc.), Spencer Shaver (Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters) and Public Trust producer Jeremy Rubingh about the opportunities we all have to advance a grassroots-led land and water protection movement. 

Event 3: Public Lands, A Place for Recreation

Public Trust director David Byars spoke with documentary film producer & outdoor enthusiast Faith Briggs, professional rock climber & activist Tommy Caldwell, Indigenous rights advocate & fisherwoman Autumn Harry, Brady Robinson (The Conservation Alliance), and Land Tawney (Backcountry Hunters and Anglers) about the role public lands play in providing access to the outdoors for all people in the U.S. 

By Lillie Fleshler, Impact Distribution Manager – She loves collaborating with inspiring grassroots organizations and activists through PicMo’s screening tours.