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Home › News & Events › News › ‘Making Arizona’ Documentary Screenings and Climate Conversations

‘Making Arizona’ Documentary Screenings and Climate Conversations

January 31, 2024

TUCSON, Ariz. – Community members across the state of Arizona are invited to contribute to a series of interactive “Climate Conversations” this spring with 2023-24 Udall Center Fellow Michael Mulcahy, associate professor in the School of Theatre, Film & Television at the University of Arizona.

Arizona is feeling the intensifying effects of global climate change as extreme heat breaks new records and water scarcity concerns grow. But what can we do about it?

This is the question that drives Mulcahy’s new short documentary series and educational project, Making Arizona.

This February, Mulcahy will debut the first installment in a multi-part series accompanied by a panel discussion featuring local climate experts and stakeholders at UArizona’s award-winning ENR2 building.

“All Arizonans share exposure to and risk from climate change, and we seem to be at an inflection point in recognizing the need for action at the local, state and national levels,” Mulcahy said. “The goal of Making Arizona is to bring a diverse range of voices into conversation, and through personal stories and concrete information, motivate Arizonans to advocate for sustainable climate action.”

The first event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Agnese Haury Auditorium on the University of Arizona Campus in Tucson. Future events are planned for Chandler, Yuma and Flagstaff.

Panelists at the event will include:

  • Eva Romero, PhD (Moderator), Consultant at Sol Partners Consulting Firm.
  • Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan, PhD, faculty in the Tohono O’odham Studies Program at Tohono O’odham Community College and Making Arizona documentary subject.
  • Sandy Bahr, MLS, Grand Canyon Chapter Director for the Sierra Club
  • Fatima Luna, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Tucson
  • Mark Kear, PhD, Economic Geographer and Assistant Professor in the UArizona School of Geography, Development & Environment

This is the first of four state-wide public events that will feature short documentaries highlighting the stories of Arizonans’ resilience in the face of climate change, along with the chance to discuss the climate challenges the state faces with political leaders, climate scientists and non-governmental organizations.

Making Arizona involves the development of a public impact campaign to encourage and help Arizonans move the state forward on climate change. Each “Climate Conversation” will provide resources for Arizonans to effectively advocate for needed climate action at the local, state and federal levels.

Making Arizona is supported by the Arizona Institute for Resilience, the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, the College of Fine Arts, and the School of Theatre, Film, & Television. It is also funded in part by the Southwest Center, the Southwestern Foundation for Education and Historical Preservation and Arizona Humanities.

Join the conversation and RSVP to the Tucson screening

For more information, visit https://environment.arizona.edu/making-arizona

Promotional photos and videos can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/188qenNL1c4xtQrUaWMLcJmZNubxgLWQB

‘Making Arizona‘ is a documentary and educational program by filmmaker and UArizona Associate Professor Michael Mulcahy. The program highlights the intensifying effects of global climate change in Arizona and showcases stories of Arizonans experiencing and addressing aspects of climate change. The documentary series makes use of the existing knowledge of local climate experts to boil down the often daunting scope of global climate change to a local level. Screenings of the films around the state, in combination with discussions, are designed to spark community dialogue. Alongside the films, climate scientists at UArizona will help develop supporting material for existing community groups to augment and amplify their work. Lesson plans for middle and high school will help to fill teachers’ need for engaging teaching material on climate change.

Arizona Humanities is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the Arizona affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Since 1974, Arizona Humanities has supported public programs that promote understanding of the human experience with cultural, educational, and nonprofit organizations across Arizona.

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Join us for Magic Hour 🎬✨

Tonight we’ll debut ten new short fiction films made by TFTV students in back-to-back screenings in the Marroney Theatre at 6pm and 8pm.

• THE PAINTER – Written by Clinton Willis, Directed by Mike Choi & Clinton Willis
• BETWEEN THE LINES – Written & Directed by Litzy Carrasco, Cinematography by Angelica Pelaez
• SAVING CLEMENTINE – Written, Directed, & Produced by Steven Saldaña & David J. Aberle
• THE DANCER – Written by Sean Leeman, Directed & Produced by Sarah Astrowsky
• STUFFED – Written by Ashley Courter, Directed & Edited by Ashley Courter & Danielle Norris
• ACTION MAN – Written, Directed & Produced by Donovan Heaney & Elias Rice Bensch
• MY OTHER HALF – Written & Directed by Lindsey Policar & Brent Cesolini
• LOCKED OUT! – Written & Directed by Brady McDowell, Produced by Emory Johnson & Brady McDowell
• BACKROADS – Written & Directed by Marcus Thomas, Produced by Marcus Thomas & Garrett Heffelfinger
• 1, 2, 3… DATE! – Written & Directed by Kaitlyn Liddicoat & Geen Lee

The 8pm screening will be followed by a short Q&A with the filmmakers hosted by The Loft Cinema’s Jeff Yanc.

May 14
Back-to-back screenings at 6pm and 8pm
Marroney Theatre
FREE
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Join us for Magic Hour 🎬✨

Tonight we’ll debut ten new short fiction films made by TFTV students in back-to-back screenings in the Marroney Theatre at 6pm and 8pm.

• THE PAINTER – Written by Clinton Willis, Directed by Mike Choi & Clinton Willis
• BETWEEN THE LINES – Written & Directed by Litzy Carrasco, Cinematography by Angelica Pelaez
• SAVING CLEMENTINE – Written, Directed, & Produced by Steven Saldaña & David J. Aberle
• THE DANCER – Written by Sean Leeman, Directed & Produced by Sarah Astrowsky
• STUFFED – Written by Ashley Courter, Directed & Edited by Ashley Courter & Danielle Norris
• ACTION MAN – Written, Directed & Produced by Donovan Heaney & Elias Rice Bensch
• MY OTHER HALF – Written & Directed by Lindsey Policar & Brent Cesolini
• LOCKED OUT!  – Written & Directed by Brady McDowell, Produced by Emory Johnson & Brady McDowell
• BACKROADS – Written & Directed by Marcus Thomas, Produced by Marcus Thomas & Garrett Heffelfinger
• 1, 2, 3… DATE! – Written & Directed by Kaitlyn Liddicoat & Geen Lee

The 8pm screening will be followed by a short Q&A with the filmmakers hosted by The Loft Cinema’s Jeff Yanc.

May 14
Back-to-back screenings at 6pm and 8pm
Marroney Theatre
FREE
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On May 10, filmmakers from TFTV’s Class of 2025 screened their senior thesis films for a completely sold out audience at I Dream in Widescreen! Along with the filmmakers, we were excited to welcome to the Fox Tucson Theatre their families, cast and crew, industry guests, sponsors, TFTV faculty, staff and students, and countless community supporters. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible!

Huge congratulations to all of our filmmakers on this incredible achievement. We cannot wait to see where your paths take you next!

Missed the in-person event but still want to catch the films from the Class of 2025? Watch them all for a limited time on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/_07CFZnutrg.

Photos by Julius Schlosburg.
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
On May 10, filmmakers from TFTV’s Class of 2025 screened their senior thesis films for a completely sold out audience at I Dream in Widescreen! Along with the filmmakers, we were excited to welcome to the Fox Tucson Theatre their families, cast and crew, industry guests, sponsors, TFTV faculty, staff and students, and countless community supporters. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible!

Huge congratulations to all of our filmmakers on this incredible achievement. We cannot wait to see where your paths take you next!

Missed the in-person event but still want to catch the films from the Class of 2025? Watch them all for a limited time on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_07CFZnutrg.

Photos by Julius Schlosburg.Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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Sarah Astrowsky’s film REMEMBER OUR LEGACY has been officially selected to screen next month at the Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival, where it is also a Finalist in the Student Film category.

The story of REMEMBER OUR LEGACY is close to Sarah’s heart. The film is a tribute to her great-grandmother, Mania Lichtenstein, who survived unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, and whose strength has shaped the lives of each subsequent generation of Sarah’s family. “My hope is that her story inspires viewers to recognize the power of resilience and the beauty of carrying forward those who came before us,” says Sarah.

The short film was created in TFTV’s Documentary Production Class and first debuted in December at the What’s Up Docs showcase. Congratulations Sarah!

Catch Sarah’s latest film THE DANCER, co-created with Sean Leeman, this week at Magic Hour!
... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
Sarah Astrowsky’s film REMEMBER OUR LEGACY has been officially selected to screen next month at the Hot Springs International Womens Film Festival, where it is also a Finalist in the Student Film category.

The story of REMEMBER OUR LEGACY is close to Sarah’s heart. The film is a tribute to her great-grandmother, Mania Lichtenstein, who survived unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, and whose strength has shaped the lives of each subsequent generation of Sarah’s family. “My hope is that her story inspires viewers to recognize the power of resilience and the beauty of carrying forward those who came before us,” says Sarah.

The short film was created in TFTV’s Documentary Production Class and first debuted in December at the What’s Up Docs showcase. Congratulations Sarah! 

Catch Sarah’s latest film THE DANCER, co-created with Sean Leeman, this week at Magic Hour!Image attachment
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IDIWS Sneak Peek: NOSTALGIATHON '99 by Cailan Compierchio. After losing their practice space, an inexperienced riot grrrl band's skills and friendships are tested as they attempt to throw an epic final show for their entire town.

"Going into this process, I knew I wanted to do something that was weird, funny, and featured strong female friendships (three phrases that also describe the past four years of my life here in Tucson)," reflected writer/director Cailan Compierchio . "Nostalgiathon '99 was conceived as a pastiche of 90s/early 2000s comedies, so a lot of those were huge influences. Stylistically, we were drawn to the aesthetics of skate videos and stoner buddy comedies. Narratively, we drew inspiration from large ensemble pieces of the time, like Clerks ('94), Dazed and Confused ('93), Slacker ('90), and Empire Records ('95). In terms of my broader career, the person who made me realize I wanted to be a writer was Tina Fey, and her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock."

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: NOSTALGIATHON 99 by Cailan Compierchio. After losing their practice space, an inexperienced riot grrrl bands skills and friendships are tested as they attempt to throw an epic final show for their entire town.

Going into this process, I knew I wanted to do something that was weird, funny, and featured strong female friendships (three phrases that also describe the past four years of my life here in Tucson), reflected writer/director Cailan Compierchio . Nostalgiathon 99 was conceived as a pastiche of 90s/early 2000s comedies, so a lot of those were huge influences. Stylistically, we were drawn to the aesthetics of skate videos and stoner buddy comedies. Narratively, we drew inspiration from large ensemble pieces of the time, like Clerks (94), Dazed and Confused (93), Slacker (90), and Empire Records (95). In terms of my broader career, the person who made me realize I wanted to be a writer was Tina Fey, and her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
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IDIWS Sneak Peek: THE GRIT OF IT ALL by Alek Mendez. In 1988 Arizona, Detective James, a man struggling with past trauma, is assigned to investigate a grisly murder in “Las Sombras”, an abandoned western show town.

“Throughout my journey in film school, I’ve been drawn to narratives exploring complex human emotions and psychological themes. With ‘The Grit of It All,’ I wanted to harness those interests into something distinctly cinematic—a story about confronting trauma, guilt, and repressed emotion, layered beneath psychological horror. The film was more than just another assignment; it was an artistic pursuit where I could authentically showcase my voice and vision as a filmmaker,” says writer/director Alek Mendez.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: THE GRIT OF IT ALL by Alek Mendez. In 1988 Arizona, Detective James, a man struggling with past trauma, is assigned to investigate a grisly murder in “Las Sombras”, an abandoned western show town.

“Throughout my journey in film school, I’ve been drawn to narratives exploring complex human emotions and psychological themes. With ‘The Grit of It All,’ I wanted to harness those interests into something distinctly cinematic—a story about confronting trauma, guilt, and repressed emotion, layered beneath psychological horror. The film was more than just another assignment; it was an artistic pursuit where I could authentically showcase my voice and vision as a filmmaker,” says writer/director Alek Mendez.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
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El mejor Director el Mejor cortometraje felicidades Alek Mendez lo hiciste Excelente ❤️❤️❤️

IDIWS Sneak Peek: PARALLEL LINES by Neylani Castro. Two strangers repeatedly cross paths without noticing, until a brush between them unveils the invisible thread of their intertwined fates.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that everything we live through and every person we meet has a purpose, nothing is ever a coincidence. The concepts of fate, in-yun, the invisible string theory, and past lives have always intrigued me. Friendships, romantic relationships, and the family you are born into all consist of fate,” reflects writer/director Neylani Castro. “My dad is from Caimanero, Sinaloa. He was invited by his cousin to come to this retreat in Nogales, Sonora - 9 hours from where he lived. There he saw my mom for the first time. My dad says he felt a pull, a sort of magnetism towards my mom. At the end of the first day the new members were asked to pick out of a bowl who will be their guide for the rest of the retreat. When my dad picked out the paper, my mom’s name was written on it. My parents were two parallel lines, and when the time was right their fates intertwined.”

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: PARALLEL LINES by Neylani Castro. Two strangers repeatedly cross paths without noticing, until a brush between them unveils the invisible thread of their intertwined fates.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that everything we live through and every person we meet has a purpose, nothing is ever a coincidence. The concepts of fate, in-yun, the invisible string theory, and past lives have always intrigued me. Friendships, romantic relationships, and the family you are born into all consist of fate,” reflects writer/director Neylani Castro. “My dad is from Caimanero, Sinaloa. He was invited by his cousin to come to this retreat in Nogales, Sonora - 9 hours from where he lived. There he saw my mom for the first time. My dad says he felt a pull, a sort of magnetism towards my mom. At the end of the first day the new members were asked to pick out of a bowl who will be their guide for the rest of the retreat. When my dad picked out the paper, my mom’s name was written on it. My parents were two parallel lines, and when the time was right their fates intertwined.”

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
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