Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences is delighted to participate in the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital again this year, a partnership that began in 2010. Join them in the NAS Fred Kavli Auditorium for two films! Attend a screening and discussion of Raising Aniya on Friday, March 28, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. and a screening and discussion of Plastic People on Saturday, March 29, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. This is a special opportunity to meet several of the filmmakers and film subjects who will join the post-screening conversations.

Raising Aniya

Aniya is a young dance artist in Houston, Texas, who embarks on a journey to heal her spirit and find her voice after being displaced by Hurricane Harvey. With guidance from her mentor, Aniya investigates impacted communities on the Gulf Coast and develops a dance performance inspired by her experiences and the complex legacies of environmental injustice. Family, religion, sexuality, and mental health collide as she strives to transform dark histories into beautiful expression and movement. Through intimate observational cinematography, evocative dance sequences, and a haunting score, Aniya’s story traces the agony and the ecstasy of growing up, while revealing the power of art and community.

Joining the post-screening conversation: John Fiege (director, producer, cinematographer), Sofia Chang (editor), Chris Lucas (producer), Aniya Wingate (film subject), Walter Hull (film subject), and Gretchen Batiste (film subject). The discussion will be moderated by Pete Nelson, Director of Communications, Gulf Research Program, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.