At this year’s Sundance Film Festival the lineup of films read a bit like our Greenzer Glossary with some of the most buzzed about movies titled things like “No Impact Man” and “Crude”. It’s a testament to our times that so many of the featured films found their message in issues of the environment and each one has a unique angle and a great (educational!) story to tell. Here are five of our favorites to look for in theaters–and on video–near you.

1. The Cove
A far cry from the movie Flipper, this film tells a true tale about the Japanese town that serves as the world’s largest supplier of dolphins…and some of the terrible things that take place there. Since extreme measures have been taken to ensure outsiders don’t find out dirty details about the dolphin capturing, the film makers had to be sly to capture the footage, so there’s a true spy thriller element. All the while, The Cove explores one of the most significant crises affecting our planet, the poisoning of our oceans. Winner of the Audience Award for a U.S. documentary.
FOR: Swimmers who appreciate everything under the sea and anyone who enjoys a good thriller.

2. No Impact Man
Colin Beavan, a New York author, decided that for one year he would do everything in his power to make no impact on the earth, making him the No Impact Man. His decision also brought about a book deal and a film, and this is the latter. Interesting not only in terms of what we can do to preserve our planet, No Impact Man investigates what impact the planet has on us, specifically on his wife and young daughter, who he drags along for the carbon-free ride.
FOR: People ready to start taking some steps to sustainability, particularly those with families who don’t necessarily agree.

3. The Beekeepers
Most of us are now aware that the bee population is dwindling (when the Haagen Dazs carton is proclaiming it, it’s hard to miss) and with it the art of beekeeping. This artistic and experimental documentary explores the profession, bees themselves, and what the changes in their world mean about the changes in ours (don’t underestimate the connection until you watch).
FOR: Indie movie lovers who can appreciate something different and anyone who’s ever buzzed about bees.

4. Crude
While most of us have seen a crude film in our time, this one is much more literal. Three years in the making, Joe Berlinger’s documentary follows the fight for retribution between five Indigenous Ecuadoran tribes and Chevron for the 18 billion gallons of toxic oil waste that pollute the area. In true journalistic style, Berlinger has aimed to make his film without bias, showing both sides of battle and letting you determine a victor.
FOR: Those who fill up at the pump without giving a thought to where their fuel is coming from.

5. Dirt! The Movie
If you didn’t know better, this one could sound like a joke on how people will watch movies about anything. This film, however, is about something (but there’s plenty of humor, too). Filled with a lively cast of (real) characters that ranges from children to wine critics, this book-inspired documentary gets into the nitty gritty about the muddy stuff. You’ll never look at the ground the same way again.
FOR: Gardeners who already appreciate the science of soil and newbies who know nothing.

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