The Power of Youth Activism: “This Is Planet Z” Documentary Sheds Light on Climate Change Movement

Trevor Decker

Published

June 26, 2023

NOTE: This article is 10 months old and may not include the most recent information.

In an era where climate change is one of the most pressing issues, a new documentary is set to highlight the power of youth activism in driving environmental change. The film, titled “This Is Planet Z,” is a collaborative effort between CreativeChaos and Above the Clouds, two production companies known for their impactful and thought-provoking content.

“This Is Planet Z” follows a group of young climate activists, primarily women of color, who have taken it upon themselves to incite change. These young leaders conceptualized, organized, and mobilized youth across the United States, leading to a staggering 7.5 million people striking on September 20, 2019. Their actions not only raised awareness about the urgency of climate change but also influenced young voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election and key races across the U.S.

The documentary traces the journey of these adolescents who were spurred into action when the U.S., under the leadership of former President Trump, withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement. This withdrawal made the U.S. the only nation to abandon its promises to curtail emissions, a decision that ignited a spark in these young activists to fight for their future.

Directed by Tom Donahue and produced by Ilan Arboleda, Jeff Hoffman, and Donahue himself, “This Is Planet Z” is more than just a film. The production companies are planning a year-long effort of social action centered around the 2024 elections, with a dedicated focus on youth and social media. The film will be sold by WME Independent, with Russell Gray and Jessicya Materano serving as executive producers.

CreativeChaos, co-founded by Donahue and Arboleda, is known for its compelling content that often serves as a catalyst for change. Their portfolio includes the four-part docuseries “The Murder of God’s Banker,” about the mysterious death of Milanese banker Roberto Calvi, and “King of Cool” in collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way, Martin Scorsese, and Danny Strong.

Above the Clouds, led by CEO and Producer Jeff Hoffman, has also made a name for itself with films like “Spider & Jessie,” starring Mckenna Grace, Jojo Regina, Jesse Williams, Dacre Montgomery, and Forrest Goodluck.

The creators of “This Is Planet Z” believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change. As Tom Donahue puts it, the film is a testament to how a group of young hopefuls can spark social disruption and help solve issues that threaten our future. Jeff Hoffman echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the dedication of these young leaders who spent their high school years pushing for more dramatic action to save our planet from catastrophe.

“This Is Planet Z” is not just a film; it’s a rallying cry for climate action, a testament to the power of youth activism, and a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future. It serves as a reminder that no one is too young to make a difference, and that the fight for our planet is a fight for our future.