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Soft Power, Real Impact: How Culture Moves the Climate Needle

Presented by Future Earth
Partner Event
Soft Power, Real Impact: How Culture Moves the Climate Needle

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Soft Power, Real Impact is a curated Future Earth panel exploring the role of culture in shaping how climate is understood, felt, and acted on. Designed specifically for a Sundance Film Festival audience, the conversation brings together filmmakers, creators, and cultural leaders whose work influences taste, norms, and imagination across film, fashion, media, and digital culture.

Rather than approaching climate through policy or persuasion, this panel centers culture as the entry point — examining how storytelling, aesthetics, humor, and creative expression make climate feel present rather than abstract, especially for Gen Z and emerging audiences. Panelists will discuss how cultural relevance builds trust and belonging, why certain narratives resonate, and the responsibility and opportunity creators hold in shaping the worlds audiences imagine.

The format prioritizes dialogue over talking points and is designed to be conversational, visually engaging, and highly shareable — reflecting Future Earth’s mission to build a climate culture that feels human, creative, and rooted in lived experience.

RSVP Link 

Partner events are independently conceived and produced by sponsor and partner organizations. These events take place in official Festival locations and all organizations follow the Sundance Film Festival community agreement.

Capacity is limited. Arriving early to secure your spot is highly recommended. RSVP does not guarantee entry which will be first-come, first-served.

Talks- less
Panelist Name

Moderator: Ziad Ahmed

    head of Next Gen, UTA

    Panelist Name

    Wawa Gatheru

      founder and executive director of Black Girl Environmentalist

      Panelist Name

      Brooke DeVard

        chief content officer at Refinery29

        Panelist Name

        Alice Aedy

          filmmaker and co-founder of Earthrise Studios

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