James McAteer, Lecturer in Media

Keele University

As a lecturer at Keele University, my days are typically filled with lectures, research, and student consultations. However, my commitment to education led me to embark on a project far beyond my usual academic responsibilities. The result was Earth Stories, a green film festival dedicated to showcasing films that highlight environmental issues and inspire sustainable living. This journey, though challenging, was profoundly rewarding and underscores the power of storytelling as a tool for environmental advocacy.

Earth Stories is and will remain a student-led initiative. My role has been to facilitate this approach and help embed it into the Keele fabric, doing crucial behind-the-scenes work to help the students meticulously organise the 2 year-long project.

Balancing this with my teaching duties was no small feat. Early mornings, late nights, and weekends were dedicated to contacting filmmakers, downloading films, securing screening rights, and coordinating with colleagues and students who volunteered to help.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Understood the value of good time management balanced against our roles as students.
2. Recognised an eagerness for engagement and participation in all aspects of the festival.
3. Learnt there is a strong appetite for positive and inspiring environmental storytelling locally and worldwide.