Catching the Sun

An unemployed American worker, a Tea Party activist, and a Chinese solar entrepreneur race to lead the clean energy future. Who wins and who loses in the battle for power in the 21st century?
by
Year Released
2016
Film Length(s)
73 mins
Remote video URL

Introduction

Through the stories of workers and entrepreneurs in the U.S. and China, Catching the Sun captures the global race to lead the clean energy future.

Featured review

A must-see film. An eye-opening look at workers and entrepreneurs on the forefront of the clean energy movement that will transform, and enliven the way you see the future. What is clear is the wonderful opportunity the transition to clean energy represents.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo

Synopsis

Over the course of a solar jobs training program, Catching the Sun follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry. With countries like China investing in innovative technologies and capitalizing on this trillion-dollar opportunity, Catching the Sun tells the story of the global energy transition from the perspective of workers and entrepreneurs building solutions to income inequality and climate change with their own hands. Their successes and failures speak to one of the biggest questions of our time: will the U.S. actually be able to build a clean energy economy?

Reviews

One notion underlying Shalini Kantayya's winning documentary, Catching the Sun, is that solar power is not only a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels but can also effectively curtail unemployment.
Andy Webster
The New York Times
Award-winning filmmaker and eco-activist Shalini Kantayya's documentary broadens the often faceless climate change debate to include people of color and explore the possibilities of social and economic justice in a soon-to-be solar-powered world.
Julie Anderson
LA Film Festival

Director Commentary

The journey to make Catching the Sun began because I was looking for hope. In post-industrial cities like Richmond, California, the dream of upward mobility is eroding. The oil economy has created monopolies and concentrated wealth and power in the hands of the few. I was fascinated by the idea that solar power could democratize and decentralize energy in a way that rebuilds the ladder of economic opportunity for workers and entrepreneurs. Through an unlikely set of characters, Catching the Sun is about people daring to lead a massive global energy transition that is already rapidly in play.

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • DVD Extras
  • Subtitles

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • English

Promotional Material

Promotional Stills

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