John Francis was known to his friends and family as a bit of an oddball from the first years of the hippie movements of the 60s. His community began to take more notice when John started refusing to use motorized transportation after witnessing an oil tanker spill in 1971. Instead, he would walk everywhere, often playing his banjo. Soon thereafter, he also took a vow of silence, learning sign language and communicating through gestures and patience.
Now 78 years old, John has gone back to talking and sometimes drives a gifted Toyota Prius, but he still believes that his silent years were some of the most important in his life. Earning a doctorate in the 1980s led him to work as an environmental advisor to the Coast Guard. In Planetwalker, Dr. John Francis and his closest friends and family share their experiences with this groundbreaking environmentalist in the years that formed his philosophy of self-reliance and environmental respect.
Using a combination of modern-day interviews, archival footage, and animation, Planetwalker is a thoughtful biography of a very intriguing man. Through John and his former compatriots, we learn about the deep philosophy John created through his vows of silence and anti-consumption. With additions from his family members and some discussion with John himself, we learn how race impacted his beliefs and his actions in the 70s and 80s.
All in all, Planetwalker is a stunning documentary. From start to finish, I was invested in John and his ideals. This isn’t a story that could easily take place today with new anti-vagrancy laws being passed every day and center-stage culture wars fanning the flames of racial hatred. Dr. John Francis wants us to learn how simple individual choices can lead to a greater understanding of Mother Earth and perhaps lead many to change their ways for the better. Environmentalism is, at its core, all about respect and kindness: These are the lessons John wishes to pass on. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice.
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
Planetwalker would be well-suited for the biography or environmental documentary sections of a public library. Given the documentary's focus on John Francis's unique life and environmental journey, it appeals to those interested in both individual biographies and environmental activism. The biography section is a natural fit, as it tells the story of an individual whose personal philosophies and actions have had an impact beyond himself.
The environmental documentary category is also ideal because the film explores ethical questions that resonate with ecological studies and environmental activism, particularly through the lens of Francis's vow of silence and refusal to use motorized transportation. The film offers an intimate look at how one person’s life choices intersect with larger movements, making it both inspiring and educational for viewers.
What kind of film series could use this title?
Planetwalker would bolster a variety of film series with themes around race, environmentalism, or the cultural dynamics of the 1970s. A film series centered on environmentalism would benefit greatly from this documentary, as it emphasizes the power of individual choices in addressing climate issues, a message that resonates with contemporary environmental conversations. Additionally, the documentary provides historical context by showcasing Francis’s response to the environmental disasters of the 1970s, making it an excellent addition to a series on the evolution of ecological awareness over time.
Learn more about Planetwalker ➡️ by clicking here
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Director's Bio
Nadia Gill has been creating content in the outdoor space since 2011. Formerly an attorney, she decided to pursue a career in filmmaking after meeting her directing partner, Dominic Gill. Together, they formed Encompass Films and produced two seasons of a travel adventure series titled Take A Seat: Sharing a Ride Across America, which was distributed by NBCUniversal.
Over the next few years, under her direction, Encompass Films built a branded clientele, including Red Bull, Timbuk2, Black Diamond Equipment, and more. Dozens of short films she produced have played at festivals across the U.S., including the Austin Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, Miami Film Festival, Banff Mountain Film Festival, Hot Springs Documentary Festival, Big Sky Film Festival, Mountainfilm in Telluride, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and more.
In 2017, she completed producing her first feature documentary titled Coming to My Senses, which premiered at the Austin Film Festival, winning the Hiscox Courage Audience Award. It was acquired by The Orchard and released on Netflix in 2018. In 2020, she released a five-part digital series, Last Call for the Bayou, with her partner Dominic Gill. Nadia and Dominic are currently working on a documentary feature about conservative climate change activists.
Accolades
- Big Sky
- Artistic Vision Award - DCEFF (DC Environmental Film Festival)
- Eric Moe Sustainability Runner-Up - Cleveland
- Ophelia Award for Hope - Cleveland
- Best Short Runner-Up - Mountainfilm
- Audience Award Short Film - Nevada City
- Best Documentary Short
Awards
- Big Sky - Artistic Vision Award
- Environmental Film Festival in Our Nation's Capital - Eric Moe Sustainability Award
- Cleveland International Film Fest - Ophelia Award & Best Short Runner-Up
- Mountainfilm - Audience Award Best Short
- Nevada City Film Festival - Best Short
- BlackStar - Audience Award Best Short
- Jackson Wild Award - Special Jury Prize
- Ashland Film Festival - Special Jury Prize
- Albany Film Festival - Best Short