Climate Sisu

“Climate Sisu” is the first documentary to address climate change and community resiliency in Michigan. Taking the audience on a journey from GVSU campus "Up North" in search of community knowledge about climate action, resilience, adaptation, and education, the documentary offers an urgent, yet optimistic call for climate action. It is a collection of powerful stories told by environmental activists, students, climate scientists, educators, farmers, winemakers, and urban planners, looking for climate change solutions in our state.

  • Kristin Davis
    Director
    Representation Off Screen Experimental Short on 16mm
  • Leah Anderson
    Director
  • Elena Lioubimtseva
    Director
  • Elena Lioubimtseva
    Writer
  • Kristin Davis
    Writer
  • Kristin Davis
    Producer
  • Elena Lioubimtseva
    Producer
  • Leah Anderson
    Producer
  • Leah Anderson
    Key Cast
    "Host, Narrator"
  • Jes Thompson
    Key Cast
  • April Lindala
    Key Cast
  • Trisha Smrecak
    Key Cast
  • John Forslin
    Key Cast
  • John Fletcher
    Key Cast
  • Ryan Tompke
    Key Cast
  • Carolyn Ulstad
    Key Cast
  • Ashley Rudzinski
    Key Cast
  • Emily Leach
    Key Cast
  • Tylor Penrod
    Key Cast
  • Elena Lioubimtseva
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature, Student
  • Runtime:
    50 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    12,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Grand Valley State University Campus Private Screening, April 6, 2023
    Grand Rapids
    United States
    April 6, 2023
    GVSU Private Screening
Distribution Information
  • GVSU Climate Change Education Solutions Network
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Kristin Davis, Leah Anderson, Elena Lioubimtseva

Kristin is a writer/director currently based in Michigan. She recently graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Film & Video Production. Kristin plans on moving to California in the near future to pursue her goal of becoming a director of narrative-fiction films and sharing the stories of those who don't often get a voice to speak.
Climate Sisu is a team project co-directed and produced in collaboration with Leah Anderson, who graduated from GVSU in 2020 with a B.Sc. in Geography and Environmental Studies, and Dr. Elena Lioubimtseva, Professor of Geography and Sustainable Planning at GVSU.

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Director Statement

“Sisu” is a concept known by many Michiganders, especially those who reside in the Upper Peninsula. It means “extraordinary determination, courage, and resoluteness in the face of adversity”. Our team (at the Climate Change Education Solutions Network) felt a deep connection to this word as we traveled throughout our state. Not only did we see first hand the work of those who embody Sisu in the midst of climate change, but we also felt the hope that they were creating.
Rather than inciting action through fear and “doom and gloom” messages, these educators, citizens, and climate activists reinforced how fun and rewarding doing their part in creating a resilient future can be.
It is possible to be hopeful about our future and for each of us to take part in climate resiliency— Climate Sisu.