Urban Sustainable Directors Network x
Z35 FILMS
in collaboration with Risking Joy Productions
Agency
Risking Joy
Productions
Category
Documentary
Year
2024
Services
Cinematography
Location
Oakland, CA
Project Overview
The Challenge. USDN needed a documentary that communicated the purpose of Resilience Hubs in a way that felt personal rather than policy-driven. The film had to translate a complex framework—community-led spaces that strengthen neighborhoods before, during, and after climate-related disruptions—into a story audiences could immediately connect with.
The Approach. We built the production around a nimble, three-day travel shoot with a small crew—allowing us to move efficiently between locations while staying unobtrusive in active community spaces. Thoughtful pre-production, strategic interviews, and observational cinematography kept the focus on the people behind the initiative, capturing authentic moments as they unfolded. This approach balanced the scale of the project with the intimacy of each story, creating a documentary that felt grounded, personal, and true to the mission of Resilience Hubs.
The Result. A documentary that transformed an ambitious climate initiative into a compelling human story. The film became a powerful communication tool for USDN, helping local governments, community organizations, and partners better understand the vision behind Resilience Hubs while inspiring broader engagement with the movement.
Behind the Scenes
On Set
