Drop-In Workshop for Families: Earth Month Mini Set Designs

Hayao Miyazaki’s second feature is based on his 1982 manga of the same name, which he continued writing into the early 1990s. Miyazaki’s only cinematic foray into pure science fiction, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is set a thousand years after the Seven Days of Fire have devastated civilization, leaving behind a toxic, overgrown jungle. Princess Nausicaä and the people of the valley try to bring balance back into the world by restoring the bond between humanity and Earth. Inspiration for Nausicaä came from the catastrophic mercury pollution of Minamata Bay, which devastated the Minamata community in the mid-20th century.

A group of fairies try to save an endangered Australian rainforest in this animated fantasy directed by Bill Kroyer. The rare Hollywood family film to openly address environmental threats, FernGully highlights the importance of conserving natural resources. The film benefits from an impressive voice cast that includes Tim Curry as the film’s villain, performing the song “Toxic Love,” and Robin Williams as the manic Batty Koda, in his first time voicing an animated character for a feature film. Since its release, the film has inspired generations of young filmgoers to tackle environmental issues.