The Newtown Earth Day Committee has announced its 2026 Film Festival, featuring two nights of inspiring environmental short films.

Taking place on Wednesdays, February 18 and March 11, at the pavilion at NewSylum Brewery, 36 Keating Farms Avenue, each evening will start at 7 pm. Each evening will feature the screening of two films followed by open discussion.

A nominal $10 donation is suggested at the door, with proceeds funding the non-profit’s “green” scholarship for Newtown High School graduates interested in environmental/ecological studies. Working with Newtown Scholarship Association for over a decade, The Newtown Earth Day Committee’s efforts have generated funds to support dozens of students attending colleges all across the country.

Dan Holmes, founding member and chairman of Newtown’s Earth Day Festival, said he is “excited for us to be sharing these two short films with our Newtown friends and neighbors.

“I feel that ultimately both bring positive messages about how we can truly impact our environmental future and the health of our planet,” he added.

The first short is entitled Harvesting the Sea. Produced and directed by Sue Williams, the film focuses on the critical questions of supporting Maine’s lobster fishing communities as warming oceans are contributing to a decline of fish stocks.

Economist Brianna Warner believes the answer is seaweed farming, with the film exploring how kelp farming can provide a stable livelihood for fishers as ocean temperatures rise.

The second short of each evening will be The Wisdom to Survive. Directed by John Ankele and Anne Macksoud, it accepts the consensus of scientists that climate change has already arrived, and asks, what is keeping us from action?

The Wisdom to Survive features thought leaders and activists in the realms of science, economics, and spirituality discussing how we can evolve and take action in the face of climate disruption.

Attendees to each evening can expect a cozy gathering within NewSylum Brewery’s heated pavilion. Popcorn will be served; beer and pizza will be available for purchase. There will also be a door raffle featuring great gifts from local Newtown merchants.

“Many thanks to everyone who has helped us pull this together,” said Holmes, “and particularly to our good friends at NewSylum and also to our media sponsor, WPKN.”

The primary mission of Newtown Earth Day Festival is to foster education and awareness of environmental stewardship through project participation and collaboration with local associations. Championed by a small but mighty group of environmentally conscious town members, the annual festival brings together schools, municipal and charitable organizations, sustainable vendors, and non-profits in a synergistic celebration of good deeds for our space on the planet.

The 2026 Festival is planned for Saturday, April 25, 10 am-3 pm, on the front lawn of Newtown Middle School.

Newtown Earth Day Festival is officially a 501c3 non-profit.

Learn more about the group at newtownearthday.org or connect at @NewtownEarthDay.