Science on Screen creatively pairs screenings of classic, cult, science fiction, and documentary films with lively presentations by notable experts from the world of science and technology.

Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen), his wife Leslie and their six children live deep in the wilderness of Washington state. Isolated from society, Ben and Leslie devote their existence to raising their kids -- educating them to think critically, training them to be physically fit and athletic, guiding them in the wild without technology and demonstrating the beauty of co-existing with nature. When Leslie dies suddenly, Ben must take his sheltered offspring into the outside world for the first time.

Followed by the discussion "We all need forests to be philosopher kings." Forests are often portrayed in art as apart from the world, removed from society, and a place to return to nature. Dr Solomon Dobrowski, professor of Landscape Ecology at the University of Montana, explores how forests are important in all of our lives in both big and little ways - from our morning coffee to the global climate system we rely on.

Bio:  Dr. Solomon Dobrowski is a professor and landscape ecologist in the Department of Forest Management at the University of Montana. His research focuses on conservation biogeography, fire ecology, and climate change impacts in forests of western North America. He works collaboratively with federal agencies and NGOs including the USDA Forest Service, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, USGS, and the Nature Conservancy. He also serves on the Leadership Team for the USGS Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center and as a science advisor for Blue Forest Conservation. He teaches both in and out of the classroom, and is an avid fan of trees.


Free admission to all our patrons!

An initiative of the COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE, with major support from the ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION.