Beware the Elements! Natural Disasters on Film: “The Day After Tomorrow” in 35mm

A paleoclimatologist attends a UN conference to share his concern that global warming will lead to another ice age, but fails to leave an impression on politicians. As he and a like-minded oceanographer continue to find evidence to support their theory, it becomes clear that extreme climate events will take place across the globe in the next few days. Massive hailstorms demolish Tokyo, Los Angeles is obliterated by tornadoes, and New York is flooded by a massive storm surge which then freezes over. As society flees south in search of warmer weather, the heroic scientist begins a trek north to find his son. 

Post-screening conversation with Alex Hall, Professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at UCLA. Moderated by Rosanna Xia, Environment Reporter, Los Angeles Times.

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In considering natural disaster films and the scientists who intervene within them, we can use cinema to envision a world in which humans can harness the elements, tame nature, and save the day. Yet, as real-world climate science has proven time and again, most of these imaginative interventions are too little, too late and only collective science-based action by government, industry, and civil society can ensure our survival.

SERIES
Beware the Elements! Natural Disasters on Film

This screening series considers natural disasters through our planet’s primary elements—earth, wind, water, and fire—and seeks to highlight key moments in the history of the disaster film genre as a source of entertainment and portrayal of science, and as a tool to raise our collective consciousness about science-based solutions to the mounting global climate crisis. Discussions with noted scientists will follow select screenings.