SEED screens Ghibli environmental film

On Feb. 20, Students Engaged in Eco-Defense (SEED) held a movie screening of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The film is a Studio Ghibli production set in a post-apocalyptic world. It follows the princess Nausicaä, who has been tasked with preventing a war between the few remaining kingdoms. This film is from 1984, one of Hayao Miyazaki’s first movies. Forty years later, its messages ring truer than ever.

With SEED’s focus on environmental protection, it only makes sense that the club would screen a movie that does as well. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind highlights themes of environmental destruction and animal protection (even ones that have grown into giant monsters) as well as a driving message that protecting the environment is always worth it, even long after we feel it is beyond repair. 

Set 1,000 years in the future, the film takes place in the aftermath of a calamity known as the “Seven Days of Fire,” caused by a bio weapon known as a “Giant Warrior.” One day she comes across the embryo of the Giant Warrior when a cargo ship carrying it crashes into their world, Princess Nausicaä attempts to find a balance between humans and nature by [doing this action]. Control over the embryo then becomes a source of conflict between Tolmekian troops, a military empire, and the inhabitants of the Toxic Jungle, the poisonous forest where Nausicaä lives. 

LC has always strived to find a balance between entertainment, student life and educating its students. Finding that balance in a fun, yet constructive way is not only a value of this college, but also of Studio Ghibli. The animation studio has produced many films that touch on themes of nature, protection, loss and familial and romantic love.

SEED is an environmentally focused organization on campus that “is dedicated to creating a more sustainable and just world,” according to LC’s website. They have held events such as flower pressing for Valentine’s Day and “Bug Snug Build Day,” as well as running the Bee Garden on South Campus and the free detergent stations located in upper Fowler. 

It is possible that the organization felt that, because there is a possible future for us that might look similar to the world in “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” it might be a good movie to show, having a more hopeful ending.