Podtalk: Michael P. Nash on Updated Issues from HIs 2010 Film ‘Climate Refugees’

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CHICAGO – Michael P. Nash is a filmmaker on a mission. As searing heat bakes the country this summer, with extreme weather like severe tornadoes and the recent Galveston floods in its wake, the realities in Nash’s prescient 2010 documentary “Climate Refugees” is coming to our own shores. The veteran writer/director is currently working on the followup film “Chasing the Truth,” partnering with Leonardo Di Caprio and his father George.

“Climate Refugees” unveils for the first time the human face of climate change, following the stories of millions of displaced individuals worldwide. This this multi-award winning documentary stands out as a portrayal of the present-day consequences of climate change on humanity. While Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” addressed the causes of climate change, Nash’s film concentrated on the immediate effects experienced by individuals and communities worldwide, casting a light on the human face of our changing climate.

On the Moon: ‘Climate Refugees’ (2010), Written and Directed by Michael P. Nash
Photo credit: Beverly Hills Productions

The documentary recently made additional history by becoming the sole non-fiction film included in the “Lunar Museum,” a collaborative moon mission involving NASA, the Arch Foundation, SpaceX, and BlueSpace. The time capsule on board touched down on the lunar surface in February of 2024 – marking the first return by the U.S. in over half a century – and its contents included contributions from artistic world-historic figures spanning art, literature, film, music, and cultural marvels.

Irish American filmmaker Michael P. Nash is a Chicagoland native, and as the founder of Beverly Hills Productions, Nash has crafted numerous award-winning films including “Fuel,” “Nebraska,” “SavingThe Roar” and the upcoming aforementioned “Chasing Truth.” Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine in 2010 as one of the Top 10 Filmmakers For The Planet, His dedication to storytelling for positive change has led him beyond the screen to serve on several advisory boards, including a United Nations panel dedicated to creating content for positive change.

In Part One a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Filmmaker Michael P. Nash talks about his film on the moon and updates on the topics within “Climate Refugees” …

In Part Two, politics, the power of storytelling and Newt Gingrich …

In Part Three, “Saving the Roar” and the partnership with Leonardo Di Caprio …

In a video clip, Michael Nash provides advice on understanding the issues …

Trailer, “Climate Refugees” …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com