Watch Catching The Sun

Catching the Sun is a 2015 documentary film directed by Shalini Kantayya that explores the global race to lead the transition to renewable energy. The film follows the stories of workers and entrepreneurs in the United States and China who are striving to build and promote solar technology. The documentary starts by providing an overview of the state of the world's energy consumption and carbon footprint. It describes how fossil fuels provide more than 80% of the world's energy and how this is contributing to climate change. The film then introduces the concept of the "green economy" and the economic opportunities that come with the shift towards renewable energy.

Catching the Sun then delves into the stories of several people who are working in the solar industry. The first is Van Jones, an environmental activist and entrepreneur who is advocating for the transition to clean energy. Jones talks about the importance of job creation in the solar sector and how it can benefit both the economy and the environment.

Next, the film introduces us to Wally Jiang, a Chinese businessman who runs a solar panel manufacturing company. Jiang discusses how China has become a leader in solar manufacturing and how this industry has created millions of jobs in his country. Jiang is passionate about the role that solar energy can play in reducing China's carbon emissions and believes that it is the key to a sustainable future.

We also meet Debbie Dooley, a conservative activist from Georgia who is leading a campaign for solar energy in the US. Dooley is pushing for the expansion of solar power in her state, but faces opposition from traditional energy companies who fear losing their monopoly. She argues that solar energy can benefit everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Catching the Sun also follows the stories of workers who are employed in the solar industry. We see how important solar jobs are to communities that have been hit hard by the decline of traditional industries. The film highlights the story of a former coal miner from West Virginia who found work as a solar installer, and the positive impact that this has had on his life and family.

Throughout the documentary, Catching the Sun emphasizes the importance of political will and government support in promoting renewable energy. The film provides a historical perspective on how the US government has supported the development of previous energy technologies, such as oil and gas, and argues that similar support is needed for solar.

The documentary also examines the global competition to lead the transition to clean energy. China is portrayed as a country that is investing heavily in solar and is set to become the world's largest market for renewable energy. The film questions whether the US can keep up in this race, and looks at the potential consequences of falling behind.

Catching the Sun concludes by emphasizing the urgency of the transition to renewable energy. The film argues that the window of opportunity to avoid catastrophic climate change is rapidly closing, and that a rapid shift to clean energy is needed. The documentary ends on a hopeful note, however, highlighting the potential for solar energy to create jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a sustainable future for all.

Overall, Catching the Sun is an engaging and inspiring documentary that explores the global race towards solar energy. Through its portrayal of workers, entrepreneurs, and activists from around the world, the film emphasizes the economic benefits and urgent need for a transition to sustainable energy.

Catching The Sun is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.