U of A Graduate Student Uses Fellowship to Create Documentary Film on Protecting River Resources

Paulina Sobczak, U of A graduate student and 2021 Southern Exposure Film fellow

International graduate student Paulina Sobczak recently premiered the documentary film that she created as a Southern Exposure Film Fellow. Created in six short weeks this summer, the 2021 Southern Exposure films are intended to celebrate special people and places in Alabama.

Sobczak premiered the film this summer and returned to Alabama for a second screening and panel discussion Oct. 28 at the invitation of the fellowship organizers. Her film, “Heal the River,” tells the story of hydropower dams and their effects on Alabama’s river systems. Sobczak said the fellowship was an opportunity to combine her interests in both art and social service.

“Hydropower dams, built decades ago, have dramatically altered river systems across Alabama,” Sobczak said. “Downstream of the Harris Dam on the Tallapoosa River, families and landowners who have lost property and use of the river have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make changes to the operation of the dam through the relicensing process.  Their hope is that these changes can improve downstream conditions and can begin to heal the river.”

Sobczak is originally from Poland, where she received her bachelor’s degree in computer science with a specialization in graphic design and multimedia. She is pursuing master’s degrees in both journalism (documentary film) and sociology at the U of A.

“During the film fellowship, I could employ sociological perspective and filmmaking skills gained at the University of Arkansas to make a positive contribution to the local community in Alabama,” Sobczak said. “I was very excited that I could support the community members in advocating for environmental change through my passion for storytelling.”

The Southern Exposure film fellowship was a challenging experience for Sobczak to create a documentary film in such a short period of time, including preproduction, interviewing, filmmaking, and finally editing. She said it was a collaborative process in which she received advice and guidance from the Alabama River Alliance team, Series Producer for Southern Exposure and dedicated community members.

Sobczak utilized her Curricular Practice Training (CPT) as an international student to pursue the fellowship this summer. CPT allows some international students to participate in educational or employment opportunities that relate directly to the student’s major area of study while in the U.S.

“I am thankful for the office of International Students and Scholars and the Graduate School and International Education who always encouraged and assisted me in pursuing such incredible opportunities,” Sobczak said.

The Southern Exposure summer fellowship brings emerging filmmakers from across the country to tell authentic, engaging stories through short documentary films about Alabama’s environment. The program, hosted by Alabama Rivers Alliance each summer, gives fellows the opportunity to create films about the importance of protecting natural resources.

The fellowship allowed Sobczak to work with the Alabama Rivers Alliance and learn from experts on how to actively protect natural resources, empower community members, and create a social network of partnerships.

“I learned that the combined effort of various agents, including scientists, activists, community members, and filmmakers, may bring a social change,” she said. “I was amazed by people’s dedication to protecting nature and advocating for its preservation. I also realized how the natural environment surrounding us contributes to who we are and our identities.”

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.