ECO | LAFFF19 Fashion Film from LA Fashion Festival on Vimeo.

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” -George Bernard Shaw

Directed @marielnoir @maritagomsrud @forloveproductions
Produced @holdingcourtinc
Producer @jthnomad
Cinematography @iceematty
Fashion @nazandcourt
Makeup @yulitzin @victoriapaynemakeup
Models @bearcourt @scbynh
Publication @blackchalkmagazine

We are definitely living during a climate emergency. As a species we can no longer ignore the clearly visible impact that our actions and inactions are having on every corner of the planet. During the filming of “ECO” I got a first hand education on the effects of global warming, and the dangers of us as a culture ignoring it. The example I am talking about is the Salton Sea in Southern California. During it’s heyday of the 50s & 60s, the Salton Sea was known as the playground of the rich and famous. Sadly by the 80s, following decades of being over visited by tourists the Salton Sea’s environment started to dramatically collapse.

By the time we started filming “ECO” on set at the Salton Sea, it had visibly become a wasteland like something out of the latest Mad Max movie. This is due to years of neglect by the State and Local governments that allowed the runoff from the local farming community to pollute the once rich Sea.

The year before we started filming, the Sea had witnessed the largest dye off of tilapia in recorded history. At least 5 million tilapia died over the course of a week. This lead to the creation of ‘The Beach of Bones,’ great for filming and terribly tragic for the local community of Bombay Beach. It has lead to all the former ‘must visit’ sea front towns on the Salton Sea to become modern ghost towns. As situations go, this has perfectly encapsulated the clearly visible effects that humanity has on the environment.

There is a bright side to this, for as humanity holds great powers for destruction we also hold great wisdom. We know how to fix gigantic problems like the Salton Sea, and how to make sure they don’t happen again in the future. The whole point behind “ECO” is that our choices has consequences for both good or ill. It is up to us as individuals and as a species to decide what those will be. A spiritual teacher of mine once said “We must strengthen our will for GOOD.”

ECO – Our Choices Echo

Justin Howard for Black Chalk – What is “Eco?” Define it for me.

Courtney Barriger –Eco has become somewhat of a verb to me, a way of living that embodies stewardship towards the Earth we inhabit. “To Eco” sounds silly, but, you know what I mean, it’s a lifestyle. And sure, the film we made has its own meaning as well. “Eco” the film is a snapshot view from the mountain top of a later stage in climate change where the planet is a dry, inhospitable place, and humans suffer unimaginable loss and desperation in the wake of the collapse of society as we know it. It’s a wakeup call to take real action to curb consumption and emissions. “Our Choices Echo,” the tagline, hits the nail on the head. We put the power into the hands of the very people who are suffering to hopefully choose the path that nurtures the natural cycles of Mother Earth.

Justin Howard – The film ‘Eco’ revolves around the visual concept of what the world will look like if we keep pursuing the path of ‘fast’ fashion. Which is the number one polluter around the world. Why choose to do a film about it?

Courtney Barriger – Fashion as been at the center of my mode of business as a model, designer, and as fashion film director for over a decade. It was only a matter of time until I zeroed in on fast-fashion. I consider it my Tao improve the quality of life around me as I walk through it, and one way to do that is to find flaws in the industries I work in and work to find a way to do it better. One big blindspot I’ve found is the lack of artistic content in the realm of fast-fashion. You will find more that people get their information in the form of entertainment, rather than watching documentaries or listening to NPR. “Eco” is a baby step in the direction of long-form storytelling, but on it’s own, it is evocative as a feel piece, meant to make you ask questions.

Justin Howard – What is the message you wish the audience to get out of watching this film?

Courtney Barriger – We need to protect the planet against the worst urges of humankind; greed and the illusion of separation. Though we took an editorial approach to the narrative behind the film, the takeaway is the same. Our choices, how ever small, echo. You can choose today to take small actions – composting, reusable packaging, wearing fabrics that naturally discentegrate, and on and on – the point is, do it. The only reason we have hang ups about changing our habits is because it isn’t convenient. I believe we are stronger than that. Choose the kind of earth you want for your children.

Justin Howard – In the film’s narrative, you talk about being a rebel, an artist. Can you tell me what that means to you?

Courtney Barriger – Everybody has a little rebel in them, even if they mostly fit into a social norm. The point is, for progress to happen, you have to break those norms. I’m trying to break the boundary of fashion media and eco advocacy, and get it in front of enough people to influence the norm of buying damaging products. Luxury fashion is boring, and it doesn’t challenge anyone. $800 for a Yeezy sweater, are you kidding me! Step out of the well beaten path already, try something new!

Justin Howard – As part of the visual of the film, you showcase ‘beach of bones’ at Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. What was the message behind this imagery? Which is so powerful, especially in a world struggle with the consequences of global warming. Consequences that are fast becoming part of the normal cycle of everyday life.

Courtney Barriger – I think it sort of speaks for itself. Without knowing the history of Bombay Beach, the cracked earth, receding waters and remains of former abundance are occurring naturally there, and they show us what it looks like for people and animals when resources go away.

Justin Howard – Talking about being vulnerable… Why start and finish the film showcasing bare essence of being human? Are you visually dealing with the themes of life, death and rebirth?

Courtney Barriger – Isolation is impactful. The first half of Eco focuses on individuals as they battle with their own fears and sorrows living in a world of our own destruction. You might notice in the second act, the setting of the rich former world has groups of people instead of stand alones. There is the sense that in this other world, there is a dance between people that is regenerative and collaborative. So that in the third act, we finally have our isolationists unite together at the sight of Mother/Father Earth. It’s a visual poem, and a reminder that we are stronger together.

Justin Howard – Let’s talk about the dialogue in the film. It has a very lyrical quality to it. Where did the dialogue come from?

Courtney Barriger – I wrote it. “Our waters, poisoned with industry were once beautiful and fair. But this I know, as I go, there has passed away a glory from the air. To behold the sun in a grain of sand, and paradise in the wildflower. Cradle Earth in the palm of your hand and absolution is yours. The faults of mankind, are not the faults of the Earth. Cradle Earth in your open hand, and absolution is ours.” These are little pieces to help you follow the story. There is a way of life a man in the winter of his years is mourning over. But he reminds us that there is still hope for the future. I was obviously inspired by William Blake.

Justin Howard – Making this film seems to be a very ritualistic thing for you to do. A very powerful thing for you to do. I get the vibe that you were on a quest to claim of your power back in a world that can leave you feeling very overwhelmed. Tell me about this.

Courtney Barriger – The ritual of storytelling is critical today, especially at a time when mainstream media isn’t as willing to take risks on new material as they were in the past. Keep telling stories that are relevant with today, and you might have a chance to move people.

Justin Howard – What was the moment you awoke to the fact that you wanted to be a filmmaker?

Courtney Barriger – There really wasn’t one. It was always obvious to me that working on films is my happy place. The real challenge was committing to it.

Justin Howard – How did you get into filmmaking?

Courtney Barriger – I’ve always been at it. My aunt and uncle had a wedding video and photography business when I was a kid. My absolute favorite place to be was at their house, borrowing their SD camera to record comedy skits. It was a weekend production everytime. Friday was writing and pre production, saturday we would shoot, and sunday we would shoot anything extra. There was no editing back then. I sincerely wanted to make people laugh more than anything else, and had the time of my life making it happen.

Justin Howard – People talk about the difference between fast fashion and ‘regular’ fashion. In your own experience what is the real difference?

Courtney Barriger – It’s a matter of responsibility to people and resources and the life cycle of garments. Fast fashion typically cuts corners when it comes to a livable wage for garment workers, and has a disregard to sustainable resources. We see the use of fossil fuels, gmo cotton, water waste and toxic dyes. We are working to course correct our over consumption of apparel, and focus on non-toxic materials with a low carbon footprint, ethically made, and hopefully cherished and kept for it’s full potential, instead of tossing into the landfill.

Justin Howard –Do you want to share a situation in your life, where you become aware of how just damaging to the environment that fashion is?

Courtney Barriger – Traveling India in my mid-twenties, I saw first hand what irresponsible manufacturing can do to people and the environment. A buildup of toxic dyes filled the waterways in a sick rainbow, and all along it, people washed their laundry and bathed in the same water. I’m certain the bedsheets at the inn were washed the same way. Being a curious person, I read up on the effect that garment factory run-off has on the body. We are talking about multiple forms of cancer and a myriad of skin conditions. It isn’t okay.

Justin Howard – That sounds like a bit of hard-earned wisdom. How did this influenced your concept of fashion over all for good or bad?

Courtney Barriger – Well, I had the opportunity to start my own fashion brand. And I knew I wanted to do it differently. So different, in fact, that it would not only avoid the pitfalls of the fashion industry, but it would provide solutions by applying innovation.

Justin Howard – What’s your philosophy about the ART of film?

Courtney Barriger – I don’t really have one. I suppose what one makes should lean towards the remarkable, or else not make it at all. They say art should move you, even if it isn’t always in a pleasant direction.

Justin Howard – What do you enjoy most about creating films?

Courtney Barriger – The collaborative aspects of film are wonderful. There are a thousand ways to express oneself artistically, but filmmaking relies on a coming together.

Justin Howard – As a filmmaker what is the most challenging part of your job?

Courtney Barriger – To be honest, finding a solid budget. But beyond that, it’s about knowing when to pass the torch and not wear so many hats.

Justin Howard – What individuals were role models for you on your quest to become an artist? What individuals were you aware of, and used as examples of ‘how to be’ an artist? How did they influence you?

Courtney Barriger – Oh, I admire so many artists. But when it came to learning how to develop my own creative vision, I can think of one person who helped me a lot. When I moved to Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to dive deep into becoming an artist, but I wasn’t sure of how to go about it. I was connected through friends to an incredible visual artist who lived at The Brewery, Kim Barry. She makes these incredible think pieces that are minimal, yet place controversy right in front of you. We came from the same small bubble of artists from Jacksonville Florida. And spending time with her for my first few years in LA, I followed her pursuit of inspiration, creation, and display, and learned to challenge my traditional artistic expression and follow through with the hard ideas.

Justin Howard – Any advice you want to share with newbie artists?

Courtney Barriger – Begin. And then begin again.

Justin Howard – Future Plans?

Courtney Barriger – Lots. I have two very different books that I’ve written and illustrated on the horizon, and I am looking forward to everything that comes with it! It looks like both of them are going to take me around the world. Hopefully, anyway. Beyond that, the sustainable basics for Holding Court are on their way, and there is plenty to do.