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"A must-see film. An eye-opening look at workers and entrepreneurs on the forefront of the clean energy movement that will transform, and enliven the way you see the future. What is

clear is the wonderful opportunity the transition to clean energy represents." - MARK RUFFALO

A message from the Catching The Sun team

Thank-you for hosting a screening of Catching The Sun, and helping to become a catalyst of change. In the making of this film, I met many inspiring people, American workers, Tea Party activists, Chinese solar entrepreneurs, bravely pushing the global transition to a clean energy future. And I hope that their stories will inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me. My team and I hope that the film sparks a new conversation about tangible solutions to climate change and income inequality. Documentaries are a powerful way to bring people together, engage conversation, and inspire real change. Catching the Sun is being released at tipping point in a global transition to renewable energy. Clean energy solutions like solar are becoming more affordable and accessible than ever, and it has utility companies shaking in their boots. All over the globe, battles are being waged for who will control power in the 21st century. Solutions like solar have the potential to put power in the hands of the people—both literally and figuratively. An informed public, lead by ordinary citizens like you and me, can push for the local and national policies that can transform our economy. Transitioning to powering our economy off renewable energy isn’t only about creating the life-saving solutions that we desperately need to combat climate change. It’s about unleashing human imagination, innovation, national competitiveness, and the largest wealth creation opportunity of our time. By hosting a screening of Catching the Sun, you are taking a step to incite collective action towards clean energy solutions that are accessible to all. Future generations are depending on us to make this change. And the good news is that the clean energy future is full of hope—not just for the planet, for the people too. Thank you for leading the way to a clean energy future. We wish you the best of luck with your screening, and with the transformative work that lies ahead. Shine on, Shalini Kantayya and the Catching the Sun team

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This guide is designed to help you plan and moderate a conversation that allows your guests to discuss and become meaningfully involved in the issues raised by the film.

CONTENTS

About the Film page # 3

Planning page # 4

Invitation template page # 4 Document and Report Back! page # 5

Format

Sample Agenda page # 5

Discussion Questions page # 6 Take Action page # 7

Print Materials page # 9

Resources page # 9

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ABOUT THE FILM

Synopsis Catching the Sun – a documentary by Shalini Kantayya An unemployed American worker, a Tea Party activist, and a Chinese solar entrepreneur race to lead the clean energy future. But who wins and who loses the battle for power in the 21st century?

Through the stories of workers and entrepreneurs in the U.S. and China, Catching the Sun captures With countries like China investing in innovative technologies and capitalizing on this trillion-dollar opportunity, Catching the Sun tells the story of the global energy transition from the perspective of workers and entrepreneurs building solutions to income inequality and climate change with their own hands. Their successes and failures speak to one of the biggest questions of our time: will the U.S. actually be able to build a clean energy economy? Catching the Sun sheds light on the path to an economically just and environmentally sustainable future. Filmed in four countries over five years, Catching the Sun builds on a revolutionary idea: Solving climate change is the biggest economic opportunity of our times, with the potential to create millions of jobs. Named a New York Times Critics’ Pick, the review reads, "One notion underlying Shalini Kantayya’s winning documentary, “Catching the Sun,” is that solar power is not only a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels but can also effectively curtail unemployment.” Grist calls the film, “a solar documentary you’ll actually want to watch.” Catching The Sun has the potential to leave audiences encouraged by the possibilities of a green economy, and inspired to take action. Find out more online at CATCHINGTHESUN.TV

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PLANNING

GET THE FILM

Stream it on Netflix for free or support the film by purchasing a download on

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/catchingthesun. There are more ways to screen the film

at: http://www.catchingthesun.tv/seethefilm/

INVITE GUESTS Think carefully about who you want to see the film and why.

Consider who is making decisions regarding solar in your community. And who influences these decision makers. You may want to invite policy makers, elected officials of different parties, and/or solar company representatives. Or, you might want a more intimate and casual showing with family members, colleagues, and/or friends.

The invitation below can be used to email guests. Add information about your group or organization if applicable. You can also set up a private or public Facebook event page.

Dear NAME,

I’m hosting a showing of the new film Catching the Sun, a new documentary that explores the global race to a clean energy future.

Check out the Trailer at catchingthesun.tv.

Catching The Sun follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry, and sheds light on the path to an economically just and environmentally sustainable future. Set against the struggle to build a ‘green economy’, Catching the Sun will engage new audiences in solutions to climate change and income inequality.

I hope you’ll join me. Please reply to RSVP.

Thanks, NAME

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DOCUMENT AND REPORT BACK

Take pictures during the showing and send them to us at catchingthesunmovie@gmail.com. Post pictures of the audience to social media using the hashtag #SunDoc. The Catching The Sun team will follow up with you soon after the screening with a brief feedback form.

SAMPLE AGENDA

MINGLE (10 minutes) offer snacks and drinks if possible

BRIEF INTRODUCTION Welcome your guests and say a few words about the film. Acknowledge any co-host. Let the everyone know you’d like them to stick around after the film to discuss it and take action. Give them an estimated end time. Ask guests to tag any social media posts about the screening with the hashtag #SUNDOC, and if you are using the #GOINGSOLARFOR cards, use that hashtag.

VIEWING OF CATCHING THE SUN 1 hour 15 minutes

DISCUSSION AND ACTION (20 - 30 minutes)

WRAP UP Thank everyone for coming and ask them to sign up for updates on the issues raised in the film (see sign in sheet).

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DISCUSSION Suggested introductions

Let your guests know the intention of the filmmakers is to start a conversation and support meaningful action.

Tips on facilitating a Q&A

Identify one person who will moderate in advance. Create space for announcements of upcoming community events related to the film towards the end of the discussion

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS To keep the conversation going, be prepared to raise and respond to questions like this:

Reflections on the film - What was striking or memorable and how do you think it relates to our community?

What solar programs exist in our area for low income families?

What are some recent environmental victories related to issues in the film?

What are people at this event working on over the next 6 months - 2 years?

How can people get involved in local movements and stay in touch with each other?

What are steps we can take together to promote the green economy in our community?

How have our local officials voted regarding clean energy and the economy?

Who are the top energy polluters in our area? Are they held accountable?

TAKE ACTION! Use the petition on the next page to engage your

guests in speaking out to decision makers in support of solar

power.

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THE SUNCATCHER PETITION

“I support bringing more solar power to our homes, our communities, our places of worship and schools, our workplaces and our lives. By growing solar, we can build a strong economy and leave a cleaner, healthier world for kids growing up today and future generations. To our leaders – please support programs and policies increase solar energy by expanding access to solar power for our homes and businesses.”

Print Name Email Address Zip Code

SunCatcher Petition Directions: Please have your guests sign this petition. Then scan or take a photo of the petition, and email it to: catchingthesunmovie@gmail.com or mail it to:

Working Films, Attn: Molly Murphy

624 and 1⁄2 South 7th St. Wilmington, NC 28401

For more information about ways you and your guests can TAKE ACTION or to FILL OUT THE PETITION ONLINE, visit: http://www.catchingthesun.tv/impact

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JOIN US ONLINE! #SUNDOC

Join us on social media and take part in the national conversation about clean energy. Share your thoughts on FACEBOOK & TWITTER. Upload pics from your screening, and make sure to tag #SunDoc; so that we can share your posts with our global community of like-minded solar energy champions!

Here are some sample social media posts for before, during, and after the event:

BEFORE: Support a #solar powered future! Get tickets to @suncatchermovie LINK TO BUY TICKETS IN YOUR CITY #SunDoc

DURING: Together we can make a clean green economy #SunDoc. See the film in your city: http://www.catchingthesun.tv/seethefilm/

AFTER: I’m #goingsolarfor _______, thanks #SunDoc @suncatchermovie for inspiring a new future. After: #CleanEnergy will save our planet & our economy. See @suncatchermovie @shalinikantayya

to find out how. http://bit.ly/20Fo1KL #SunDoc

Click here for official images: http://www.catchingthesun.tv/media/ Be a part of our national social media campaign! Print the #GoingSolarFor post-cards. Grab some pens, and ask your guests to write in what they are going solar for. Snap a photo of your guest with their card, and upload it to social media! Remember to tag #SunDoc, we’d love to share your post with our international network!

To download #GoingSolarFor post-cards click here. Or, if you prefer pre-set cards, click here.

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PRINT MATERIALS

Download Printing Guide: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2MMNQexOKrwLWpyYVpvZDNKUDA

Download Poster: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2MMNQexOKrwRHFndmNqVmtfM2s

Download Horizontal Poster: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2MMNQexOKrwZFA5VjFsSnFNNDA

Download #GoingSolarFor post-cards: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2MMNQexOKrwdUpJcDFUUlFSNVE/view

Download pre-set #GoingSolarFor cards & instructions: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_6tvshWDc7BVDRXR256a0NOOEE

RESOURCES Learn more about the issues raised by Catching The Sun from our partners:

THE AMERICAN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS COUNCIL advocates for policy change at the federal and state level that supports a more sustainable economy. The Council spans a growing network of business associations across the United States, which in turn represents over 200,000 businesses and 325,000 business executives, owners, investors, and others. ASBCouncil.org

ENVIRONMENT AMERICA researches the challenges confronting our environment and educates the public about what’s at stake. Through our research reports, news conferences, interviews with reporters, op-ed pieces, letters to the editor and more, we raise awareness of environmental issues and promote sensible solutions. Environmentamerica.org

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GLOBAL GREEN fosters a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. For 20 years, Global Green USA has been a national leader in advancing smart solutions to climate change that improve lives and protect our planet. Globalgreen.org

GREEN FOR ALL works to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Greenforall.org

SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION is the driving force behind solar energy and is building a strong solar industry to power America through advocacy and education. As the national trade association in the U.S., we represent all organizations that promote, manufacture, install and support the development of solar energy. SEIA.org

THE SOLUTIONS PROJECT accelerates the transition to 100% clean, renewable energy for all people and purposes. They engage the public, celebrate and convene leaders, and advance partnerships and policies that make stride on the road to 100%. TheSolutionsProject.org

VOTE SOLAR is a non-profit grassroots organization working to fight climate change and foster economic opportunity by bringing solar energy into the mainstream. Since 2002, Vote Solar has engaged in state, local and federal advocacy campaigns to remove regulatory barriers and implement key policies needed to bring solar to scale. VoteSolar.org

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NAACP ensures the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. naacp.org/programs/entry/climate-justice

Sierra Club is the nation's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization with

successes that range from protecting millions of acres of wilderness to helping pass the Clean Air Act, Clean

Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.

sierraclub.org

GRID Alternatives is a non-profit organization that brings together community partners, volunteers and job

trainees to implement solar power and energy efficiency for low-income families, providing energy cost

savings, valuable hands-on experience, and a source of clean, local energy that benefits us all.

gridalternatives.org

THIS GUIDE WAS PRODUCED BY

Working Films builds uses documentary film to advance social justice and environmental sustainability.

workingfilms.org

7th Empire aims to create a culture of human rights and a sustainable planet through imaginative media

that makes a real impact.

7thempiremedia.com