The Scale of Hope (2022)
In the vast expanse of Alaska’s rugged wilderness, where glaciers meet the sky and icy peaks pierce the heavens, a remarkable story unfolds. The Scale of Hope, a documentary directed by Josh Bones Murphy, invites us into the life of Molly Kawahata, a former White House climate advisor turned alpine climber.
Molly’s Dual Quest:
- Molly Kawahata grapples with two formidable challenges: the climate crisis and her own mental health. As she prepares for an expedition in the Alaska Range, she confronts the weight of her experiences in the Obama Administration.
- Her love for alpine climbing becomes a canvas for a new climate narrative—one centered on hope. Molly asks herself a poignant question: What can I do to help?
The Alaskan Wilderness as Metaphor:
- The film weaves together breathtaking landscapes and intimate moments. The Alaska Range serves as both backdrop and metaphor. Its glaciers recede, its ice melts, and its peaks stand as silent witnesses to our changing world.
- Molly’s climb becomes a microcosm of humanity’s struggle. She ascends toward hope, grappling with the enormity of the crisis below.
Beyond Individual Action:
- Molly’s journey transcends personal activism. She recognizes that individual efforts, while crucial, are not enough. The scale of change required demands systemic shifts.
- Her mission extends beyond her own vote or lifestyle choices. She seeks to inspire collective action, urging us to register people to vote, engage in poll work, and advocate for policy changes.
A Positive Vision Amid Crisis:
- The Scale of Hope doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities. It acknowledges the urgency of our predicament. Yet, it reframes the narrative. Molly’s climb becomes a beacon of resilience.
- She reminds us that hope isn’t passive; it’s a force that propels us forward. Amid melting ice and rising temperatures, she finds purpose.
The Call to Respond:
- As viewers, we’re invited to join Molly on her ascent. We witness her vulnerability, her determination, and her unwavering belief in humanity’s capacity for change.
- The film challenges us to ask our own questions: What can we do? How can we amplify hope?
