🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the documentary “Catching the Sun,” directed by Shalini Kantayya, viewers are taken on a journey that explores the growth of the solar power industry and its potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape. The film showcases a diverse set of characters, from unemployed workers in Richmond, California, to businessmen in China, Tea Party activists, and a would-be White House adviser, all playing pivotal roles in the transition to solar power.
The story follows an unemployed American worker, a Tea Party activist, and a Chinese solar entrepreneur as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the clean energy future. Through their personal journeys, the film delves into the themes of economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and the societal impact of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Director Shalini Kantayya embarked on this project with a mission to find hope in a world where the traditional economic ladder is eroding, and wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few due to the dominance of the oil economy. The film aims to debunk the misconception that clean energy initiatives come at the cost of economic prosperity, instead highlighting how solar power has the potential to democratize and decentralize energy, creating new opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs.
Through a series of intimate portraits and compelling narratives, “Catching the Sun” captures the essence of a global energy transition that is already underway. The impact campaign associated with the film has engaged with various stakeholders, including responsible solar companies, grassroots environmental groups, and national environmental organizations, to advocate for solar policies and renewable energy solutions at a municipal level.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change and move towards sustainable energy sources, “Catching the Sun” serves as a timely and inspiring exploration of the individuals and communities at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Movie Casting:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Van Jones | Self |
| Wally Jiang | Self |
| Eddie Wiltz Jr. | Self |
| Paul Muldrow | Self |
| Debbie Dooley | Self |
| Gayle McLaughlin | Self |
| Danny Kennedy | Self |
| Peggy Liu | Self |
| Jigar Shah | Self |
| David Crane | Self |
| Shalini Kantayya | Director |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Let’s Catch Some Rays with “Catching the Sun”
Ever feel like you’re running on empty, just like our dear Earth? Well, buckle up, because “Catching the Sun” is here to recharge your batteries! This documentary isn’t just a film; it’s an electric jolt of inspiration that might just have you Googling “solar panel installation” by the time the credits roll. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your humble abode more eco-friendly or felt a twinge of guilt over your carbon footprint, prepare to be enlightened.
Plot and Themes: A Bright Future
“Catching the Sun,” directed by Shalini Kantayya, is a poignant and visionary documentary about solar energy and its potential to revolutionize our world. The film revolves around several key figures in the clean energy movement: Van Jones, an unemployed American worker, a Tea Party activist, and a Chinese solar entrepreneur. These diverse perspectives provide a comprehensive look at both the opportunities and challenges in transitioning to renewable energy.
At its core, this documentary is about more than just solar panels; it’s about hope, innovation, and the potential for economic transformation. The themes are clear: environmental sustainability isn’t merely an idealistic dream but a tangible possibility that could lead us into a new era of prosperity. It’s like watching humanity get handed a golden ticket—one that can save both our planet and our wallets!
Acting and Characters: Real People, Real Impact
This isn’t your typical movie with actors playing out scripted roles; instead, we get real-life heroes whose stories are as compelling as any Hollywood blockbuster. Van Jones stands out with his infectious passion for renewable energy. His journey from being an advisor at the White House to advocating for green jobs is both inspiring and slightly bittersweet (seriously Van, we wish you’d stayed!). The other characters each add their unique voices—whether it’s through grassroots activism or entrepreneurial spirit—that collectively drive home the message of possibility.
Direction: Steady Hands on Helm
Kantayya does an excellent job weaving together these narratives into a cohesive story that holds your attention from start to finish. She strikes a perfect balance between informative content and emotional resonance. It never feels preachy or overwhelming; instead, it’s more like having an engaging conversation with someone who genuinely cares about making the world better.
Cinematography & Production Design: A Visual Feast
The cinematography captures breathtaking landscapes bathed in sunlight (pun intended) which serves as both eye candy and a visual metaphor for hope. Whether it’s sprawling deserts adorned with solar farms or urban settings where innovation is taking root—the visuals are stunningly evocative.
Score & Sound Design: Harmonious Accompaniment
The score complements the film beautifully without overshadowing its message. It’s uplifting when it needs to be but knows when to step back during poignant moments of personal stories or hard-hitting facts about climate change.
- Binge-watching Tips:
- If this film sparks your interest in green documentaries (and it will), follow up with titles like “An Inconvenient Truth” or “Before the Flood” for more eco-insights!
- Watch this film during daylight hours so you can appreciate all those sun-kissed visuals properly—no gloomy nighttime viewing allowed!
- Consider hosting a watch party followed by discussions on actionable steps everyone can take towards sustainable living—make it fun yet impactful!
Pace & Editing: Smooth Sailing ️
The pacing of “Catching The Sun” is akin to cruising down an open highway on a sunny day—it flows smoothly without any hiccups along the way. The editing ensures there’s never too much information dumped on you at once; it’s perfectly portioned out so each segment feels digestible yet substantial.
Dialog & Narration: Conversational Yet Compelling ️
The dialog is straightforward yet impactful—you won’t find yourself scratching your head trying to decode jargon-filled sentences here! Instead expect plain language explanations peppered with moments that tug at your heartstrings.
A Personal Reflection :
What resonated most deeply was how attainable these solutions felt after watching this documentary—it wasn’t some far-off fantasy but something within reach if enough people get behind it.
Binge-Watching Tip: Make notes while watching because trust me—you’ll want references later when convincing friends/family/neighbors about why they should go solar too!
A Call To Action :
Don’t just sit back after finishing this enlightening cinematic experience; let it spur you into action! Look into local initiatives promoting renewable energy sources—or even better—start one yourself!
The Final Verdict :
“Catching The Sun” scores blazing 9/10 from yours truly! It manages not only educates but also motivates viewers towards making positive changes—a rare feat indeed.
So dear reader what did YOU think? Would love hearing thoughts below—and remember—we’ve got power over future choices…let’s make them count starting today
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inspirational and eye-opening | Desire for more focus on the protagonist’s White House position |
| Promotes awareness of clean energy | Missing depth in character development |
| Encourages action towards a better planet | Lacks strong narrative structure |
| Informative and entertaining documentary | Could benefit from more in-depth exploration of solar energy |
Feedback
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Catching the Sun (2015) - IMDb
SPONSOREDAn 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 centur… Read allAn 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?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?
- Awards
- 3 nominations
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SPONSORED
- Awards
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Catching the Sun (film) - Wikipedia
Catching the Sunis a 2015 documentary film on the growth of the solar power industry that premiered on Netflix in April, 2016. Directed by Shalini Kantayya, the film features portraits of diverse personalities and their roles in the transition to solar power. Unemployed workers in Richmond, California, businessmen in China, Tea Party activists, and a would-be White House adviser are all featured in the film. The film debunks a false dilemma that clean energy requires sacrificing economic prosperity.
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Catching the Sun streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch
Watch Now
PROMOTEDPROMOTEDFiltersStreaming in:Something wrong? Let us know!You can buy “Catching the Sun” on Amazon Video, Apple TV as download or rent it on Amazon Video, Apple TV online.An unemployed American worker, a Tea Party activist, and a Chinese solar entrepreneur. But who wins and who loses the battle for power in the 21st century? Through interwoven character dramas spanning the U.S. and China, Catching the Sun explores the global economic race to lead the clean energy future.Documentary, Drama, History, Made in Europe1h 30minGermany, India, United StatesShalini Kantayya
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Catching the Sun (2015) - Plot - IMDb
- 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 the global race to lead the clean energy future. Over the course of a solar jobs training program, Catching the Sun follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry. 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?—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 the global race to lead the clean energy future. Over the course of a solar jobs training program, Catching the Sun follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry. 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?
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'Catching the Sun': Film Review - The Hollywood Reporter
Catching the Sunoffers a useful primer on the development of photovoltaics and on the space race-like competition between world powers today to be the country that deploys solar most profitably. Unfortunately, most U.S. lawmakers and pundits don’t seem to know that race is being run — thanks to the influence of petro-plutocrats and those beholden to them. The film watches sadly as astroturfers Americans for Prosperity fight cap-and-trade measures. But even when looking at entrenched energy companies, it finds reasons for optimism — as when speaking to David Crane, whose NRG Energy (whose roots are in conventional electricity) has seen the light and is currently pushing to be America’s foremost name in green energy.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
“Catching the Sun” is a compelling documentary directed by Shalini Kantayya that delves into the global race to lead the clean energy revolution. The film takes viewers on a journey across the United States and China, showcasing the efforts of individuals and communities working towards a sustainable future.
The documentary begins by highlighting the devastating effects of climate change and the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources. It emphasizes the critical juncture the world is at, where decisions made today will impact future generations.
An essential focus of “Catching the Sun” is the economic opportunities that come with embracing clean energy. The film introduces a diverse group of individuals who have found employment in the solar industry, sharing personal stories of how solar energy has transformed their lives. From a former coal miner in Kentucky to a single mother in California, these stories challenge the perception that clean energy is solely an environmental issue and showcase the potential for job creation and economic growth.
The documentary also sheds light on the political and regulatory challenges hindering the widespread adoption of renewable energy. It explores the influence of powerful fossil fuel industries and the barriers faced by clean energy entrepreneurs and activists.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is the contrast between the United States and China in their approach to clean energy. While the U.S. has made progress, China has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy. The documentary showcases China’s massive investments in solar and wind power, highlighting the economic benefits resulting from their commitment to a low-carbon economy.
By juxtaposing the efforts of these two countries, “Catching the Sun” raises questions about America’s role in the clean energy revolution, challenging assumptions about U.S. leadership in innovation and the potential consequences of falling behind in the race for clean energy.
The importance of grassroots movements and community involvement in driving the clean energy transition is a recurring theme throughout the film. It showcases the efforts of activists and organizations promoting renewable energy at the local level, from community solar projects to job training programs, demonstrating the power of collective action in building a sustainable future.
In conclusion, “Catching the Sun” is a powerful documentary that underscores the urgency of transitioning to clean energy. It highlights the economic opportunities of embracing renewable energy, addresses political and regulatory barriers, and inspires viewers to take action and contribute to the global movement towards a sustainable future.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-14
Age Rating:
“Catching the Sun” is not officially rated, but it is a documentary film that deals with themes related to clean energy, the solar power industry, and the global economic race towards a sustainable future. The film is suitable for viewers of all ages, including children and adolescents.
Parental Guide:
“Catching the Sun” is a documentary film that follows the stories of an unemployed American worker, a Tea Party activist, and a Chinese solar entrepreneur as they race to lead the clean energy future. The film does not contain any explicit content such as sex, nudity, violence, or profanity. It focuses on themes of clean energy, sustainability, and the global economic landscape.
Parents can feel comfortable watching “Catching the Sun” with their children of all ages, as it provides an educational and inspiring look at the possibilities for a more sustainable future.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | You can buy or rent Catching the Sun on Amazon Video or watch it on Prime Video. |
| Netflix | Catching the Sun premiered on Netflix in April 2016 globally. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
I was fascinated by the idea that solar power could democratize and decentralize energy in a way that rebuilds the ladder of economic opportunity for workers
Will the U.S. be able to build a clean energy economy?
Energy policy is social policy. . . . Solar energy puts power back into the hands of the people — both literally and figuratively.
Renewable energy is the biggest economic opportunity of our time.
🤖Catching the Sun Reddit Talks
Where to Watch Chasing the Sun
Rugby fans rejoice! The highly-acclaimed documentary “Chasing the Sun” is now available to stream for free on RugbyPass TV. For those in the UK, you can use a VPN to access the documentary through DSTv Stream. Australian viewers can catch the show on Showmax.
How to Watch Chasing the Sun 2 in the UK
If you’re in the UK and want to watch “Chasing the Sun 2,” you’ll need to do a bit more work. Here are the steps:
- Install a VPN (Surfshark, NordVPN, or similar)
- Connect to a South African server
- Install DSTv Stream on your device
- Purchase the DSTv Streaming Premium package
- Launch the app and start watching
Other Discussion Points
- Blu-ray Release: Some fans are wondering why there hasn’t been a Blu-ray release of the first documentary. They argue that it would be an easy way for the creators to make money.
- Trilogy Completion: Fans are eager to find out if the upcoming third installment will finally reveal whether the team “caught the sun” or not.
- Streaming Links: People are sharing links to watch and download “Chasing the Sun 2.”
- Film Review: “Catching the Sun” is a film that inspires hope for a solar revolution. People from all walks of life are putting their faith in this new technology.
- Broadcast Information: “Chasing the Sun 2” will be broadcast on SuperSport and Mnet in South Africa on the 24th. Fans are hoping for someone to share and upload the documentary online.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/springboks/comments/1aqdgsw/how_to_watch_chasing_the_sun/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/springboks/comments/165b2sv/chasing_the_sun/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/springboks/comments/1bo39pw/chasing_the_sun_2_please/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/1ao4t1t/chasing_the_sun_2_trailer/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/springboks/comments/1b8exgn/chasing_the_sun_2/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Catching the Sun” about?
“Catching the Sun” is a documentary that follows the stories of workers and entrepreneurs in the United States and China as they race to lead the clean energy future, focusing on the global transition to solar power.
Who is featured in “Catching the Sun”?
The film features diverse personalities such as an unemployed American worker, a Tea Party activist, a Chinese solar entrepreneur, and key figures like Van Jones, who advocate for renewable energy solutions.
What is the main message of “Catching the Sun”?
“Catching the Sun” highlights the importance of renewable energy, the challenges faced by those in the solar power industry, and the potential impact of clean energy on the environment and the economy.
How does “Catching the Sun” inspire its viewers?
The documentary serves as a motivational and inspiring piece, encouraging viewers to consider the benefits of solar and green energy, while shedding light on the urgent need to address climate change through sustainable practices.
What are the reviews saying about “Catching the Sun”?
“Catching the Sun” has received positive reviews for being both informative and entertaining, offering a poignant and visionary look into the new economy and job opportunities within the solar energy sector.
Where can I watch “Catching the Sun”?
“Catching the Sun” is available for viewing on various platforms, providing an educational and insightful exploration of the global race towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
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