Illusion of Abundance: A Call for Climate Justice Through Art

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Amy MacDonald, Founder and Director of Brolly Arts, has long been a champion of using the arts to address urgent social, racial, and environmental issues. Her latest project, Illusion of Abundance, is a film that merges storytelling, dance, Indigenous perspectives, and stunning cinematography to confront the crisis facing Utah’s Great Salt Lake. The film, which emerged from a grassroots performance piece, highlights the interconnectedness of climate change, historical erasure, and underrepresented voices.

“We believe the arts and humanities are the most non-threatening means we have to address major issues of the day,” MacDonald said. “Our work is grassroots in approach, of, by, for, and with the communities we serve.”

MacDonald’s deep relationship with the Great Salt Lake (GSL) inspired Illusion of Abundance. “As a native Utahn, my lifelong relationship to Great Salt Lake runs deep,” she shared. “Brolly Arts first stepped into GSL issues with the 2004 Contours project, which raised awareness of the lake’s value and beauty through student outreach and evening events. That project laid the foundation for Illusion of Abundance, which grew out of a grassroots narrative performance accompanied by choreography. The overwhelming response to that performance inspired us to create this film.”

One of the film’s defining features is its inclusion of Indigenous knowledge systems, which MacDonald sees as essential for holistic solutions to the lake’s crisis. “As we began to film the choreographed portion of Illusion of Abundance, it became clear we were not telling the full story,” she said. “We invested more than two years in building relationships with Indigenous participants and advisors. Their insights helped shape a film that is authentic, holistic, and inclusive.”

MacDonald recounted a profound moment when younger Indigenous participants sought approval from their Elders to take part in the film. “They explained to their Elders that they honor and hold sacred their tribal ways but also want to work towards contemporary solutions. Their requests to participate were approved, and their contributions enriched the project immeasurably.”

The film’s cinematography, led by Christopher and Alex Lee of TWIG Media Lab, captures both the beauty and dire state of the Great Salt Lake. “The challenge was to visually express the lake’s vastness and its artery-like structure while highlighting the devastation of its decline,” MacDonald explained. “Alex Lee traveled all over the lake, using every filming method available to ensure the visuals aligned with the film’s message.”

Brolly Arts’ commitment to community engagement is central to the film. “At Brolly Arts, any project we undertake must be of, by, for, and with the communities we serve to ensure all voices are heard,” MacDonald emphasized. “Frontline and Indigenous communities are most affected by the lake’s decline, and their lifelong knowledge informs the film’s perspectives.”

Through its artistic lens, Illusion of Abundance aims to inspire viewers to engage with climate and social justice issues. “Our goal is to touch both hearts and minds,” MacDonald said. “We want the film to be a catalyst for conversations and actions. At the end of the film, we provide a link with ways for viewers to get involved, from water conservation to collective work with organizations already engaged in this critical work.”

MacDonald sees artistry as a unique tool for addressing complex issues. “Art, culture, and the humanities are powerful, non-threatening platforms that bring communities together to tackle global issues with local relevance,” she explained. “When we touch hearts and minds, we inspire engagement and potential action. Illusion of Abundance is a testament to that philosophy.”

Reflecting on the project, MacDonald emphasized its potential to disrupt long-standing traditions and inspire change. “Our film seeks to change the pattern where those advocating for natural resource protection and Indigenous people have no voice at the table,” she said. “Through storytelling, dance, and intertribal interviews, we illuminate the possibility of positive change.”

As Illusion of Abundance continues to resonate with audiences, MacDonald hopes it will not only raise awareness but also spur collective action. “We can save the Great Salt Lake,” she said, “but it requires all of us working together.”

For more information on Illusion of Abundance and Brolly Arts’ work, visit brollyarts.org.

Illusion of Abundance is an official selection at the Utah International Film Festival. Tickets are available HERE.

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