The Hills: Environmental Injustices in Chicago's Southeast Side
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The Hills: Environmental Injustices in Chicago's Southeast Side

About the Event:

Created by Chicago artist Ines Sommer, THE HILLS tells the story of contaminated land, water, and wildlife in Southeast side Chicago and its impact on the community. At the edge of Chicago, where the steel mills once operated, sits an abandoned toxic slag hill that's been harming people, wildlife, and waterways for decades. Set against a backdrop of urban wilderness that's both seductively beautiful and poisoned, The Hills uses a lyrical lens to connect legacy pollution to labor history and current environmental struggles. Join Chicago Humanities for a viewing of this vital film and a following panel discussion featuring filmmaker Sommer, members of the Southeast Environmental Task Force with Daniela Herrera of Earth Art Chicago, Juanita Irizarry, Olga Bautista for a conversation on art as environmental activism and creating a healthier world.


  • This program is presented in partnership with Earth Art. This program is part of the Social Justice and Equity Series supported by Allstate and ITW.
  • Please visit our FAQ for more information about ticketing, books, accessibility options, and other event logistics.
Ines Sommer

Ines Sommer

Ines Sommer is a filmmaker, film programmer, and educator, who has directed character-driven documentaries alongside ...

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Daniela Herrara

Daniela Herrara

Daniela Herrera is the Associate Program Officer at the Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation, or ISEIF, ...

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Olga Bautista

Olga Bautista

Olga Bautista is the Executive Director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force. She is a lifelong resident and com...

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Juanita Irizarry

Juanita Irizarry

Juanita Irizarry is the executive director of Friends of the Parks whose mission is to inspire, equip, and mobilize a...

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[Event tile image description: The event image at the top left of the event page a photo of a deer in a field of grass. Image credit: Earth Art Chicago.]