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The Athens Democracy Forum last week featured an array of speakers from countries worldwide: politicians, leaders of nonprofits, youths dedicated to promoting democracy. Michael P. Nash was the only filmmaker to speak.
Mr. Nash, who resides in Nashville and Los Angeles, is behind more than a dozen documentaries and psychological thrillers. His most well-known work is “Climate Refugees,” a documentary that debuted at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and portrays the stories of people from 48 countries who were affected by climate change.
Mr. Nash’s other notable films include “Fuel” (2017), which focuses on alternative energy, and “Saving the Roar” (2021), an inspirational sports documentary about Penn State University’s football culture.
Mr. Nash is directing and producing “Chasing Truth,” a documentary examining whether artificial intelligence can solve environmental issues such as climate change and food security. The film is a collaboration with the actor Leonardo DiCaprio and his father, George DiCaprio, who are executive producers. It is expected to be released in 2026.
George DiCaprio said he and his son got to know Mr. Nash more than a decade ago, at a screening of “Climate Refugees” at their home. “It was clear that we all shared a passion for addressing the world’s most pressing issues, and now, more than ever, that commitment has deepened,” he said in an email.
After the forum, Mr. Nash was interviewed by email and phone about his interest in democracy advocacy; the connection between climate change and democracy; and what he had learned in Athens. The conversation has been edited and condensed.
Tell me about your work around democracy advocacy. Why are you interested in the topic?
Very simply, without a healthy democracy, our entire world as we know it becomes a house of cards. A healthy democracy is the foundation for human rights and freedoms, promotes peace, political stability, accountability and solution-oriented governance.
How is “Climate Refugees” related to democracy?
As highlighted in the film, democracies typically prioritize human rights, including the protection and asylum of displaced individuals. However, those displaced by climate-related issues such as rising sea levels, extreme weather and drought — known as climate refugees — challenge these democratic principles of protection and equality.
The U.N. has predicted hundreds of millions of climate migrants by 2050, and other global organizations estimate the number to exceed a billion people on the move in search of food, water and shelter. Currently, most international laws, even in democratic countries, do not recognize climate refugees as a distinct category, resulting in significant gaps in legal protection and access to asylum.
Tell me about “Chasing Truth.” How does democracy figure in the work?
The documentary continues the global exploration of how we create a more sustainable world for future generations. “Climate Refugees” made history this year as the first documentary to be placed on the surface of the moon in an arts and humanity time capsule to preserve the story of humanity here on Earth. The “Chasing Truth” poster was also selected for inclusion in the lunar time capsule.
What’s your perspective on democracy today? Is it threatened? Have we made progress?
Today, democracy is clearly under attack. Corporations have influenced corrupt politicians, shaping laws that favor the bottom line rather than promoting individual rights and freedom of speech. If we don’t address the challenges facing our democracy now, I believe history will look back on this period as the era when “corporations went rogue.”
In America, I don’t think we’ve made progress. Over the last decade, we’ve actually gone backward and have substantial political problems. What scares me the most is that almost all of our decisions are based on short-term gains and not long-term successes. Our politicians are more concerned with passing policies that help their election than creating long-term gains for our country.
How is democracy failing us today?
Democracy has been crippled by the spread of misinformation, disinformation, sensationalism, polarization and echo chambers. The erosion of trust in traditional media outlets and social media algorithms have fueled division rather than unity. I believe over the last 30 years, our society has failed democracy. A flourishing democracy relies on an informed society; without an informed society, democracy cannot thrive.
How has your past work informed your current projects from a democracy standpoint?
I’ve learned that there is so much misinformation about democracy out there. There is a lot of false truth and propaganda, and the title of my current film addresses that, as does the film itself.
In your opinion, what country or figure best embodies democratic principles today?
The Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland. From a democratic standpoint, they seem to be much more dialed into what democracy means and implementing it. They’re efficient and effective in their goals, and maybe that’s why they’re known as the happiest people in the world. Organized, healthy democracies lend themselves to healthy societies.
What was your biggest takeaway from the Athens Democracy Forum?
One of my biggest came from a youth panel, where the focus was on trust. These young participants expressed deep concerns about the future of democracy and the governance of A.I. and A.I.’s role in shaping their future.
They voiced a growing distrust in democratic institutions and their ability to address urgent global challenges. They are so concerned about the world that they’re growing up in, and when I heard them speak, it hit me that these kids are going to inherit a world that has all these problems with democracy, and they’re trying to do something about it.
They were an impressive bunch.
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