Josh Fox, a guest on the SOUNDS podcast with Tom Needham and SOUNDS OF FILM Radio show, is a renowned independent filmmaker and the founder and artistic director of International WOW Company, a dynamic film and theater collective. Since its founding in 1996, International WOW has worked with actors, filmmakers, writers, activists, and artists from a wide range of cultural and activist backgrounds, creating projects that address pressing environmental, social, and political crises. With productions spanning over 30 countries across five continents, Fox’s company has brought to life transformative performances and projects focused on sustainability, social justice, and the power of art to inspire change. Over the years, Fox has received multiple awards for his work, including a Drama Desk Nomination, several grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a prestigious Asian Cultural Council Fellowship.

Fox is perhaps best known for his Oscar-nominated documentary, “Gasland,” which earned a Special Jury Prize at Sundance and brought global attention to the environmental dangers of fracking. His films have premiered at major festivals, including Sundance and Tribeca, and have been featured on platforms like HBO and Netflix. Known for his blend of captivating narratives and heightened imagery, his work reflects a deep commitment to socially conscious themes, whether through the lens of film or the stage.

In his latest project, “Edge of Nature,” Fox shares a deeply personal journey, set during what scientists refer to as “The Anthropause,”—the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic when global emissions saw an unprecedented drop, marking the only time in history that industrial fossil fuel pollution was reduced enough to impact climate change. After contracting COVID-19 in early 2020 and suffering from long-term neurological effects, Fox retreated to a secluded cabin in Pennsylvania. There, he sought healing in nature, exploring his family’s history of trauma and genocide while connecting with the environment around him, including a cast of beavers, bears, and coyotes. “Edge of Nature” reflects his belief that nature holds profound lessons for healing and survival, and that the “Anthropause” may offer essential insights into how we can restore our planet.

EDGE OF NATURE is screening at the Workers Unite Film Festival at the Cinema Village on Saturday, October, 19th.