MSU Geography Department to host free Earth Day Eve screening of acclaimed documentary ‘OBSERVER’

March 31, 2026 - Diane Huhn

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Michigan State University Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences will host a free public screening of the documentary film OBSERVER. The event will take place at 6:00 PM in Classroom N100 of the MSU Business Complex. 

Directed by Ian Cheney and produced by the Wonder Collaborative, OBSERVER is a poetic exploration of the human relationship with the natural world. The film follows twelve diverse "observers"—including a quantum physicist, a herpetologist, and a nature recordist—as they travel to locations ranging from Senegal to Chile. Each is tasked with describing their surroundings, revealing that "there is a universe everywhere you turn" if one only takes the time to look. 

"We are thrilled to bring this film to the MSU community on the eve of Earth Day," said Stephen Przybylinski, a professor helping organize the event. "Geography is fundamentally about how we observe and interpret the world around us. OBSERVER challenges us to look deeper at our environments, making it the perfect catalyst for conversation as we reflect on our planet’s future."  

 

The 95-minute film has been praised for its whimsy and its ability to "humanize science," offering a reminder of the beauty still present on our planet. 

The screening is free of charge. No tickets are required, but early arrival is encouraged to ensure seating. 

Event Details: 

• What: Film Screening of OBSERVER 

• When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM 

• Where: MSU Business Complex, Classroom N100, East Lansing, MI 

• Cost: Free 

For more information about the film, visit www.observerfilm.org. 

Media Contact: Diane Huhn, huhndian@msu.edu