Event Recap: Lithium Rising Film Screening & Panel
On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Earth Commons hosted its first-ever film screening at Georgetown’s Capitol Campus—and it was energizing to have students, faculty, staff, and partners together in the 125 E Street Auditorium. In collaboration with the Bertelsmann Foundation, the evening featured Lithium Rising: The Race for Critical Minerals, directed by Samuel George, with a reception at 5 p.m., a 6 p.m. screening, and a post-film panel.
End of carousel collection.
The discussion was moderated by ECo Faculty Tim Bartley, who guided a thoughtful conversation about the social, environmental, and geopolitical stakes of the global race for lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Filmed across five continents, Lithium Rising captures the lives of people and communities on the frontlines of the energy transition while raising tough questions about supply chains, power, and justice.
The evening closed with a central challenge: what can we do, and how can we take meaningful action as individuals, scholars, and institutions? Thank you to everyone who joined us for this milestone evening at the Capitol Campus and to our partners at the Bertelsmann Foundation. This event set the stage for future screenings and dialogues on sustainability at Georgetown.