INVENTING TOMORROW follows young scientists from Indonesia, Hawaii, India, and Mexico who propose innovative solutions to fix some of the most complex environmental issues facing humanity today – right in their own backyards. The students are preparing original scientific research projects they will defend at ISEF, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public. The students travel to Los Angeles from all corners of the world to participate in ISEF 2017. Throughout the week we watch them participate in social activities, field trips, and the gauntlet of judging. No matter who wins a prize, they all make connections many call life changing. These young scientists invite a worldwide role reversal, where the youth show us the way towards a more sustainable future.

"If you’re looking for a healthy dose of optimism, which can often feel in short supply these days, look no further than Laura Nix’s new documentary INVENTING TOMORROW."

- MATTHEW DELMAN, HAMMER TO NAIL

"These extraordinary, driven, eco-compassionate children are cancelling the apocalypse."

– SCOTT BEGGS, NERDIST

“A film about hope...”

– GLENN KENNY, THE NEW YORK TIMES

“...it’s their futures you want them to win—as scientists, optimists and change agents—not just a science fair prize.”

– ROBERT ABELE, THE LA TIMES

“The optimism of INVENTING TOMORROW is quite uplifting, with dauntless teenage thinkers from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds working with resourcefulness and imagination to develop practical solutions to local eco threats.”

– DAVID ROONEY, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

“Crisis is a wonderful motivator, and when combined with youthful energy, maybe we can have permission to believe in tomorrow once again”

– Andrew Lapin, NPR

2019 - Peabody Award

2019 - Jason D. Mak Award for Social Justice, DisOrient Asian American Film Festival 

2019 - Special Jury Selection, Jackson Wild Summit 

2018 - Grand Jury Prize, Documentary Competition, Seattle Film Festival 

2018 - Special Jury Prize Honorable Mention, Nashville Film Festival

2018 - Film of the Year, MôTif Film Festival 

2018 - Green Spark Award, American Conservation Film Festival

2018 - Best Documentary Film, Ellensburg Film Festival 

2018 - Student Jury Award, InScience International Science Film Festival

GLASSBREAKER FILMS

GOOD DOCS 

HHMI | Tangled Bank Studios

LAGRALANE

MOTTO PICTURES

Redford Center

Shark Island Institute

Simons Foundation | Science Sandbox

Society for Science & the Public

Sundance Institute

SUSTAINABLE FILMS

The Kendeda Fund

WAVELENGTH PRODUCTIONS

WORLD Channel

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