Chicago Suburb Resident Directs Film Addressing Climate Change

The new film “Canary” takes viewers on a gripping journey through the eyes of scientist Lonnie Thompson, one of the world’s leading climate change researchers. Directed and produced by Wilmette native Danny O’Malley and co-directed by MIT-trained neuroscientist Alex Rivest, the film showcases Thompson’s relentless pursuit of answers about climate change.

Thompson’s dedication to his work is evident as he climbs some of the tallest mountains in the world to study glaciers, often putting his own life at risk in the process. O’Malley describes Thompson’s mission and passion as clear: he wants the world to understand the reality of climate change.

The film’s title, “Canary,” is a tribute to Thompson’s upbringing in coal mining country in West Virginia. As a child, he learned that miners used canaries in coal mines to detect danger. Similarly, Thompson sees the melting glaciers as a warning sign of climate change, referring to them as the “canary in the coal mine.”

O’Malley, known for his work on the Netflix show “Chef’s Table,” spent five years completing the film, which has already been seen nationwide. The premiere of “Canary” will take place at The Wilmette Theater on Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

Through stunning visuals and Thompson’s inspiring story, “Canary” sheds light on the urgent issue of climate change and the sacrifices made by scientists like Lonnie Thompson to protect our planet.