EXCLUSIVE: Don Cheadle is joining the production crew of doc series Vs. Goliath.
The Ocean’s Eleven, Iron Man 2 and Hotel Rwanda actor has become an exec producer on the show alongside The Solutions Project, a non-profit organization centered around climate justice in frontline communities.
Vs. Goliath recently had a world premiere at SeriesFest in Denver and today will see its third episode debut at the DC Environmental Film Festival.
The series explores stories of everyday people from working-class communities across the U.S. taking bold action against the fossil fuel industry. At SeriesFest, it won Best Unscripted Pilot Award and the Audience Award for Best Unscripted Pilot, and has been an official selection at DOC NYC, DC/DOX and the St. Louis International Film Festival.
“The climate crisis is not just about science,” said Cheadle. “It’s about justice, courage, and the people rising up to do what’s needed. “Vs. Goliath spotlights communities that are being directly hurt by fossil fuel pollution, and refuse to be invisible. The series makes these communities the heroes of the battle, and stays loyal to participant-driven storytelling. I’m honored to help amplify those voices.”
Vs Goliath was co-created and directed by Sam Eilersten and Nate Birnbaum, with Maggie Lemere the co-director and Pulkit Datta the producer. Support came from Fossil Free Media, Equation Campaign , Patagonia Inc. and The Redford Center, with Cheadle exec producer alongside 350.org co-founder Jamie Henn, Tikkun Olam co-Exec Director Marielle Olentine and Equation Campaign’s Katie Redford.
The production team released a statement reading: “We created Vs. Goliath to spotlight the heroes of the environmental justice movement – everyday people standing up to enormous odds. “Having Don Cheadle join us as executive producer, with the incredible support of The Solutions Project, not only validates the urgency of this work, but also brings powerful visibility to the people and stories featured in the series.”