Exploring how art, storytelling, and activism converge in Susan Rockefeller’s mission to protect oceans and inspire change.
Faces of Impact
Sep 1, 2025
5 min
Climate Action
Faces of Impact Welcomes Susan Rockefeller
Faces of Impact is proud to welcome Susan Rockefeller, award-winning documentary filmmaker, philanthropist, and environmental advocate, into the Faces of Impact 100.
Storytelling That Inspires Change
Rockefeller’s films—aired on platforms like HBO, PBS, and Discovery—often explore urgent issues at the intersection of environment, conservation, and social justice. From ocean health to sustainable food systems, her storytelling shines a light on both the challenges we face and the solutions within reach.
Activism Through Storytelling
As a board member of leading environmental organizations and the founder of Musings, a digital magazine dedicated to sustainability and innovation, she has long championed the balance of activism and storytelling as a way to drive meaningful change. Her work underscores that films are not just stories on screen, but powerful catalysts for awareness and action.
Protecting Our Oceans
Rockefeller believes the most pressing issue facing our oceans today is the combined threat of climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Yet she emphasizes that individuals can make a difference through conscious consumer choices, advocacy, and amplifying voices for conservation.
The Power of Film
When asked about her creative process, she reflects that choosing a topic comes down to urgency and impact—whether the story can shift perspectives, inspire change, and elevate underrepresented voices. Challenges, she notes, often lie in financing and distribution, but the mission of advancing global sustainability keeps her resolute.
For Rockefeller, the arts remain one of the most powerful tools for social and environmental transformation. “Film can awaken empathy and inspire people to act in ways that science alone sometimes cannot,” she says. At the intersection of science, art, and innovation, she sees the blueprint for a more sustainable and hopeful future.
Looking Ahead
As she joins Faces of Impact 100, Rockefeller looks forward to collaborating with a global community of changemakers. “Projects like this amplify stories of resilience and leadership. They remind us that collective action is possible—and necessary—to address the great challenges of our time.”
Looking ahead, she is most excited by opportunities to expand her work, combining conservation, creativity, and community to help shape a future where people and planet thrive together.