“Humanity is at the mouth of a long, dark tunnel, and right at the end of the tunnel, it’s a little star. That’s hope.” Those are the words of Dr. Jane Goodall, an English primatologist and anthropologist. She was in Arizona in June to promote her new documentary, “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope,” playing at the Arizona Science Center through September 1. I had the opportunity to see the documentary and be part of a media panel interview with Dr. Goodall and David Lickley, the writer, producer and director.

In the documentary, we learn through four main stories that Goodall’s biggest reasons for hope are the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power and dedication of young people, and the indomitable spirit. Goodall is passionate about the idea that we should be hopeful for the future of the planet and that there are ways we can all give a little helping hand so that nature can flourish.

“You’d better go on doing this when I’m gone, or I’m going to haunt you! And I will,” says the almost 90-year-old Goodall. Goodall notes that one of her favorite parts in the documentary was when she helped plant trees in Sudbury, Canada, as part of a forest regreening project. Another highlight was meeting the funny and special Elders as part of the Blackfoot Buffalo Program in Montana.

The documentary includes an exciting and innovative MechanicalTree project headed by ASU Professor Klaus Lackner. This artificial tree can capture the amount of carbon that 1,000 real trees can. It also introduces a group of scientists helping Northern bald ibises learn to migrate. Fox reads her latest book.

 During the interview, Goodall gave the media one request. In addition to reporting on the bad news that the public needs to know about, she asks that the media focus more on the good news. “We need hope to take action,” says Goodall.

Goodall thanked Lickley for all his work on the film mentioning, “I have to say, the way you cut that film and brought it all together, and the juxtaposition and the way one scene flowed into the next—for that… you deserve an Oscar.” Indeed, the documentary is an inspiring film, with beautiful footage, and powerful music.

Goodall is a strong advocate for a plant-based diet to promote the ethical treatment of animals. She wishes more people knew that every time they eat meat, they are consuming a sentient being that can feel fear and pain. “Just think of the heartbreaking, horrible treatment of bewildered animals going to be slaughtered in factory farms,” she says.

For tickets to “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope,” https://www.azscience.org/gst-jane-goodall-reasons-for-hope/.  When you go, look for Mr. H, Goodall’s famous chimpanzee stuffy, and keep an eye out for Goodall’s favorite part of making the documentary—getting to fly in an ultralight aircraft.

I loved the film and found the messages to be inspiring and powerful, like Goodall’s memorable words of wisdom: “Together we can. Together we will!” If you want to take part in helping the environment, visit rootsandshoots.org.