Attendees of the film premiere for “The Politics of Beauty” were taken back in time to the late 1900’s and experienced the life and legacy of Stewart Udall, an American politician, at 6:30 p.m. at Majorie Luke Theatre on Thursday, April 27.

The main discussion of the film was Udall’s life from when he was born up until his passing. Topics such as his family, the environment he grew up in, and how he got into environmental politics was brought up. Throughout the film, clips were shown of his son, experts in the environmental science field, and those who worked beside him spoke in favor of Udall’s behalf. They also talked about his time in Congress as well as the work he did beside John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, as a secretary of interior. 

“What do I hope people’s biggest takeaway is when they watch the film? A little bit of hope,” said John de Graaf, the producer of the film.

“Young people today generally don’t come to a film like this, but when they do I often hear from them that nothing ever changes and I hope that those people looking at this film realize that things have changed over the years.” 

Santa Barbara Permaculture Network hosted this event for the community to honor Earth day according to Margie Bushman, one of the co-founders for the network. This is a non-profit organization that brings educational events focused on sustainability, ecological design, and permaculture. The film had no cost of attendance, holding only the goal of informing the public with the impact Udall had on the environment. 

“Somebody way back in the 1960’s is responsible for some of the environmental legislation we have today,” said Bushman when she was talking about Stewart Udall. 

The group felt strongly about bringing this film specifically to Santa Barbara due to the activist groups that came to be as an affect of the oil spill that took place in 1969. Its relevance came from being known as the largest spill in the United States during that period of time according to Bushman. 

Former U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey and his wife were one of the first donors to the film. Graaf shined a light on this when speaking on stage due to the politician being a republican. Another large donor was The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, the group gave $50,000 towards the creation of the film with no questions asked. 

Bullfrog Films, the largest distributor of environmental media films, has begun distributing the film into libraries, schools, and colleges, the producer shared. 

After the film came to a close, the audience was given the chance to have a question and answer segment with Graaf, a microphone was placed on the floor and anyone who was interested could come up to speak. Graaf mainly discussed the behind the scenes of the film that was in the works for two and half years. 

“The money aside, it has been such an honor to make these films and to be able to meet these incredible people,” said Udall, answering an audience member’s question. 

The film is available for viewing on the Bullfrog films website.