Vieques: A Living Archive documents the enduring legacy of U.S. military activity on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, exploring its environmental, health, and social impacts on local communities. Through firsthand accounts, archival materials, and contemporary perspectives, the film offers a compelling look at how militarization has shaped the island’s landscape and the lives of its residents.

The screening is part of Georgia Tech’s 2026 Global Media Festival, an annual event that presents films and discussions connecting global stories with critical social, cultural, and ethical questions. The 2026 theme, Sustaining Empathy in a Fractured World, emphasizes empathy as a deliberate and sustained practice, essential for understanding complex human and environmental issues.

After the film, director Juan Carlos Rodriguez and Vieques community leaders will lead a panel discussion and Q&A session, providing insight into the filmmaking process and the ongoing struggle for environmental justice and social accountability. All festival events are free and open to the public, with light refreshments provided to encourage engagement and conversation. The festival also includes additional international film screenings and an introductory directing workshop, offering attendees multiple ways to connect with global narratives.