Assistant professor John W. Sutherlin, political science, reached an agreement with the Republic of Turkey to distribute his documentary film series “Our Urban Environment,” beginning this spring.

"We had hoped that this would happen sometime this spring or summer," remarked Sutherlin, "But the bureaucracy of Turkey is so complex. This marks an important milestone for the series."

He also said that with Turkey's large population of more than 73 million, which includes a vast urban population, the series is ideal for those issues facing the country.

“Our Urban Environment” is a series of environmental films about issues effecting urban ecology that includes episodes about municipal solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water management, water quality and brownfields.

"Our Urban Environment” was funded in part by grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Earlier this year and last year, the film series was distributed in Lithuania and the United Arab Emirates, bringing the total to more than 46 countries for distribution.

"Obviously we remain optimistic about further distribution efforts we have in the works," Sutherlin said. "And I hope that the message of better environmental management for cities remains a strong one."