Environmental Activism & Cinema: Our Top Picks For The Opening Night Of ALT EFF 2023

When you flip through the pages of the newspaper or more accurately, these days when you browse through e-papers, there are thousands of afflictions plaguing humanity, be it localized, national, or international scale. While social woes cannot always be quantified and compared as they may be unique to each person, community, or nation, it is beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no menace more threatening for all of humanity than climate change. Climate awareness is the burning need of the times we live in lest the doomsday clock strikes twelve.

When we speak of awareness, what can be a better medium than the mass media of cinema? Environmental filmmakers have recognized the potential of films to transcend their traditional role as mere entertainment and evolve into a powerful catalyst for social change and awareness. Through captivating storytelling, visual imagery, and emotional resonance, films can effectively convey the urgency and complexity of environmental issues, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy among audiences. By portraying the impact of climate change on communities, ecosystems, and future generations, environmental filmmakers ignite conversations, provoke reflection, and mobilize collective efforts toward sustainable solutions. Furthermore, by showcasing the beauty and fragility of our natural world, films can instill a sense of stewardship and responsibility, nurturing a culture of environmentalism.

With that in mind, let me introduce you to the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF), a pioneering platform based out of Panchgani, Maharashtra, on a mission to engage the public on the environment and social issues of our time, through an informed, creative and experiential discourse. They return this year on a bigger-than-ever scale from the 1st of December to the 10th to showcase incredible filmmakers in India while also providing a global stage for films that captivate audiences on the importance of fighting for the preservation of our planet. This year’s film festival promises an enriching experience with 62 carefully curated feature films, student films, documentaries, international short films, and animated films. — each weaving narratives centered on environmental themes. The core idea of the festival is to tap into the potent storytelling capacity of films and use it to propagate and spark discussions on sustainability, geopolitics, climate crises, environmental activism, and much more.

Owing to the pandemic, the previous editions of the festival have either been a virtual showcase or in a hybrid format. But this year, things are different. We're cordially inviting you to the first-ever in-person opening night of the ALT EFF on the 1st of December, 2023 at the Liberty Cinema, Marine Lines, Mumbai from 6:00 pm onwards. Here are some of Homegrown’s top picks for the opening night of the festival.

I. Dear Future Children

Director: Franz Böhm

Run time: 01:29:00

Country: Germany, UK, Austria

Amidst the backdrop of global protests, this documentary immerses viewers in the compelling narratives of a new generation at the forefront of a profound political transformation. From Rayen's impassioned advocacy for social justice in Chile to Pepper's unwavering fight for democracy in Hong Kong, and Hilda's courageous battle against the ravaging effects of climate change in Uganda, this documentary delves into the lives of three remarkable young women. As they confront daunting challenges and grapple with the personal toll of their activism, the film invites audiences to ponder the driving forces behind their unyielding commitment.

II. Between The Rains

Director: Andrew H. Brown, Moses Thuranira

Run time: 01:21:51

Country: Kenya, USA

Between the Rains delves into the poignant narrative of a childhood ensnared within a traditional culture grappling with the repercussions of climate change. Kolei, a shepherd boy whose name translates to “living amongst the goats” embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery. As he questions the predetermined path of a warrior and confronts the erosion of the cultural tapestry that has intricately woven itself into every facet of his existence, the film offers a compelling exploration of identity, heritage, and the profound impact of environmental upheaval.

III. Tiger Army

Director: Sourav Sarangi

Run time: 00:30:00

Country: India

This short film is a story about foot soldiers protecting tigers in the Sundarbans in India. It wonderfully depicts the ground realities of the Sundarbans forest, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world that lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal.

IV. Mol (Worth)

Director: Kavita Carneiro

Run time: 00:13:54

Country: India

Mol (Worth) unfolds as an ethnographic chronicle, delving into the history of the waste picker movement in Pune through the lens of individual narratives brimming with empowerment, metamorphosis, and unwavering resilience. Crafted through a collaborative process with esteemed leaders from the waste picker community in Pune, the film stands as a heartfelt dedication to informal workers worldwide. This short film has been supported by Kashtakari Panchayat and Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung.

V. Feeling the Apocalypse

Director: Chen Sing Yap

Run time: 00:07:00

Country: Canada

The movie unfolds as a captivating short animated documentary, offering a poignant glimpse into the inner turmoil of psychotherapist Anderson Todd as he grapples with the weight of climate anxiety amidst a world in tumultuous disarray. Through evocative animation, the film navigates Todd's profound struggle to maintain equilibrium and find solace in a reality fraught with fragmentation and uncertainty.

VI. The Whaler

Director: Philippe Blanc

Run time: 00:50:24

Country: Switzerland

In 2022, Iceland defied international regulations by hunting and killing 160 Fin whales, the second largest animal on the planet. Despite being classified as an endangered species and the hunting of Fin whales being banned worldwide by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), this documentary sheds light on the illicit practices, clandestine operations, and the veil of silence surrounding a lucrative industry catering to Japan. The film exposes the use of archaic and inhumane hunting methods, revealing the harrowing reality behind the exploitation of these majestic creatures.

Click here to register for the opening night.

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If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:

ALT EFF 2023: Attend A One-Of-A-Kind Environmental Film Festival This December

Visualizing Crisis: This Docu-Series Chronicles Climate Impact On Kerala's Coastal Communities

Environmentalism & Animation: An Indian Short Film That Highlights Climate Change