The dimly lit cinema is showing the latest disaster movie. No, it's not from Hollywood featuring action stars and explosive stunts. This movie stars the Earth, and the villains are none other than us, humans.
Under the theme “Rebelasyon,” the 11th Active Vista Human Rights Festival filled the theater seats to mark the 10th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) as a wake-up call to highlighting the climate crisis as a human rights concern.
“In commemoration of the typhoon that claimed at least 6,300 lives in the country, Dakila and British Council come together for the Climate Stories Playlist as a pivotal part of the continuous commitment to climate justice,” shared Dakila climate revolution campaign lead Joshua Villalobos.
Dakila managing director Nini Oñate also shed light on the global significance of screening climate stories in the Philippines.
“Just last July 2023, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres terrifyingly referred to our present situation as the era of global boiling. While each country has unique experiences, the UN chief's declaration is a testament that the climate crisis is indeed an emergency of worldwide proportions," shared Oñate.
Apart from the playlist, the partnership also birthed “Climate Film Lab,” a project offering creatives a three-day intensive workshop with mentorship from UK and Philippine seasoned filmmakers and media professionals.
In partnership with Picture People and iMedia, the lab will offer support to 10 filmmakers, including grant funding for selected participants to realize their stories.
Ultimately, the mentorship program aims to improve storytelling and film production skills to drive action against climate change in the Philippines.
“The British Council uses art to spark creativity, innovation, conversations, and actions among individuals in between countries. We are thrilled to partner with DAKILA on putting the spotlight on the climate emergency, an issue that affects us all and is very prevalent here in the country," shared Mich Dulce, head of arts at the British Council.
Wrapping up, addressing the climate emergency through filmmaking offers a more creative approach than conventional methods. This not only educates audiences through films but also entertains them in a manner that is easier to digest.
Over time, art has proven to be a catalyst for change. As people realize their stories can inspire global action, we can envision a future where humans are no longer villains of the film that features the Earth, but protagonists.