Thailand's first short film contest to highlight the impact of climate change and inspire efforts to ease the climate crisis is now open for entries.
The "Changing Climate, Changing Lives (CCCL) Film Festival" is divided into two categories -- for professionals and the general public. The winning works will be screened at the CCCL film festival to be held later in November at Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre.
"The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident with more frequent extreme-weather events," said novelist Christopher Moore, CCCL founder. "We hope that short films on local efforts will help raise public awareness to save the planet for our own survival."
photos courtesy of CCCL Film Festival
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Thailand is one of the top 16 countries facing extreme risks of climate change over the next 30 years.
"Within the last decade, we have had 'the worst flood in 60 years' and 'the worst drought in decades'. Haze, wildfires, smog, PM2.5 and water shortages are now routine annual occurrences. We need to take action now," said singer-songwriter Chulachak "Hugo" Chakrabongse, one of the film festival's advisers.
With sponsorship from Singha Estate and Siam Canadian Limited, the film festival aims to provide a platform for professional and aspiring filmmakers to make short films that tell stories of how Thai communities are meeting these challenges.
Christopher G. Moore. CCCL Film Festival
"We are looking for stories that inspire hope and action and a sense of community and belonging. There is no time for fearmongering," said Moore.
"We aim to support and empower local communities, with a special invitation to youths and local communities to share their personal stories of climate change and highlight the positive steps taken to mitigate or adapt to the impacts." The organiser has a story bank to share with filmmakers. The winners will receive cash awards as well as the possibility to have their short films screened abroad. The deadline for entries is Aug 30.
Visit climatefilmfestival2020.com, email change@climatefilmfestival2020.com, or contact CCCL co-ordinator Simona Meesaiyati on 098-614-5144.
