10 submissions accepted for the ImagiNATION film competition
Project Update
Publish date: June 15, 2024
10 submissions accepted for the ImagiNATION film competition
Project Update
Publish date: June 15, 2024
An Amazon night's dream
A film by Diego Sarmiento (Peru) who worked with changemaker Milenka Rojas Ramírez (Peru)
Project description–Changemaker
My goal is to implement agroforestry systems with the support and knowledge of native communities in the Peruvian Amazon, thus enhancing living standards by reducing malnutrition and anemia rates. Additionally, with this agricultural system, the aim is to restore the ecosystem services of their territory affected by anthropogenic causes.
Film Synopsis
A girl and a grandmother reflect on a dream in the Peruvian Amazon. They have a deeper connection. "An Amazon Night's Dream" brings the audience closer to an indigenous vision of nature by telling the story of growth and decay, the passing on of knowledge across generations and the inexhaustible, also spiritual, value of the forest in dreamlike, poetic image sequences that are effectively framed by a conversation between granddaughter and grandmother. In the face of the destruction of the rainforest, the film does not offer concrete solutions but pleads for a different perspective.
The guardian of gaia
A film by Lady Vinces Cruz (Peru) who worked with changemaker Rosakebia Liliana Estela Mendoza (Peru)
Project description–Changemaker
Guardians of Gaia - Online platform to offer legal services and safe networks for environmental defenders. In order to protect the defenders who are in serious danger and support their work in the most difficult situations.
Film Synopsis
In the waning light of day, Etelvina leads her animals on their final journey across the communal land she calls home. At over 60 years old, she is intimately familiar with the paths and hidden corners where healing plants emerge. She is also no stranger to living under threat. Her home is nestled within one of the hamlets that make up the Chaparrí Natural Reserve, one of the last protected forests in northern Peru. Land traffickers have reached even this remote sanctuary, subjecting her and her fellow members of the Muchik Santa Catalina de Chongoyape Peasant Community to constant threats, beatings, and abuse. Yet, Etelvina's resolve remains unbroken. She refuses to abandon the land she fights for—a land that represents the hope and lifeblood of her family, her community, her friends, and an entire region.
Melich builds a house
A film by Lydia Matata (Kenya) who worked with changemaker Melich Gichia (Kenya)
Project description–Changemaker
Melich Gichia, an architect, plans to build low-cost, eco-friendly sustainable houses for the most vulnerable in his community. "His project is both refreshing and urgent, as Kenyans living in rural and informal settlements are usually left out of conversations around housing that is healthy for the people living inside them and the environment in which these houses occupy," according to filmmaker Lydia Matata.
Film Synopsis
This inspiring film immerses us in the creative process and dreams of a visionary young architect. Step by step, the filmmaker allows us to understand what motivates and mobilizes the change that youth in Kenya and around the world are working for. Melich demonstrates through his actions the power of co-creation and the achievement of consensus, the multiplying power of the technical capabilities of young people, as well as the strong sense of purpose and commitment that generates solutions and change for a more just future.
The film applies motion graphics to not only generate a positive and transformative rhythm, but also to visualize, alongside Melich, the possible futures that can be imagined for an entire community.
Ntuma Nabulaa - Echoes of Peace
A film by Laissa Malih (Kenya) who worked with changemaker Nentema Ntaiya (Kenya)
Project description–Changemaker
Sustainable rangeland management as a tool for peace. Land degradation has lead to huge conflict between pastoral communities hence successful land restoration will help to minimize this conflict of interest.
Film Synopsis
Nentema Ntaiya is a Laikipian Maasai. Hailing from the Northern Kenyan regions, conflict is one of the issues affecting pastoralists communities. This is catalysed by climate change and boundary issues affecting all of the northern indigenous Kenyan communities.
Climate change has led to the diminishing of natural resource, for pastoralists that is pasture and water. This has further led to loss of livestock inflicting poverty into the communities. The aforementioned have then been a source of conflict for most communities in Northern Kenya.
With Nentema Ntaiya’s story we explore the sustainable management of these lands and territories as a tool for peace. Various initiatives have been undertaken in restoring these lands and territories as a form of adaptation and mitigation measures in the climate change arena.
This has acted as a tool of minimizing conflict since the restored lands have given communities pride in the sense that they have rejuvenated, they are viable and productive if taken care of properly.
One earth one soil
A film by Jakob Gehrmann (Germany) & Tobias Drilling (Switzerland) who worked with changemaker Nawal Jorio (Switzerland)
Project description–Changemaker
A data-driven (possibly AI) regeneration tool aggregating all the patterns of ancestral and current methods of land restoration (permaculture, syntropic farming, agroforestry...) In a nutshell it aims at restoring Soil / Land through knowledge and data at scale.
Film Synopsis
In a sterile room, an experiment unfolds, juxtaposing the intricate life-giving complexity of the soil beneath our feet with the obsessive reliance on technology. This short film delves into the interplay between nature, technology, and human labor, revealing the profound connections and divides that shape our existence.
Roots of Renewal
A film by Franklyne Mudulia Manono (Kenya) who worked with changemaker Raphael Muli (Kenya)
Project description–Changemaker
I am growing and naturing tree seedlings util they're ready for planting. Then I will be giving them to the community for planting.
Film Synopsis
In a world faced by harsh realities of climate change, Raphael Muli, a Military Geographic Information System (GIS) Technician in Kenya, emerges to foster change by a steadfast commitment to planting more trees to restore the environment. Through tireless community engagements, he plants indigenous tree seedlings and high value fruit seedlings that he shares with the community in a bid to uplift their socioeconomic activities and abandon charcoal burning as their primary source of income. Despite numerous challenges, Raphael’s determination and community efforts offers hope to the journey of restoring the environment for the future generations.
Healing Canopies
A film by Victor Odhiambo (Kenya) who worked with changemaker Barbra Khatinya (Kenya)
Project description–Changemaker
My project is to create awareness on climate change to help the local community of farmers to fill the gaps between their current experiences and the science behind it. I hope to work together with them to co-create solutions that would address crop failure as an issue they now face due to climate change.
Film Synopsis
In the heart of the Western region of Kenya, an old man named Mr. Ainea dedicates his life to the conservation of trees, which hold the secrets of traditional medicine passed down from his late father. "Healing Canopies" is a poignant short film that explores Ainea's unwavering commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge and providing vital healthcare to his impoverished community.
Mr. Ainea is a respected figure in his village, known for his deep understanding of the medicinal properties of tree bark. His journey into traditional medicine began in the 1980s when he started learning from his father, a revered herbalist. The film opens with serene shots of the lush, green forest that Ainea tirelessly protects. The towering trees, with their thick, rugged barks, are more than just flora to him; they are lifelines for his community.
"The Healing Canopies" is a powerful tribute to the resilience of indigenous knowledge and the vital role of traditional medicine in contemporary society. It is a call to action for the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage, reminding us of the invaluable wisdom held by our elders. Through Ainea's story, the film beautifully illustrates the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature and the enduring legacy of those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.
El Porvenir, where life has a future
A film by Laura Gómez Unda (Colombia) & Rowan Glass (Switzerland) who worked with changemaker Tatiana Giraldo (Colombia)
Project description–Changemaker
The Reserva Natural Porvenir, founded by my parents, preserves a vital Colombian forest for 36 years, combating deforestation and climate change. Despite economic challenges, the forest's protection is not profit-driven. In 2017, financial struggles threatened a sale, averted by a loan. Current yields can't repay it, prompting our search for solutions. Collaboration with South Pole, a Swiss climate action company, holds promise but hasn't materialized. We seek patrons and partner with the Wildlife Conservation Society for sustainable projects like cocoa cultivation and ecotourism. Your support ensures a future for the forest and its diverse inhabitants. Thank you for your interest and backing!
Film Synopsis
El Porvenir Nature Reserve is an ecological sanctuary in the Colombian department of Santander. Founded by Francisco Giraldo and Gladys Ospina, El Porvenir stands as one of the region’s last strongholds for biodiversity conservation. The reserve has played a crucial role in protecting the diverse species of Santander, supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and securing a future for endangered species. At El Porvenir, life finds a future and a place to thrive, exemplifying a successful model of ecological preservation and sustainable development.
Ancestral land modern hands
A film by Debra Aroko & Mitchelle Jangara (Kenya) who worked with changemaker Kelvin Munene (Kenya)
Project description–Changemaker
I'm building a platform for common folks (you, me, small holder farmers, retail investors, households) to have visibility and sustainably manage and influence biomass manipulation, carbon tracking and biological assets through the use of gamified groups. By minimizing the need of having intermediaries influencing their spending motives and actions, and instead working collectively for a common good - "Sustainably handle, produce and consume biomass and biological assets" - that minimize incidences of inequality, food poverty, wastage, nature degradation and agency problem of the current food systems.
Film Synopsis
The documentary explores the aging demographic of farmers in rural areas, where the majority are significantly older. As the younger generation seeks employment elsewhere, a substantial gap in the agricultural industry emerges. This film delves into what this trend means for the future of Africa, following a young man's journey to reconnect with his ancestral land and discover how agriculture can transform his family's life. Through his pursuit, the documentary highlights the potential for young people to revitalize and innovate in the agricultural sector, shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.
Apples, dream with electric cows
A film by Alberto Flores Visca (Peru) who worked with changemaker Danica Vásquez (Peru)
Project description–Changemaker
My project aims to promote healthy eating among students in educational institutions by facilitating the coordination between local providers of organic foods and the managers of school kiosks, as well as by fostering awareness among students and parents.
Film Synopsis
One morning, Eva wakes up from a strange dream. She lives in a dystopian city, with her mother, who is overweight. Like every day, she gets ready to go to school, but at breakfast she notices that her mother's health is getting worse and worse. Forced by her mother's health, the dissatisfaction she experiences with her appearance and her surroundings, by the food they consume; Eva rebels against the usual eating habits, before her dream becomes a nightmare.
Team
- Project contact
Project contact
Noa Kurz
Policy and Research Associate