First Urban Climate Film Festival to Begin in New Town, Kolkata
The inaugural Urban Climate Film Festival aims to utilize the power of film to raise awareness about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change on urban areas. Taking place in New Town, Kolkata from 3rd to 5th June 2023, the festival will showcase 16 films from 12 countries. With engaging Q&A sessions with filmmakers and public participation, the event aims to spark conversations and encourage climate-resilient actions in line with the U20 priority areas and the LiFE Mission.
Screening and Discussions
The festival will screen a diverse range of films that shed light on climate-related issues in urban settlements. Filmmakers from various countries will share their perspectives and insights during interactive Q&A sessions. This platform aims to foster dialogue and invite public input on building climate-resilient cities. By encouraging responsible behavior and actions, the festival aligns with the priorities set by the U20 and the Hon. Prime Minister’s call for action.
Organizers and Support
The festival is organized by the National Institute of Urban Affairs through the CITIIS program, as part of the engagement events of U20, the urban track of G20. It has received support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union, and the New Town Kolkata Green Smart City Corporation Limited.
Global Participation
The call for entries for the festival witnessed an overwhelming response, with 150 films submitted from 20 countries. These films were evaluated by a jury consisting of experts in the field, including Dr. Surbhi Dahiya from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dr. Pranab Patar from the Global Foundation for Advancement of Environment, and Mr. Sabyesachi Bharti from CMS Vatavaran.
World Environment Day Celebration
In conjunction with the festival, a special closing ceremony will commemorate World Environment Day on 5th June. Distinguished guests, including Mr. Didier Talpain, Consul General of France in Kolkata, Mr. Debashis Sen, Managing Director of West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation, Mr. Hitesh Vaidya, Director of the National Institute of Urban Affairs, Mrs. Meghna Pal, CEO of NKGSCCL, and Mr. Naim Keruwala, Program Director of CITIIS, will grace the event.
Open to All
The Urban Climate Film Festival is free and open to all interested individuals. It provides an inclusive platform for diverse audiences to engage with thought-provoking films and contribute to the global discourse on climate change.
Conclusion
Through the power of cinema, the first Urban Climate Film Festival aims to educate and inspire individuals about the urgent need for climate action in urban areas. By raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and promoting responsible behavior, the festival strives to drive positive change and create climate-resilient cities.
Background
The Urban Climate Film Festival, a groundbreaking initiative, took place in New Delhi and Mumbai, showcasing an array of films by talented filmmakers from India, France, Iran, the USA, and more. With panel discussions and interactive sessions, the festival aimed to shed light on the challenges and opportunities of climate change in urban areas.
Showcasing Films and Engaging Discussions
The festival kicked off in New Delhi on 24th March at Alliance Française, captivating audiences with a carefully curated selection of films. Following its success, the festival made its way to Mumbai at Alliance Française de Bombay. The screenings were accompanied by engaging panel discussions and special sessions where attendees had the opportunity to interact with the filmmakers themselves.
Organized Efforts
The first-of-its-kind Urban Climate Film Festival was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The festival received a grand inauguration by the esteemed Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav.
Key Takeaways
- Recognizing the Challenge: Climate change poses a significant threat to urban areas, highlighting the urgency to address this pressing issue.
- Vulnerability of Urban Areas: Cities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including heat waves, floods, and droughts. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Actionable Solutions: The festival emphasized the importance of implementing measures to combat climate change in urban areas. Improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and adapting to the impacts of climate change are key steps toward building climate-resilient cities.
- Knowledge Sharing and Experiences: The Urban Climate Film Festival provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and sharing experiences related to climate change in urban areas. Filmmakers, experts, and audiences came together to explore innovative approaches and inspire action.
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FAQs
Which city is known as the Film City of India?
What is urban climate?
Urban areas often experience distinct climatic features compared to their surrounding rural regions. These differences arise due to the urban heat island effect, which is caused by the absorption and re-emission of heat by buildings, roads, and other urban structures. This effect leads to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to the surrounding countryside.
