As the global environmental crisis continues to capture more and more space in our everyday communication, films are emerging as a potent means of giving this concern a cross-cultural unity by highlighting commonalities that go beyond statistics of ecological degradation and rising sea levels and touch a chord at a more experiential level.
Toxics Link, Max Mueller Bhavan and ECOMOVE International have joined hands to bring to Delhiites some of the most outstanding international and Indian documentaries on the environment and struggles associated with it through a two-day film festival from 9th to 10th February 2007 at the Max Mueller Bhavan's Siddhartha Hall. These films strongly underline that events like global warming, climate change and natural disasters are not only on the rise but also require solutions beyond borders.
India with its rapidly growing economy is facing both the opportunities and risks of globalisation. On the one hand, for a limited section of society, wealth is growing, on the other, the social inequalities seem to be worsening. To counter environmental abuse and consequent inequities, it is paramount to act locally, while looking across borders to learn about common concerns and solutions.
ECOMOVE International is a network of international environmental film festivals. Its primary purpose is to promote environmental media -in particular the audio-visual. ECOMOVE works to improve the image and appreciation of environmental films, by increasing quality and quantity of media productions. It also conceives and implements educational and media projects on a national and international level. Michael Greif is project manager with ECOMOVE International. This series of films is supported by the German Ministry for the Environment.
On the opening day a panel discussion is scheduled on the topic 'Creativity versus Agenda in the Genre of Environmental Film Making'. Veteran documentary filmmaker Sanjay Kak will moderate it. Michael Greif, Down to Earth Managing Editor, Pradip Saha and Rahul Roy from Delhi Film Archives will be the participants.
Among other highlights are the Delhi premier of '100 per cent Cotton: Made in India' by Inge Altemeier. The film portrays the merchandise 'cotton' from its breeding and processing in India to its sale in the form of clothes in the industrialised countries – along with the grave consequences this involves for humans and the environment. From its polluted landscapes to its poisoned workers, India is paying a heavy price for Europe’s desire for cheap cotton.
SCHEDULE
9th February, Friday
* Inauguration at 1500 hrs
* Introduction by Michael Greif at 1515 hrs
* Premier Screening: 100% Cotton, Dir.: Inge Altemeier, Germany: 30 mins at 1530 hrs
* The many faces of madness, Dir.: Amar Kanwar, India: 19 mins at 1605 hrs
* PANEL DISCUSSION: Creativity versus agenda in the genre of environment film making-Michael Greif, Pradip Saha, Rahul Roy, Sanjay Kak at 1645 hrs
10th February, Saturday
* Drowned out, Dir.: Franny Armstrong, UK: 75 min at 1000 hrs
* Water business is good business, Dir.: Sanjay Barnela/Vasant Saberwal, India: 26 min at 1120 hrs
* Thirsty planet, Dir.: Henning Hesse/Martin Fensch, Germany: 30 mins at 1200 hrs
* Looking for Coal, Dir.: Gunnar Walter/Roland Wagner, Germany: 67 mins at 1315 hrs
* Ship breakers, Dir.: Michael. Kott, Canada: 72 mins at 1430 hrs
* Surplus - Terrorized into being consumers, Dir.: Erik Gandini, Sweden: 52 mins at 1600 hrs
* Life running out of control, Dir.: Bertram Verhaag/Gabriele Kröber, Germany: 58 at mins 1700 hrs
* Harvesting hunger, Dir.: Krishnendu Bose, India: 53 mins at 1800 hrs
* Bullshit, Dir.: Pea Holmquist/Suzanne Khardalian, Sweden: 58 mins at 1900 hrs
Contact: Parvinder Singh, +91-9811703798, T: +91-(0) 11-24320711, 24328006 or Mary Therese, +91 9818068589, T: +91-(0) 11-23329506, 23329890
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