22 November: Film Day

Movie Day at the Humanitarian Hub – Stories from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis

By Irakli Malania

On the last day at COP29, the Humanitarian Hub became a platform for powerful storytelling, where films brought to life the struggles, resilience, and innovation of communities on the frontlines of climate change. Each screening delivered a compelling message, emphasizing the urgent need for equitable and inclusive climate action.

"This is Life on the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis" by the World Food Programme (WFP) showcased how the worsening climate crisis intensifies hunger and food insecurity in fragile regions. It emphasized the interconnectedness of climate, conflict, and vulnerability, calling for integrated solutions to break the cycle of crisis.

"Climate Change in Pakistan" by Salaam Takaful Limited highlighted Pakistan’s experience with recurring floods and extreme weather events. The film underscored the importance of community-driven resilience, anticipatory action, and innovative financial tools to mitigate the impacts of climate disasters.

"El Niño Crisis in Southern Africa: Solutions & Action" by WFP shed light on the devastating effects of El Niño-induced droughts, particularly on agriculture-dependent communities. The film showcased solutions like anticipatory action and resilient food systems to protect livelihoods and food security.

"The Unjust Climate" by FAO presented the stark reality of climate injustice, emphasizing how those who contribute the least to global emissions face the most severe impacts. Through the lens of agrifood systems, the film called for equitable climate financing and support for smallholder farmers to enhance resilience.

"Anticipatory Action" by OCHA illustrated the transformative potential of early warning systems and pre-emptive measures to save lives and reduce losses during climate disasters. The film showcased innovative approaches to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

"Providing Communities with Forecasts & Anticipatory Cash Before Floodwaters Rose to Dangerous Levels in Nepal" by OCHA shared a success story of leveraging forecasts and anticipatory funding to empower communities ahead of devastating floods. It highlighted the importance of timely interventions to enhance resilience.

"Proyecto 'Salvando Vidas'" by UNFPA explored the unique vulnerabilities faced by women in northern Peru during climate crises. The film stressed the need for gender-responsive strategies and community-led initiatives to build resilience among women and marginalized groups.

"The Reality", a documentary by Rose Kobusinge, IOM Africa Youth Changemaker from Uganda, offered a poignant look into the lived experiences of communities grappling with climate-induced displacement. It captured their resilience and adaptation strategies, urging inclusive, locally led solutions to address climate mobility.

Key Messages

The collective narrative of the films delivered several crucial insights:

1. Urgency of Action: The stories emphasized the critical need to scale up timely, impactful interventions to address the worsening effects of climate change.
2. Equity and Justice: They highlighted the disproportionate burden borne by marginalized and vulnerable groups, calling for inclusive and equitable solutions.
3. Community Leadership: Locally driven approaches emerged as central to fostering resilience and ensuring the sustainability of climate interventions.
4. Anticipatory Action: Films demonstrated how pre-emptive measures like early warnings and anticipatory funding can save lives and livelihoods.
5. Collaboration and Innovation: The importance of cross-sectoral partnerships, innovative financing, and integrated planning was a recurring theme across the narratives.

This day of visual storytelling inspired reflection and dialogue, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted impacts of climate change and the urgent need for collective, inclusive action to create a more just and resilient world.