Celluloid for change

Cinema has a vast potential to act as a powerful tool of communication to disseminate different attributes of climate change, ultimately raising conscious awareness of people and facilitating subconscious transformation

- CHAITANYA K PRKEYOOR PATHAK & DHIRAJ KUMARASAD

Cinema, a potent storytelling medium, has the unique ability to captivate audiences, evoke emotions, and influence societal behavior. Over the years, filmmakers worldwide have leveraged cinema to address pressing social issues, including the critical and ever-evolving challenge of climate change. By weaving compelling narratives around environmental themes, cinema not only raises awareness but also ingrains the consciousness of climate change into the subconscious of the masses.

When it comes to climate change, the power of cinema lies in its ability to present the abstract and often overwhelming concept of climate change in relatable, human terms. Films can depict the tangible impacts of climate change on everyday lives, making the crisis feel immediate and personal.

Films that depict the destruction of land by natural disasters and the subsequent restoration of greenery are particularly impactful. In Swades (2004), the story of a successful water harvesting system in a drought-stricken village serves as an inspiring example. The transformation from parched land to fertile fields following the celebration of rain underscores the importance of sustainable practices in combating climate change. Similarly, Lagaan (2001) includes scenes where a village, parched by drought, celebrates the long-awaited arrival of rain, symbolising hope and renewal.