Keep A Cool World launches short film Changing The Tide

Wellingtonians are being invited to attend a film premiere with a difference – one that involves a call to act on one of the biggest issues facing humanity.

Changing The Tide, a short film shot in the capital, is having its official screening on Tuesday, which organisers hope will re-energise the discussion about climate change.

The film was commissioned by Keep A Cool World, a small group that has been running events and posting news aimed at engaging New Zealanders to take action on climate change, and demand action from those in leadership.

Founder of Keep A Cool World, Christine Thomson, says climate change is a particularly hard subject to motivate people around due to a number of factors:

• The perception that the damage is a long way off

• The focus on day-to-day needs and wants

• The feeling that the problem is too big, or is someone else’s responsibility

• The reality is scary and people don't like to think too hard about such things

Yet Ms Thomson believes the power of story and film can connect people to what they care about, and spur them to action.

Filmmakers from Wellington-based volunteer group Film For Change Aotearoa generously devoted months of effort into producing Changing The Tide, a quirky “Back To Future-style” family drama directed by Jonathon Mines that offers a snapshot of what may lie ahead.

In the climate-change-ravaged Wellington of 2056, Sam helps her aunt Jamie travel back to 2016 to try to convince her mother to take action against the destructive course humanity is on. It’s up to her, others (and you, dear viewers) to help save the future.

Ms Thomson is inviting Wellingtonians to attend the free November 29 viewing, which includes some fun behind-the-scenes footage and an update “hot off the press” from the COP22 climate talks in Marrakech by “350” delegate leader Aaron Packard.

Generation Zero will also speak briefly about a proposed 'Climate Act' - a system to provide legal teeth to climate targets.

“We’re hoping to get more than 100 people, and particularly want to reach those who may not be environmentally active, to help them see the value in becoming participants, and not just observers on the topic” Ms Thomson says.

“We hope people may see that joining up with groups like The Sustainable Business Network, 350, and Generation Zero, will help provide inspiration for progressing this tough issue whilst there’s the window of opportunity to do so.

She says the film’s timing is ideal given just last week more than 50 companies and organisations signed an open letter to the government calling for more action on climate change.

Ms Thomson adds that it will take more than recycling for people to make a difference.

“They need to notice the problem, interpret the problem as an emergency, feel personally responsible to act, know what to do and do it.”

The premiere of Changing The Tide will be held at 7pm this Tuesday at the Newtown Community Centre, corner Colombo and Rintoul streets, Newtown, Wellington. The venue is wheelchair friendly. Koha optional.

Those who can’t make it can view the film here at https://youtu.be/NENY38Ptsn4 and share with your networks.

Website: keepacoolworld.wordpress.com
Facebook.com/keepacoolworld/

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