Hackney Students Spotlight Climate Change Through Film Presented to World Leaders
A short film about climate change, created by pupils from Mandeville Primary School in Hackney and featuring photographer Gideon Mendel’s work, was shown to leaders at a UN conference. The project involved artistic interpretations by children, highlighting their perspectives on climate issues, and underscoring the need for adult action.
A poignant short film addressing the climate crisis, featuring children from Hackney, was presented to global leaders at a United Nations conference. The project involved eight- and nine-year-olds from Mandeville Primary School collaborating with esteemed photographer Gideon Mendel, who has chronicled the consequences of natural disasters for nearly two decades. These students participated in an intensive workshop where they explored global warming through various artistic mediums, including photography, writing, and drawing. Utilizing Mendel’s evocative portraits as inspiration, the children produced self-portraits and created personal interpretations of his images that depicted individuals whose homes had been destroyed by flooding or wildfires. The opportunity to showcase their perspectives on climate change was described by Mendel as “a terrifying prospect,” yet he recognized the necessity to include the voices of those who will bear the brunt of climate change’s impact in the future. He emphasized, “Their beautiful interpretations of my climate change portraits add a whole new level of meaning, a profound challenge to all adults to take action.” In addition to visual arts, the children were motivated by a visit from Gurjeet Dhanoa, a survivor of a devastating wildfire in Colorado. The film seamlessly integrates footage from the children’s creative outputs alongside Mendel’s work, as well as clips of Dhanoa reflecting on her loss while engaging the students. The cinematic piece also features a performance by the Mandeville school choir, who sang “Help Me Change The World”, with portions written collaboratively by the students. The screening took place at the UN-convened 2024 Europe and Central Asia Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Montenegro. Sebastien Penzini, the regional deputy chief of the United Nations Office for DRR, expressed appreciation for the children’s contributions, highlighting the urgent need for young voices to be heard in discussions about climate change mitigation and disaster preparedness. He stated, “Children and young people are too often disproportionately exposed to risks and their voices must be heard for building tomorrow’s resilience.” Marc Thompson, headteacher of Mandeville, noted the project’s impact on the students, stating that the initiative opened their eyes to the personal implications of climate change. He expressed pride in the achievement of the children’s artistic endeavors and the film itself, affirming the school’s commitment to creativity as a fundamental aspect of learning.
The presentation of this film at the United Nations conference reflects a growing recognition of the vital role that youth play in addressing climate change. Children and young people are increasingly being engaged in discussions surrounding environmental issues, which are profoundly impacting their futures. This project exemplifies how artistic expression and collaboration with experienced professionals can effectively convey strong messages about urgent global challenges, fostering awareness and understanding among stakeholders.
The collaboration between Hackney pupils and Gideon Mendel culminated in a powerful film that highlights the urgency of climate change. By showcasing the artistic interpretations of young students, the film amplifies their voices and perspectives, urging current leaders to recognize their responsibility in combating environmental crises. The project serves as a reminder of the crucial need to engage youth in discussions about their futures, emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure their well-being amidst existential threats.
Original Source: www.hackneycitizen.co.uk
