Blog
February 21, 2025
Your Creativity, Our Future: How African Creatives Are Tackling the Climate Health Crisis
Blog
February 21, 2025
Your Creativity, Our Future: How African Creatives Are Tackling the Climate Health Crisis
Blog
February 21, 2025
Your Creativity, Our Future: How African Creatives Are Tackling the Climate Health Crisis
Let's talk straight: climate change isn't just an environmental headline. It's impacting our health, our communities, and our futures right here across Africa. Think about changing weather patterns, challenges with water access, and even effects on mental and reproductive health that we need to discuss more openly. The good news? Your creativity is a vital force in driving awareness and change.
Partners
Let's talk straight: climate change isn't just an environmental headline. It's impacting our health, our communities, and our futures right here across Africa. Think about changing weather patterns, challenges with water access, and even effects on mental and reproductive health that we need to discuss more openly.
The good news? Your creativity is a vital force in driving awareness and change.
The Collaboration: Who's Behind This?
This important conversation is being powered by a key partnership CRTVE Development, Open Planet, and the Wellcome Trust have joined forces. Their goal? To amplify the voices of African filmmakers who are telling crucial stories about climate change and health from our perspective.
"Crtve Development is... a storytelling organization... Authentic storytelling truly has the power to bring complex issues to life in ways that resonate deeply..." - Carina Strydom, Crtve Development
Must-See Films: 5 Stories You Should Know
These five filmmakers used their talent, along with free footage from the Open Planet library, to spotlight how climate change affects health in urban South Africa:
"What Do I Want To Be If I Grow Up?" by Amandla Kwinana & Daylin Paul: This film thoughtfully explores the mental health impact of climate change on young people – the anxiety, uncertainty, and sense of loss. It powerfully argues that climate action must include mental health support.
Warming by Mandisa Mary Jane Mtembu (Mary Malia): Mandisa focuses on water crises, drawing from real situations like those in KwaZulu Natal. She blended stock footage with her own filming to tell a compelling story about an urban family facing issues like contaminated water and related health problems (e.g., rashes). Her film uses a father-son relationship to explore care and how younger generations process climate realities.
"Being a creative and actually seeing the impact that storytelling has... just shows how important it is... for us to continue telling stories that make people aware... and how can they make a difference..." - Mandisa Mtembu
Seeds of Change by dillion s. Phiri: Inspired by extreme weather events, dillion shows the climate challenges in rural areas through the eyes of artist Nonka Mbonambi and her grandmother. It highlights health issues arising from events like wildfires and the threat to livelihoods, emphasizing adaptation and intergenerational knowledge.
Gathering Clouds by Waxxes Animation (John Kiarie Irimu): Using striking animation and spoken word, this film illustrates the effects of environmental decline on urban communities like Durban, showing that climate change impacts vulnerable populations significantly, right now.
Wear the Change by Kuki Sanban (Ropafadzo Mapira): A Zimbabwean designer, Ropafadzo uses fashion to make a statement about the industry's environmental impact and climate-related health challenges, inspired by her own experiences.
Why Your Creative Voice Matters: Notes from the Conversations on Creativity held
A recent panel discussion involving filmmakers and experts underscored a vital point: creatives are central to climate action. Your work does what data often can't: it connects emotionally, starts conversations, and can shift perspectives.
Emotional Connection: Art and storytelling can reach people on a deeper level, moving them to care and understand.
Shape the Narrative: The conversation highlighted a call for African creatives to lead in telling our own stories, defining the narrative rather than just responding to existing ones.
Make it Relatable: You have the unique ability to translate complex issues into accessible, human stories. Making climate action relevant and engaging is key.
Fueling Hope: Witnessing the powerful work of these filmmakers demonstrates the resilience and innovation within our communities and provides inspiration to keep going.
The Path Forward: How You Can Get Involved
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can contribute your talent and energy:
Watch & Share: Find these 5 films on the CRTVE Development YouTube channel. Watch them, talk about them, and share them widely – on social media, with friends, in your creative circles.
Tell Your Story: Explore the Open Planet library – it’s a fantastic free resource. What climate and health story does your community need told? Use your preferred medium – film, design, music, writing, performance, fashion – to share it.
Collaborate: Connect with other creatives, scientists, community organizers. Partnerships can amplify impact.
Support Local Efforts: Identify and support NGOs or community groups in your area working on climate justice, health, or sustainable practices.
Stay Informed & Connected: Follow organizations like CRTVE Development and Creative Nestlings for updates and opportunities.
Integrate into Your Life: Consider the climate-health links around you. Promoting awareness and sustainable practices through your art and daily life contributes to the bigger picture.
Your perspective as a young African creative is invaluable. Let's use our collective creativity to build a healthier, more sustainable future.
Let's talk straight: climate change isn't just an environmental headline. It's impacting our health, our communities, and our futures right here across Africa. Think about changing weather patterns, challenges with water access, and even effects on mental and reproductive health that we need to discuss more openly.
The good news? Your creativity is a vital force in driving awareness and change.
The Collaboration: Who's Behind This?
This important conversation is being powered by a key partnership CRTVE Development, Open Planet, and the Wellcome Trust have joined forces. Their goal? To amplify the voices of African filmmakers who are telling crucial stories about climate change and health from our perspective.
"Crtve Development is... a storytelling organization... Authentic storytelling truly has the power to bring complex issues to life in ways that resonate deeply..." - Carina Strydom, Crtve Development
Must-See Films: 5 Stories You Should Know
These five filmmakers used their talent, along with free footage from the Open Planet library, to spotlight how climate change affects health in urban South Africa:
"What Do I Want To Be If I Grow Up?" by Amandla Kwinana & Daylin Paul: This film thoughtfully explores the mental health impact of climate change on young people – the anxiety, uncertainty, and sense of loss. It powerfully argues that climate action must include mental health support.
Warming by Mandisa Mary Jane Mtembu (Mary Malia): Mandisa focuses on water crises, drawing from real situations like those in KwaZulu Natal. She blended stock footage with her own filming to tell a compelling story about an urban family facing issues like contaminated water and related health problems (e.g., rashes). Her film uses a father-son relationship to explore care and how younger generations process climate realities.
"Being a creative and actually seeing the impact that storytelling has... just shows how important it is... for us to continue telling stories that make people aware... and how can they make a difference..." - Mandisa Mtembu
Seeds of Change by dillion s. Phiri: Inspired by extreme weather events, dillion shows the climate challenges in rural areas through the eyes of artist Nonka Mbonambi and her grandmother. It highlights health issues arising from events like wildfires and the threat to livelihoods, emphasizing adaptation and intergenerational knowledge.
Gathering Clouds by Waxxes Animation (John Kiarie Irimu): Using striking animation and spoken word, this film illustrates the effects of environmental decline on urban communities like Durban, showing that climate change impacts vulnerable populations significantly, right now.
Wear the Change by Kuki Sanban (Ropafadzo Mapira): A Zimbabwean designer, Ropafadzo uses fashion to make a statement about the industry's environmental impact and climate-related health challenges, inspired by her own experiences.
Why Your Creative Voice Matters: Notes from the Conversations on Creativity held
A recent panel discussion involving filmmakers and experts underscored a vital point: creatives are central to climate action. Your work does what data often can't: it connects emotionally, starts conversations, and can shift perspectives.
Emotional Connection: Art and storytelling can reach people on a deeper level, moving them to care and understand.
Shape the Narrative: The conversation highlighted a call for African creatives to lead in telling our own stories, defining the narrative rather than just responding to existing ones.
Make it Relatable: You have the unique ability to translate complex issues into accessible, human stories. Making climate action relevant and engaging is key.
Fueling Hope: Witnessing the powerful work of these filmmakers demonstrates the resilience and innovation within our communities and provides inspiration to keep going.
The Path Forward: How You Can Get Involved
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can contribute your talent and energy:
Watch & Share: Find these 5 films on the CRTVE Development YouTube channel. Watch them, talk about them, and share them widely – on social media, with friends, in your creative circles.
Tell Your Story: Explore the Open Planet library – it’s a fantastic free resource. What climate and health story does your community need told? Use your preferred medium – film, design, music, writing, performance, fashion – to share it.
Collaborate: Connect with other creatives, scientists, community organizers. Partnerships can amplify impact.
Support Local Efforts: Identify and support NGOs or community groups in your area working on climate justice, health, or sustainable practices.
Stay Informed & Connected: Follow organizations like CRTVE Development and Creative Nestlings for updates and opportunities.
Integrate into Your Life: Consider the climate-health links around you. Promoting awareness and sustainable practices through your art and daily life contributes to the bigger picture.
Your perspective as a young African creative is invaluable. Let's use our collective creativity to build a healthier, more sustainable future.
Let's talk straight: climate change isn't just an environmental headline. It's impacting our health, our communities, and our futures right here across Africa. Think about changing weather patterns, challenges with water access, and even effects on mental and reproductive health that we need to discuss more openly. The good news? Your creativity is a vital force in driving awareness and change.
Partners
Let's talk straight: climate change isn't just an environmental headline. It's impacting our health, our communities, and our futures right here across Africa. Think about changing weather patterns, challenges with water access, and even effects on mental and reproductive health that we need to discuss more openly.
The good news? Your creativity is a vital force in driving awareness and change.
The Collaboration: Who's Behind This?
This important conversation is being powered by a key partnership CRTVE Development, Open Planet, and the Wellcome Trust have joined forces. Their goal? To amplify the voices of African filmmakers who are telling crucial stories about climate change and health from our perspective.
"Crtve Development is... a storytelling organization... Authentic storytelling truly has the power to bring complex issues to life in ways that resonate deeply..." - Carina Strydom, Crtve Development
Must-See Films: 5 Stories You Should Know
These five filmmakers used their talent, along with free footage from the Open Planet library, to spotlight how climate change affects health in urban South Africa:
"What Do I Want To Be If I Grow Up?" by Amandla Kwinana & Daylin Paul: This film thoughtfully explores the mental health impact of climate change on young people – the anxiety, uncertainty, and sense of loss. It powerfully argues that climate action must include mental health support.
Warming by Mandisa Mary Jane Mtembu (Mary Malia): Mandisa focuses on water crises, drawing from real situations like those in KwaZulu Natal. She blended stock footage with her own filming to tell a compelling story about an urban family facing issues like contaminated water and related health problems (e.g., rashes). Her film uses a father-son relationship to explore care and how younger generations process climate realities.
"Being a creative and actually seeing the impact that storytelling has... just shows how important it is... for us to continue telling stories that make people aware... and how can they make a difference..." - Mandisa Mtembu
Seeds of Change by dillion s. Phiri: Inspired by extreme weather events, dillion shows the climate challenges in rural areas through the eyes of artist Nonka Mbonambi and her grandmother. It highlights health issues arising from events like wildfires and the threat to livelihoods, emphasizing adaptation and intergenerational knowledge.
Gathering Clouds by Waxxes Animation (John Kiarie Irimu): Using striking animation and spoken word, this film illustrates the effects of environmental decline on urban communities like Durban, showing that climate change impacts vulnerable populations significantly, right now.
Wear the Change by Kuki Sanban (Ropafadzo Mapira): A Zimbabwean designer, Ropafadzo uses fashion to make a statement about the industry's environmental impact and climate-related health challenges, inspired by her own experiences.
Why Your Creative Voice Matters: Notes from the Conversations on Creativity held
A recent panel discussion involving filmmakers and experts underscored a vital point: creatives are central to climate action. Your work does what data often can't: it connects emotionally, starts conversations, and can shift perspectives.
Emotional Connection: Art and storytelling can reach people on a deeper level, moving them to care and understand.
Shape the Narrative: The conversation highlighted a call for African creatives to lead in telling our own stories, defining the narrative rather than just responding to existing ones.
Make it Relatable: You have the unique ability to translate complex issues into accessible, human stories. Making climate action relevant and engaging is key.
Fueling Hope: Witnessing the powerful work of these filmmakers demonstrates the resilience and innovation within our communities and provides inspiration to keep going.
The Path Forward: How You Can Get Involved
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can contribute your talent and energy:
Watch & Share: Find these 5 films on the CRTVE Development YouTube channel. Watch them, talk about them, and share them widely – on social media, with friends, in your creative circles.
Tell Your Story: Explore the Open Planet library – it’s a fantastic free resource. What climate and health story does your community need told? Use your preferred medium – film, design, music, writing, performance, fashion – to share it.
Collaborate: Connect with other creatives, scientists, community organizers. Partnerships can amplify impact.
Support Local Efforts: Identify and support NGOs or community groups in your area working on climate justice, health, or sustainable practices.
Stay Informed & Connected: Follow organizations like CRTVE Development and Creative Nestlings for updates and opportunities.
Integrate into Your Life: Consider the climate-health links around you. Promoting awareness and sustainable practices through your art and daily life contributes to the bigger picture.
Your perspective as a young African creative is invaluable. Let's use our collective creativity to build a healthier, more sustainable future.
Other Blogs
Other Blogs
Check our other project Blogs with useful insight and information for your businesses
Other Blogs
Other Blogs
Check our other project Blogs with useful insight and information for your businesses
Other Blogs
Other Blogs
Check our other project Blogs with useful insight and information for your businesses