A FILM which aims to highlight positive action taken by Highlands and Islands communities to combat the climate emergency has been named as a finalist for an international award.
The film, named Climate Action Highlands and Islands, shares the stories of 10 different communities ranging from Shetland to Lochaber on taking collaborative local action against climate change.
Developed by a team at the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub the film has been announced as a finalist for the Big Syn International Film Festival – which is one of the biggest sustainability film festivals in the world.
The project was inspired by “the countless” positive stories from the Highlands and Islands of community-led action and aims to educate and empower its audiences.
Scottish environmental filmmaker and Celtic music producer, Cameron Mackay, who has a background in climate change research and sustainability was the “perfect candidate” to help bring the film alive, the Hub team said.
Joan Lawrie, Hub manager, said it has been a “sensational” year since the film launched in Inverness and hopes its nomination at the festival will help amplify their message.
said: “For the film and the communities within it to be recognised at this level is incredibly exciting. The process of creating the film alongside Cameron was so inspiring and I knew even then that the end result would be incredible.
“My team and I wanted to create something which lets communities share their stories in their own words and ‘Climate Action Highlands and Islands’ does exactly that. It’s been a sensational first year since we launched at Eden Court [in Inverness] with the film being shown at various locations since.
“I can’t wait to go to the Big Syn Festival to represent the groups within the film and the wider hub membership.
“I’m hopeful that this opportunity will give us greater power to have the film shown to decision makers so that the work of our vibrant Highlands and Islands communities can be understood and given the respect it deserves.”
The film celebrated its first anniversary in September, with its creators thrilled to receive the news that it was selected as a finalist at the film festival shortly after.
Big Syn International Film Festival is one of the world’s biggest sustainability film festivals and is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The winners of the award will be declared at a gala in London on November 8.
