The University of KwaZulu Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) has embarked on an initiative to bring awareness to global warming.
The CCA in collaboration with the Goethe Institute are set to launch the very first Science Film Festival in Durban, which will showcase a number of compelling short films centred around science and nature conservation.
The festival is set to take place at various art centres, museums and tertiary institutions throughout Durban from October 14 to 18.
Ismail Mahomed, the director of the CCA said that through the Science Film Festival, the CCA wants to “engage audiences with captivating narratives and ground-breaking scientific themes about the environment”.
The festival will screen short films from various countries including South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Colombia, Nigeria, Italy, Honduras and France.
Short film titles include Stephan Harding’s “Rewild”, “The Heat of Change”, “Greenwashing: The Climate Killer”, “Drops of Dew” and “How Bicycle Tires and Inner Tubes are Made: The Path of a Schwalbe Tyre”, among six others.
The four-day festival will also offer conversations, discussions and workshops that aim to foster creative thinking and practical solutions for environmental activism.
Sakhile Gumede, film festival curator, said the festival will offer a unique experience to the Durban community and nature conservationists.
“This festival will create a melting pot of ideas and a platform for people to discuss crucial challenges facing our planet, which are also posing serious threats to social and food security.
“I have no doubt that this event will not only bring people together but will also revive the spirit of activism in our society.”
The Science Film Festival opening ceremony will take place at the Howard College Theatre on Monday, October 14, and the closing night will take place at the Alliance Française on October 18.
Admission to the festival is free. For a detailed schedule of screenings and events, visit their website.