Backing cinema for a cause

Kartiki Gonsalves

All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) is set to return for the fourth consecutive year. A premier platform for films that champion environmental issues, ALT EFF has had two successful virtual runs in 2020 and 2021, with a hybrid format of on-ground events across India and online in 2022. This year will see a significant expansion of the decentralised model with over 40 screenings planned across all states in India.

A highlight of this year is the presence of the Oscar-winning filmmaker, Kartiki Gonsalves, who, in collaboration with Guneet Monga, received the much-coveted award for their outstanding documentary, The Elephant Whisperers earlier this year. Her artistic vision and ability to tell stories with themes of environment make her the perfect addition to the esteemed jury panel for the 10-day festival that kickstarts on December 1.

Gonsalves says, "Every person, be it students or adults, must watch these films, so they can see how the world is deteriorating slowly. I think that in itself is a powerful motive to inspire change. It was interesting to see how different filmmakers across different places express themselves and their own voice through the stories they decide to tell." Kunal Khanna, the founder of the festival, adds, "The climate crisis is here now, and will impact each one of us in myriad of ways; we have therefore decided to decentralise the festival and provide opportunities for audiences across the country to engage, learn, and be inspired to act."