Environmental Film Making: October 2021

Young people across Lewes identified several urgent environmental issues affecting our planet and wildlife. Their concerns included:

• The impact of palm oil production on forests, biodiversity and habitats
• Ocean plastic pollution and the damage it causes to marine life
• The threat posed by poaching to vulnerable wildlife
• The vital role of bees as pollinators — and the growing risks to their survival

Determined to turn concern into action, students from Western Road, Kings Academy Ringmer, Southover, Priory, Lewes Old Grammar School and South Malling Primary School came together during September and October to collaborate on a creative response.

Working as a team, they produced three original short films that explore these topics in thoughtful, imaginative, and powerful ways. The films premiered at The Depot on 31 October 2021 and are now available to view online.

The young filmmakers — Joseph, Jacomo, Kyon, Evie, Alaric, Ben, Huxley, Amelia, Edie, Ella, Oliver and Liam — demonstrated how storytelling can be a compelling tool for raising awareness and inspiring change.

The Depot played a key role in supporting the project, guiding the students through the filmmaking process and helping them to showcase and distribute their work.

Expert insight and resources were provided by:

• Daphne Lambert (Greencuisine Trust)
• Pauline von Hellerman (Lewes Climate Hub)
• Claire Sumners (Plastic Free Seaford and regional representative for Surfers Against Sewage)

The films premiered as part of The Depot’s Green Festival in November, running alongside the United Nations Climate Conference, COP26, and linking local youth voices to the global climate conversation.