Cook Islands

Meena^5 *
Pitt Media Group
English, 2008, 10:13

In February 2005, the Cook Islands were hit by Cyclone Meena, bringing with it winds of over 80 knots and storm surge that caused flooding of many areas. Wtih the storm's passing, most thought the worst was behind them. However, in the course of the next month the Cooks experienced four more tropical cyclones - an unprecedented number in such a short period of time. This film looks at the aftermath of the 2005 events and asks whether this is a sign of things to come as the result of global climate change.

Cook Islands

Kia Vai Teateamamao (Be Prepared): Traditional climate forecasting in the Cook Islands
Cook Islands National Environment Service
Maori Kuki 'Airani/English, 2005, 28:00

This documentary examines some traditional methods of forecasting extreme changes in weather and explains how Cook Islanders have prepared for these changes.

Federated States of Micronesia

Pohnpei experiences global warming

Conservation Society of Pohnpei.
English/Pohnpeian, 2008,13:26

Tells the story of unexpected sea level rise and its impact on the lives of the people of Pohnpei. Though Pohnpei is a mountainous island, the majority of its citizens live in the coastal area and have experienced unexpected sea level rise several times in the first months of 2008. As low-lying atolls, the five outer islands of Pohnpei State are particularly vulnerable to any change in sea levels. The film examines ways in which the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, a local NGO, and the Pohnpeian people are responding to this growing threat.

Republic of the Marshall Islands

Ad Jolet: Anikien RiMajol Kon Climate Change

High Tide Productions
Marshallese/English, 2008, 05:00

As one of the most vulnerable nations in the world, the Marshalls are among the very first to experience the devastating effects of sea level rise and other climate-related problems. Interviews with Marshallese from different segments of society shed light on the costs involved with the loss of their homeland and cultural identity as a result of climate change.

Kiribati

The Island of my Ancestors *

Naamon Marae/Television Kiribati Limited
te taetae ni Kiribati/English, 2008, 17:34

Another intriguing look at the climate-related problems faced by Kiribati and the unique solutions it has developed. The film focuses on the threat posed to the rich I-Kiribati cultural heritage by climate change, in addition to the potential loss of their homeland.

Kiribati

Kiribati and global warming

Nei Tabera Ni Kai
te taetae ni Kiribati/English, 2008, 15:59

As a nation comprised entirely of low-lying atolls, Kiribati will bear the brunt of sea level rise resulting from climate change. This unique film looks at ways in which the country and its people are preparing for the challenge, drawing on a rich tradition of overcoming challenges.

Papua New Guinea

An uncertain future
Pacific Black Box, Inc.
Pidgin/English, 2008, 10:00

A comprehensive look at the environmental, cultural and social impacts of climate change on PNG's rich heritage.

Papua New Guinea

mmm.missing.taro
Pacific Black Box, Inc.
Papua New Guinea: Pidgin/English, 2008, 03:14

Taro is a central part of life in PNG and throughout the Pacific. Unfortunately it is also extremely sensitive to salt water intrusion as the result of climate change. This short film focuses on the dietary and cultural costs of losing these crops.

Samoa

O le uto ma le Maene: Climate change impacts in Samoa *

Paradigm Documentaries
Samoan/English, 2008, 28:51

“E le laa le uto I le maene, pe sopo a’e le tai I le eleele” (the float does not usurp the sinker, nor can the sea encroach on the land) is a verse from a traditional song of the Gataula, a singing group from Asau, Savaii. The song is about the boundaries that exist in the natural and human worlds, boundaries that have been established through the ages to maintain harmony among people and in the environment that sustains them. But these boundaries are collapsing and, as witnessed today, the sea is encroaching on the land.

Samoa

Coral currency takes a dive: Samoan tourism in a warming world

Holly Pepper, Julia Scott-Stevenson, Ed Langham and Anna Gero
Samoan/English, 2008,14:33

Pristine beaches, swaying coconut palms, turquoise waters: the images of Samoa that are conjured in the minds of people the world over. Samoa relies on its natural beauty to attract visitors from overseas, and these visitors are vital to the country’s economy. But climate change has the potential to greatly impact on the natural environment, the very thing that is so important to the functioning of the tourism industry. This documentary by a group of Australian volunteers in Samoa examines those potential impacts, and the effects they may have on the livelihoods of the Samoan people.

Tuvalu

Sinking rights

Fiji Human Rights Commission
Tuvaluan/English, 2007, 34:26

Sinking rights focuses on Tuvalu – a small atoll island state in the Pacific. Warm and welcoming, the Tuvaluan people talk about their fears as they feel the brunt of severe weather conditions, coastal erosions, depleting crops and the slow death of the Tuvaluan way of life. As the island nations come to grips with the adverse impacts of climate change, its people are starting to question – is there a “right to environment?”

Vanuatu

Global Warming: Who’s Responsible?
Live and Learn Environmental Education
Vanuatu: Pigin/English, 2008, 15:41

The entry from Vanuatu uses a variety of innovative techniques such as dramatisations and animations to illustrate the impacts of climate change on the country, in particularly its vulnerable outer islands. It also examines the concept of "common but differentiated responsibility" and offers a number of constructive solutions for the Vanuatu people to help reduce the island's carbon imprint and to prepare for the adverse effects of climate change.

23-24 September

Suva, Fiji

Click here to download the Schedule. pdf, 1.7MB