Explore the themes and line-up at this year’s Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival with an insider look by Dr Nezar Andari
In conversation with the Artistic Director of the Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival, Dr Nezar Andari shares an exclusive sneak peek into the free-to-attend event at the Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi.
In line with the Year of Sustainability in the UAE once more, the festival emphasises the need to connect with the world around us on a deeper level. Check it out!
Tell us more about the theme of this year’s Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival?
The theme for the fourth edition of the Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival is ‘All Living Beings’, which emphasises the intricate interconnectedness of all living creatures. It highlights the essential relationships between humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. By exploring these connections, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of our role in the environment and inspire viewers and festivalgoers to act on preserving our planet.
What can attendees expect from the festival this year?
Attendees can expect a diverse array of films, including impactful documentaries and compelling narrative pieces that address critical environmental issues. The festival will also feature engaging panel discussions with experts in environmental science and filmmaking.
These include sessions with experts from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Through storytelling, in all its forms, we aim to connect emotional experiences with pressing sustainability challenges, making the subject matter resonate on a personal level.
How does the festival aim to engage the local community?
The festival will not only showcase films but also include interactive events and discussions. Additionally, there will be a special road trip initiative that brings films to schools across Abu Dhabi, directly engaging students and fostering environmental awareness.
This initiative brings films directly to schools, allowing students to experience cinema uniquely. This accessibility helps spark interest in film and storytelling while also promoting critical thinking and creativity among young audiences. More importantly, engaging students through films can inspire them to think about sustainability and environmental responsibility, helping to cultivate a generation that values and protects our planet.
What are some of the collaborations at this year’s festival?
This year, the festival is collaborating with Climate Tribe, led by Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, and Lebanon’s Reef Film Festival. Climate Tribe focuses on inspiring climate action through dynamic storytelling. Their unique approach emphasises the importance of local narratives and cultural context in addressing environmental issues.
Reef Film Festival brings a wealth of experience in connecting environmentalists, artists, and filmmakers. Their involvement allows us to showcase a broader array of films that address both local and global environmental challenges. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can create a more impactful platform for dialogue and action. The collaboration emphasises that environmental issues transcend borders; together, we can learn from each other’s experiences and solutions.
How can the festival inspire young people?
By selecting films that feature relatable characters, compelling narratives, and pressing environmental themes, we create opportunities for young audiences to see themselves in the stories being told. These films can spark curiosity, empathy, and a sense of urgency about the environmental issues facing our planet.
Whether it’s through documentaries that expose the realities of climate change or animated features that explore the beauty of biodiversity, each film serves as a catalyst for conversation and reflection.
In 2024, we are screening an anime film for the first time, leveraging the huge popularity of this genre.
25-27 October at The Arts Center at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). Free event. For more information, visit alsidreff.org/
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