Young voices rise up in climate documentary

A DOCUMENTARY investigating the impacts of plastic pollution and the climate crisis in communities like Bali, Samoa and Tuvalu will screen this weekend in Ocean Grove.

Created by young people, for young people, Rising Up follows now-24-year-old environmental activist and UN delegate Kal Glanznig as he journeys across Australia and its Pacific neighbours to meet with change-makers and uncover solutions to the environmental issues facing the planet.

With two-thirds of young Australians aged between 16 and 25 reporting their concern for the climate has had a negative impact on their mental health, the film aims to inspire and empower its viewers to conquer their doubts and take action.

The interviewees included in the film are wide-ranging, spanning young environmental leaders like Australian Olympic diver and Sam’s Straws founder Sam Fricker to business and political leaders such as independent MP for Warringah Zali Steggall.

Tomorrow’s (Saturday, February 22) screening will be hosted by the Bellarine chapter of climate advocacy organisation Parents for Climate.

It will be followed by a Q&A with Glanznig and a panel of special guests, who will discuss the climate and plastic crisis and explore the actions that can be taken at an individual, community and policy level to create change.

Rising Up first premiered in March last year at Bondi’s Ocean Lovers Festival and has since been screened to sold-out audiences across the country.

This will be the first time the documentary has been shown in Ocean Grove.

Glanznig said he was thrilled with the response from audiences so far.

“It demonstrates that people want to be hopeful for the future.

“It has been super rewarding getting messages after every screening from people who have already taken action in various ways.”

Parents for Climate organiser Laura Billings said tomorrow night’s screening of Rising Up was about shifting worry into action for the Bellarine community.

“So many parents and young people in our community feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis and wonder ‘What can we do?’ she said.

“Kai’s energy and optimism are contagious, and this film shows that real solutions exist – we just need to step up together.

“It’s a special opportunity to spark hope, connection and action for families who care about the future.”

The screening will take place tomorrow at the Ocean Grove Pavilion between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Tickets are just $5 and can be purchased via events.humanitix.com/rising-up-screening