Animation films are serious works. It takes skilled individuals – a village to create a film, including short films. Over the years, the animation industry has created multiple films that center on the planet and explore themes related to the climate crisis.
Only a Child
A short film by Simone Giampaolo, Only a Child, is inspired by Severn Cullis Suzuki’s powerful speech delivered at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Forged by multiple artists, the film instills hope and childlike enthusiasm for a better tomorrow. Read the full article here.
Wade
Kalp Sanghvi and Upamanyu Bhattacharyya imagine a dystopian Kolkata, depicting the growing conflict between humans and animals, with a spiritual message about climate adaptation.
Snow Bear
Animated by Disney veteran Aaron Blaise, Snow Bear is a heartwarming story about a lonely bear in the chilling tundra facing glacial melt. It is a stark reminder of how animals are constantly losing their homes and their partners in a human-induced climate crisis.
Pom Poko
What if animals fought back? Directed by Isao Takahata, Pom Poko is Studio Ghibli’s nuttiest film. In an attempt to save their homes, Japanese raccoon dogs steal, deceive, and implement defense strategies that will put the Pentagon to shame.
Hoppers
On a similar vein of animals fighting back, how many emotions can Disney Pixar fit into one movie? Hoppers is a great reminder that we exist somewhere in the food chain and that we can still coexist. Humans are not entitled to natural resources and must follow pond rules.
Lorax
Adapted from Dr. Seuss’s children’s book, The Lorax explores the themes of human greed, expansion, and deforestation that keep the capitalist’s pockets green. Full of the usual Dr. Seuss whimsy, this film will make your heart grow tender for all things that grow.
The Man Who Planted Trees
If you ever wonder what a single man can do, pick up this 1987 masterpiece about afforestation. Through animating pencil smudges, The Man Who Planted Trees showcases that sometimes it just takes one person to make a lasting impact.
How many films have you watched?
