The 9th HCCFF Awards Ceremony recognized outstanding films addressing climate change during COP29. The event celebrated global participation with films from 95 countries, including a gold medal win for China’s “Urban Wild Residents.” Speeches from dignitaries underscored the importance of film in raising climate awareness and inspiring action. Future initiatives were announced to engage youth in climate storytelling.
The 9th Handle Climate Change Film Festival (HCCFF) Awards Ceremony occurred during COP29, showcasing the festival’s commitment to climate awareness through film. A remarkable selection of 862 entries from 95 countries highlighted the global engagement on this critical issue, resulting in prestigious awards for several impactful films. The Chinese film “Urban Wild Residents” received the gold medal, silver awards went to “Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops” from the USA and “Pad Thai” from Thailand, while bronze awards were presented to several other noteworthy productions.
The ceremony, enriched by speeches from prominent leaders, emphasized the importance of film in visualizing and communicating climate change. Chen Suping, HCCFF founder, reflected on a decade of progress, noting participation from over 130 countries and more than 10,000 submissions. Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Climate Envoy, reinforced the government’s ongoing support for the festival, highlighting how film enables audiences to emotionally connect with climate issues. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a congratulatory message, underlining the role of climate films in public engagement.
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General, articulated the necessity of effective communication regarding climate urgency, stating that film uniquely possesses the power to inspire action and challenge perspectives. It was noted that the festival has successfully engaged communities through screenings, significantly raising awareness about climate change initiatives. The event also included the announcement of the 2025 Global Call for Entries and a new youth competition aimed at fostering creativity in climate storytelling.
The Handle Climate Change Film Festival is the first public welfare film festival in China focusing on climate change, launched in September 2015. During its ten-year span, it has garnered significant participation globally, successfully creating a platform for dialogue and education around climate issues through the medium of film. The festival has facilitated countless screenings aimed at increasing public knowledge and promoting sustainable practices.
The 9th HCCFF Awards Ceremony not only honored exceptional films addressing climate issues but also reinforced the vital role of film in mobilizing public sentiment and inspiring collective action against climate change. With the support from leading figures in international climate discourse, the festival is set to continue its mission of fostering awareness and dialogue surrounding the environmental challenges we face today.
Original Source: www.openpr.com
