2040 is for everyone interested in climate change, who’s feeling overwhelmed and in need of an big positivity shot about how to help.
2040 is for everyone interested in climate change, whose feeling overwhelmed and in need of a big positivity shot about how to help.
To start with, Damon Gameau is not only an accomplished filmmaker and actor; he is also a Father of a 4 year-old. And so no longer able to stand the immense, overwhelming pressure we all feel about ‘what to do’ about climate change, he decided, to do something about it.
If nothing else, 2019 will go down as the year that climate change really hit home, and left most of us completely overwhelmed by the serious crisis we all face and alas, wondering if we could do anything in time to safeguard the future for our children. Many new voices for change have indeed sprung from our teenagers and older children heralding this need for urgent change, but what about the legacy we might be leaving for those too small to really know yet what they are facing when they grow up, who will really hit Earth’s make or break zone?
Alarmed and worried, Damon decided to make ‘2040,’ to predict what life might be like when his daughter turns 21. Told from a child’s perspective, the chapters throughout the film are book-ended by some wonderful, some inspirational, some highly amusing, honest, as well as poignant ideas, from the 8-12 age group. Then within the chapters themselves, Damon sets out to investigate how technology already available or new right now, could be used to re build Earth and usher in a far better future than the one many of fear might happen. What is amazing, is that the technology and knowledge is out there, it is within our reach, and this is what ‘2040’ shares. Without preaching, the film sets out the practical steps, ways to change the problems, and extrapolates a very bright future, based on fact and technology that is within our grasp.
The film is beautifully structured, beautifully made and its message is clear. With a shift in attitude and a fundamental change in how we view, use, and organise our resources and power, and how we view our guardianship of the land, there is a way forwards, and it can happen fast. Really fast. Using animation, models and live footage, ‘2040’ under Damon’s bright authorship, explores the globe to pull together a ‘what if’ scenario that all of us can embrace, and understand.
2040 is also helped by a seamless edit and good photography, as much as Damon’s eloquent, friendly, direct style, which also makes for an easy watch. What is also great is that there is no preaching, dogma or zealotry, just a passionate desire to see our wonderful world slide back into natural balance, and provide a great future for not just the next generation, but all those to come. And the audience for this film? Young people from 7/8 upwards will very much get it. So will teenagers, young adults, adults and mature adults too! This then, is a truly universal film, important for so many reasons, but mainly for the most important of all: 2040 is a film that’s about all of us, and our future as human beings on this planet.
2040 is released in UK Cinemas from 15th November 2019.
Jane Foster
janecreates@23-films.com
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