In the coal-rich state of Jharkhand in India, local entrepreneur Shashi Kumar is transforming abandoned coal mines into thriving fish farms, offering a new livelihood to his community and supporting over 60 families. A few kilometres away, Sushma Devi works for women's rights and employment opportunities beyond the coal mines, facing bureaucratic challenges. Meanwhile, Binod Kumar provides free computers training to the youth, aiming to break the cycle of poverty for coal gatherers' families, including his student Nindiya. The narrative of ‘As For Us’ highlights the importance of grassroots efforts in developing sustainable alternatives to coal reliance in India, showcasing the potential for positive change through community-driven initiatives. The film was supported by Financial Times, One World Media and Pulitzer Center

As For Us

Freetown, Sierra Leone, faces heat-related problems due to poverty and rising temperatures. To address this, the city appointed a Chief Heat Officer, Eugenia Kargbo, who is working with MEER (Mirrors for Earth's Energy Rebalancing) to develop a heat management plan for residents. MEER is a nonprofit organization focused on providing urban heat relief and combatting global overheating. Dr. Ye Tao founded MEER after recognizing the severity of global warming. Current levels of greenhouse gases have resulted in locked-in warming of 2.5℃, which is projected to exceed 4℃ by 2100. Dr. Tao's solution is to manufacture mirrors from recycled aluminum and plastic to reflect sunlight to space before the light is converted to heat. Ultracool mirrored roofs provide zero-energy cooling to buildings. At scale, MEER mirrors can cool the Earth. Twelve local University graduates, led by Dr. Tao, conducted MEER's first urban project installing ultracool roofs on forty homes in the shantytown of Kroo Bay, while gaining valuable skills and training. This documentary follows a family coping with excessive temperatures of 35℃ or higher inside their home by spending much of their time outside. Extreme heat causes health issues like skin rashes and sleep problems. After deploying the ultracool MEER roofs the interior temperature of their house decreased by 5-7℃, allowing the family to work and sleep inside their home, a definite improvement in their living conditions. MEER and Freetown City Council plan to expand this pilot project to improve the lives of more residents.

Freetown: Cooling a City

Babacar Thiaw, a visionary Senegalese surfer, entrepreneur, and environmental activist, is on a mission to tackle his country’s escalating plastic pollution crisis and preserve its coastline for future generations. Deeply connected to the ocean through his family’s history and inspired by his father’s teachings, Babacar channels this passion into innovative, community-driven solutions. He founded Senegal’s first zero-waste restaurant, setting a groundbreaking example of sustainability that has since inspired a growing movement across the country. This film follows Babacar’s journey as he champions the power of local action to combat global environmental challenges. Through his story, we witness how one person’s commitment can ignite widespread change, offering a hopeful message for a world in need of solutions. Babacar’s legacy is a call to action, reminding us all that safeguarding the future begins with the choices we make today.

The Human Side Of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw

Exploring Maui's reliance on tourism, this documentary examines strategies for making the visitor industry more sustainable and beneficial to residents. Through interviews with industry professionals and community leaders, it delves into the industry's impact on local communities, the environment, and emphasizes our collective responsibility to safeguard our natural resources. This film was made by Maui students during our Fall 2023 semester-long filmmaking program.

Over Tourism?

International Sustainability (BUNDLE)

Virtual Admission

Donation to {{name}}

Donate

Gift Cards

These are all the passes tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_pass_link|Looking to buy a pass as a gift?}}

2021 Festival Pass

5 Ticket Bundle

None available

Passes

To purchase a festival pass please go to https://www.bceff.org/guide/festival-pass

This years virtual festival will be open for streaming beginning November 1st, 2022 and end on November 30th, 2022. Purchase your pass today and watch our entire collection on any device with a browser and an active internet connection.

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.