The 9th HCCFF Awards Ceremony at COP29 honored 862 works from 95 countries, awarding gold to China’s “Urban Wild Residents” and silver to films from the U.S. and Thailand. Key figures stressed the importance of film in climate communication, while new initiatives aimed at engaging youth in climate action were announced. HCCFF has reached significant milestones in public engagement since its launch, promoting climate awareness through cinema.
The 9th Handle Climate Change Film Festival (HCCFF) Awards Ceremony was successfully conducted at COP29, showcasing an impressive collection of 862 works from 95 countries. “Urban Wild Residents” from China received the gold medal, while silver awards went to the United States’ “Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops” and Thailand’s “Pad Thai.” Bronze awards were presented to three films including China’s “Carbon Dioxide and Its Carbon Family.” The ceremony featured speeches from various prominent figures including Chen Suping, the founder of HCCFF, who emphasized the festival’s decade-long commitment to raising awareness about climate change through film, having amassed over 10,000 submissions from more than 130 nations.
Liu Zhenmin, the Special Climate Envoy of China, highlighted the unique ability of climate-themed films to make the issue of climate change more tangible for the audience. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sent a congratulatory message recognizing the importance of the festival in fostering global communication around climate issues. Additionally, key speakers noted that films possess a transformative power, making climate actions relatable and inspiring public action positively toward environmental initiatives.
One noteworthy initiative launched was the HCCFF 2025 Global Call for Entries and the Global Youth Climate Change Short Video Championship, aimed at engaging young creators and fostering dialogue around climate action. This competition will include mentorship programs and workshops designed to showcase the talents of youth in the realm of climate awareness through storytelling.
Since its inception in 2015, the HCCFF has emerged as a key platform within China for advocating climate awareness through film, achieving through over 300 community and school screenings that reached upwards of 300,000 participants. Through these efforts, the festival has not only celebrated filmmakers but actively engaged the public in understanding and addressing climate challenges.
The Handle Climate Change Film Festival (HCCFF) was established to promote awareness and understanding of climate change issues through the medium of film. It aims to create a platform where filmmakers from around the world can showcase their work and foster discussions on climate action. Over the years, HCCFF has garnered international participation and recognition, highlighting the role of film and media in influencing public perception and policy towards environmental issues. As global climate change continues to escalate, initiatives like the HCCFF play a crucial role in educating and mobilizing communities around sustainable practices.
The 9th HCCFF Awards held during COP29 signifies a decade of commitment to leveraging film as a medium for climate change awareness. With considerable participation from varied regions, the festival highlights the importance of creativity and storytelling in engaging audiences about climate issues. As initiatives continue to emerge to support youth involvement and community education, the HCCFF remains at the forefront of marrying art with advocacy, emphasizing the need for inclusive and diverse conversations around climate action.
Original Source: www.openpr.com
