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Climate change is a topic that permeates different spheres of society, and for the seventh art, it is no exception. In Brazil, where cultural diversity and the richness of natural landscapes are frequently explored in film productions, the impacts of climate change are beginning to manifest themselves in a worrying way.
In recent months, Brazil has faced several extreme events related to the climate crisis/Photo: Reproduction
In January 2024, torrential rains hit São Paulo, resulting in flooding that left dozens of people homeless and caused significant damage to infrastructure. In February, the Northeast suffered from a severe heat wave, causing prolonged droughts that affected agriculture and water supplies in states such as Bahia and Pernambuco.
Meanwhile, in March, Rio de Janeiro faced landslides in mountainous areas, exacerbated by intense rains, resulting in tragedies and evacuations.
In April, intense rains in Rio Grande do Sul caused flooding, leaving more than 1 million people affected, being considered the state’s biggest climate tragedy in decades. These events reflect not only the vulnerability of Brazilian regions to climate change, but also the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation policies to protect communities and ecosystems.
The climate crisis also has economic implications for the film industry. Extreme weather events can delay filming and increase production costs, as well as affect film distribution, especially in vulnerable regions. Outdoor film festivals, which are often popular, can be hampered by unpredictable weather conditions, affecting film visibility and connection with audiences.
Climate change is reshaping the landscape of Brazilian cinema, challenging filmmakers to adapt and address environmental issues in innovative ways. As Brazil faces these transformations, seventh art becomes an important vehicle for reflection and awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis, encouraging society to act towards a more sustainable future.
The film industry has significant potential to influence the energy transition and help stop the climate crisis in Brazil and around the world. With its ability to reach and impact large audiences, cinema can not only entertain, but also educate and mobilize society around urgent environmental issues.
Stories that address the effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods and deforestation, can raise public awareness of the seriousness of the situation. Productions that showcase sustainable alternatives and clean energy practices can inspire the adoption of solutions at an individual and community level. Films have the ability to tell stories that inspire change.
Productions that highlight communities’ fight for environmental justice or the implementation of sustainable technologies can motivate others to take action. Narratives that show how the energy transition can be beneficial for both the environment and the economy can help demystify the idea that significant changes are unfeasible. Cinema can not only entertain, but also mobilize society in favor of a more sustainable future.
Collaboration between filmmakers, communities and environmental experts can transform the seventh art into a powerful force for change, helping to shape a more resilient Brazil committed to preserving the planet.
Check out, below, a short list of Brazilian productions that address climate issues and call for the preservation of our biomes:
“Invisible City” (2021)
Creation: Carlos Saldanha
Where to watch: Netflix
In the Invisible City series, Eric (Marco Pigossi) is a detective from the Environmental Police who, after finding a dead pink dolphin on a beach in Rio de Janeiro, becomes involved in a murder investigation.
“Extraordinary Trash” (2010)
Director: Lucy Walker
Where to watch: YouTube
Brazilian documentary, Lixo Extraordinário follows the work of artist Vik Muniz for two years in the largest landfill in the world, located in the city of Duque de Caxias (RJ).
“Xingu” (2012)
Directed by: Cao Hamburger
Where to watch: Netflix
The story of the Villas-Bôas brothers on their journey to explore Brazil. They come into contact with indigenous villages, helping to defend their culture and creating the Xingu National Park.
“Basic Sanitation, The Movie” (2007)
Directed by: Jorge Furtado
Where to watch: Globoplay
Residents struggle to obtain sewage treatment in the small village where they live, and discover that there are no funds to solve the problem.
“The Last Forest” (2021)
Directed by: Luiz Bolognesi
Where to watch: Netflix
Shaman Davi Kopenawa Yanomani tries to keep the forest spirits and traditions alive, while the arrival of miners brings death and disease to the community, which is located in Yanomani territory, isolated in the Amazon.
Text produced in collaboration with the Cine NINJA Community. Its content does not necessarily express the official opinion of Cine NINJA or Mídia NINJA.
