The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is organising the first Urban Climate Film Festival through the CITIIS program under U20 engagement events. The festival is being organised with support from the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Union. A curated selection of 11 films from 9 countries will be showcased to create wider awareness of the impact of climate change on life in cities and engage the public in the dialogue on sustainable urban development.

The objectives of the festival are to:

• Employ the powerful medium of film to enlighten audiences about the environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change on urban settlements
• Spark conversations about building climate-resilient cities and invite inputs from the public
• Encourage citizens to undertake “environmentally responsible behaviours” in line with the U20 Priority Areas and the Hon. Prime Minister’s clarion call through the LiFE Mission

The global call for entries for the festival was launched on 23 January 2023 and closed on 13 March 2023. Filmmakers from around the world were invited to submit films that reflect how the changing environment is affecting life in cities around the world. 150 films from over 20 countries were received.

The entries were evaluated by a jury that shortlisted 27 films from 12 countries. The jury comprised:

• Dr Surbhi Dahiya (Professor, Indian Institute of Mass Communication)
• Dr Pranab Patar (Chief Executive, Global Foundation for Advancement of Environment)
• Mr Sabyesachi Bharti (Deputy Director, CMS Vatavaran)

The selected films will be screened at the festival in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad over subsequent months.

The Urban Climate Film Festival will be launched on Friday, 24^th March 2023 at the M.L. Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi.

• The inaugural session will be chaired by Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa.

The Ambassadors of France and the European Union to India will deliver the inaugural addresses.

Ms Richa Sharma, IAS, Additional Secretary, MoEFCC and Mr Kunal Kumar, IAS, Joint Secretary, MoHUA will deliver the keynote addresses.

• The program in Delhi on 25^th to 26^th March 2023, includes 11 award-winning films from countries like India, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland and the USA and interactive sessions. The schedule can be viewed here: tinyurl.com/2jc873d2

“Cities are facing massive challenges due to unsustainable levels of stress on infrastructure, natural resources and public services. NIUA supports efforts to enable the transition of Indian cities to a greener future – one that is sustainable, inclusive, and prioritises the health and well-being of the people, along with the country’s economic growth. I believe films are a powerful medium for reaching out to people and starting important conversations about the world around us. By showcasing a variety of films on urban environments, the Urban Climate Film Festival will surely be an eye-opener for many,” said Mr Hitesh Vaidya, Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs.

Entry to the Urban Climate Film Festival is free for all.

Attendees can register themselves online at https://niua.in/citiis/urban-climate-film-festival#   

About the National Institute of Urban Affairs

The National Institute of Urban Affairs is a Central Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. It is a national think-tank undertaking cutting-edge multi-disciplinary research, knowledge exchange and capacity development, policy planning and advocacy in the domain of urban development. It is also serving as the technical secretariat for U20, the urban engagement group of G20.

About the CITIIS Program

CITIIS (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain) is a joint program of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and NIUA. The program is assisting 12 Smart Cities in India implement innovation-driven and sustainable urban infrastructure projects, some of which have components dedicated to benefit the ecosystem, improve air and water quality, protect indigenous flora and fauna, and foster urban biodiversity.

For Futher Queries, please contact: Ms Ila Singh, Head of Communications, National Institute of Urban Affairs - isingh@niua.org

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