Climate Shorts – A World In The Balance

The Congress

Directed by Eko Krisna

Indonesian activist, Rukka Sombolinggi believes the key to confronting the climate crisis is to unite and mobilize the Indigenous communities who are often impacted the most. Now, as the first female general secretary of the world’s largest Indigenous Peoples organization, she has the power to do just that. But the challenge is monumental.

One October thousands traveled from across the island nation of Indonesia to attend one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous Peoples in the world. Whether arriving by open-air trucks, boat or even by foot the AMAN congress, led by Rukka, drew thousands of people across the Indonesian archipelago and its 17,000 islands.

Using a process of “deliberative democracy” the Congress prioritizes finding solutions through consensus so that no groups are left out. This unique process resulted in 32 resolutions, uniting the voices of over 20,000 indigenous communities to address land rights, economic dealings, environmental issues, and the criminalization of Indigenous Peoples across the archipelago.

This is a story about the democratic process, defiance and dignity in the face of climate catastrophe.

Qotzuñi: People of the Lake

Directed by Gastón Zilberman, Michael Salama

“The lake was our mother, our father. Now, we are orphans.” The Uru Nation lived for generations on Lake Poopó, hunting, fishing, and forming deep cultural ties to its waters. By 2016, due to mining pollution, diverted tributaries, and drought, the lake vanished. ThisShort film portrays the resilience of the last Urus, who still call themselves Qotzuñis—“people of the lake.”

Common Pear

Directed by Gregor Božič

In a not-too-distant future ravaged by climate crisis, a team of scientists analyzes archival footage of farmers from the past in an attempt to understand their connection to the land.

Goldau

Directed by Roman Kaelin

On September 2, 1806, a massive landslide struck the village of Goldau, claiming 457 lives—the most devastating natural disaster in Swiss history. Based on historical records and research, the film relives the tragic moments of that fateful day in real time. A powerful reminder of nature’s untamed force and the fragility of our environment.

Hosts for half a century

Directed by André Tupxi Lopes, Typju Mỹky

The film presents the perspective of our Mỹky people on 50 years of contact with the non-indigenous population. We portray our experiences and movements in the territory, such as collecting tucum and bacava, going to the city of Brasnorte to shop, accessing services and participating in local politics. Young Typju Mỹky guides us along with the elders, who reflect on our way of life and the changes experienced by our people in the last half century. The stories about the past and the archival images help us understand life before the arrival of the Kewa, the non-indigenous people, and the profound transformations they brought with them. Finally, the time has come to tell our own version of history.