Storytelling for Climate Fund :: Selected Projects 2024
December 12, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the selection of five projects for the AFLAMUNA Storytelling for
empowering Arab filmmakers to tackle the urgent issue
of climate change through documentary storytelling
Within its mission to harness the power of independent Arab cinema to elevate the most pressing issues of our time, AFLAMUNA seeks to empower independent Arab filmmakers to tackle the essential issue of Climate Justice. Our region is plagued with crises that often make us overlook the environmental crisis that afflicts us all. Still, it is a cause we cannot look away from, especially given its intersection with colonialism and occupation, and its disproportionate effect on us and all the peoples of the Global South. We do this work through a series of interventions that evolve with the needs of the community of filmmakers and activists we aim to catalyze and collaborate with.
In 2022 and 2023, we organized the Storytelling for Climate Gatherings, in Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, bringing together 170 participants from across filmmaking and environmental activism, to collectively imagine and advocate for a cultural strategy for the climate crisis in the Arab region.
In 2024, as a result of these gatherings, we launched the Storytelling for Climate Fund, supporting the development of Arab feature documentaries and accompanying Impact Campaigns, that bring to light an Arab perspective on the environmental crisis and the movement for climate justice. We offer filmmakers financial support, creative and strategic mentorship, and access to unconventional partnerships.
This project does not have open calls at this time. Please check our designated page for open calls.
We are thrilled to announce the selection of five projects for the AFLAMUNA Storytelling for
Water Nights
by Mohanad Salahat
Documentary – Palestine
Produced by Kassandra Smith
Kinana Films
Water Nights is the story of a Palestinian family living in a small town that’s known for its water-springs called Talluza, and their daily and never-ending struggle with the water supply in the shadow of both occupation and climate change.
Cursed Tomatoes
by Marwa Tiba
Documentary – Tunisia
Produced by Marwa Tiba
Since the early 1990s, tomatoes have been the primary source of income for a small village in Northern Gafsa. However, the intense water consumption required for their cultivation has led to severe water scarcity and environmental degradation, leaving the land barren and the community struggling.
The Salt of The South
by Rami Jarboui
Documentary – Tunisia
Produced by Ramzi Laâmouri & Julien Coquet – Phi films
“The Salt of The South” depicts a family’s reliance on the sea: Fathia’s resilience as a sea farmer in southern Tunisia contrasts with her son Fadhel’s shift from fisherman to illegal immigrant in Europe, amidst ecological decay and dwindling livelihoods.
Finding Oum Al Ghaith
by Abeer Bayazidi
Documentary – Jordan
Produced by Bassam Alasad
Three women lead their community to conserve water in a drought-stricken land, mirroring ancient rainmaking rituals tied to the folkloric figure Oum Al-Ghaith. The film portrays this indigenous ritual and the three women as modern-day Oum Al-Ghaith figures.
Nile Mavericks’
by Roger Anis
Documentary – Sudan
Produced by Talal Afifi
Sudan Film Factory
Arafa and Saber, two fishermen living on the Nile banks, meet a photographer investigating the legend of the “Bride of the Nile.” As he delves deeper into his research, he uncovers other nighttime activities the fishermen are involved in.
