Cape Farewell is a project uniting science and art to offer creative, well informed responses to the issue of climate change. Burning Ice is a documentary that follows one of Cape Farewell's voyages around Greenland, bringing together a range of scientists and artists to experience the disappearing ice of the area.
The setting for the film is awe-inspiring, enormous glaciers and icebergs dominate the landscape. Several times the cameras catch icebergs falling apart, crashing into the sea, a dramatic and unnerving symbol of just how drastic climate change is.
It is inspiring to see scientists and artists working collaboratively in this way and fascinating to see how differently the artists respond to the experience; for example:
Composer, Ryuichi Sakomoto takes recording equipment out and about to record the amazing natural sounds of Greenland and also to use the landscape as a natural experimental sound laboratory. His enthusiasm is infectious and the music he created forms part of the soundtrack of the film.
Singer, songwriter KT Tunstall spent most of her time hanging out with the scientists and learning about climate change and also found time to jam with the other musicians.
Comedian Marcus Brigstocke talked a lot and was inspired to make climate change a major element of his act. Unfortunately I didn't find him particularly funny but then climate change isn't a topic that is inherently funny.
Poet Lemn Sisay made an excellent video poem that is part of the film and has also written a hit play inspired by the expedition.
The next step after that is up to audiences - can this film and the art inspired by the expedition change people's attitudes to climate change at a deep level? Can they inspire people to change their lifestyles and consumer choices to lessen their own impact? And the answers to those questions lie with all of us.
I saw the press screening of this film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Public screenings are: 20.00, 21 June in Filmhouse 1 and 21.55, 21 June in Filmhouse 2. You can book your tickets on the EIFF website here. You can read blogs from the expedition here.
As ever, text in red contains hyperlinks which will take you to other webpages where you can find out more.
Looks very interesting. Hope it comes to our local independent theater...
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ReplyDeleteLooks like you have also been having an exciting time!