ID :
375138
Fri, 07/24/2015 - 10:36
Auther :

Using Films To Build Eco-Conscious Community

By Yasmin Abdul Manan KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The 8th International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival (KLEFF) in October, aiming to address critical environmental issues through the screening of films, will see the participation of over 150 films from all over the world. Festival director Fadly Bakhtiar said the initiative would facilitate the building of a nation of ecologically-conscious people who embrace and adopt sustainable lifestyles. "It is more challenging when 'environment' is not the most exciting subject for people in general and issues such as climate change, sustainable food production and waste management need urgent positive action. "We are trying our level best to engage people from all walks of life to be involved in this platform where activities on sustainability can be shared with the masses," he told Bernama. Fadly said the main challenge was to make the general public aware of the importance of understanding the environment and, by having this annual event, it would help to give a new input on the importance of being mindful about the current state of the surroundings. "When they (the public) hear ‘eco’ or ‘green’ they instantly think of a boring, preachy, tree-hugging event. We want to be different by providing an interesting, vibrant environment so that visitors are more receptive towards our idea," he said. Apart from promoting sustainable production and green consumerism, KLEFF will also highlight concerns over matters such as indigenous people, wildlife and consumption. KLEFF aspires to continue its efforts to introduce the world’s best and award-winning environmental films in this festival and elevate itself to one of the most prestigious festivals in the Southeast Asian region for international and Malaysian environmental film-makers. The festival will see smart partnerships between corporate and government agencies in developing effective engagement programmes on sustainability with the general public. In the last seven years, the festival has reached out to some 71,187 Malaysians through its film screening at venues all over the peninsula. -- BERNAMA

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