WWF AND DOCUMENTARY AUSTRALIA JOIN FORCES TO HOST EARTH HOUR FILM FESTIVAL

Australians will have another incentive to take part in Earth Hour this year, with WWF-Australia and Documentary Australia joining forces to host a virtual film festival on the night.

Earth Hour will see major international landmarks and hundreds of millions of people switch off their lights in support of stronger climate action at 8:30 pm local time on Saturday, 26 March.

Australians who sign up at earthhour.org.au will gain an exclusive invite to the first Earth Hour Film Festival hosted by WWF-Australia and Documentary Australia.

The festival will include access to six inspiring and uplifting documentaries, along with Regenerating Australia, a new short film from Regen Studios, directed by award-winning filmmaker, Damon Gameau (makers of 2040 and That Sugar Film).

Audiences will learn about the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on our natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, and the solutions that could help Shape Our Future.

Dermot O’Gorman, WWF-Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We hope these films entertain, but also inspire audiences that we all have the power to shape a healthy future for people and nature.”

“There’s never been a more critical time for us to come together to protect our planet. Climate change is making extreme weather events like floods more frequent and unpredictable, and it’s threatening natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef with mass coral bleaching events. That’s why we’re asking Australians to make the symbolic switch for Earth Hour to add their voice to the millions calling for greater action on climate change.”

Mitzi Goldman, Chief Executive Officer of Documentary Australia, said: “The purpose of the Earth Hour film festival is to spark conversation about the devastating impact of climate change on our iconic Australian ecosystems. Our hope is that audiences, no matter their age or background, are inspired to take a stand and support the regeneration of our natural environment, beginning with Earth Hour. Through greater engagement we aim to accelerate action on the environment.”