Earth Stories E-Zine

WELCOME!

2023 to Earth Stories Film Festival

We are an independent film festival set up in the heart of Keele by staff and students. Our festival is for young people of all backgrounds to share stories focused on sustainability. Developed by James McAteer in 2022, Earth Stories was created with the goal of inspiring young filmmakers to think about the stories they tell through film, and how they can help the environment. The core team of student organisers, Aaliyah Gardner, Joe O'Boyle, Charlie Beale, and Amy Glassbrook, as well as a larger team of about 45 staff and students came together to help realise the film festival. We are so excited to share the results of everyone's hard work with our first ever events on the 21st and 22nd of April 2023.

Earth Stories Film Festival

Director Aaliyah Gibbings-Gardner

Editor in Chief Charlotte Knott

This film festival is financed by Keele Alumni through the Keele Key Fund.

Since the recent development of Earth Stories, came the formation of the team behind the festival, who have given much effort into making it a success. Before revealing the 9 film nominations, here's a brief introduction to the individual team members.

Name: James McAteer

Age: 60

From: Glasgow

Earth Stories Founder

As the developer of Earth Stories, James McAteer found it important as 'It's critical for us all. Climate Change is an existential threat to our world.' He also explained how 'It's a really good idea to ask young people their thinking around these issues.' Being a part of the Earth Stories selection panel, McAteer has seen 'How brilliant the films are.' and enjoyed 'Working with a large team and making a difference.' If he could change one thing in the world it'd be 'Climate Change.'

Name: Aaliyah Gibbings-Gardner

Age: 20

Year of Study: 2nd Course: Media and Sociology

From: Bow, Devon Director

Aaliyah joined as 'the message being promoted by Earth Stories is such an important and relevant one right now. I was excited to hear from people worldwide and to learn more about their experiences of the environmental crisis and what young people were doing to work towards a more sustainable future.' She continued to explain, 'Earth Stories is important to me because I think it can be easy to get caught up in bad news when it comes to the environment and sustainability, but the work we've seen from people worldwide shows how much positive news there is out there and how much young people are doing to look after our planet.'

Upon becoming the director for Earth Stories, Gibbings-Gardner explains her experience; 'I never saw myself as a leader and I've always struggled with self-confidence growing up but this role has helped me grow so much in confidence and as a person so I've learnt so much about myself from my experience as the Director.' Despite the great responsibility within her role, Aaliyah expresses what she's enjoyed as director so far; 'Something I've really enjoyed is meeting and being able to work with so many brilliant people I wouldn't have met ordinarily, I've made a lot of new friends '

The team were asked what their ideal life would look like in 5 years, Gibbings-Gardner stated, 'This question is really hard to answer because I have no idea where I will actually be in 5 years but I suppose in an ideal world I would have travelled to see and experience more of the world, I'd have a job I love in social media or directing. To conclude she gives us the title of her favourite book, 'The Outsiders by S E Hinton '

Name: Rebekah Doostdar-Smith

Age: 21

Year of Study: 3rd

Course: Law (LLB)

From: Manchester

Doostdar-Smith joined Earth Stories as she enjoys partaking in voluntary work for the causes she believes in. Earth Stories is important to her as, 'It is a creative way to emphasise the significance of global issues.' From her experience, she's learnt, 'There’s so much talent out there and so many ways to express one’s beliefs and opinions ' Doostdar-Smith has greatly enjoyed watching all of the submissions, as many have been informative.

Doostar-Smith was asked what her ideal day looks like, to which she replied with, 'A day that allows me to study, be with friends and talk about social issues whilst being outside - in this ideal day it’s not freezing or raining.' Furthermore, her ideal day in 5 years looks like; 'Having a day off to do the above. To learn is a gift honestly because when you get older there is supposedly less opportunity to be engaged in topics that aren’t your area of expertise.' Lastly, one thing Doostar-Smith would like to change in the world is, 'Passivity - I think if we were all active members of society, contributing to it positively then the world would be so different.'

Name: Alana Wheat

Age: 24

Year of Study: Graduated in 2021

Course: Ma Geographical and Environmental Research

From: Staffordshire

Sustainability Engagement Officer

Alana Wheat finds sustainability important to her and so decided to join Earth Stories as 'it is a great way to engage people with sustainability concepts and ideas and to get people thinking critically about the messages that films are portraying.' Through her experience on the Senior selection panel, it's come to her attention that 'films come in all shapes and sizes from around the world, and everyone is so creative.' Wheat has enjoyed, 'the dedication and teamwork of the committee.' since been apart of the Earth Stories team.

Wheat's ideal day looks like 'a slow morning with a cup of mint tea, followed by a walk in nature and some birdwatching. ' In her spare time she likes to read 'Fantasy and non-fiction nature writing'. To conclude, if Wheat could change one thing in the world it would be the 'Climate and ecological crisis'.

Name: Natasha Dury

Age:22

Year of Study: Masters

Course: Computer Science

From: England and Fiji, raised in UAE Co-Chair of Senior Selection Panel

Natasha Dury joined Earth Stories as it seemed it would be a fun experience Now it has become important to her as 'It's interesting, seeing creative films from different places - all trying to convey sustainability themes.' From her time on the selection panel, Dury has 'learnt how many different criteria to consider, when rating a film' and enjoyed 'watching all the different films, from different places all over the world '

Name: Humayra Shusmi

Age: 19

Year of Study: 1st

Course: Film Studies and Creative Writing

From: Buckinghamshire

Humayra Shusmi tells us her reason for joining Earth Stories; 'I heard about Earth Stories through Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Jennifer. Bringing together my love for film with current social issues sounded like a great idea, and the whole concept seemed really fun and hands-on.' Earth Stories has become important to Shusmi as 'the university has already done so much surrounding global and social issues, and it’s nice to be able to join in with that in a way that also complements my course.' Concerning her experience on the selection panel, Shusmi explains 'Developing my own personal opinion on the films we watched - as well as seeing if they fit the criteria, it was nice to be able to mark them based off how much I enjoyed them 'Whilst taking part in judging the submissions, Shusmi has 'enjoyed making friends with students from other creative disciplines.'

Name: Imogen Morgan-Bailey

Age: 18

Year of Study: 1st

Course: Neuroscience and Psychology

From: Oxfordshire

Imogen Morgan-Bailey became a part of the Earth Stories team as she 'wanted to see how different people from different backgrounds and cultures saw sustainability and climate change 'Earth stories has become important to her as it 'allows everyone to have a voice and put forward their message surrounding sustainability. These entries being films also means they're often very emotive, helping everyone spread the message of the importance of being sustainable.'

Despite the Earth Stories team's determination to present films with an important message, Morgan-Bailey expresses; 'That although we have issues in the world, kindness to others as well as animals & cooperation is paramount for us to work towards a solution.' Morgan-Bailey discusses her experience on the selection panel; 'I've enjoyed the variety of films and messages in these films and I've enjoyed the variety skills demonstrated (such as photography and animation) ' In her own time, Morgan-Bailey likes to read Dystopian Fiction, and if she could change one thing about the world it would be to 'Get rid of poverty.'

Name: Charlotte Knott

Age: 19

Year of Study: 1st

Course: Film Studies and Media

From: Leek, Staffordshire

Editor in Chief

Charlotte Knott joined Earth Stories; 'As it's an experience I can learn from and to build my confidence.' In continuation she evokes; 'as the environment is important to me, and so to see young filmmakers sharing stories surrounding it inspires others to make a change, which is really important ' From Knott's experience on the selection panel, it has come to her attention that 'awareness can be raised in multiple interesting ways.'

Knott has enjoyed being a part of the Earth Stories team; 'being around people who also find importance in helping to save the earth ' At the moment she is reading, 'The Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura ' If Knott could change one thing about the world it'd be, 'The way we treat the earth.'

Name: Bayley Dickin

Age: 19

Year of Study:2nd

Course: Media and Sociology

From: Leek, Staffordshire .

Before Dickin became a part of the Earth Stories team he'd thought; 'Earth Stories intrigued me as a project because it seems to me, now more than ever, necessary to highlight the climate crisis and the need for more sustainable living I think collating and celebrating the most imaginative, innovative young creators is a great way to achieve this.' It is important to Dickin as; 'Media and arts always play a pivotal role in paving the path to the future, especially when other sectors are slow in acknowledging and taking seriously issues - like climate change and sustainability Film can act as a catalyst for change and this festival showcases the best elements of just what film can do.'

One thing Dickin has learnt from his experience on the panel is; 'As cliché as it may sound, to expect the unexpected. There are no two films that approach the theme of 'Earth Stories' in the same way; so many different art styles, innovative narratives and powerful messages, delivered uniquely and creatively.' Dickin has, 'enjoyed working alongside other Keele students who are passionate and determined, and are the lifeblood of Earth Stories.'

In his own time Dickin reads; 'Often non-fiction; political (auto) biographies, comedy and history - How Not To Be Wrong by James O'Brien, Too Much Information by Dave Gorman & Mythos by Stephen Fry. I also have a love of poetry and have recently started reading John Milton's Paradise Lost '

Name: Emily Stevenson

Age: 20

Year of Study: 1st

Course: Bachelors of Arts, English Literature Chair of Senior Selection Panel

Emily Stevenson was interested in becoming a part of the Earth Stories team as; 'For many years I have been immensely passionate about encouraging conversations about climate change and our environment, so this was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the movement in an exciting way ' She explains the reason of why it is important to her; 'Only in recent years does it feel like the conversation around climate change has become 'mainstream', and I truly believe more work needs to be done to push this further. James and Aaliyah's proposal for the film festival was such an enticing opportunity; the work we've done has enabled us to create an accessible and fascinating platform for young voices which is something I'm delighted to have contributed to. Earth Stories is exactly the type of platform needed to champion stewardship for our planet.'

Stevenson has come to be 'enlightened about the vast numbers of people across the globe that are willing and enthusiastic to advocate for a better world' and has enjoyed the 'community aspect to the festival - not only have we been viewing films from the whole world over, but we've mixed with people from various courses at Keele which has been a wonderful opportunity.' Stevenson was asked what books she reads in her spare time; 'Last year I read 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell, which threw a whole different perspective on Shakespeare for me. 'Where The Crawdads Sing' was a favourite book of the summer - without a doubt one of the most exquisite books I've read in a long time.' She was then questioned what one thing she'd change about the world, to which she answered: Call it a cliché, but I wish people would be kinder It would solve most of the issues we face '

Name: Jessica Copestick

Age: 19

Year of Study: 2nd

Course: Media, Communications and Creative Practice

From: Kidsgrove, Stoke-On-Trent

Jessica Copestick joined as, 'the whole project sounded really fascinating to me, and I was very interested to see what applicants had come up with ' She continued to explain, 'It’s so important that a light is being shone on this issue in such a creative unique way.' Being part of the team has shown Copestick, 'How we all consume the same things in different ways. Then in turn come to different conclusions about what we have watched.' An enjoyable aspect within the Earth Stories team, to Copestick, has been 'seeing all the different creative ways in which people have interpreted the brief.'

An ideal day to Copestick is: 'a lie in, a successful shopping trip and then tea at my favourite pub!' And yet an ideal life in 5 years through her perspective is 'happy and settled, and to hopefully have a job in radio or television production.' In her spare time she likes to read 'Chick-Lits and Autobiography’s' and if she could change one thing about the world, she would like 'everyone to be happy!'

Name: Joe

Age: 20

O'Boyle

Year of Study: 2nd

Course: Media, Communications & Creative Practice

From: Harlow, Essex

When asked why he joined Earth Stories, 0'Boyle answered, 'As someone interested in climate action, as well as someone studying in the media field, it was a no brainer to be a part of Earth Stories. Creating a university-wide initiative promoting awareness and action against climate change wasn't always on my agenda, but I'm ecstatic to fill the role.' Earth Stories is important to O'Boyle as, 'It sets a precedent in the local and wider community that climate action is not something limited to television broadcasts or news pieces from other places (such as those that often take place in London/other countries)you yourself can make an impact in many ways!

O'boyle has found 'the value of an open mind' through his experience on the selection panel and has enjoyed working 'as a team to a single goal has been very rewarding for me - it feels fulfilling to know how much progress we've made from square one.' O'Boyle recommends 'You Will Get Through This Night - Daniel Howell. Whether you're going through a bit of a bad day or you feel like it's your last, this book gives practical ways to help yourself It's helped me through hard times!'

Name:Luke Hobson

Age: 34

Year of Study: Class of 2013

Course:Studied Forensic Science BSc and now a technician for School of Geography, Geology and Environment

From: Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent

Luke Hudson decide to join Earth Stories because 'It sounded like a great opportunity to meet like minded people, collaborate, and share new ideas and resources with other departments of the university.' It's important to him as 'film is one of my biggest passions, and also regrets that I didn't pursue in life. Earth Stories has been very eye opening to see how young people are using film to spread the message of climate change and the importance of sustainability.' From his experience on the selection panel, Hobson has learnt that 'so many young film makers from all over the world are finding creative ways of telling stories about issues that are important to them, and showing an awareness of the problems that the world faces today ' Hobson enjoys 'being a part of something new and exciting, and different to my role at Keele.'

Name: Pawas Bisht

Age: 39

Senior

Lecturer

in Media

Deputy Director of theInstitute for Sustainable Futures

Pawas Bisht discusses his reason for joining Earth Stories; 'Creative enviornmental communication is the key focus of my current research and teaching and I am passionate about mobilising the power of storytelling for environmental change. I, James McAteer (Media) and Neil Archer (Film) applied to the Keele Key Fund to secure the funding for the Earth Stories film festival. Our intention was to create a platform where young people from across the world would be able to showcase new and inspirational stories about pathways to sustainable environmental futures. We also wanted to provide an opportunity for Keele's Media and Film students to gain invaluable extra-curricular work-experience and skills in terms of understanding and undertaking the process of managing a film festival.'

Earth Stories is important to Bisht as 'we need new stories that help us imagine the possibilities of liveable, thriving and more just environmental futures. Earth Stories is providing a platform for the showcasing of such stories and empowering young people in effecting the cultural change that is vitally needed to address the urgent challenges confronting us.' From Bisht's experience on the selection panel he's been 'extremely impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of the student-led organisation team that has so expertly managed the complex process of evaluating the huge number of submissions to the festival As an educator, the process has reinforced for me, the value of giving students agency and ownership in crafting and managing their engagements with the wider world.' Bisht continues to say, 'I have really enjoyed being a part of the wonderful interdisciplinary cohort of students and university staff that has come together to make this festival a success. I have also been delighted with the fantastic response we've had from filmmakers across the world and enjoyed watching their films.'

Name: Charlie Beale

Age: 21

Year of Study: 2nd Course: Music Technology

From: Birmingham

Assistant Director

Charlie Beale explains his thoughts before joining; 'Earth stories promotes such an important message, so having the opportunity to be directly involved in its creation, and assist in getting not only our but the film makers messages out there was a great draw.' He continues to discuss why it's important to him; 'the issues related to climate preservation are as important now as they will ever be. To be able bring awareness, and promote those bringing awareness, is something I am proud to be a part of '

Beale explains his experience on the judging panel; 'being part of the core team that helped create and run the event, it has been a really good opportunity to refine my skills in all aspects, particularly in team based projects. To come into the project knowing very little about how to run a film festival, to exploring ideas and concepts with the core team and wider committee, it has really developed my understanding of how to take a complex idea and turn it into reality.' Beale discusses what he's enjoyed about Earth Stories, 'Not coming from a film background, it was interesting to see all the differing approaches seen with the films we have judged as I haven't really been exposed to that kind of creativity.'

Name: Amy Glassbrook

Age: 21

Year of Study: 3rd

Course: Media with Business Management

From: Cheshire

Amy Glassbrook tells us her reason for joining; 'after seeing the internship advertised on my work experience module, I was immediately interested in joining as the position lined up with my skills and the cause was something I am very passionate about.' It's important to her because, 'having the opportunity to explore creativity and see original films that are also based in sustainability to me perfectly encapsulated the type of media that is most important right now.'

Glassbrook has 'learnt a lot from this time, and I am especially grateful to the rest of the core team for making the process so enriching and enjoyable. Mainly, I learnt some absolutely key practices around team working, creativity, and the importance of enjoying your work - which will be with me for the rest of my life.' She has enjoyed 'being able to see the extent of people's creativity and talent - especially other young people, and sharing this creativity whilst also spreading awareness on sustainability and environmental issues '

Glassbrook's vision of her life in 5 years is 'Hopefully using my creative abilities to continue raising awareness on important issues in the world.' She specifically likes to read 'Lots of horror, surrealist fiction, and fantasy.'

External Judges

Name: Ed Barsley (UK)

Environmental Designer, Author and Illustrator

External Judge

Ed Barsley runs ‘The Environmental Design Studio’ (TEDS) and is an environmental designer, author, illustrator and filmmaker. In January 2020, Ed's book ‘Retrofitting for Flood Resilience’ was published by the RIBA and features many of his original artworks illustrating the impacts of climate change of the built and natural environment and benefits of adaptation / resilience. He is fellow of the RSA and is leading the design of the 'Hydroscape', a large scale living-lab to test and showcase strategies for resilience in the built / natural environment. He led the creation of both the Climate Creatives Challenge and the Hazard + Hope initiative to foster innovation and increase impact in climate change communication.

Name: Siddharth Subramanian External Judge

I am a visual communicator with a decade's worth of experience ranging from graphics and layout design to creating long and short form multimedia content. Although I am part of the entire process of production, my expertise lies on the technical side focusing on the latest methods to capture visuals and present them in the best possible version through post-production Another key skill I possess is visualising data through graphics and motion graphics design. In 2016, I quit my job as a producer at Hindustan Times MINT to co-found a production house called Metro Media Works to focus on stories that I personally felt connected to. In the last 6 years we have produced close to 100 short documentaries on various subjects like culture, food, travel, health. In the process, I have also been collaborating with Scroll.in's environment focused series called Eco India for the past three years and worked on more than 35 films for the platform In the last six years, I have had the experience of working with international organisations like UNICEF, IWMI (SL), Lepra Society (UK) to generate multimedia content as well as develop animated e-learning material and end-to-end development of an online learning management portal for UN’s Industrial Development Organisation. My work is available at www.metromedia.works

Name: Amit Bose External Judge

I am a creative media professional with more than 20 years of experience in delivering long and short form content for editorial and advertorial purposes. Planning, developing, filming and editing documentaries for digital platforms and broadcast media is my forte. In 2013, I took a break from being a professional journalist to pursue a Masters in Photojournalism & Documentary Photography. In July 2016, I co-wrote My Olympic Journey (available on Amazon /Audible), which was published by Penguin Random House. Later that year, I co-founded a content production house called ‘Metro Media Works’ that has been creating video content on environmental issues and other subjects like culture, food, travel, health etc Apart from that, I have worked closely with various UN organisations like UNIDO and UNICEF to create an e-learning portal and its animated learning material and communication for development content. I have also documented various projects by other non-governmental organisations like IWMI, Lepra Society (UK) and VISHWAS in India My work can be viewed at www.metromedia.works

Remaining Team Members

Mak Khozoie Selection Panel

Elizabeth Kusimo Selection Panel

Jennie Obigwilo Selection Panel

Yuliia Antonenko Selection Panel

Zhenyu Wang Selection Panel

Rongjie Yan Selection Panel

Wenkai Huang Selection Panel

Teagan Reed Selection Panel

Kyri Dunkley Selection Panel

Amber Clay Selection Panel

Film Nominations

After much consideration from our judging panel, the 9 film nominations have been selected for the Earth Stories Film Festival.

Before:

Summary:

Two brother’s lives are changed when an unexpected visitor brings a new-found attention to their island home. With their idyllic island now on the tourism spotlight, they're now forced to cope with the perils of uncontrolled urbanization.

Director: Arlo Jhan Bayot

Age/gender: 24, Male

Location: Philippines

Tell me a story:

Summary:

An experimental collaboration between a human and an AI, working together to document the impact of human activity on the planet and the value of what our actions are endangering. Every image in this film was individually generated using Artificial Intelligence. Contains flashing images.

Director: Jay Anne Dixon

Age/gender: 24, Female

Location: United Kingdom

Interbeing:

Summary:

A short animation about the overwhelming reality of climate change and how we can be better reconnected with the natural world.

Director: Ben Sinclair

Age/gender: 23, Male

Location: United Kingdom

Saving Littlejohn:

Summary: A documentary on the Littlejohn tree frog, an endangered species listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The film’s aim is to draw awareness to endangered species with less media attention.

Director: Mhairi Fenton

Age/gender: 24, Female

Location: United Kingdom

Frontline:

Summary: This short documentary follows local climate activists who unpack COP26 and discuss what we can do about the climate crisis.

Director: Mhairi Fenton

Age/gender: 24, Female

Location: United Kingdom

Send kelp:

Summary:

Animated short film that follows a young boy with a love for the ocean, exploring the beach, the end reveals a tragic twist that draws attention to littering and ocean pollution.

Director: Sophie Ann Lamb

Age/gender: 23, Female

Location: United Kingdom

Forest Flavours:

Summary: This short film follows Pascal Baudar, a “wild food alchemist” who aims to change the way we look at invasive plants and shows us how to reconnect with nature in a sustainable way.

Director: Rachel Priebe

Age/gender: 24, Female Location: United States

I found the sea from the dump:

Summary: A documentary which discusses the impacts of marine pollution on fisherman and explains how the dark side of the sea was created.

Directors: Utku Alak, Cengizhan Ata Bolcan

Age/gender: 25, Male

Location: Turkey

But what if all wouldn't have ever happened?

Summary:

An abstract animation about climate change, and the tension between people trying to make change and political forces holding them back.

Director: Elizaveta Mozaleva

Age/gender: 23, Female

Location: Russia