Panel 5: Narratives of Climate Crisis – Voicing Loss, Resistance and Hope Through the Poetry Film
Chair: Lucy English
In a world facing climate and ecological breakdown, how can we express that which feels out of our control? This panel discussion centres on how three poetry filmmakers: Janet Lees (UK), Csilla Toldy (Ireland/Hungary) and Sarah Tremlett (UK) have found different ways to voice their deep concerns arising from living within the Anthropocene. How can artists expose and rewrite dominant catastrophe and ‘hopium’ narratives? How can we ensure, through creative connection and political voice, that we are part of a call for action and authentic hope? Each artist will discuss their practices in relation to the times we are living in and present two films: Huntress and Solo Duet by Janet Lees in ‘Crisis from the Inside Out’; Axis Mundi and Ec(h)o, an immersive installation, by Csilla Toldy in ‘Ec(h)o’; and I Cannot be Human and Villanelle for Elizabeth not Ophelia by Sarah Tremlett in ‘The Crack where the Light comes in’.
5.01 – Rewriting Dominant Narratives
Sarah Tremlett (Liberated Words)
Sarah Tremlett will focus on our bond with non-human beings, taking a stand against a human race that, through its leaders, is all but ignoring the ecological crises we face. She will also explore man’s propensity for inflicting harm on an individual level, in particular violence against women, and how by reframing tragedies we can inspire solidarity and hope.
5.02 – “Ec(h)o”
Csilla Toldy
Csilla Toldy will cover diversity and environmental issues, giving voice to indigenous people, referencing her film and installation in progress and exploring the idea that videopoetry is in itself immersive, with the power to affect people’s thoughts and actions.
5.03 – Loss, Climate Change and the Poetry Film
Janet Lees
Janet Lees will focus on personal and universal losses, exploring our connections with ourselves and with the world. She argues that these connections are damaged and that until we can face the darknesses within ourselves, we cannot meaningfully address the environmental problems we continue to create. Csilla Toldy will cover diversity and environmental issues, giving voice to indigenous people, referencing her film and installation in progress and exploring the idea that videopoetry is in itself immersive, with the power to affect people’s thoughts and actions. Sarah Tremlett will focus on our bond with non-human beings, taking a stand against a human race that, through its leaders, is all but ignoring the ecological crises we face. She will also explore man’s propensity for inflicting harm on an individual level, in particular violence against women, and how by reframing tragedies we can inspire solidarity and hope.