environmental artivism
18 November 2023
environmental justice
is the idea that people of all cultures and backgrounds deserve fair protection from environmental and health hazards and help determine better environmental approaches and policies.
artivists (artist + activist)
use their artistic talents to fight for change by any medium necessary.
Benpaali 2023 was organised as a 72-hour Challenge with the theme Environmental Artivism. The questions we hoped filmmakers would examine were:
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What is a significant Ghanaian or global environmental issue (its history & impact)?
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How do environmental issues in Ghana relate to those around the world?
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Who is doing innovative environmental justice work, especially youth?
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What are promising solutions for repairing the earth (a traditional practice or new idea)?
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How is art being used to address environmental issues?
As part of our Akutso Sane initiative, in October Firebeads concluded facilitation of G-Yea! (Ghanaian Youth + Environmental Artivism) at Accra Girls Senior High School.
G-Yea! was created to help young people increase what they know about environmental issues and guide them in creating messaging (such as short videos, a media campaign, or posters) to educate and persuade the public to change their habits or take action.
Benpaali 2023 featured shorts from both the challenge and G-Yea!. We celebrated the artistry of everyone participating in Benpaali, however only filmmakers that successfully met the requirements of the 72-hour Challenge were eligible for an award. Still, we trust all of the films inspired all in attendance to protect the only home we have: earth.
2023 Festival Awardees
Top Honors
Team Desic: David Asare Masterwille, Eunice Obeng-Agyei, Caroline Nelson Taylor
Kpeshie Egbo (Dead Lagoon)
Honorable Mentions
Team Pixel Pointers - Bernice Otutua Nsiah, Emmanuel Kow Appiah, Michael Konnings
Resurgence
Team Solid - Dennis Bolawsky, Nketia Richardson, Frantz Quakoo, Fayeek Iddrisu, Jeffrey Takyi Yeboah
Awake to Waste
Viewers' Choice
Team Solid - Dennis Bolawsky, Nketia Richardson, Frantz Quakoo, Fayeek Iddrisu, Jeffrey Takyi Yeboah
Awake to Waste