Cinéma & Climat

The Cinema and Climate Association was founded in 2023 by a group of young people living in Hammam Chott, in the southern suburbs of Tunis, Tunisia.

Origin of the idea

The initiative emerged from:

A strong sense of responsibility toward a local area suffering from a lack of cultural activities (a “cultural desert”)
Despite its proximity to major institutions and the capital
A deep concern about environmental and climatic degradation in the region

This includes:

Forest fires affecting nearby mountains
Severe marine pollution making swimming unsafe
Negative impacts on local livelihoods, especially fishermen and tourism workers

First collective initiative

In response to these challenges, a group of young people (artists, doctors, engineers) launched a cultural and environmental initiative called:
“Bring Back the Sea, Art in the Service of Nature”

Activities included:

Awareness campaign on environmental risks via social media (educational videos)
Beach clean-up action
Artistic workshops (drawing, collage, mural painting)
Beach football tournament for children to reconnect them with their environment
Scientific conference led by environmental experts, followed by discussions with local residents

Creation of the association

Following this initiative, the Cinema and Climate Association was established with the aim of:

Giving art and culture a new role beyond traditional use
Addressing environmental and climatic issues
Encouraging citizens to actively protect their natural environment

Objectives of the Association

Establish artistic and educational activities in the region and surrounding areas, and create a network of dialogue and cooperation to address environmental issues using art and culture.
Promote awareness of Tunisia’s natural environment and highlight the role of intellectuals and cultural actors in protecting it from excessive exploitation.
Strengthen the belief in the role of culture and the arts in civic engagement, aesthetic education, and knowledge production, while contributing to a more inclusive vision of education, entertainment, and awareness.
Promote environmental advocacy through art and culture, encouraging citizens to take action as part of a society where sustainable development and decent living conditions are shared goals, and involving civil society organizations in environmental protection efforts through both material and moral support.

Mission of the Association

The mission of the association is to place cinema at the service of environmental awareness by making climate issues accessible, understandable, and engaging for the general public. It consists of: