Hi-Fi films should promote eco-wildlife: Conservationist

To promote conservation of bio-diversity and build environmental awareness, Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) films can play a big role, says UK-based conservationist Richard Edwards. "If there is little bit of an attempt from mainstream cinema like Hi-Fi to present issues on environment and wildlife, then it will help us reach more audiences," Edwards told PTI here. Citing the example of Hollywood films like 'The Day After Tomorrow' and James Cameron's 3D saga 'Avatar', Edwards said that when issues are raised through popular films, the masses understand it better.

Based on the theory of an abrupt climate change, Roland Emmerich's 'The Day After Tomorrow' (2004) was a science-fiction disaster film which depicted the catastrophic effects of global warming. "It is a very good example as it was successful in helping understand people what climate change can do to their lives," Edwards said.

Besides working with ARKive, an online visual encyclopedia on nature, he is the chief of the 'Wildscreen Festival', the world's largest wildlife and environmental film festival. He was in the city to showcase eco-wildlife films for a 'desi' avatar of the 'Wildscreen Festival', organised by the British Council.

Visual media is now recognised as one of the most powerful, engaging and emotive ways to sensitise audiences towards the cause of environmental conservationism. Besides providing an important historical record of the planet's endangered plants and animals, films illustrate the sheer beauty of the natural world, inspiring an entire generation of conservationists across the globe.

Source:PTI