‘Letters’ tells urgent tale of bushfire survival in film supporting Climate Change Act via Photoplay
Photoplay Films has launched the provocative ‘Letters’, a film aiming to raise awareness and mobilise political support for the Climate Change Act.
Directed by Melvin J. Montalban, the campaign film encourages Australians to write to their local member of parliament urging them to support the new Climate Change Act, legislation essential to meaningful climate change action.
Part of a wider campaign, ‘Letters’ aims to assist independent MP Zali Steggall in introducing her Climate Change Bill to parliament this November and launches in tandem with Global Climate Change Week across social.
Says Montalban: “My family and I were on the south coast when the bushfires swept through last summer. The local community banded together to support us, despite the desperate situation. From having no power to pump petrol or to buy food at the grocery checkout, to mobile reception being cut out, and with it access to the fire warning app, everyone was left to overcome a dangerous situation in a very vulnerable state.
“Haunted by this trip, I wanted to make a film to not only document this experience, but to also address climate action in a productive and hopeful way, so that we can compel our politicians to enact change.”
Says Oliver Lawrance, executive producer, Photoplay: “The film was made just before the world shut down for Covid-19, when bushfires were our most pressing problem, but the challenge of climate change remains urgent and enduring. ‘Letters’ aims to harness people’s desire to do something meaningful, by encouraging them to sign the petition, write to their MPs and help bring about this very real, achievable goal of an Australian Climate Change Act.”
Says MP Zali Steggall: “The impacts of climate change represent the greatest threat to our national security, economy, health and environment. But if we implement an effective plan now to deliver Net Zero by 2050, we can create a safe and prosperous future for ourselves and our children. This is an issue that unites everyone across the political divide. People all over Australia are getting involved. Thank you for this thought-provoking film, highlighting the need for urgent action. Together, we can make it happen.”
The proposed Climate Act seeks to ensure the long-term safety, security and prosperity of Australia by achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. To sign the petition visit: climateactnow.com.au
Writer / Director: Melvin J. Montalban
Producer: Tom Slater
Executive Producer: Oliver Lawrance
DOP: Tania Lambert
Production Designer: Emma White
Casting: Stevie Ray at McGregor Casting
Editor: Matias Bolla
Sound Design: Georgia Collins
VFX: Alexander Pattinson
Post: ARC Edit, Blackbird and Electric Sheep
Composer: Johnny Higgins
3 Comments
i grew up in the north east of england where a hot sunny, summer’s day would be 20c. in june this year in a siberian town in the arctic circle the temperature reached 38c,the siberian forests were on fire and the permathrost was melting. this is clearly the most urgent problem facing our existence. god knows what the smoke in last summer’s bushfires did to our health. Good on photoplay and Zali Steggal for raising the alarm and trying to get some action on climate change.
Beautifully done. Terrifying, but beautiful.
There were a lot of well-meaning but tone deaf things that came out of the fires, this isn’t one of them.
As someone (still) badly affected by that season, the tone of this is spot on. Amazing work and brilliant acting.