FILM FESTIVAL
SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL: HUMBOLDT AND WEB OF LIFE

in cooperation with Environmentalist Foundation of India, Greater Chennai Corporation, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, PASCH-Schools: Partners for the Future, Ramakrishna Mission, Rotary Club of Madras East, Interact District 3232

Thu, 17.10.2019 -
Mon, 23.12.2019
Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Auditorium

The Science Film Festival is a celebration of science communication in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America: In cooperation with local partners it promotes science literacy and facilitates awareness of contemporary scientific, technological and environmental issues through international films with accompanying educational activities. The Science Film Festival presents scientific issues accessibly and entertainingly to a broad audience and demonstrates that science can be fun. The official selection of films for 2019 are online now! The festival will take place in Chennai from 17.10. – 23.12.2019.

Theme of the year 
HUMBOLDT AND THE WEB OF LIFE

What has Alexander von Humboldt, who was born 250 years ago (1769 - 1859), to do with global climate change and sustainability today? Alexander von Humboldt revolutionized the conception of nature by scientifically approaching it as an interconnected living web - and in doing so, inspired countless scientists, environmentalists, writers and artists alike. On the 250 Year Anniversary of Humboldt’s birth, we need such a global perspective more today than ever: an appreciation that all things are connected and that harm caused in one place, always has implications elsewhere and for the whole. Perhaps these ideas can help to stimulate alternatives - whole-system thinking and the pursuit of endeavors that rejuvenate the natural world. Humboldt had respect for nature, for the wonders it contained, but also as the system in which we ourselves are an inseparable part.

In a time when scientists are trying to understand and predict the global consequences of climate change, Humboldt’s interdisciplinary approach to science and nature is more relevant than ever. He refused to be tied to one discipline and insisted that all and everything was linked — humans, land clearing, plants, oceans, biodiversity, atmospheric changes, temperature, and so on. Humboldt’s nature was a global force. Time and again he examined the connections between nature and science, art and society, and has taken a cosmopolitan perspective on the world as a whole. When nature is perceived as a web, its vulnerability also becomes obvious. Everything hangs together. If one thread is pulled, the whole tapestry might unravel.

The Science Film Festival 2019 aims to illustrate the relevance of this complex approach to the 21st century, in particular for students and young people, and raise awareness of environmental issues, climate change and sustainability.

This year for SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL 2019, 25 films have been selected by the Juries for India. These films have varied genres from Family Edutainment, Ecology & Environment, Natural Science, Life Science and Technology, Culture and History, Non-verbal and Science shorts.
 

• 3 Films -  Early Learners 5-8 years | 1st – 3rd Std.
• 4 Films - Primary Section 9-11 years  | 4th – 7th Std.
• 8 Films - Secondary Section 12-16 years |  8th – 12th Std.
• 10 Films - University and General Public17 years plus

There will be educational activities accompanying each film and the teachers will be given self-explanatory sheets in order to conduct these educational activities for their Students.

The SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL activities at Goethe-Institut will be conducted by two professionally trained mentors.
 

© Goethe-Institut Chennai

Yoshida Menon completed her Post Graduation in Physics, trained in mid-range computing systems and worked as a software analyst, developing and implementing supply chain solutions in the US and UK for 10 years. She later joined the school system and took roles teaching Computer Science and collaborating with schools across the World as part of global school partnership programmes. She is passionate about equipping students of today with the skills to enrich their lives and adopt sustainable lifestyles in an increasingly globalized world. Currently, she works with schools, NGOs and institutions on Education for Sustainability initiatives that bring together subject experts, teachers, students and the local community. Her work has included managing school programs that focused on translating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into the curriculum. She has also worked with an international organization on a programme for school children that aimed to develop an attitude of respect, the ability to keep an open mind and engage in dialogue as a means of conflict resolution.
 

© Goethe-Institut Chennai

Preveena Nandakumar is an architect and a glass designer by profession who has always tried to find ways to reclaim, renovate and re-imagine spaces and materials. She started her career as an architect in Bangalore and worked on a variety of projects including the Tsunami rehabilitation project in Puducherry. She has a keen interest in renovation projects trying to add value to existing structures. She was part of a study, analysis and execution of a sustainable Earth Dome construction in Auroville along with a team of Architects. After moving to London, she took a Diploma in Art & Design (Glass) and produced glass works using various methods like Casting, Kiln-forming and Pate De Verre. It is her strong endeavour to use recycled glass in her projects to elevate them into beautiful art pieces. Currently, she is continuing her work in the medium of glass and is undertaking freelance design projects. Preveena has always strived to be an advocate for sustainable living. She believes that all of us have a moral responsibility to inspire the next generation to care about our planet, to equip them to take action to protect it and build a more sustainable future.

   
Make avail of this wonderful and enjoyable learning experience through Science Film Festival 2019.