Science Film Festival

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.

2024 Theme: Net Zero and the Circular Economy

In 2024, the Science Film Festival endeavors to spotlight films from around the world highlighting the crucial role played by net zero concepts and the circular economy. Our focus for this year is showcasing the importance of net zero concepts and the circular economy in addressing climate challenges.

Come and join us for the Science Film Festival Family Day at the Goethe-Institut on Saturday, 16th November 2024, where families will come together to explore the wonders of the circular economy through engaging science film screenings, interactive discussions and hands-on activities. A day full of innovation, creativity, and sustainable solutions for our future.

FULL DAY PROGRAMME:

Download the programme here

11:00 - Opening

11:30 - Film Screening: Stephen Harding - Rewild 2022 
Stephan Harding, an ecologist and author of 'Animate Earth', advocates for a profound connection between humans and nature, emphasizing the necessity of ReWilding both nature and ourselves psychologically. He suggests that by reintroducing wildness into our environments, we inadvertently discover untapped aspects of our own nature. This process, according to Harding, allows us to perceive the soul of nature, which is intrinsically linked to our own human soul, highlighting an indistinguishable bond between humanity and the natural world.

11:30 & 14:00 - NAO Robot Demo Sessions
Tiisetso Mphuthi will be hosting a robotics informative workshop with the Nao robot. Nao is a programmable robot in resident at the Goethe-Institut primarily used in education, research, and healthcare settings to support learning and therapy through interactive experiences. Specifically for the festival it will be engaging with participants, narrating our theme for 2024 and educate children about the different recycling activities they can be involved in.
Note: Visitors of all age groups can engage with the robot the whole day

11:30 & 16:00 - URBAN FOOD WORKSHOP for children
Soul Indigenous Life (S.O.I.L) will be facilitating a food garden workshop for children, using vertical gardening methods and waste products as reusable recycling material for food garden containers. S.O.I.L. is as green business active in farming and selling organic products. They focus is to promote indigenous ways of growing food using permaculture methods.

Note: Visitors of all age groups can engage with the activity the whole day

12:00 - Panel Discussion: for adults
“From Science to Action – Narratives on Climate Change”

The panel discussion will be looking at the influence of visual arts, social dialogue and community attitudes toward climate change and sustainability. The discussion will zone in on themes related to public perception on Net Zero initiatives, the role of indigenous knowledge, and how to motivate audiences toward sustainable practices and climate action.
The panel discussion is a collaboration with the Sustainable Together Talk Series and British Council.
Moderator: Sentle Nell
Speakers: Simphiwe Madlanga & Omelga Mthiyane & Duduzile Ntuli

12:00 - Science Film Screenings for children of all age groups

12:15 - Culinary Workshop for children
Bitten Studio will host an interactive workshop to introduce children to the concept of a circular economy through a fun and engaging culinary activity using indigenous ingredients. Participants will learn about sustainable food practices, the importance of preserving local biodiversity, and the cultural significance of indigenous plants. By creating a delicious and nutritious snack from locally sourced ingredients, children will gain a practical understanding of how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.

13:00 - STEM Activities by Play Africa and Free play
Play Africa will be facilitating film screenings and engaging STEM activities for children. They will also set up a playground for children for free play.

LUNCH BREAK

14:00 - Film Screening: Treasure Hunt in Scrap
Less than a fifth of electronic waste is properly recycled, resulting in the loss of valuable resources. Under the motto 'Repair instead of discard', individuals advocate for the longevity of electronic devices. In Strasbourg, Elie Assémat, co-founder of Commown, aims to avoid electronic waste by leasing smartphones, computers, and headphones with comprehensive service since 2018. Martin Wilke from Hamburg wants to repurpose old solar modules as balcony power plants and recycle them more effectively with 2ndlifesolar.

14:30 - Talk with and for Children: “The Future We Want”
“The Future we want” will be an interactive talk between our moderator Sentle Nell and the children attending the Science Film Festival. The talk will cover the day's theme and the activities that the children will be engaging with. Why is it important to take care of our plant and what can we all do to make our plant sustainable?
The talk is a collaboration with the Sustainable Together Talk Series and British Council.
Moderator: Sentle Nell

15:00 - Film Screenings for children of all age groups

15:30 - Upcycling Waste Workshop
Ietse’ene Designs is a craft, jewelry and accessories brand that inspires creative thinking and innovation. The workshop will be centered around the process of turning trash/waste into functional second-use items such as wallets, hats, bags and flower bouquets. Throughout the workshop we will get to see how trash is a free resource.
Note: Visitors of all age groups can engage with the activity the whole day

16:00 - Film Screening: Greenwashing
Amid climate change and consumer demands, many multinationals pledge "carbon neutrality," often through "carbon offsetting" by financing projects like tree plantations rather than cutting emissions. This model has spurred a business ecosystem, with intermediaries connecting companies to reforestation projects globally, yet prioritizing profit over ecological impact. These projects, although well-intended, frequently fall short or harm the environment and local communities.

16:00 - Lego Programming Workshop
Adrian Prangley will offer an exciting Lego programming workshop that will allow children to create battery powered figures that will engage in an action driven race. The LEGO station will be available for fun building free play the whole day.
Note: Visitors of all age groups can engage with the activity the whole day

17:00 - STEM Activities by Play Africa and Free play
Play Africa will be facilitating film screenings and engaging STEM activities for children. They will also set up a playground for children for free play.

All Day Activities & Play:
Open Playground
LEGO Programming Free play
Urban Food Activities
NAO Robot Activities
Upcycling Waste Activities