Pomonal message for conference
C“The film is simple in structure and provides a snapshot about how people feel from a broad cross-section of ages and backgrounds” – Timothy Syrota
reators of a film involving Pomonal residents calling for national leadership in combating climate change have urged other communities and individuals to take similar action.
Film-maker Timothy Syrota and scientist Dr Anthea Nicholls, both of Pomonal, joined forces with about 60 of the town’s population of less than 500 to create the film to correspond with a United Nations Climate Change Conference.
They have developed the simple movie, which shows the Pomonal individuals holding a sign and providing a one-sentence statement.
They launched the movie on the back of a national Climate Action Now message that stresses a need for Australia to embrace a worldwide effort to reduce carbon emissions.
Mr Syrota said the concept was the brainchild of Dr Nicholls, who apart from being part of and strongly promoting science projects in the region, has travelled extensively to assess the impact of climate change as part of all-female science-based Homeward Bound group.
“It’s about encouraging individuals, businesses and small communities to find their voice,” Mr Syrota said.
“Anthea and I have worked together in the past.
“The film is simple in structure and provides a snapshot about how people feel from a broad cross-section of ages and backgrounds.
“It’s good to hear voices of young people, farmers and others, individuals in general.
“We’re not quite roaring, but we are showing that a little community can say something and get a sense of how empowering that is.”
Mr Syrota said all involved were under no illusions that making a small film in Pomonal would lead to great change.
“But it is about having a voice and we encourage all small communities and individuals to realise they have a voice and should be heard,” he said.
“The biggest challenge is not the depth of feeling, it’s overcoming apathy in not taking a stand.
“Taking action doesn’t have to mean making a movie. It could be a petition, a community gathering – whatever.
“It’s just about how we can bring out a community voice and let people know we have this voice.”
Mr Syrota said with Pomonal backing onto Grampians National Park, an increase of the ever-constant threat of bushfire enhanced by a changing climate was an obvious and immediate concern for his community.
“That’s the most imminent threat to us, but the threats are global,” he said.
“We’re talking about all severe weather variations that come with climate change. This includes major storms, wind and severe frosts that can affect how we live and what we do.”
Mr Syrota said it was time for every Australian leader, at every political level, to become global leaders.
The film is online at vimeo. com/639486486 and its creators are asking people who view the film to support the Pomonal project by ‘liking’ the film for collation, make comments and share it with others.
Mr Syrota said people seeking more information could call him on 0490 364 418 or Dr Nicholls on 0429 170 450.