Irish films screened at the G20 Nations Goa Environmental Film Festival in Panaji

Ireland was honoured to showcase two films at the G20 Nations Goa Environmental Film Festival in Panaji on June 3-5 to mark World Environment Day on June 5. The film festival, hosted at the Maquinez Palace, Entertainment Society of Goa, screened films based on various themes including environment, sustainable living, community life, biodiversity, and solutions to plastic pollution, was in line with the the Indian G20 Presidency theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' which means - One Earth, One Family, One Future.
Anita Kelly, Consul General of Ireland in Mumbai and Goa, said that "the Irish films went down well with the discerning audience, the first, Bog Graffiti , explores the relationship between humankind and nature, addressing the issue of climate change with displays of the natural world in all its glory, from bees to butterflies."
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The second film, Between Land and Sea follows a community of surfers in coastal Lahinch, in the West of Ireland.Akin to life for many in Goa, it follows their on-and off-season lives over the course of a sea-buffeted year. The surfers have dedicated their lives to the ocean, consumed by the excitement and beauty on offer but, conscious too of economic precariousness, they lead modest lives, eschewing the luxuries of city life and engaging in sustainable agricultural projects to feed themselves and their young families.
Anita added, "Between Land and Sea features the biggest waves and the best surfers in Ireland; the film takes the audience on thought-provoking portrait of a people and a place, from the rugged landscapes to the breath-taking seascapes, and the community who strive to protect their environment for future generations."
The screenings were attended by a wide audience of environmentalists and community members, and senior officials of the Goan Government including Anthony D’Souza, Additional Secretary/Director (G20 Cell Admin).