We all need love in (climate) action, even if it is through virtual reality

The Fijian value of vei lomani (“love in action”) is at the heart of this initiative that seeks to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change through immersive virtual reality storytelling. The project, which also uses a host of online and offline content, transports viewers to rural Fiji to meet Catalina, Asmita, Rai and Rupeni; to experience the impact that climate change is already having on Fiji and the wider Pacific, and to understand that while Pacific Islanders have done nothing to cause climate change, they are standing tall and adjusting to its impacts with strength, resilience and a deep sense of community.

This film was produced with the aim of bringing the climate change experience of Fiji – one of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries – to the city of Bonn in Germany, where COP23 brought together representatives from all around the globe in November 2017. More than 3500 delegates at COP23 experienced the film in headset format across three spaces, including global climate change influencers Michael Bloomberg and President of COP, Fijian Prime Minster, Frank Bainimarama. The film has now been watched online by more than 600,000 viewers since November.

This project was truly a collaborative project between a team of storytellers from across the Pacific, together with the Fijian Government, the World Bank and COP23 Secretariat. And the spirit of Fijians and “vei lomani” was at the heart of all aspects of the work: from filming in the hills and coastlines of rural Fiji, to pre- and post-production in Suva, Sydney and Washington. The team involved all deeply believe that in today’s world, we all need more vei lomani: it can not only underpin the world’s approach to climate change – making choices to help one another (whether now or for generations to come) – but also how we can all live a more fulfilling, happier life. The project is a vehicle for sharing this uniquely Fijian value with the world.

Looking ahead, the project will be exhibited at a number of museums and events throughout Asia-Pacific in the coming months, including a comprehensive tour across its ‘home’ in Fiji.

Who is behind this?

LEAD PRODUCER –  Tom Perry, The World Bank
ASSISTANT PRODUCER – Kara Mouyis, The World Bank
DIRECTOR, EDITOR  – Tash Tan, S1T2
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY – Joshua Flavell
STORYTELLING LEAD, PHOTOGRAPHER, 1ST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Alana Holmberg
SOUND, CAMERA & POST-PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN -Tunpitcha Ladapornvitaya, S1T2
CULTURAL ADVISORS – Ken Cokanasiga & George Nacewa
FIELD PRODUCER – Eka Yabaki
WRITER – Arieta Tora Rika, Talanoa
BRANDING & DESIGN – Heidi Romano & Lainee Fagafa

For more information:

Visit www.ourhomeourpeople.com