Aaliyah Gardner, Emily Stevenson, and Charlie Beale

Keele University

We have developed an award-winning, international, environmental film festival which provides a platform for young filmmakers to articulate their concerns about the climate crisis through the medium of filmmaking. We received over 4000 film submissions from 118 countries worldwide in our first years of development. The festival presents new and inspirational stories addressing the climate crisis, nature’s degradation, and highlights pathways for sustainable futures through human-nature reconnections.

Earth Stories provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase young people’s exceptional awareness of the existential environmental issues and concerns for our planet. In the face of environmental challenge, we are calling for change, using the power of storytelling to engage communities locally and worldwide to reconnect with nature and to reimagine our relationship with the planet.

We are proud to be amplifying voices of young people who are 14-25 years old and from diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds.

What the Judges Thought

Creating an opportunity to share stories from throughout the world is inspiring.  The project is a brilliant demonstration of employing innovative methods to spark encouragement and inspire meaningful debate through a range of targeted environmental sustainability topics.

What it Means to Win

“Aaliyah, Emily, and Charlie have transformed the Earth Stories Film Festival from a seed idea into a key event at Keele. As inspirational leaders, they facilitate interdisciplinary student learning and connect sustainability stories with global and local communities. We are proud to see their recognition.”

Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice Chancellor

Top 3 Learnings

1. Understood the value of good time management balanced against our roles as students.
2. Recognised an eagerness for engagement and participation in all aspects of the festival.
3. Learnt there is a strong appetite for positive and inspiring environmental storytelling locally and worldwide.