𝗚𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗨𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 #NationalLibraryPH 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

On October 18, 2024, the #NationalLibraryPH (NLP) opened its doors to the Science Film Festival (SFF) 2024 in partnership with the 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁, marking the start of an exciting six-week celebration of science and sustainability. Held at the Epifanio delos Santos Auditorium, the festival’s grand opening introduced the theme “𝗡𝗲𝘁 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆,” emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility and action.

Running until December 1, 2024, the SFF 2024 presents a collection of thirty-five films that explore scientific concepts, technological advancements, and environmental challenges. With audiences ranging from primary school students to the general public, the festival aims to raise awareness of the global climate crisis while fostering science literacy. Through engaging and educational films, participants are invited to explore themes related to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices, such as recycling, reusing, and repairing products to help curb climate change.

The Goethe-Institut, in collaboration with the Department of Education’s Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL)-German, organized this global initiative. The partnership between the #NationalLibraryPH and public libraries across the Philippines highlights the importance of accessible educational resources in driving meaningful discussions on pressing environmental issues. Several public libraries from all over the country, are key contributors, playing a pivotal role in encouraging local participation.

NLP Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano acknowledged the 15-year partnership between the NLP and the Goethe-Institut in sharing educational films with NLP stakeholders, especially public libraries and students. Mr. Jens Roesler, Deputy Director of the Goethe-Institut Philippinen, also emphasized the actions we can take to improve our planet by learning more about science through the 35 featured science films. The NLP Kuwentistas also presented a storytelling activity, adding more fun and energy for the young audience.

The highlight of the opening event was the participation of fifty (50) Grade 6 students from Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School, led by their principal, Ms. Jinabelle V. Prieto, and accompanied by their parents. The Manila City Library coordinated their attendance. The students’ enthusiasm embodied the festival’s goal of inspiring future generations to become advocates for positive environmental change.

As the festival continues through November, public libraries across the nation will remain actively involved in hosting screenings and facilitating educational activities that demonstrate how science can be both informative and fun. This collaboration demonstrates the critical role that institutions like the NLP and public libraries play in nurturing a culture of sustainability and scientific inquiry.

By centering its message on the Net Zero and Circular Economy goals, the Science Film Festival 2024 encourages audiences to reflect on the necessity of transitioning towards a more sustainable future, underscoring the urgency of adopting practices that go beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

#SFF2024