“More than a tree” selected amongst films on disaster risk reduction in Myanmar

“More than a tree”, a film of the Order of Malta’s worldwide relief agency Malteser International, has been selected as one of the 100 best films out of 1,000 submissions from 97 countries to be presented during the International Green Film Festival in Seoul, South Korea.

Produced in 2012 by Khin Myanmar/Yangon Film Services, the film shows one of Malteser International’s disaster risk reduction projects in Myanmar. Every year, coastal communities in Rakhine State on the north-western coast of Myanmar are exposed to the threat of floods and cyclones. Between 2008 and 2011, Malteser International and Mangrove Service Network helped two villages in Sittwe Township to plant and cultivate over 18,000 mangroves – thus reducing the effects of dangerous weather and safeguarding the lives of more than 3,000 people.

Punctuated by striking images of the coastal landscape, this short documentary describes the critical importance of mangrove cultivation in reducing disaster risks. The film illustrates the key role played by women in these villages, whom have become part of a more ecological strategy capable of protecting their communities.

The International Green Film Festival – the only ecological film festival in Korea and the biggest one in Asia – has presented significant environmental related films to a large international audience since 2004. This year it will take place from 8-15 May.

“More than a tree”: