Amara Nwuneli’s remarkable documentary, “The Heat of Change,” earned her the prestigious recognition as the first runner-up in the Best Documentary category at the inaugural Xposure International Film Awards. Held as part of the renowned Xposure International Photography Festival in Sharjah, UAE, early this month, this recognition underscores Nwuneli’s impactful storytelling and dedication to raising awareness about climate change. The Xposure team noted Amara’s accomplishments as a 16-year old Nigerian climate activist and film maker!
The Xposure festival, known as the largest photography festival in the world, expanded its scope this year to include the celebration of visual storytelling through films. With the introduction of four new sub-categories for film awards, including Best Documentary, the festival aimed to diversify its offerings and honor exceptional filmmakers from around the globe.
Nwuneli’s documentary, “The Heat of Change: Preserving our Roots in the Heat of Climate Change,” stood out among the 567 submissions received for the film awards. Through her compelling storytelling, Nwuneli zoomed into Africa’s climate struggle, highlighting diverse stories of resilience and action in the face of environmental challenges.
The documentary serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for climate education and collective action. By spotlighting initiatives ranging from education to recycling, conservation, and sustainable development, Nwuneli paints a vivid picture of Africa’s climate challenges while inspiring viewers to join the fight for a sustainable future. The film was produced by Scripted Optics, under the leadership of Wale Oyewole and edited by Jimmy Tyler.
READ MORE: Beyond the Backlash: Why we must stand strong for a plastic-free Nigeria
Nwuneli’s recognition as the first runner-up in the Best Documentary category reflects the impact of her work in amplifying voices and narratives often overlooked in mainstream discourse. Her dedication to addressing inequality, corruption, and discrimination through the medium of art and storytelling resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
As the festival organizers express their gratitude to all participants and contributors, they acknowledge the transformative power of visual storytelling in inspiring and enriching lives. Nwuneli’s documentary, alongside other award-winning films, serves as a testament to the festival’s commitment to promoting diversity, creativity, and social awareness through the medium of film.
Amara Nwuneli.
Moving forward, Nwuneli’s work continues to inspire action and advocacy in the global fight against climate change. Through her innovative approach to storytelling and activism, she exemplifies the potential of youth-driven initiatives to effect positive change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Beyond her achievements at the Xposure festival, Nwuneli’s contributions to climate activism and social innovation extend far and wide. As the founder of Preserve Our Roots, a youth-led climate organization, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues and driving tangible change in communities across Nigeria and beyond. Additionally, her involvement in international forums such as COP27 and her recognition as an Ashoka youth changemaker underscore her commitment to advancing environmental sustainability on a global scale. With her unwavering dedication and passion for creating a better world, Nwuneli continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide to join the movement for climate action and environmental justice.