African Voices for Africa's Forests

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

This film campaign, produced for the African Climate Reality Project, challenges the extractive industries and corporations exploiting Indigenous land and resources in Cameroon. It highlights grassroots efforts to resist deforestation and exposes how current decision-making processes marginalise local communities, calling for more just and inclusive environmental governance.

Directed & Edited by Alessandra Squarzon; Cinematography by Justin Woods

Impact

Stakeholders Mobilised: 80

Languages Translated: 3

Global & Local Screenings: 8

Views Across Platforms: 3k+

Impact 1

Changing Minds: Launched in October 2022, the film took Cameroonian activist Ewi Stephanie Lamma to the global stage, earning her the UN Agora “MyClimateAction” Award (2022) and speaking slots at COP27 (Sharm El Sheikh) in 2022; the UN Headquarters in New York, and more. Screened at festivals worldwide, it educated diverse audiences on deforestation and the power of indigenous-led forest restoration.

Impact 2

Changing Structures: Following the film’s launch in 2022, Ewi Stephanie contributed to global reforms, including the UN's Human Rights Climate Commitments to be presented at COP28. In Cameroon, she partnered with policymakers to develop a gender action plan for Bimbia and rural areas. Through the film’s recognition and the UN Agora Award, structural change was advanced - pushing for indigenous inclusion in land decisions and action against deforestation.

Impact 3

Community Action: The film’s release led to global recognition for Ewi Stephanie, unlocking funding from ACRP. These funds supported projects including a mobile climate leadership academy, snail farming training for rural women, and policymaker workshops. The film also united 80 key stakeholders at a screening, sparking community mobilisation to empower women and restore land; shifting behaviour and building lasting local networks.

Award Winning

UN Agora “MyClimateAction” Award (2022)

African Voices for Africa's Forests

News & Media

Behind the Scenes