There are countless international films, well-known and critically acclaimed, hat tackle climate change, environmentalism, and sustainability. Titles like An Inconvenient Truth and Blackfish might come to mind. But chances are, you haven’t heard much about the local films that explore these themes, too.

This Earth Month, let’s spotlight five bold, thought-provoking Filipino films that raise awareness about the environment:

1. A Thousand Forests

A Thousand Forests is a musical about five teenagers who join a Philippine forest camp for a chance to travel the world. It’s a coming-of-age story with an environmental twist, as the teens discover their passions and learn about urgent ecological issues amidst the lush forest landscape.

2. Delikado

This gripping documentary follows three environmental defenders risking their lives to stop powerful interests from destroying the rich forests and white-sand beaches of Palawan. Delikado is both a political and environmental wake-up call, sharply critiquing corporations and government figures that exploit natural resources.

3. Alimuom

Set in a dystopian future where the Philippines has depleted its natural resources, Alimuom paints a chilling picture of a country where agriculture has collapsed and people live in artificial bio-domes. This sci-fi film serves as a stark warning of what’s to come if we ignore today’s environmental issues.

4. Theory of Light

Theory of Light is a documentary film that spotlights the “Liter of Light” movement, a Filipino-born global movement that uses affordable and simple technology to bring solar-powered lights to communities that struggle with electricity. The film hopes to uplift communities and urge quick action against the effects of climate change.

5. Tumandok

Winner of Best Film at the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival, Tumandok blends documentary and fiction to highlight the struggles of the Ati people as they fight to reclaim and protect their ancestral land against corporate greed and destruction of natural resources.

Watching these films is a great way to learn about ongoing environmental issues in the Philippines. Celebrate Earth Month with these films that emphasize the importance of protecting and taking care of the natural environment that surrounds us.