Local Student Hosts Inspiring Screening of ‘Rising Up’ at Cronulla RSL
On a recent evening at Cronulla RSL, the community gathered for an inspiring event, thanks to the initiative of local student Jenson Wade. Inspired by Kal Glanznig's Rising Up screening at Hoyts in June, Jenson organised a free community screening of the documentary film at the RSL's Soldiers Room. The event saw a turnout of approximately 150 attendees, all eager to learn about the impact of plastic on our oceans and ways to combat this pressing issue.
Kal Glanznig, the 23-year-old Sutherland Shire Environmental Citizen of the Year 2023, co-founder of Plastic Free Cronulla, and United Nations COP27 & COP28 delegate, created the film Rising Up upon returning to Australia and wanting to uncover solutions to climate change and plastic pollution. The film sees Kal travel to the frontlines of the climate and plastic crisis, visiting Tuvalu, Samoa, Bali, and across Australia to uncover the solutions of how we can all rise up and take action.
Studies have found that over three-quarters of young Australians aged 16-25 are concerned about climate change, and two-thirds of young Australians say climate concerns are having a negative impact on their mental health (Orygen, 2023). Rising Up is a journey uncovering the human stories of the greatest crises we face and finding solutions we can all do to roll up our sleeves and take action.
Interviewees in the film include young environmental leaders such as:
Sam Fricker, Cronulla Olympic Diver and founder of Sam’s Straws
Sophia Skarparis, Plastic Activist
Lottie Dalziel, founder BANISH and NSW Young Australian of the Year 2023
Grace Malie, Tuvaluan Youth Climate Activist and director of Rising Nations
Okalani Mariner, Samoan UN Youth Climate Representative
And business, community, and political leaders such as:
Zali Steggall, Federal Member for Warringah
Pete Ceglinski, Founder Seabin
Sam Bencheghib, Co-Founder Sungai Watch, Forbes 30 under 30
Production was done by 23-year-old Cronulla filmmaker Joel Bryant, and Take 3 for the Sea is helping with the distribution of educational content from the film into schools across the world. There are already 40,000 students signed up, waiting to watch lessons based on Rising Up in their schools.
It was filmed at the end of 2023 before Kal traveled again as an Australian delegate to the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The film premiered at the Ocean Lovers Festival at Bondi to a sold-out audience on the 23rd of March and has since been featured recently at the Sydney Climate Action Week to another sold-out audience at the Australian Museum.
The highlight of the evening at Cronulla RSL was the presence of Kal Glanznig himself, along with Olympic Diver and creator of Sam's Straws, Sam Fricker. Both speakers passionately addressed the audience, sharing their insights and experiences on overcoming the challenges posed by plastic pollution. Their messages resonated deeply, emphasising the importance of community involvement in protecting our environment.
Cronulla RSL is thrilled to have been part of this significant event and is committed to supporting Jenson and Kal in their future endeavors. Together, they aim to bolster local grassroots clean-up efforts to combat climate change and preserve Cronulla’s stunning beaches and oceans.
As a community, we can make a substantial impact. We encourage everyone to sign up for updates and join us in our mission to protect our environment. Your involvement can help ensure that Cronulla remains a beautiful, clean, and thriving community for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more events and initiatives by Cronulla RSL in collaboration with passionate individuals like Jenson Wade and Kal Glanznig. Together, we can rise up and make a difference!
To stay updated on future events and join our efforts, please sign up here.
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