On 21 – 22 February 2025, the School of Management’s Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Research Center, in collaboration with the Global Relations Division and the Changing Climate Changing Lives (CCCL) Film Festival, organised the 2nd Film Screening, Academic Forum and Youth Exchange Programme “CCCL Film Festival: Changing Climate, Changing Lives” at Mae Fah Luang University.
In the opening ceremony, Asst. Prof. Dr.Nathapornpan Uttama, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, welcomed all participants. Asst. Prof. Dr.Apisom Intralawan, a lecturer of the School of Management, a member of the Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Research Center, and head of research project under the Mekong-Australia Partnership “Citizen Science and Local Engagement on Climate and Water Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation: A Case Study of Ing River Basin” supported by Oxfam Australia, explained that this event aimed to raise awareness about climate change and potential disasters in the area, and to collaboratively develop adaptation strategies, reduce adverse effects, and find solutions.
The events featured short film screenings of Nose Bleed (Thailand), Bandung 2045: A Story from the South (Indonesia), Where Is the Shepherd Boy? (Vietnam), Never Changed (Thailand), Bit By Bit (Myanmar), and Echo of Mekong (Thailand); a panel discussion with representatives of government and social sectors in Chiang Rai province focusing on lessons learned and strategies for coping with climate change in Chiang Rai; and a special lecture on the Role of Mae Fah Luang University in Disaster Management: “If we don’t act today, Tomorrow is too late,” delivered by Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, Chairman of Mae Fah Luang University Council.
In addition, the academic forum and knowledge exchange on disaster management and climate change adaptation session provided a platform for experts from the Australian National University, Massey University of New Zealand, National University of Laos, Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA), Mae Fah Luang University, and to share their case studies on the impacts and ways to cope with climate change in their respective countries.
Furthermore, MFU Students from Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in the round table discussion “Voices of Change- Climate Impact and Youth Empowerment” to share perspectives and experience on impact of climate change and the roles of youth empowerment in driving changes. This session was supported by students from the International Student Club, MFU Model United Nations, and the Student Union of MFU. It provided not only a platform for students to express their voices but also an opportunity to learn and understand the cultures and ways of thinking of each country, as portrayed through short films on climate change, such as Resilience and Survival, Connection to Nature, or Family Bonds and Personal Struggles.. At the end of the youth session, student representatives collectively issued a call to action, encouraging youth to jointly create a better world by addressing global warming.
The messages for the Call to Action from students included:
• “Don't just watch documentaries—start making a change.” by Ms. Su Lwin Lwin Thaw (Myanmar), 3rd-year student from the School of Social Innovation
• “Sharing your knowledge, experience, skills, and insights can provide stable motivation for future generations.” by Mr. Rosalan Sankoh (Thai), 3rd-year student from the School of Social Innovation
• “You deserve your rights. Don’t ignore the problems or let them go unaddressed. We must take action now, so our children don’t have to face these challenges in the future.” by Ms. Panalee Boonrat (Thai), 2nd-year student from the School of Law
• “Embrace the love for Mother Nature! It will tell you what to do to protect her” by Ms. Hieu Phan Thi (Vietnam), Master’s student from the School of Liberal Arts
• “Take action now: Practice the 4Rs—Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, and Refuse—for a sustainable future!” by Ms. Soudalat Anlavan (Laos), 1st-year student from the School of Public Health
• “To fight climate change, every action counts. Start with yourself—and start today”. by Ms. Annisa Defriana (Indonesia), Master’s student from the School of Agro-Industry
• “Don't wait for natural disasters to knock on your door—start now. Every action you take can lead to significant change” by Mr. Sai Hut Hut (Myanmar), 2nd-year student from the School of Health Science
• “The films we watched today are more than just stories—they reflect our reality. We may not have superpowers, but we have the power to choose, care, and take action for our planet. Let's make a difference now” by Ms. Thitiporn Charoensuk (Thai), 2nd-year student from the School of Law
• Echo of Mekong film reflects the concerns and hopes of young people regarding the current state of the Mekong River. Remember, youth is not only the future, but also the present by Ms. Kornkanok Sanabud (Thai), Master’s student from the School of Social Innovation
As Chiang Rai province experienced severe flooding and PM 2.5 air pollution last year, this event provided a meaningful platform for all stakeholders to collaborate and explore systematic measures for preventing, mitigating, and managing disasters caused by climate change. It also inspired participants to become change agents for creating a sustainable and better world for all.
