As we continue through the Season of Creation, a new documentary is shining a light on the powerful role local migrants play in caring for our common home.
Voices for Power: Do Migrants Care? Challenging Climate Myths follows the journeys of several migrant leaders in Sydney who are advocating for climate justice, challenging stereotypes that “migrants don’t care about climate change”, and showing a new, fresh narrative to caring for our common home.
Among those featured in the video include Ian Epondulan and Len Cruz, Filipino parishioners from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills, who share their stories of faith and environmental action – including practical ways to reduce environmental impacts.
“Trying to conserve water, trying to conserve electricity, using appliances when we need to and turning them off when we need to,” Ian said.
The Sydney Community Forum, which has been working towards social justice, inclusion, and sustainability outcomes for disadvantaged and marginalised communities in Sydney since 1974, produced the documentary and is encouraging parishes and community groups to host local screenings as a way to spark dialogue on climate justice.
“The documentary confronts the disconnect between Western narratives of climate action and the deep-rooted, everyday climate care that exists within communities in the Global South,” it states.
“By following the journeys of migrant leaders, the film shines a spotlight on them leading climate justice actions in Australia, advocating for the voices of the most vulnerable and holding decision-makers accountable.”
You can watch the trailer on Sydney Community Forum’s YouTube channel.
If your parish, agency or ministry would like to arrange a group screening, please email Nirmal Joy from Sydney Community Forum (or call 9599 2522), or reach out to our Peace, Justice and Ecology team.
