Announcing the winner of the first Financial Times and Pulitzer Center Climate and Labour grant
One World Media is pleased to announce the winner of the first Climate and Labour Grant in collaboration with the Financial Times and Pulitzer Center. Following a worldwide open call, we have now selected a grantee from amongst nearly 200 applications.
Filmmaker Breech Asher Harani from the Philippines will receive funding and support to tell a story about cacao farmers and chocolatiers in the Philippines who mobilise innovations and strategies to combat the impact of the climate crisis on their livelihood.
Breech says, “I want this film to make people realise that there is more to climate change than carbon emissions and melting ice caps. The climate crisis is a complex issue and has a domino effect on all aspects of life, including food. I hope this story will catch people’s attention and inspire all of us to take action, no matter how small.”
He aims to approach this lesser known topic by producing a film that will shine a light on this small community who work hard not only to provide for their families, but also contribute to the Philippine economy and global food industry. “I believe it’s time we hear their voices and share their story to the world,” Breech says. “As humans, stories unite and educate us. Through stories, we create a deeper understanding and connection, regardless of proximity and differences.”
As the climate crisis affects cocoa production around the world, scientists predict that chocolates may go extinct by 2050. Breech’s short documentary will feature a group of cacao farmers and chocolatiers in the Davao Region of the southern Philippines, who are turning to innovative farming strategies to ensure a sustainable future for the world’s favourite sweet treat.
“Pulitzer Center is delighted with the ambitious proposal by Breech Asher Harani – and the excellent proposals we reviewed from so many talented filmmakers. There are many stories to share about the changing climate and its effects on workers and prosperity. This collaboration, we hope, will lead to more fact-based explorations and explanations of the risks.”
Christine Spolar, Climate Editor for the Pulitzer Center
“We were incredibly impressed by the number, quality and broad range of applications. The winner was chosen because the topic explores both the challenges and possible solutions to climate change in agriculture and looks to the future. We were also very impressed by Breech Asher Harani’s creative approach and the beautiful images he used in his treatment.”
Juliet Riddell, Head of New Formats for the Financial Times
Breech Asher Harani creates films that tackle social, cultural and environmental issues. In 2019, he was honored as Film Ambassador by the Film Development Council of the Philippines when he became a Young Creatives Awardee by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He is also the only Filipino artist listed by Forbes Magazine’s ’30 Under 30′ for Arts in Asia 2020, a recipient of Rockefeller Foundation’s CNN Academy: Climate Storytelling Program 2023, New Scientist Editor’s Awardee by The Royal Geographic Society, and Special Jury Awardee for short film by Cinemalaya 2024.
As the climate crisis continues to have a disproportionate impact on those in the global south, One World Media is delighted to collaborate with two leading media organisations so we can invest in local storytellers who are committed to shining a light on this urgent global issue.
Follow Breech on Instagram.
You can find more info about the Climate & Labour Grant here.