The second day of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion in Bangkok continued to merge cultural expression with climate action through thought-provoking and interactive sessions. Building on the rich discussions and activities from the first day, this second installment delved deeper into the intersection of culture and environmentalism, highlighting the unique contributions and challenges of South and Southeast Asia in the global climate movement.
The day began with an exploration of “imperfect environmentalism,” a concept that resonated with many participants. This theme reflected the growing awareness that striving for perfection can sometimes hinder progress. The Pavilion provided a platform for a more inclusive and realistic approach to climate action, emphasizing the importance of mental health and community support in sustaining long-term efforts.
Dynamic sessions showcased the power of storytelling and media in climate advocacy. From panel discussions to hands-on workshops, participants were encouraged to harness their creativity and skills to amplify their messages and inspire broader engagement. The blend of cultural heritage and innovative media techniques underscored the Pavilion’s commitment to leveraging diverse forms of expression to address the climate crisis.
Imperfect Environmentalism in South & Southeast Asia
The day’s first panel discussion, “Imperfect Environmentalism in Action: Highlighting the Nuances of Sustainability in South & Southeast Asia,” organized by Green & Beyond Magazine, set the tone. Nasrin Sultana Maesha, Co-founder and Creative Director of Green & Beyond Magazine, hosted the session. Panelists included Janjaree Chianwichai (Food Policy Manager, Southeast Asia Region at Humane Society International), Kittikun Saksung (Coordinator, Global Youth Biodiversity Network for Asia and Thailand), Gunjan Nanda (Co-founder, Director of Operations at Entertainment + Culture Pavilion), and Shoummo Ahmed (Co-founder, Editor at Green & Beyond Magazine).
The panelists discussed sustainable practices influenced by cultural norms in South and Southeast Asia and the challenges posed by the introduction of unsustainable habits. They also addressed the pressures of perfectionism within the climate movement, which can negatively impact mental health and the overall effectiveness of the movement. The speakers emphasized the importance of acknowledging and embracing imperfection in environmental efforts and shared strategies for maintaining mental well-being while contributing to climate action.
Storytelling Circle: Frontline Voices from Thailand
Following the panel, the “Storytelling Circle: Frontline Voices from Thailand” interactive session took place, organized by the Changing Climate Changing Lives (CCCL) Film Festival. This session gathered Thai journalists, filmmakers, and media professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities of climate storytelling in popular culture. Participants explored methods to convey the realities of the climate crisis to a broader audience through compelling narratives and media.
Audiovisual Sovereignty and Impactful Media Production Intensive Workshop
The day continued with an immersive workshop titled “Audiovisual Sovereignty and Impactful Media Production Intensive Workshop,” facilitated by Kirsten Wessel, Co-Founder and Director of Content + Communications of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion and SAUNTR, alongside The Convergence team of Daniel Cervenka and Elise Orlowski.
Recognizing the critical role of storytelling in highlighting the climate crisis and promoting climate actions, this workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills to produce impactful media. From basic camera handling to creating professional documentaries, attendees learned hands-on techniques. The workshop included a practical exercise where participants filmed a mini-documentary at the nearby Nang Loeng Market and later edited their footage, culminating in a screening of their work.
Climate Joy + Eco Pride Party
The event concluded on a high note with the Climate Joy + Eco Pride party, featuring a closing DJ set by Baitong~xystems, a renowned DJ in Thailand. The party provided a space for organizers and participants to unwind and celebrate their shared commitment to climate action in a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.
The second day of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion in Bangkok exemplified the power of cultural engagement in driving climate action. From panel discussions on imperfect environmentalism to hands-on media production workshops, the event highlighted the diverse ways in which culture can contribute to the climate movement. By bringing together voices from across South and Southeast Asia, the Pavilion fostered a sense of community and collaboration, encouraging participants to embrace imperfection and amplify their stories in the fight against climate change. The event’s successful conclusion with a celebratory party underscored the importance of joy and pride in sustaining long-term environmental efforts.
