African Voices in Changing Climates: Post-Production and Social Impact Cinema

Q&A with Linda Lilienfeld, members of CUAHSI and Fama Ndiaye on May 14

Mayors Make Movies, an initiative by Let’s Talk About Water, was created to promote wider engagement and participation in water policy and water science communication through short-film production amongst mayors, youths, and filmmakers in cities across the African continent. This program presents films created through the MMM initiative, and discussions with Linda Lillenfield, creator and director of Let’s Talk About Water; members from the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI): and Alain Gomis, filmmaker and founder of Centre Yennenga in Dakar, Senegal.

Senegal – Keur Massar
Centre Yennenga, 2022, Senegal, 5m
Wolof and French with English subtitles
In Keur Massar, Senegal, following annual flooding, residents and community organizers show the effects on their lives and homes of poor infrastructure and the increasing impact of climate change. This short film shows how the residents live with and through the flooding, and explores the causes of and possible solutions to this crisis.

Grand Dakar
Centre Yennenga, 2022, Senegal, 5m
Wolof and French with English subtitles
Residents of Grand Dakar renting apartments in big, crowded buildings elect to use public water taps for their everyday needs rather than the city’s system. This short film explores the economic reasons behind their decision, and the challenges posed by municipal water pricing to the city’s residents.

The Gambia – Banjul
Mystic Production, 2022, The Gambia, 4m
Pidgin and English with English subtitles
In Banjul, a group of activists and members of the youth council speak about the need for decentralization of water management in the city and the country at large. Mayor Roheyatou Lowe focuses on the importance of women as primary water users, and invites the aid of partners interested in working on water in Banjul.

Morocco – Chefchaouen
Rachid Kasmi, 2022, Morocco, 5m
Arabic and French with English subtitles
In Chefchaouen, Morocco, a group of students learn about water resource management while walking around their city. Mayor Mohamed Sefiani leads us through Chefchaouen’s conservation efforts for its drought-prone region, and explains what could be done to improve water access in the city.

Interview of Secretary-General Elong-Mbassi
Rachid Kasmi, 2022, Morocco, 5m
French with English subtitles
Secretary-General of the United Cities and Local Governments – Africa (UCLG-A), Jean Pierre Elong-Mbassi opens a conversation on the role of African Mayors in leading local climate action and water security.

Interview of Aziza Akhmouch
OECD, 2022, France, 4m
Aziza Akhmouch describes the role of African mayors in ensuring water security and how film can raise the voices of underrepresented voices in climate change. Akhmouch the Head of the Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development division of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and manages the OECD Roundtable of Mayors and Ministers.

Accessibility Options: Open Captions are available for The Gambia – Banjul and Interview of Aziza Akhmouch.