
I.Syoot Multimedia Production, in collaboration with the UPLB-College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR) and with the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, premiered “A Thousand Forests,” an environment-themed musical film, on Arbor Day, June 25, 2024, at SM North Edsa Cinema.
The film highlights the crucial role of forests in combating the climate crisis and in motivating Filipinos to engage in tree planting.
Arbor Day was mandated by Republic Act No. 10176 or The Arbor Day Act of 2012. “This requires every able-bodied Filipino, aged 12 and up, to plant one tree each year,” said Jenie Chan, the executive director of I.Syoot Multimedia, a company dedicated to advocacy communications.
“Had this been consistently followed, we would have planted 867 million trees from 2012 to 2023,” she added. Chan pointed out that the future generation would experience the significant impacts of climate change. She highlighted how the film vividly portrays the urgency of climate action and the importance of tree planting.
Nurturing a thousand forests
The film “A Thousand Forests” is the first phase of a nationwide initiative to create a collaborative and impactful greening program in the country.
According to Marlo Mendoza, dean of UPLB-CFNR, their vision is to cultivate a thousand forests with the help of various stakeholders.
“By 2050, we aspire to plant two million hectares of forests,” he added.
QC mayor endorses “A Thousand Forests”
Quezon City (QC) Mayor Joy Belmonte attended the premiere screening of “A Thousand Forests,”
“I would like to congratulate everyone behind this film. It’s about time that we came out with an advocacy film like this,” the QC mayor said.
According to Belmonte, she is hopeful that the audience will encourage everyone to watch the film and share its messages, given the climate risks the planet currently faces.
“If we don’t step up, unite, and work collectively toward salvaging our planet, we will not have a planet to pass on to our children,“ Belmonte added.
Starting June 26, 2024, the film will be screened in key cinemas nationwide, including SM Cinemas, Ayala Mall Cinemas, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall Cinema and Rockwell Power Plant Cinema.
About the film
“A Thousand Forests” is a coming-of-age musical that follows five teenagers at the prestigious Philippine Forest Camp as they compete for a chance to travel the world. Through captivating music and stunning cinematography, the film addresses urgent climate issues and inspires action, exploring themes of self-discovery and the profound impact of youth on the global stage.
The film stars Dennah Bautista, Santino Juan Santiago, James Mavie Estrella, Ramjean Entera, and Venice Bismonte, with Dominic Ochoa and Chai Fonacier as the guiding foresters.
Chan composed and wrote the lyrics for eight songs featured in the film, directed by award-winning director Hanz Florentino, known for his work on the acclaimed ecotourism program G Diaries.
“I am also proud to announce that over half of our production crew hails from Cebu. Showcasing the talent from our region is a tremendous honor,” shared Florentino.
For more information on the greening program and screening schedules, check out athousandforests.org. (Ema Trinidad)