Green Carpet Film Festival: Beat the Heat

Oldies Against the Heat De Zwitserse 'KlimaSeniorinnen' (elderly women fighting against climate change) are on the front line. Instead of enjoying their retirement, these older women from Swiss society—coming from all parts of the multilingual country—want to do something about increasingly frequent heatwaves. They bravely take on their own country and file a complaint with the Europees Hof of Human Rights (ECHR) against the Swiss government, arguing that the authorities are doing insufficiently to protect their health. It is a seemingly hopeless endeavor that, after eight years of struggle, results in a spectacular ruling that attracts worldwide attention. On April 9, 2024, the ECHR rules that climate protection is a human right. A triumph for the Swiss KlimaSeniorinnen. Maar Zwitserland decides not to implement the groundbreaking ruling. BEAT THE HEAT (original title: TROP CHAUD) offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fight against climate change. The activists, their legal team, legal and scientific advisors, and an NGO campaigner talk about their motivations. They tell a story whose significance has been largely underreported by the Swiss media. Fundamental questions are addressed concerning democracy, the rule of law, and global climate justice. At the same time, BEAT THE HEAT never loses sight of the fact that the fight against climate change is a complex and difficult task. Screening Thursday, November 12 | 8 PM Sphinx Sint-Michielshelling 3, 9000 Gent Alle info via gentsmilieufront.be/groeneloper Ticket discount for GMF members Buy your tickets here Nagesprek Elk of our films is accompanied by a short panel. Beat The Heat is enriched by the critical questions and comments of GMF policy officer, opinion writer, and critic: Bouke Billiet; Grandparent for the Klimaat Campagneverantwoordelijke, and spokesperson for Greenpeace, Joeri Thijs