Here Comes the Sun: Redistributing the Power
Director – Marc Silver
Producer – Lisa Marie Russo
Directed by Marc Silver (currently working with Gael Garcia Bernal, Jamie Cullum and Michael Nyman), and produced by Lisa Marie Russo (BAFTA and Emmy award-winning producer whose many credits include the critically acclaimed Of Time and the City), Here Comes the Sun will be stunning in its use of visual language and sound design, whilst at the same time packing a political punch and engaging with audiences beyond those in the know.
In Development
Following the disappointing outcome of the UNFCCC conference, in Copenhagen in December ‘09, Here Comes the Sun can offer a vital critique of where the debate about climate solutions goes next. Research is underway to identify the characters who will take us through the story, ultimately offering a pragmatic and positive solution designed to empower us all to continue to tackle the issues of climate change.
Background
Many experts argue that the human race can secure all the energy it needs from renewables and energy efficiency combined. At the very latest, we have until 2040 to massively cut our dependence on fossil fuels. We have reached the climate change ‘tipping point’ and almost every day brings deeply alarming new information about the changes the planet is undergoing, and by definition, ourselves – not just us here in the rich northern hemisphere but even more so, in the global south, where the impact on the world’s poor has been evident for more than 20 years.
The sun is but one of a number of renewables available to us, along with sea, wave and wind power. Ideally, the whole range of renewables needs to and can, work together.
This film wants to share the vision held by many about the specific – and unlimited – power we must harness: solar. We hope to create a different ‘tipping point’ – one where the call to capture the limitless power of the sun is heard and acted upon. It will link with environmental and social justice campaigns around the world.
A few facts
The sun is 150 million kilometres from earth yet, day by day, the sun supplies 15,000 times the amount of the daily energy demand of the total global population. In less than 30 minutes the sun sends more energy to our planet than is consumed in a whole year.
A gigantic solar plant in the Sahara (roughly the size of Wales) could provide for our global energy demand. The panels would only need to capture 0.3 per cent of sunlight falling in deserts such as the Sahara to meet Europe’s energy requirements.
Meanwhile, 90% of the worlds population lives within 2,700km of a desert and could be supplied with solar electricity from desert sun power. Equally, if every rooftop had solar panels, our energy supplies would be revolutionized. The sun as a source of eco-friendly, abundant energy, is available for at least another 5 billion years.
Budget
We are seeking £15,000 development and estimate a production budget of approximately £350,000. Additionally we will be seeking a campaign outreach budget of approximately £70,000.
Find out more:
- Age of Stupid – new documentary tackling climate change, oil, war, politics, consumerism, human stupidity and more.
- Stop Climate Chaos – the coalition of UK development and environment groups campaigning together on climate change.
- Solarcentury – one of the UK’s market leaders in providing solar cell technology.
- Friends of the Earth – find out how to make an difference on climate change at home and abroad.
- Greenpeace – take direct action.
- Christian Aid – campaign for a just climate.
- See the impact a 4 degree temperature rise would have on the planet.
- Read how solar power from the Sahara is a step closer.
Tags: Film, power of film, Project, Sun
