Amid the champagne bubbles, the neon-lit surroundings and the buzz of anticipation, there is a feeling of achievement, of hope. The determination and excitement of attendees are palpable. In March, climate activists, influencers, writers and dignitaries gathered on the plush red sofas of the Everyman Cinema in Kings Cross for a VIP screening of I am the Earth: Stories From the Southern Edge of the World. This is the urgent and riveting story of Chilean citizens paving the way to a more sustainable future. Filled with striking imagery of Chile’s diverse natural landscape, heart-warming stories of local activism and inspiring technological breakthroughs, this film is, above all, a rousing call to action.

I am the Earth was produced by Oscar-winning production company Fábula – the name behind the award-winning Spencer – and directed by the equally successful Chilean film producer, Maite Alberd. Alberd’s masterful work takes viewers on a fascinating journey through her pioneering homeland – Chile is the third-highest ranking country in the world for climate leadership – and presents the incredible feats of its citizens in their bid to mitigate climate change. From scientists to locals, even the smallest effort contributes to the ever-important goal: to move towards a more sustainable planet.

Cristián Sjögren, co-founder and CEO of Agro Urbana, a leading vertical farming business in Chile, is one of the protagonists of I am the Earth. He notes that ‘the planet is going to have a population of 10 billion inhabitants by 2050; projections tell us we have to raise our current food production capacity by 70%.’ He hopes to scale his business on both a national and international level to help countries across the world to stabilise and reduce the impact of their agricultural systems.

Perhaps the most visually striking element of the documentary is the section on forest and biodiversity conservation. Guests were left with unforgettable images of Chile’s more rural regions. The cinematography demonstrates why Alberd is so widely praised for this film: vast expanses of marshland in Tierra del Fuego Island and the immensity of Chile’s creeping glaciers juxtaposed with a small human figure are breathtaking. I am the Earth and its talented crew do justice to a country with such a range of biodiversity.

A post-screening panel discussion, led by climate activist and host, Dominique Palmer, was animated and illuminating. Palmer was joined on stage by Sjögren, as well as director of the Millennium Institute of Oceanography, Osvaldo Ulloa, and Susana Herrera, Chilean ambassador to the UK. In those 45 minutes, guests heard first-hand from the protagonists of I am the Earth and learned more about the strong cultural ties between the UK and Chile. ‘Holding the première of this documentary in London marks a milestone for us at the start of a year in which we are commemorating 200 years of bilateral relations between Chile and the UK,’ said Herrera.

The discussion highlighted Chile’s ecological assets and its leadership on climate matters; the South American country is providing the UK with sustainable fuel. Oceanographer Osvaldo Ulloa spoke of his expedition to the bottom of the Atacama Trench and how he and his team placed technology in the deepest parts of the ocean to track the movements of tectonic plates to predict earthquakes, a frequent phenomenon in Chile. Pioneering technology, collaboration and hope were the common threads of the discussion.

The panel came to its inevitable end, but guests continued the conversation over drinks and canapés. With delicious refreshments including Padrón peppers, stuffed olives and halloumi sliders, the debate was fuelled into the night. Members of the panel worked their way around the room and chatted with the journalists and climate activists, often stopping for a photocall. Wrapping up the successful event, guests were each presented with a small oak sapling to take home and plant up, and for each attendee, a tree will be planted in Nonguén National Park in Chile. 

I am the Earth: Stories From the Southern Edge of the World is remarkable, inspirational and essential. The documentary is out now on Amazon Prime.