Film Room

2024

Fete with the Saints Goes Green

Run Time: 7mins

By partnering with various stakeholders, Close the Loop Caribbean successfully diverted organic waste from ending up in landfills during Carnival celebrations. By implementing a comprehensive waste management system, CTL collected, sorted, and composted organic waste generated at CIC's Fete With Saints, promoting a more sustainable approach to events.

2024

Minister Beckles Response to Northern Range Protection Motion

Run Time: 12mins

Honourable Ms. Penelope Beckles-Robinson highlights the importance of preserving Trinidad and Tobago's biodiversity, particularly within the northern range, emphasizing the ecological, economic, and sociocultural benefits of protecting this valuable ecosystem. While acknowledging the challenges posed by urbanization and other human activities, Ms. Beckles-Robinson advocates for a comprehensive approach to ecosystem management that balances human use with ecological integrity.

2024

Northern Range Protection Motion - Sen Vieira in TT Parliament

Run Time: 10mins

This passionate plea for environmental conservation focuses on the urgent need to protect the northern range of Trinidad. Senator Anthony Vieira highlights the historical significance of preserving natural areas and emphasizes the ecological benefits of protecting the northern range, including its role in mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining soil health. The video urges the government to designate parts of the northern range as a protected natural reserve and involve local communities in the conservation process.

2023

Northern Range Protection Intro Meeting (Ivan Laughlin, Sen Vieira, IAMovement)

Run Time: 2hrs

This discussion highlights the importance of preserving Trinidad and Tobago's natural landscapes, particularly the northern range, highlighting the need for a comprehensive land use plan and the establishment of protected areas to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development. The conversation emphasizes the value of community involvement and the potential for eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods in the region. This conversation was the initial meeting between Ivan Laughlin and Senator Vieira to discuss the opportunities and possibilities for the development of protected natural reserves within the Northern Range of Trinidad.

2023

Grassroots4Lavie Documentary Film

Run Time: 47mins

Filmmaker: Lawrence Dupuis

Follow along a 3-year project across Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago, as the Vetiver System (VS) was taken to communities as an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) tool. The Grassroots4LaVie documentary captures a multicountry effort to introduce vetiver grass through the Vetiver Education & Empowerment Project (VEEP) model to targeted Caribbean communities. The project was led by IICA, with leadership on vetiver grass, the Vetiver System (VS) and VEEP model provided by IAMovement, and with Monitoring & Evaluation carried out by the University of Florida. The project was supported by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF).

2023

King Vetiver

Run Time: 6mins

Filmmaker: Lawrence Dupuis

This creative short piece captures a bit of vetiver crafting history from a legend and master of the art situated on the east coast of Grenada. Told in his words, King Vetiver captures wisdom and knowledge from the one and only 'King Coat', king of vetiver crafting and 'King of the East', in Grenada.

2023

Let's Do: Reforestation

Run Time: 2mins

This animated video takes us on a journey through a once-thriving forest, teeming with biodiversity. However, as humans clear-cut the trees for timber and development, it leaves the land degraded and animals displaced. With a spark of hope, community members came together to actively work at restoring the forest by planting trees and promoting reforestation efforts. As a result, the once-degraded land begins to recover, and biodiversity gradually returns.

2023

Let's Do: Mangrove Conservation

Run Time: 2mins

The animated video emphasizes the importance of mangroves in preventing erosion, providing habitat for wildlife, protecting coastal ecosystems, and mitigating the effects of climate change. It calls for greater awareness and conservation efforts to preserve these vital ecosystems.

2023

Let's Do: Environment Conservation

Run Time: 2mins

A grandmother reminisces about the lush greenery that was once in abundance. She highlights the various benefits of trees, including their role in regulating temperatures, purifying air, and preventing flooding. Concludingn with a call to action, urging viewers to plant trees, protect existing ones, and adopt sustainable practices to create a greener and healthier world.

2023

Let's Do: Energy Efficiency

Run Time: 2mins

A family discusses their frustration with high electricity bills and explores practical solutions to reduce their energy consumption. By switching to LED bulbs, turning off lights when not in use, and unplugging unnecessary devices, the family takes steps towards a more sustainable and cost-effective lifestyle. The video serves as a reminder that small changes can make a big difference in protecting our planet and our wallets.

2023

Let's Do: Policy Development

Run Time: 2mins

This animated video empowers viewers to take action against climate change and its impacts, specifically focusing on flooding in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing that individuals have the power to influence policy decisions. It highlights the importance of citizen engagement through national consultations, online petitions, and environmental apps like the WeClimate app.

2023

Let's Do: Organic Gardening

Run Time: 2mins

A young girl visits her grandmother, who shares her passion for organic gardening. The grandmother explains the benefits of growing your own food, including improved taste, health, and sustainability. Inspired by her grandmother's example, the girl decides to start her own garden, eager to enjoy the fruits of her labor. The heartwarming video serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures and rewards of homegrown organic produce.

2023

ME-WE-GREEN Programme Short #2

Run Time: 4min

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

Vetiver grass is a green infrastructure tool that can be used to treat soil and water related issues. IAMovement's ME-WE-GREEN Programme showcases the various aspects of this unique approach to using Vetiver Grass and the Vetiver System (VS) across 9 communities in Trinidad and Tobago.

2023

MWG Teaser Vid (Jingle Winner)

Run Time: 35secs

This teaser video introduces the ME-WE-Green program and highlights the versatility of vetiver grass, a tropical plant with numerous benefits for soil health, water conservation, and climate resilience. The video emphasizes the program's commitment to education, empowerment, and inspiring sustainable practices within the region.

2023

MWG I Heard a Murmur (Jingle Ad)

Run Time: 1min

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

This spoken word styled video argues that while mitigation efforts are important, we must also invest in proactive solutions that can help us adapt to the changing climate. Inspired by the resilience of vetiver grass, the video highlights the potential of the ME-WE-Green program to educate, empower, and inspire communities to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

2023

MWG Tanty Say! (Jingle Ad)

Run Time: 1min

Tanty Joy's traditional insights on the benefits of vetiver grass, is shared in this short video. Including, the importance of vetiver grass for addressing various environmental challenges, including soil erosion, water conservation, and climate change. The video emphasizes the plant's numerous benefits, from its ability to treat contaminated land and water to its role in slope stabilization.

2023

MWG Climate Resilience Ad

Run Time: 1min

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

As droughts become more frequent due to climate change, a local resident struggles with the drying up of their vegetable garden. The video emphasizes the importance of sustainable solutions, such as vetiver grass, which can help mitigate the effects of climate change by conserving water, reducing soil erosion, and sequestering carbon.

2023

MWG Christmas Ad

Run Time: 40secs

This heartwarming Christmas ad features the ME-WE-Green program, highlighting the versatility of vetiver grass. While traditionally used to prevent landslides and soil erosion, the program empowers communities to create beautiful and sustainable handicrafts from vetiver leaves. The ad follows a resident who transforms vetiver leaves into baskets, mats, and chairs, generating income for the Christmas season.

2023

Hillside Farming and Restoration (Vetiver Series - 6)

Run Time: 2mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel & Lawrence Dupuis

Hillside farming, often plagued by soil erosion and landslides, can be significantly improvedby ustilizing vetiver grass. Part 6 of this 6 part series on vetiver grass explores how it's deep roots provide a natural barrier against water runoff, preventing soil loss and promoting slope stability. Vetiver grass also helps to improve soil health, reduce flooding, and increase crop yields.

2023

Mulching and Topsoil Rebuilding (Vetiver Series - 5)

Run Time: 2mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel & Lawrence Dupuis

Land degradation is a pressing issue that leads to soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and decreased agricultural productivity. Part 5 of this 6 part series highlights how vetiver grass' deep roots help control soil moisture, rebuild topsoil, and promote land regeneration. As a carbon-sequestering plant, vetiver grass also contributes to mitigating climate change. Additionally, its use as mulch provides numerous benefits, including improved soil health and moisture retention.

2023

Quarry and Land Regneration (Vetiver Series - 4)

Run Time: 2mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel & Lawrence Dupuis

Quarrying often leaves behind degraded landscapes with severe environmental challenges. Part 4 of this 6 part series on vetiver grass, showcases vetiver grass as a promising solution for restoring these degraded areas. Its deep root system helps rebuild topsoil, create a more stable microclimate, and improve the overall soil health. Abandoned quarries can be transformed into thriving ecosystems, supporting the growth of other vegetation and promoting long-term land regeneration.

2023

Handicrafts and Livelihoods (Vetiver Series - 3)

Run Time: 2mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel & Lawrence Dupuis

Beyond its environmental benefits, vetiver grass has the potential to be a form of sustainable livelihoods and economic development. Part 3 of this 6 part series on vetiver grass, highlights how this versatile plant's fibers and oils can be used to create unique and beautiful handicrafts, providing income opportunities for artisans. By supporting vetiver grass-based crafts, consumers can contribute to environmental conservation and empower local communities while enjoying the beauty and durability of these unique creations.

2023

Phytoremediation (Vetiver Series - 2)

Run Time: 2mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel & Lawrence Dupuis

In a world facing increasing pollution and environmental degradation, vetiver grass emerges as a powerful phytoremediation tool. Part 2 of this 6 part series on vetiver grass, showcases vetiver grass as a means to clean up contaminated soils and waterways, restoring ecosystems and protecting public health. As a practical and cost-effective solution, vetiver grass offers a sustainable approach to addressing environmental challenges, filtering sediment and absorbing harmful pollutants like heavy metals and excess nutrients.

2023

Slope Stabilization (Vetiver Series - 1)

Run Time: 2mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel & Lawrence Dupuis

In the face of climate change, tropical regions are grappling with increasing landslides and erosion. Part 1 of this 6 part series on vetiver grass, showcases vetiver grass as a simple yet effective slope stabilization method. With its deep, fibrous root system, vetiver grass helps to anchor soil, prevent erosion, and reduce runoff. This sustainable approach offers an environmentally friendly solution for protecting slopes and building stability in the face of climate challenges.

2023

The Story of the House of Vetiver

Run Time: 3mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

This is the story of The House of Vetiver is a short documentary that explores the history and potential of vetiver grass in the Caribbean. The film follows the House of Vetiver, a community-based brand that is working to revive the use of this versatile plant. Through interviews with farmers, artisans, and scientists, the film reveals the many ways that vetiver grass can be used to improve the environment, economy, and culture of the region.

2023

ME-WE-GREEN Programme Short #1

Run Time: 3mins

The ME-WE-GREEN Programme is the first programme in the western hemisphere which focuses on promoting education and access to vetiver grass as a climate resilience solution at the national level. ME-WE-GREEN is supported by the Government of T&T's Green Fund, and is implemented by IAMovement across 8+ communities in T&T, and makes use of and builds upon the Vetiver Education & Empowerment Project (VEEP) model with adaptions and evolutions made as the project has moved along.

2022

Building on Vetiver!

Run Time: 16mins

Building on Vetiver! was a dynamic and innovative project which allowed IAMovement and many key partners, including Vetiver TT Ecological Engineering Solutions Ltd, to pioneer and test the use of vetiver grass and the Vetiver System (VS) in T&T in a wide range of environments, and for different purposes, as a green and cost effective bioengineering tool. The project was very successful involving 30+ partners, and seeing over 200,000 vetiver plants installed over 10 main sites and 25+ secondary sites over a period of 4 years. With the involvement of the private and public sectors, along with academia, a great deal of learning was acheived with demonstration cases implemented across the country, and various community members educated and empowered on different uses of vetiver grass and livelihood opportunities available through this special plant. The project was selected as one of the IDB Superheroes of Development Winners in 2022.

2022

National Quarries Rehabilitation Phase 2

Run Time: 8mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

This short film captures expanding efforts in quarry rehabilitation taking place at National Quarries Company Limited in Sangre Grande, through ongoing projects and activities led by IAMovement.

2022

Grassroots4laVie - Tobago

Run Time: 8mins

Filmmaker: Lawrence Dupuis

Grassroots Tobago, follows the journey of using the Vetiver System (VS) as an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) tool within communities in Tobago.

2022

Grassroots4LaVie - Antigua and Barbuda

Run Time: 10mins

Filmmaker: Lawrence Dupuis

Grassroots Antigua & Barbuda, follows the journey of using the Vetiver System (VS) as an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) tool within communities in Antigua & Barbuda.

2021

A Thin Green Line Grenada

Run Time: 18mins

Filmmaker: Lawrence Dupuis

"A thin green line" takes its name in part from the timeless book written by John Greenfield, often called the "father of the Vetiver System (VS)". It captures the implementation of the Vetiver Education & Empowerment Project (VEEP) model in Grenada, taking vetiver knowledge and access to a wide range of stakeholders including nearby communities, farmers, government ministries and even primary school students. This initiative was led by Eco Strategies Grenada Inc. with design and implementation support from IAMovement, and supported by the UNDP GEF SGP.

2021

Grassroots4LaVie - St. Lucia

Run Time: 5mins

Filmmaker: Lawrence Dupuis

Grassroots St. Lucia, follows the journey of using the Vetiver System (VS) as an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) tool within communities in St. Lucia.

2021

Grassroots4LaVie - Dominica

Run Time: 7mins

Filmmaker: Lawrence Dupuis

Grassroots Dominica, follows the journey of using the Vetiver System (VS) as an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) tool within communities in Dominica.

2020

REGENERATION

Run Time: 20mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

In 2018, IAMovement partnered with the Trust for Sustainable Livelihoods (SusTrust), National Quarries Company Limited and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) to initiate T&T's first scalable and sustainable efforts in quarry rehabilitation and restoration to date - under the UNEP IWEco project and with further support from GEF SGP UNDP. This film captures this project and effort, which has since expanded and continued on through other initiatives and projects led by IAMovement and National Quarries to ensure sustainability - including the Building on Vetiver! project with support from the IDB Lab, and Close The Loop Caribbean in partnership with Tucana and Vetiver TT EES Ltd.

2018

TPRC SWMCOL Curbside Recycling Initiative

Run Time: 3mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

SWMCOL and the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation (TPRC) partnered to trial a curbside pick up recycling programme in 2017. Participation by the public was so successful that participating communities' friends and family used to drop off their recycling there to be collected by the planned curbside pick-ups. IAMovement partnered with SWMCOL to capture evidence of this interest and success from the mouths of those involved.

2018

DISPOSABLE

Run Time: 11mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

The short film DISPOSABLE built upon the initial SWMCOL and TPRC curbside recycling programme short video effort to examine T&T waste situation and recycling opportunities in greater depth. It's goal is to help citizens of T&T appreciate the depth and breadth of our impact as humans on the environment when it comes to waste, with the hope of also sparking our interest in doing more in terms of sustainable waste management efforts in T&T, including reduction, recycling with the inclusion of curbside pick-up programmes and more.

2018

REThinking Energy - Solutions for T&T

Run Time: 8mins

Filmmaker: Full Circle Animantion Studio

REThinking Energy is a three-part series that explores the challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector. In this third episode, "Solutions for T&T," the importance of energy efficiency and innovation in Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector is examined. After learning about the important realities of lost opportunities in T&T both historically and still taking place currently through unnecessarily high energy consumption locally, which is driven by different factors, this video explores key solutions and approaches available to T&T which could help significantly in energy conservation and corresponding social and economic benefits to T&T which would be involved.

2018

REThinking Energy - T&T's Electricity Subsidy

Run Time: 5mins

Filmmaker: Full Circle Animantion Studio

REThinking Energy is a three-part series that explores the challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector. In this second episode, "T&T's Electricity Subsidy," the country's electricity pricing structure and its impact on the economy are examined. Although, consumers within Trinidad and Tobago benefit from significantly lower electricity rates compared to other Caribbean nations, this subsidy is unsustainable due to the high cost of producing electricity, leading to losses for the government-owned electricity company, T&T Electricity Commission (T&TEC). The episode discusses the need for a comprehensive review of electricity rates to ensure the financial viability of T&TEC and to encourage energy efficiency among consumers. It also highlights the potential benefits of increasing electricity rates while implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and promote renewable energy.

2018

REThinking Energy - The Opportunity Cost

Run Time: 5mins

Filmmaker: Full Circle Animantion Studio

REThinking Energy is a three-part series that explores the challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector. In this first episode, "The Opportunity Cost," the country's heavy reliance on natural gas is examined. Despite being a major natural gas producer, Trinidad and Tobago has experienced a decline in gas production, leading to shortages that impact various industries.The high cost of electricity generation forces the government to prioritize domestic consumption over industrial use, resulting in missed opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

2017

Metiver' in Paramin

Run Time: 9mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

Metiver' in Paramin explores the re-introduction of vetiver grass to the rolling hills of Paramin in northwest Trinidad, where it was once known a generation ago for its abilities to help stabilize and protect land and farms from slippage and erosion amongst other things. This film captures the first ever Vetiver Education & Empowerment Project (VEEP) implemented, which aimed to bring technical knowledge and solutions to the people of Paramin, along with other culturally significant implications and aspects such as community, handicrafts and sustainable livelihoods development.

2016

Intro to Vetiver Grass and the Vetiver System (VS)

Run Time: 3mins

Vetiver grass is a tropical plant species who's roots can grow to 10 ft deep in the first 2-years, making it a powerful tool for land stabilization, erosion control, soil and water conservation and much more. This introductory video shares some of the attributes of this unique and wonderful grass.

2016

$MALL CHANGE

Run Time: 20mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

T&T's unique history and position as a major fossil fuel producer on the global scale has been referred to as both a blessing and a curse. Our rich fossil fuel resources have helped us develop rapidly and accomplish a lot, but also, have tended to reduce and shift focus away from other key areas of development, including sustainable energy. $MALL CHANGE explores this in a current context through a series of interviews with various players - from farmers, to activisists, to energy specialists, private sector and acadamia.

2016

$MALL CHANGE (Trailer)

Run Time: 3mins

Filmmaker: Dylan Quesnel

This short trailer for the $MALL CHANGE film gives a snapshot of the key and important conversation on climate change which was taking place in T&T not long after the first People's Climate Marches were hosted in 2014 and 2015, during key UN Summits in New York and Paris.