FILMS BYKIDS

20-year-old Helena Marschall is one of Germany’s most prominent youth climate activists and co-creator of the global, youth-led climate awareness movement, Fridays for Future Germany. Mentored by filmmaker Anja Baron, Helena documents how she and fellow activists protest a mining company’s plan to bulldoze a German village and shares her passion for climate justice and the power of youth activism.

15-year-old Keith Griffith III is a mental health and environmental advocate in Louisville, Kentucky. His uncle taught him how to care for a bee colony at age 11 to help Keith cope with stress when both of his parents were incarcerated. Guided by filmmaker Evan Mascagni, Keith shines a light on the ways in which bees have taught him about cooperation, community, and emotional well-being.

Diya Payal, a 14-year-old from India, is passionate about the importance of plant biodiversity. Mentored by filmmaker Camilla Becket, Diya explores how climate change and industrial agriculture are threatening plant species, shines light on sustainable farming, and examines the ways in which food, family, and farming connect to her spiritual and cultural relationship with the natural world.

Tymur Tsapliienko is a 17-year-old refugee who escaped Ukraine when the Russian army invaded his country. With guidance from film mentor Rom Barnea, Tymur interviews fellow refugees, examining the devastation of war and displacement, the connection between war and fossil fuel dependence, and the ways in which people find solidarity and hope during times of crisis.

Young people from diverse cultures document their experience dealing with war and displacement, mental wellbeing, climate change, and sustainable agriculture in the new season of Films BYkids. Accomplished filmmakers are paired with youth from around the world to create short, personal documentaries that encourage understanding about universal issues and help foster empathy and global citizenry.