An “outstanding” range of films from filmmakers all over the world will be shown in Hanley this month with the return of a film festival highlighting the climate crisis. 

The award-winning Earth Stories Film Festival, now in its third year, was set up by Keele University students to bring together narratives about climate change and the environment from across the world. 

Over 5,000 films have been submitted from amateur filmmakers in 136 countries since the festival began, showcasing environmental narratives from a diverse range of communities and countries – including a brand new category for this year’s festival showcasing films developed by filmmakers in the local area. 

Now, as in previous years, the winning entries from each of the Festival categories will be screened at an awards ceremony at Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, with free tickets available for anyone who would like to attend.   

Festival Director, Emily Stevenson, said: “We’ve had yet more incredible submissions to the festival this year. In particular, our Animation and Documentary categories have been of outstanding quality, and we’re delighted to shine a light on regional talent with our Local Filmmaker category this year.  

“These narratives, from young people worldwide, highlight that there are people ready and willing to take action on the environmental crisis we face. What is so promising is that we can see that the younger generation are passionate, and they are driven. These films inspire hope that, collectively, we have the power to change our path.” 

Assistant Director, Katherine Chapman, added: “This festival provides both a platform and the motivation for young people to be brave in creation and stimulate audiences to carefully consider the world around them. The medium of film talks to audiences in a way that words sometimes can’t.  

“The films we screen throughout our festival encourage us to collectively strive for a better world.” 

The Festival will be held on Thursday 27th March 2025, with doors opening at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. For more information and to get tickets, visit Ticket Source.  

Pictured above L-R: Emily Stevenson, Festival Director; Aaliyah Gardner, Community Coordinator; Liam Salmon, Assistant Director.

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