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Description
The main goal is to increase the awareness of professionals and the general public about innovative knowledge and approaches in nature conservation and projects aimed at nature conservation, and especially biodiversity through popularization works, especially feature films and books, and related educational activities. The public will be given new knowledge that will contribute to improving society''s relationship with the environment and its protection.
Scholarly but educationally accessible feature film PLANET PRAGUE (supplemented by English dubbing and subtitles) with the aim of presentations using the media with a large number of addressed recipients (mass media). The continuation of the successful PLANET CZECHIA which was created thanks to support from the EEA and Norway Grants. The applicant and an associate implemented it together as partners in a fruitful project ´Nature, Anyone Interested?´ financed by the EEA and Norway Grants 2009 – 2014 (from the CZ02 – Environment appeal). In the cinemas 100 000 people saw it, on Czech Television´s Channel 2 as a premiere in prime time on 1 January 2019 a million viewers. It was nominated for the Czech Lion and for the European ECFA Award.
Summary of project results
The promotion of nature conservation in Czechia is mostly oriented towards the presentation of specific conservation measures or the “most beautiful” natural places. That is why with the film Wild Prague we decided to show a different way of presentation. By using a powerful educational tool – a film – it is possible to “non-violently” influence a wide audience and make them interested in the natural workings. Which in term is a necessary step towards fulfilling the “discover and protect” principle.
By screening this film, our intention was to spark a debate with professional public about a way of promoting conservation issues. Professionals can learn advocacy and promotion skills through the film, skills that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to acquire.
Main activity we have carried out in the project was making of the film Wild Prague. We also published a book of the same name and reached out to the general public through media campaigns and the engagement of professionals. By the date of the formal end of the project, we have managed to screen the film in cinemas to almost 60,000 viewers. We reached more people through events in schools and participation in conferences, festivals and more.
Our primary focus throughout the project centred on creating a captivating film, "Wild Prague." Beyond just the cinematic experience, we extended our impact by launching a corresponding book bearing the same title. To further extend our outreach we employed diverse strategies, involving dynamic media campaigns, collaboration with professionals and screenings in Czech schools.
As we approached the formal end date of the project, nearly 60,000 viewers came to see the “Wild Prague” in cinemas. Our engagement didn''t stop there; we took part in events for schoolchildren, conferences, and festival screenings, broadening our reach to even more diverse audiences. Last but not least, we have shown the film on TV and streaming services, which will grow the reach even further in the future.
Our film is a pioneer in the promotion of nature conservation by offering an innovative and non-stereotypical view of the urban environment and by reaching out to the general public in particular. Its unusual approach is to combine art and science, bringing a unique experience to the audience.
We have shown us and other filmmakers the possibility of public funding. This strategy opens the door for the creation of Czech audiovisual productions, especially in the frequent cases where public funding is the only available option for the creation of these works.