From Risk to Resilience Earthbeat Challenge 2022
The Challenge asked for stories which demonstrated community resilience against disaster risk. Judges selected 6 stories and worked with the participants to produce their films. Filmmakers were given a bursary to cover filming expenses, Their films and projects are showcased through Earthbeat and were showed around the Global Platform organised by the UN office for Disaster Risk Resilience.
Ekoue Ivan David Djimedo-Folly, from Togo shares his story about the efforts to fight sea erosion along the coastline of his country.
Ekoue is a member of an NGO (OJEDD Togo) which is interested in disaster risk management. The development of the theme happened quite naturally. His aim was to tell simply, faithfully and very briefly what is being done in Gbodjomé to tackle coastal erosion.
Ekoue's words have been lightly edited for clarity
Filmmaking Credits
- Ekoue Ivan David Djimedo-Folly, filming, editing and production
- Kodjo Ossah, team coordination
- Debora Edoh, script assistance
- Charlène Agbehonou, field trip organisation
Equipment
- iPhone 11 with tripod
- External microphone
- VN video editor
The project behind the film
The coastal erosion control technique in Gbodjomé presented in the film was born in early 2021. Initially, this technique was used to protect the house of its inventor Mr. Deo Eklu-Natey against the advance of the oceans.
Shortly after Mr. Deo's innovation, the West Africa Coastal Resilience Investment Project (WACA ResIP) enabled the technique developed to be implemented on a large scale in Togo.
Mr. Deo's technique must still be studied today by a community of experts in order to make improvements.
Making the film
Filming of the sequences of the film was done on an iPhone 11, with an external microphone to capture the sound and a tripod to keep the device steady. The ability of Mr. Kevin Ossah to mop up strangers and gain their confidence helped us a lot during the interviews with the inhabitants of Gbodjomé.
Once the filming sessions in Gbodjomé were over, the editing was done on the VN video editor application. This is available for portable devices as well as desktop/laptop computers.
Photos: Ekoue Ivan David Djimedo-Folly
What next?
The project is at least known in West Africa. We hope that soon the whole world will be aware of it too.
Ekoue and his team are keen to make more films and would need further information, connections, training and funding to help them do this.
Follow this project
Discover other Community Resilience Films
The Risk to Resilience Earthbeat Challenge is supported by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The jury looked for stories which showcased community resilience against natural risks.