Watch Severn: The Voice of Our Children

Severn: The Voice of Our Children is a documentary film that explores the life and work of Severn Cullis-Suzuki, a Canadian environmental activist who rose to international prominence in 1992 at the age of 12, when she gave a powerful speech at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The film traces Severn's journey from her childhood in Vancouver, where she grew up in a family of environmentalists and activists, to her teenage years, when she became a leading voice in the global youth movement for environmental justice.

Narrated by Severn herself, the film combines archival footage, interviews with friends, family, and colleagues, and stunning imagery of nature and wildlife to tell the story of a remarkable young woman who has dedicated her life to fighting for a more sustainable and just world. The film begins with Severn's childhood, showing how her parents instilled in her a deep love and respect for the natural world, and how she grew up surrounded by activists and artists who were passionate about social and environmental justice. We see how Severn's early experiences with environmentalism, including a memorable encounter with a dying salmon, sparked her interest in activism and gave her a sense of purpose and direction.

As the film progresses, we witness Severn's growing involvement in the global environmental movement, culminating in her unforgettable speech at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The film delves into the context and significance of this speech, showing how it captured the imagination of people around the world and helped to galvanize a generation of young activists. We hear from Severn herself about the experience of delivering the speech, and we learn about the impact it had on her life and on the broader movement for environmental justice.

The film also explores some of the challenges and complexities that Severn has faced in her activism over the years. We see how her high profile and intense media scrutiny have made it difficult for her to balance her public persona with her personal life, and how she has struggled to find ways to have a meaningful impact while also staying true to her principles and values. We also learn about some of the setbacks and disappointments that Severn has experienced, including the failure of the Kyoto Protocol and the ongoing marginalization of young people in environmental decision-making.

Despite these challenges, Severn remains an inspiring and deeply committed advocate for the planet and its inhabitants. The film ends on a hopeful note, showing how Severn has continued to work tirelessly for environmental justice in a variety of venues, from local community initiatives to international conferences and meetings. We see her working with young people from around the world to build a new movement for sustainability and social justice, and we hear her express her enduring faith in the power of grassroots organizing, creative thinking, and youthful energy to bring about meaningful change.

Overall, Severn: The Voice of Our Children is a compelling and moving documentary that offers a unique perspective on one of the most important environmental activists of our time. It is a testament to the power of young people to make a difference, and a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for the health and well-being of our planet. Anyone who cares about the future of our world should see this film.