Hope is a Word

Logline

Oil spills keep devastating the Niger Delta. Nnimmo Bassey, poet and activist, refuses to lose hope and raises a new generation of voices to fight oil extraction.

Impact Statement

“Oil pollution in the Niger Delta demands collective accountability, requiring top-down interventions alongside grassroots efforts. With Hope is a Word, we aim to amplify the voices of a new generation of poet-activists whose personal stories highlight a long-standing ecological and human rights crisis. As companies quietly divest, leaving devastation behind, their voices call for urgent attention and action. We hope to pressure governments and oil corporations to address their failing infrastructure and fund clean-up efforts. We want our audience to gain awareness of the Niger Delta’s environmental and social struggles.”

Goal at Take on Film & Impact

“Our goal at Movies that Matter is to connect with impact producers and broadcasters to explore partnerships that enhance the reach and influence of our documentary Hope is a Word. We aim to engage with like-minded professionals to exchange ideas, collaborate on initiatives, and gain insights from successful impact campaigns. We are particularly interested to learn from experienced impact producers and filmmakers who specialize in creating social change through film, and networking with television and online platform representatives who are passionate about distributing meaningful content. Additionally, we hope to discuss with curators who select and showcase impactful films. Through this participation, we aspire to strengthen the social and environmental messaging of our films and expand their global audience.”

Participants

Maria Galliani Dyrvik

Anita Vedå has run Smau since 2014. Her films Flowers in the veins (2022, Bergen International Film Festival) and Ideas from God, the Devil and the four corners of the world (2024, NRK), both intimate portrayals of artists, were very well received in Norway. The films she has produced have been screened at Bergen International Film Festival, Nordisk Panorama, DocsBarcelona and Rome IFF. Recently, her co-production Murmuring Hearts won Best Cinematography at Tallinn Black Nights. Anita participated in IDFA Academy (2019) and was part of the Norwegian Film Institute’s delegation to CPH:DOX in 2024.

Contact: Maria Galliani Dyrvik Contact: Anita Vedå