New York, United States - October 06, 2024

In a dramatic continuation of their climate activism, members of Extinction Rebellion NYC once again disrupted the New York Film Festival, this time during the Sunday afternoon screening of "The Shrouds." The activists, echoing their previous warning, declared, "There is no film on a dead planet," highlighting the dire implications of climate inaction.

The film, starring Vincent Cassel, presents a haunting metaphor for the current environmental crisis, where the protagonist watches his loved ones decay, mirroring the decay of our planet if climate change continues unabated. "We're not just watching a film; we're living it," commented one of the disrupters, drawing parallels between the movie's theme and the real-world consequences of ignoring climate change.

Miles Grant, speaking on behalf of Extinction Rebellion, emphasized the severity of the situation, "The disruption we caused is nothing compared to the chaos nature will unleash if we fail to act now." His statement was a call to action, urging immediate and collective response to the climate emergency.

Lydia W, another activist, added a personal touch to the protest, expressing her hopes for future generations, "I want my grandchildren to enjoy events like NYFF, but that's impossible on a dead planet." Her words underlined the long-term perspective of the movement, aiming not just for today's audience but for future ones.

Jeff M clarified that the disruption was not aimed at the festival itself but was intended to use New York's status as a global city to amplify their message. "We're fighting for lives, from Nigeria to Queens. This is a global fight," he stated, emphasizing the universal threat posed by climate change.

John Mark Rozendaal justified the method of protest, explaining, "Given the crisis we face, disrupting this event is not just rational; it's necessary." His comment reflected the movement's belief that conventional activism has failed, necessitating more direct, albeit disruptive, actions.

Extinction Rebellion's strategy of nonviolent civil disobedience is rooted in the urgency of the climate crisis, demanding that governments and institutions acknowledge and act decisively against what they term the Sixth Mass Extinction. They advocate for the creation of Citizens' Assemblies as a democratic mechanism to address climate issues fairly and effectively.

This second disruption at NYFF underscores the group's commitment to using cultural events as platforms for environmental activism, aiming to provoke thought and action among attendees and the broader public. The movement's presence at such high-profile events continues to draw attention to the ticking clock of climate change, urging all to consider the future we are leaving for generations to come.