Greenpeace brings climate documentary 'Under the Sun' to Beirut

Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa premiered the documentary Under the Sun in Beirut on July 3, using stories from Lebanon and across the Global South to frame climate change as a justice issue. The screening drew more than 60 attendees and came as Lebanon faces worsening heat, drought and environmental strain.

Why it matters: - Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa is using the Beirut premiere to connect climate change with social justice, not just environmental damage. - The documentary centers people from communities most affected by climate impacts and shows how they are organizing, adapting and leading change. - Lebanon’s worsening heat, drought and other climate pressures are already affecting vulnerable communities and water-dependent livelihoods.

What happened: - Cinema Metropolis in Beirut hosted the Lebanese premiere of the documentary Under the Sun on Friday, July 3. - More than 60 people attended, including environment and climate advocates, Greenpeace MENA partners, volunteers, local media, journalists, and environmental experts. - The premiere also served as a public discussion space after the screening.

The details: - Greenpeace MENA produced the documentary with Roots and Brain Hag. - The film features climate actors and young people from Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Uganda, the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala and other countries. - The documentary was filmed in 2023 during a climate justice camp in Lebanon before the war. - That camp brought together more than 400 young people from across the Global South to exchange ideas on solidarity, climate action and a more just future. - The Beirut event included a post-screening conversation in the Metropolis garden with the Greenpeace MENA team. - The discussion focused on the film’s message, the role of storytelling and culture in reshaping climate discourse, and the importance of collective action and solidarity for environmental justice. - Greenpeace MENA said the documentary moves away from traditional climate narratives by making room for lived experiences and people’s stories.

Between the lines: - The premiere is as much about narrative strategy as film distribution. - Greenpeace MENA is arguing that emotional, human-centered storytelling can shift how audiences understand climate change, especially in a region where conflict, displacement and inequality intensify the crisis. - The film’s focus on the Global South also pushes back against climate coverage that often centers policy and numbers over community experience.

What's next: - The documentary is beginning a new chapter with audiences after its return to Lebanon. - Greenpeace MENA is positioning the film to broaden public debate on climate justice and the role of community-led responses. - The organization is expected to continue using the film as a platform for discussion around climate, inequality and resilience.

The bottom line: - Under the Sun presents climate change as a lived human crisis, and Beirut was the starting point for that message’s next phase.