One of the Human Stories from this year’s Interconnected Disaster Risks report “Turning Over a New Leaf” has been selected for screening at the international Rural FilmFest showcasing impactful documentary, fiction and animation films focused on the environment, sustainability and rural life.
The selected video, filmed by Rodrigo Jardón, highlights the story of the chinamperos, the traditional farmers in Xochimilco, Mexico City, who are working to preserve their ancestral agricultural practices amid increasing climate change impacts.
The chinamperos cultivate chinampas, which are human-made floating gardens first developed by the Aztecs. These ancient techniques once sustained thriving communities, but now face threats from pollution and climate change. Through the voices of farmers like Lauro Rivera, Samuel Luna, his grandson Eric Enríquez and community historian Mariana Cruz, the film explores the cultural legacy and urgent fight to keep this way of life alive.
This human story forms part of the 2025 Interconnected Disaster Risks report, which emphasizes that the need for long-term thinking for the success of future generations is one of five fundamental changes that humanity needs to make to shift course towards a more sustainable and resilient world.
