On 4 October 2022, YouTube Originals will release the feature documentary The Letter, produced by Oscar-winning Off the Fence Productions in collaboration with Laudato Si’ Movement and the Vatican. The film will bring to life the transformative vision of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical letter on climate change and ecology, to inspire lasting action for our common home.
The Letter features frontline environmental champions from around the world, including scientists Greg Asner and Robin Martin. Each person highlighted in the film represents a voice that is not being heard–the voice of wildlife, the voice of the Indigenous, the voice of the young, and the voice of the poor. The film follows these people coming together in dialogue with each other and with Pope Francis as they find unity in their distinct worldviews and strength in the common values we all share.
Immediately after the global premiere of October 4 in Vatican City, the film will be released globally on YouTube. A massive global audience is expected. An impact campaign will accompany the release of the Laudato Si’ film to share the messages of The Letter, broaden the universe of actors on climate and nature, shift narratives around the protection of our planet and encourage better policies. As part of the impact campaign the film will be screened at high-level events, including COP27 and COP15, and in communities across the world.
To deliver the impact campaign, Laudato Si’ Movement is working with a diverse coalition of hundreds of partners, who will activate their grassroots networks to share The Letter with new audiences through screenings and other activities. A film website launching before the premiere will become the hub for audiences wanting to take action after watching the film. The website will be available in 6 languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Polish) and host nearly 30 resources with information to support screening hosts to run impact-driven events. The site will also feature a schedule of live training sessions related to event planning and advocacy, and an interactive screenings map to showcase events happening across the world.
In addition, a number of short videos on topics related to the film and high quality still images will be available to share through social media. This package of materials will be available to share from October 4th. Laudato Si’ Movement can provide the assets and any other material needed such as social copy.
We would be incredibly grateful for any screening event organised locally re: The Letter – particularly a diocesan screening event followed by smaller parish / community screenings.
For information or support and for those interested in hosting local screening in their parish, schools, community centres etc, you can contact [email protected]
Link to the trailer is here: