Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo has launched a fundraising campaign for the production of an environmental short film, entitled Mother Nature.

Angélique Kidjo has teamed up with French director Yann Arthus-Bertrand to make the short film which expands the Grammy Award-winning singer’s message of the her song Mother Nature. The film has been described as “a cinematic illustration of the eponymous title of her forthcoming album”, which is due for release next month.

Described as “a committed, transgenerational, musically energetic and inspiring work to carry a call for the protection of the planet loud and far”, Angélique Kidjo said: “[In Africa] it is the children who are bearing the brunt of the climate change crisis. It is the future generation that will pay the heaviest price for climate change.”

The short film will be shot in three countries including Benin and France. A third country – either Nigeria or the US – which will be chosen according to the evolution of the pandemic.

All proceeds from the film will be donated to Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s GoodPlanet Foundation, which aims to preserve the planet, raise awareness of ecological causes and support environmental projects around the world.

The Cotonou-born singer Angélique Kidjo, who grew up in an environment full of sacred forests and medicinal plants, has always had a deep respect for the elements and nature, and has dedicated much of her work to the environment.

The production team, who have launched a campaign via the French crowdfunding site Kiss Kiss Bank Bank, have set a goal of 50,000 Euros to cover all production costs abroad in Benin and the third country icluding transport and accommodation of teams, rental of technical equipment, organisation of filming, and administrative costs.

To support the campaign, you can visit the Kiss Kiss Bank Bank website.

Mother Nature

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living.