At the 14th Deauville Green Awards, three striking views of transitions
Every year, the Deauville Green Awards – International festival of eco-responsible film – spotlight the power of images and stories to foster environmental, economic and social transitions. From animation technique to the popularisation of science, we look back over three effective, hard-hitting productions entered in the 14th edition, in which Cap’Com took part as member of the jury.
On 4 June in Paris, the Deauville Green Awards 2025 festival drew together audiovisual communication professionals to discuss productions that enlighten, move and galvanise viewers. Aptly described as an observatory of new audiovisual writing, the event is also an opportunity for reflection and inspiration. Because finding different ways to talk about environmental, social and economic issues also entails finding new ways of moving people, raising awareness, creating shared stories and fostering behavioural changes. Close-up on three inspiring productions for public communicators, spotted while we sat on the jury.
“Les Papillons noirs” (Black butterflies): when animation gives substance to the climate emergency
An animated film that goes straight to the heart, mid-way between poetry and gravity. The story adroitly weaves together the life paths of three women – from three different continents – confronted with the consequences of climate change. A shrewd narrative choice that embodies the global nature of the crisis and endows it with an impact that is both universal and human. Then, the return to real life in the last few minutes, with hard-hitting documentary images, packs a punch: what might have looked like fiction takes on substance, underscoring the urgent need for action. An inspiring film for committed communicators, it shows that form and substance can be mutually supportive to raise viewer awareness.
National park spirit, 10 years together: when the storyline embarks all of an area’s committed stakeholders
This film by the French Office for Biodiversity, presented in a recent category of the “Ecotourism and responsible travel” competition, celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Esprit parc national brand. Drawing on a powerful poetic storyline, it takes viewers to meet the committed people - small business owners, farmers, guides, hosts, etc. - who sustain France’s national parks on a daily basis. The tangible commitment of these veritable land-preservation ambassadors to protecting the land is conveyed by a lively, immersive narration. In the background, the entire collective, long-term brand shines through: the national park spirit in 10 years of forging ties between nature, know-how and shared values. A tremendous achievement that anchors a sustainable message in the territories.
“Sound of neurons”: when science becomes a story
This short documentary, narrated by the voice of Vincent Lindon, transforms medical research into a story full of hope. As it follows the day-to-day life of a neurosurgeon and researcher at the brain institute, it showcases the progress being made in research into Parkinson’s, while revealing the faces and gestures of those achieving these medical breakthroughs. With a blend of emotion, scientific rigour and filmed narration, the documentary manages to make the invisible visible and reconnect the general public with science. A novel format that makes complexity accessible, but without simplifying it, providing credible, positive and hope-filled information.
