A NEW film features one of the University of Reading’s most globally-recognised graphics.
Ozi: Voice of the Forest is now out in cinemas, featuring the world-famous Climate Stripes, created by the university’s Professor Ed Hawkins.
The animated film is produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Tim Harper, featuring Amandla Stenberg, Taskmaster contestant and comedian Urzila Carlson, drag superstar RuPaul, and the late Donald Sutherland.
It follows the story of Ozi, an orphaned orangutan who sets out on an adventure to save her forest home from destruction after being separated from her parents.
She is taken in by a wildlife sanctuary, where she learns to communicate through sign language, before setting off to be reunited with her parents and highlight the damage being done to her natural habitat.
Professor Hawkins said: “Ozi is fun film for all the family but it also raises awareness about an important issue.
“As the climate stripes show, our planet is warming rapidly. Humans are responsible for this as we continue to emit greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide.
“Chopping down trees in the rainforest releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and our planet gets hotter.
“The stripes have helped to turn climate conversations into climate action. The next generation will need climate education to equip them with the information and skills they need to tackle the climate crisis in the future.
“I hope young people all over the world will be inspired by ‘Ozi’ and help protect our planet.”
Ozi: Voice of the Forest is in cinemas now, including special showings at Reading’s Biscuit Factory as part of its Kids Club programme of films.
It is screening there at 10.30am on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6.
Full details and tickets available via: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
