At the Capalbio Film Festival, the animated movie “Ozi: Voice of the Forest”, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Tim Hamper, was showcased to widespread acclaim. This film is not just a visual delight but a powerful educational tool that highlights the environmental impact of deforestation and the importance of sustainable practices, especially within the palm oil industry, which has embraced a significant shift towards sustainability.

A FILM THAN INSPIRES CHANGE  

The film tells the moving story of Ozi, a young orangutan who lives peacefully in the forest until her habitat is destroyed by human intervention, separating her from her family. Rescued by volunteers at an orphaned orangutan sanctuary, Ozi learns sign language and becomes a viral sensation online. But her adventure doesn’t end there: determined to reunite with her family, she ventures through a landscape devastated by deforestation, uncovering the tragic consequences of human exploitation.

“Ozi: Voice of the Forest” is not just an emotional journey into the heart of rainforests; it’s a powerful story of transformation, reflecting how the palm oil industry has embraced a shift toward more ethical and sustainable production practices.

THE PALM OIL INDUSTRY: A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY 

Over the past two decades, the palm oil sector has made considerable progress in reducing its environmental footprint. After watching the animated film, Michelle Desilets, executive director of Orangutan Land Trust, highlighted how major palm oil-producing countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have begun prioritizing sustainability. “Boycotting palm oil is not the solution,” she emphasized. “The only viable alternative is sustainable palm oil, which helps protect forests and endangered species.

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: KEYS FOR A GREENER FUTURE 

Even Emanuela Graffigna, professor of Consumer and Health Psychology at the Catholic University of Piacenza, emphasized the potential of films to foster constructive dialogue on sustainability, educate consumers, and promote clarity beyond emotional responses. Movies like “Ozi” play a critical role in raising awareness and encouraging informed choices, moving past marketing simplifications such as “palm oil-free” labels to provide clearer information. An open dialogue about sustainable palm oil is essential, particularly with the impending European Union Deforestation Regulation, which will assure that all products entering the EU are free from deforestation.

Want to learn more about the EUDR and our proposal to the European Commission? Read here!