We all want a green transition, but at what cost? A battery-powered world depends on lithium mining, which often impacts some of the most vulnerable communities.

MATERIA PRIMA is a poetic documentary filmed in Bolivia that explores Europe’s extractivist and neocolonial mindset and its historical roots. It opens a conversation about global power structures and responsibility in the green transition by focusing on one of the most prized minerals of our current crisis: lithium. 

When we saw the film, we immediately saw how impactful it could be. What we needed was an approach that takes into account both the responsibility of the Global North and the needs of the Global South. 

The campaign, currently in development, aims to use the film as a catalyst for dialogue, awareness, and action in both Europe and Latin America. It brings together stakeholders from different regions to ensure that no one is left behind in the shift toward decarbonisation.

What we hope is to go further superficial commitments of corporate responsibility, and influence real structural change. It is not just about protecting everyone during the green transition but also about rethinking who gets to profit from it justly! 

So that we can ensure an equitable approach, FILM & CAMPAIGN is collaborating with NODO SUR (Bogotá), combining our experience in documentary impact campaigns across Europe and Latin America. Following an initial brainstorming workshop at our office with the film’s director Jens Schanze, we are now looking forward to our first collaborative lab with Nodo Sur. 

Thanks to the LandxSea Festival and a grant by the ICO and British Council, the Colombian team will be able to come to Scotland and attend the UK premiere of MATERIA PRIMA and partake in our first joint campaign development workshop.  

Irish 'exploration pioneer' David Horgan in MATERIA PRIMA

Already, many ideas have started to germinate and we are impatient to see how they evolve.

In Latin America, particularly Bolivia, the focus is on strengthening indigenous voices and ensuring they remain central in conversations about land, resources, and rights. Key aims include raising awareness of lithium extraction, strengthening understanding of rights, supporting collective action, and building networks between communities. Potential activities include the collaboration with mobile cinemas to show the film in remote areas, workshops on indigenous rights and sustainable energy, and links with grassroots initiatives promoting fair and ethical resource governance.

In Europe, the campaign addresses the hidden impacts of the green transition. It aims to raise awareness of new forms of exploitation, challenge consumer behaviour, encourage ethical decision-making, and push for stronger supply chain legislation and corporate accountability. Activities could include public workshops, consumer awareness campaigns such as a “Fair Power” label, advocacy events, and engagement with policymakers and industry.

Across both regions, the campaign will seek to build solidarity, develop shared demands for decision-makers, connect workers across supply chains, and explore long-term models for ethical governance of raw materials.

Cine Global, the German Distributors of MATERIA PRIMA, are supporting our initial impact activities and releasing the film theatrically from 22 October 2026.  

Follow our progress, if you too want a just transition!

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