Arian Tomar
2022 Youth Climate Activism Award - Video Entry
Arian Tomar’s film “More Than We Know”
Peter Allan presents Arian his award certificate.
“In two years, I changed my world. I used storytelling to support climate awareness and justice, I made lifelong connections around the world, and I found new strength in community.
This video honours two years of growth, hard work, determination, and action towards a better future. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way. Without your encouragement and support, I would not be who I am today. Fight on.”
You can watch more of Arian’s films here.
Visit his website HERE ➜
Storytelling as Climate Action
Arian Tomar left home to attend Pearson College UWC on Vancouver Island, an experience that opened the door to a new way of seeing the world and a new understanding of the role storytelling can play in climate action.
That journey began at the Race Rocks Marine Ecological Reserve. Surrounded by the wildlife and raw beauty of the Salish Sea, Arian felt a growing desire not simply to appreciate these places, but to help protect them. With a camera in hand, filmmaking became a way to share what was happening to the natural world and encourage others to pay attention.
During his first year at Pearson College, Arian created a short film about the declining health of the Salish Sea and the environmental warning signs appearing along the coast. It was the beginning of using filmmaking as a tool to help audiences think beyond their own surroundings and consider larger ecological issues.
Returning home to Minnesota brought that same approach to local climate concerns. Arian created a short film exploring the effects of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, while collaborations with individuals and organizations helped amplify the work of others. Projects included supporting a green business directory promoting sustainable local businesses, documenting a music festival raising awareness about the health of pine trees, and sharing the work of a conservation student at a local interpretation centre.
Back on Vancouver Island for his final year at Pearson College, Arian’s focus broadened to the connections between ocean and forest, salmon and people, and art and action. Through conversations about art and activism, stories about salmon, and time spent in old-growth rainforest, filmmaking became a way to explore not only what is at risk, but why people feel compelled to protect it.
Over two years, these experiences transformed storytelling into a form of climate activism, connecting people with places, conservation efforts and one another. They also reinforced a powerful idea: stories can help us see what we stand to lose, imagine what is possible, and find the courage to act.
Arian’s journey began with a dream that education could help create a more peaceful, just, equitable and sustainable future. It ends with an invitation for others to consider their own role in creating change: “What is your dream?”
Youth Climate Action Mentorship Program
Take a Stand and I-SEA (Institute for Sustainability Education and Action) Launch a New Youth Mentorship Program Headed by Filmmaker Arian Tomar
Help create positive tipping point actions and an unstoppable wave of change!
Through this supportive program, you will develop a community-based climate action- or conservation- project over the course of 3 months and learn the power of storytelling to help change the world.
A film by Arian Tomar, sponsored by Take A Stand: Youth For Conservation, and made in collaboration with the Youth Climate Corps BC.
Facing the threat of climate change, the Youth Climate Corps BC collaborates with communities across British Columbia to challenge what resilience looks like through youth led, locally designed, climate action initiatives that inspire hope.