What if the key to the ecological transition lay in the stories we tell ourselves? Far from being a means of escapism, storytelling is a rational tool for shaping the future and spurring action.
This event, organized by the Hub des possibles as part of Climate Week, will begin with a screening of the short film “La voix des orchidées” by Christian Chaplais, who will be making a special trip from Paris for the occasion.
This will be followed by a roundtable discussion bringing together experts from complementary fields—film, academic research, future studies, and media—to explore how our imaginations shape our reality and what kinds of narratives truly drive behavioral change.
A roundtable discussion featuring:
- Christian Chaplais, screenwriter and director, founder of Beaux Futurs, Paris
Christian Chaplais is a screenwriter of new ecological narratives. He directed the short film “La voix des orchidées,” inspired by the work of economist Timothée Parrique. Conceived as an audiovisual manifesto for simplicity, this 20-minute film will serve as the starting point for our discussion. Christian will discuss his creative process and how fiction can serve as a concrete tool for transforming the way we think.
- Jonas Schneiter, director of Our Frame and journalist
Jonas Schneiter, a well-known media personality in French-speaking Switzerland, heads the production company Our Frame (formerly Nous Prod), which creates socially engaged content (documentaries, series, podcasts) while scientifically measuring its societal and ecological impact. He will present the methodologies (in collaboration with sociologists and psychologists) used to assess whether a piece of content truly transforms perceptions and mobilizes citizens.
- Colin Pahlisch, researcher at UNIL and coordinator ofthe Observatory of Anthropocene Narratives and Imaginaries
Colin Pahlisch is a researcher with the STRIVE Program and the Center of Expertise in Sustainability (CCD) at UNIL. He coordinates the Observatory of Anthropocene Narratives and Imaginaries (ORIA) and directs the Les Écotopiales festival. He will shed light on the “grand narratives” that shape our relationship with the living world, analyzing how certain imaginaries either hinder or facilitate the ecological transition.
- Chantal Peyer, futurist and co-founder of the Hub des Possibles
A political scientist, futurist, and coach, Chantal Peyer is the co-founder and co-director of the Hub des Possibles, an organization dedicated to building sustainable futures. An expert in climate transition scenario planning, she works to bring about desirable futures. She will explain how foresight, when used as a creative tool, can help build positive narratives and restore the power to take action in the face of climate challenges.
- Moderator: Joëlle Loretan, specialized journalist
Joëlle Loretan has been writing for print media for over ten years, with a strong focus on environmental issues. She enjoys “building connections” and is always eager to analyze the stories we’re told and how they influence our collective choices.