Imagine a world where ancient myths collide with today's urgent environmental battles—now picture that unfolding on a crisp November afternoon at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). That's the magic we dove into during Trinity Reads' wrap-up event, partnering with Skills for Change, leaving everyone buzzing about climate action, cultural roots, and the power of storytelling. But here's where it gets intriguing: what if a classic animated film from Japan could shine a light on our own city's struggles with sustainability? Stick around, because this afternoon wasn't just about entertainment—it was a call to rethink our relationship with the planet. And this is the part most people miss—how youth voices are reshaping the narrative around land, identity, and innovation in ways that might surprise you.
As the semester winds down, Trinity Reads—Trinity College's vibrant initiative blending literature and eco-conscious activities (check out their site at https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/study-arts-science/trinity-reads/)—celebrated with a series of engaging happenings like author chats and creative sessions. The grand finale? A November 22 screening of Hayao Miyazaki's iconic Princess Mononoke (1997) at TIFF, teamed up with our community ally, Skills for Change (https://skillsforchange.org/). Attendees got to enjoy Miyazaki's environmental masterpiece, then flowed into a lively Trinity Reads climate mixer and a discussion with University of Toronto graduate Zalika Reid-Benta.
The day began with an energizing pre-screening chat, steered by student leaders from Skills for Change's Youth Climate Action Initiative (https://skillsforchange.org/youth-climate-action-initiative). Guided by Rafia Salam, team members Sunita Lall, Kiethan Theva, and Abdishakur Aligure painted sustainability not as a chore, but as a thrilling blend of innovation, artistry, and hope. They shared how young people in Toronto are boldly reimagining tomorrow, sparking chats about forging ties to the earth, the vital part our city's youth play in tackling the climate emergency, and why staying connected to nature feels more important than ever. For beginners curious about this, think of it like urban gardening meets global activism—it's about turning everyday actions into movements that protect our shared home.
These uplifting insights from Skills for Change effortlessly led into the heart of Princess Mononoke. Drawing from Japanese folklore, historical events, and the beauty of the natural world, Miyazaki's tale delves into humanity's bond with progress and the dangers of ignoring the land's guardians. It follows an outcast prince and a young woman brought up by furious forest spirits, weaving a bridge between human and animal realms while urging the younger generation to drive change. As an elder tells Prince Ashitaka, 'You cannot alter your fate. However, you can rise to meet it if you so choose.' This isn't just fantasy; it's a metaphor that prompts us to ponder our planet's future amid the climate chaos we've inherited. Beginners might find it helpful to know that the film critiques industrial expansion versus nature's wisdom—much like how real-world deforestation mirrors the story's conflicts. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Miyazaki's vision too romanticized, or does it accurately capture the hard truths of environmental exploitation? Many argue it's spot-on, yet others wonder if it overlooks the complexities of modern sustainability solutions.
The themes of earth, weather patterns, and imaginative thinking carried over into the after-movie gathering and Trinity Reads' author session in TIFF's elegant upstairs lounge. Led by Trinity's Director of Literary Programming, Leanne Toshiko Simpson, and student coordinator Adaora Olisa, the spotlight was on Zalika Reid-Benta's acclaimed novel, River Mumma (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/705226/river-mumma-by-zalika-reid-benta/9780735244764), which made the shortlist. We journey with Alicia, a young Black woman in Toronto, aiding a Jamaican water spirit amidst the city's bustling, often gridlocked streets. Reid-Benta masterfully unpacks Alicia's quest for self-identity, rediscovering her heritage, and juggling life in a diaspora—think of it as exploring roots in a concrete jungle.
As Zalika herself put it, 'There is no way to write about spirituality and connection to your ancestors and not write about your connection to the land.' Hailing from Jamaican-Canadian roots, she highlighted how Toronto's immigrant and diaspora groups nurture a profound spiritual and cultural bond with the soil beneath their feet and the ancestral lands afar. This echoed the eco-cultural motifs in Miyazaki's film, underscoring Trinity Reads' ethos of literature, community ties, and inventive environmentalism. For those new to this, it's like seeing how personal stories of migration parallel global themes of belonging and stewardship—expanding our view beyond the page to real-world actions.
River Mumma stands among the five finalists championed by Trinity Reads all year, and Reid-Benta's appearance was the second spotlight on a shortlisted writer, gearing up for the big Trinity Reads discussion and book expo on January 29 in Seeley Hall. As a college-driven effort promoting books and green living, the Trinity Reads Campaign is set to keep enriching our university scene with thoughtful, eco-friendly, and reflective programs next year.
Photo Credit: Scott Dion
What do you think—does blending folklore with climate talks change how we view our daily impact on the earth? And here's a bold question to ponder: Are we, like Prince Ashitaka, ready to confront the fates our predecessors have set, or are we dodging the real controversies of who bears the brunt of environmental change? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that youth-led initiatives are the game-changer, or is there a counterpoint I'm missing? Let's discuss!
