Can I Live? - Film review
Maya Arkane reviews Fehinti Balogun’s film, Can I Live?, EXPLORING inequality IN THE FACE OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS.
Review by: Maya Arkane
Photograph by: Beth Pihama
Can I Live? (2021) is a film depicting the paradox we exist in, as we work to meet the demands of modern society whilst facing the ecological crisis.
Differing from other, more negative, films about the climate crisis, this film will have you singing, dancing, and even possibly crying simultaneously.
The film follows Fehinti Balogun, the starring actor and writer, on his personal journey of activism, tackling inequality within environmental movements, geopolitics and imperial history.
Through the film, Balogun sums up the debilitating feelings surrounding the climate crisis - feelings of hopelessness, “what’s the point in even trying”, and the illusion of the insignificance of individual action.
Can I Live? highlights how paralysing and frustrating these fears can be, whilst exploring the relationship between social inequality and environmental justice.
The film asks us how best to fight for environmental justice whilst also fighting for social equality. How does one do this if they are part of an already oppressed group, judged and treated differently from their white peers? Can I Live? gives an insight into why it’s harder for marginalised communities to act and support climate movements.
Balogun also highlights the devastating realities of the climate emergency for lower economic countries, making the salient point: “The ecological crisis will cause mass genocide.”
The ecological crisis is not something that will just affect animals, it will have a detrimental effect on human life, and predominantly those from lower-economic countries. The “countries most affected are the ones most historically stolen from”, Balogun states.
The climate emergency is a legacy of colonialism that “established a model through which the air and lands of the global south have been … used as places to dump waste the global north does not want” (Greenpeace 2022).
In the film, Balogun speaks of lies and misrepresentations published within the media and by governments, hiding the truth about climate change. The film encourages us to question statements about climate change, and the action being taken to stop it.
I found this film extremely upsetting as well as comforting. It’s the first time I’ve not felt alone with my personal struggles and the complexity of fighting for climate justice.
Especially with social injustices on top of this, it’s hard to fight for environmental justice, as those from marginalised communities are more unfairly judged or persecuted. For example, white protestors are often treated differently from people of colour, especially by the police; this has been seen with the disproportionate amount of fatalities due to police brutality in the UK amongst Black people (The Guardian, 2023).
Can I Live? also comments on capitalism and its structure as one of many culprits causing the ecological crisis.
It’s not that we, the people, are choosing to harm our planet, but rather capitalism and the government’s prioritisation of economic growth at the expense of the planet.
One of the most frustrating aspects of trying to live a more sustainable life is the expense of some of the more “eco” options. Businesses and individuals are faced with the choice every day between (often more expensive) sustainable options, and cheaper, less sustainable alternatives. These cheaper alternatives are often made by companies who pay their workers poorly, creating products that cost less for the consumer, but have a bigger toll on the planet. Our system is built to benefit the rich at the expense of the planet and billions of ordinary people.
Balogun makes the viewer feel like his friend when watching this film, the way his peers speak about their struggles with trying to “live”, and forge their own paths in life.
As a recent graduate, trying to understand my place in this world, I find this extremely relatable. I’m in a constant battle trying to make “eco-conscious” choices, for example buying local produce, then checking my bank account and seeing no money left for bills, socialising, getting to work, or occasionally treating myself.
This structure must change. Those of us having difficulty paying rent and bills, sometimes struggling to simply survive, are not the architects of the climate crisis. Balogun outlines this sentiment perfectly in his film, expressing the sheer frustration that goes with this struggle.
Although this sounds like doom and gloom, I promise the film is uplifting!
There is hope, there are people making a change and groups across the UK (not just Extinction Rebellion) pushing this change.
Living in London, in most boroughs, there are groups you can join to protect your local green spaces and look after them - I’ve created a small list of some of these initiatives, where you can volunteer and spend your free time in nature. Most cities in the UK have a variety of groups you can join like the ones listed - and if there aren’t any in your local area, start one!
As well as sharing Balogun’s personal journey of discovery and the challenges faced, Can I Live? is a visual feast, the music SLAPS (the hip-hop tracks will have you chair dancing whilst watching), and it will also make you crave fried plantain - watch it and you’ll see what I mean!
Can I Live? is touring online now. Visit the film’s website for more information and screening dates.