Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2012's films with an environmental message

Environmental issues have become a prominent part of film festivals in recent years, particularly in the documentary sections. Here are three films screening at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival looking to inspire change

American Empire

For his directorial debut, Patrea Patrick travelled across the US speaking to experts in various fields – including the acclaimed author Vandana Shiva – about the American Dream and how it has been corrupted to create an economic force that is hugely environmentally destructive.

Friday, Vox 1, 4.30pm
Sunday, Vox 1, 1.45pm

Polluting Paradise

The award-winning German-Turkish filmmaker Fatih Akin moves away from the dramas for which he has become renowned for this personal documentary about an open-air dump in the Turkish village of Çamburni. It was screened at this year’s Cannes International Film Festival.

October 16, Vox 1, 9.45pm
October 18, Vox 4, 4pm

Trashed

Jeremy Irons fronts this British documentary about the issue of waste disposal in which the actor travels across the world – including Lebanon – looking at ever-expanding landfills and the solutions being made to bring about change.

October 17, Vox 5, 7pm
October 19, Vox 4, 1.45pm