Solomon, Vishal and Romabeth, students at the University of the South Pacific, set out to bring the issue of climate change before the International Court of Justice. Their argument? Countries need clear guidance on what international law requires of them to address climate change and protect human rights.

Director Felix Golenko’s documentary Yumi follows their campaign as they travel across the Pacific and beyond, meet with governments and diplomats, and work to build support at the United Nations. What began as a student initiative eventually led to the UN General Assembly asking the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the obligations of states in relation to climate change.

The film offers a look at the less visible side of international politics: the meetings, conversations and persistence it takes to turn an idea into a diplomatic initiative. At the centre of it all are three young law students from the Pacific, determined to make their voices heard in rooms where decisions about their future are being made.

There is also a special reason to watch Yumi now. In July 2025, the International Court of Justice delivered its advisory opinion on climate change, setting out states’ obligations under international law and addressing the legal consequences of failing to meet them.

The title Yumi means “we” in Bislama, a language spoken in Vanuatu – a fitting name for a campaign that grew far beyond its three original student organisers.

Join us at UBC’s Norm Theatre on Tuesday, September 29, at 6 PM. Admission is free, and the film will be shown in English with German subtitles. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

We’d be very happy to see you there – especially our followers, whom we usually meet online rather than in person. Come watch the film, grab some pizza, and join us for a conversation afterwards!

DATE
Tuesday September 29, 2026

TIME
6:00 PM - 8:45 PM

COST
Free

Location
Norm Theatre, 6138 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada