So we’re going back to normal. How normal was normal?

That’s the question Australian photographer, Milos Mlynarik, Australian filmmaker and sound designer, Tim Arnold, and London creatives, Luke O’Driscoll and Marco Mollo are asking with their one-minute film that juxtaposes the peacefulness of Covid landscapes and the mad clamour of pre-lockdown sounds.

It really, really makes you think, highlighting everything from political lies to consumerism, excessive greed, the climate crisis, and advertising.

The film, which was shot in Sydney during lockdown, was created for Extinction Rebellion to announce the activist group’s No Going Back campaign.

Watch with the sound up:

Extinction Rebellion is asking the world to consider its return to “business as usual” in light of the climate and ecological emergency the world is facing. The two emergencies, the pandemic and the planet’s, both must be addressed in tandem to secure a safe future for all, XR states.

The activist group’s new campaign is asking people to take part in a series of silent protests on Saturday May 30 at 12 noon.  The protest has been designed so that people are physically distanced at 3 metres apart, with Extinction Rebellion asking that everyone wear protective masks in order to take part and only travel walking or cycling distance.

Marco Mollo stated, “We were questioning everyone talking about the new normal. And with that it implied that how we were living before was ‘normal’. But in many ways, it was anything but.

“My friend and photographer, Milos Mlynarik, in Sydney was out of work, like many freelancers due to the corona crisis, and he had shot some really striking, almost haunting shots of the empty city. It got Luke O’Driscoll (my creative partner) and I thinking about using that and we came together to devise the concept. Milos then brought Tim Arnold on board as the filmmaker and sound designer. Tim had to work through hours of audio clips, everything from a 2010 Wall Street flash crash to Michael O’Leary of Ryanair talking about insane levels of flying and create the crazy soundscape to contrast the calming visuals.”

Luke O’Driscoll added, “As people who work in advertising, we are aware that we can also be part of the problem. But I believe brands and a healthy planet are not mutually exclusive. That now, more so than ever, is the time for ad agencies to help guide their clients to a more sustainable, ethical future. And I think that’s really what this film is saying, that a better future is possible, and this is our chance to make that a reality.”

Extinction Rebellion’s Tamsin Omond, commented, “We live in an era of global crises. Covid19 forced us to stop. In the people-led response to the pandemic we saw another world emerging. But vested interests will do everything they can to stop us from learning the lessons of this global pandemic. Our climate is being destroyed and our politicians and political systems will return us to ‘normal’ if we do not rebel.

“Governments around the world have already begun putting together relief packages for high carbon industries amounting to tens of billions.

“We need to make clear that there is no going back. We will not be silent as billions are rolled out to protect the most polluting and ruthlessly profiteering industries, while the most vulnerable are again forgotten. This is the moment to achieve the impossible.

“This act of defiance will highlight a refusal to go back to business as usual. There has never been a more pressing time to completely reimagine the way we live, and with much of the mainstream media joining the call to “flatten the climate curve”, and a poll out today that shows even 62% of Conservative voters want a green recovery, it’s clear that we must use this moment to secure a safe future for all.”

Find more about Extinction Rebellion’s quest here.

Credits:

Creatives: Marco Mollo & Luke O’Driscoll

DOP & Colour Grading: Milos Mlynarik

Edit & Sound Design: Tim Arnold

PR / Communication: The Humblebrag Amsterdam

How you can get involved:

• In the UK, come to one of our events, join the Rebellion Network and let us know how you can help out.
• Start a group where you are: in the UK or around the world.
• Find your local group.
• Check out the International XR website, with links to the French, German, Italian and UK websites.
• And while your time and energy are of most importance, if you are financially able to donate money, see the crowdfunder.