In Swiss cinemas in May 2025
The spectre of climate change is haunting us. Why can’t we find answers to the greatest challenge of our time? BEAT THE HEAT, a courtroom thriller from the European Court of Human Rights, clarifies matters.
The Swiss KlimaSeniorinnen (senior women against climate change) are fighting on the front line. Instead of retiring, these elderly women from the civil society in all parts of multilingual Switzerland want to do something about the increasingly frequent heat waves. They bravely take on their own country and file a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against the Swiss government, claiming that it is not doing enough to protect their health. It is a seemingly hopeless undertaking that, after eight years of fighting, culminates in a spectacular ruling that attracts worldwide attention. On 9 April 2024, the ECHR rules that climate protection is a human right. A triumph for the Swiss KlimaSeniorinnen. But Switzerland chooses not to implement the landmark ruling.
BEAT THE HEAT (original title TROP CHAUD) takes a look behind the scenes of the fight against climate change. The activists and their legal team, legal and scientific advisors, and an NGO campaigner talk about their motivations. And they tell the story whose significance was remained largely uncovered by Swiss media outlets. Fundamental questions about democracy, the rule of law and global climate justice are discussed. At the same time, BEAT THE HEAT never loses sight of the fact that the fight against climate change is a complex and difficult task.
Where can BEAT THE HEAT be seen?
BEAT THE HEAT will be released under its original title TROP CHAUD in German speaking Switzerland as from mid May 2025. French and Italian speaking Switzerland will follow in autumn.
There have already been requests to show TROP CHAUD / BEAT THE HEAT in other European countries. This is no surprise, as the ECHR climate ruling affects all 46 member states of the Council of Europe.
BEAT THE HEAT will be available on the web in winter and will encourage people beyond Switzerland to stand up for their rights and against climate change. In German, French, Italian and English.
How was BEAT THE HEAT financed?
BEAT THE HEAT is a film from the civil society, financed by the civil society. The budget of around CHF 300,000 is not yet fully covered. We are still looking for funds. If you liked the film, please share the link to this website with your network. Follow BEAT THE HEAT on Instagram and YouTube.
Help us save transaction fees and make a donation via e-banking.
Scan this QR code with your banking app or download the QR payment slip as a PDF.
Donation account IBAN: CH25 0070 0114 9013 1985 4
Recipient: MattoGrosso Films, 8032 Zürich
Alternatively, you can also donate via Payrexx with TWINT:
Donate with TwintYes, I want to stay informed about the completion of BEAT THE HEAT and screenings of the film together with members of the KlimaSeniorinnen.
We appreciate your donation, thank you very much!
Contact: info@beat-the-heat.com
From left to right: Daniel Hitzig (producer, author), Ramon Königshausen (camera), Benjamin Weiss (director, producer, author)
Many thanks to everyone who supported us in making TROP CHAUD!
#tropchaud #climatehope
