30. Okt. – 2. Nov. 2025
BEYOND Festival

In the remote mountains of northern Pakistan—home to the world’s highest number of glaciers outside the polar regions—climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s a daily reality. Ice Farmers: Reshaping the “Third Pole” follows the inspiring journey of local communities confronting the devastating effects of glacial melt and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Faced with disappearing water sources and destroyed villages, these resilient villagers are reviving ancient techniques like glacier grafting and pioneering modern innovations such as ice stupas—towering artificial glaciers that store water for the dry months. From the voices of farmers, scientists, and volunteers, this visually stunning and deeply human documentary explores how Indigenous wisdom, collective action, and climate resilience are reshaping one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems. A powerful story of adaptation and hope, the film reminds us that local innovation can lead to global change in the face of crisis.

Director Biography - Afsar Awan (DW)

Afsar Awan is an experienced multimedia journalist and an emerging documentary filmmaker with nearly two decades of experience covering social and environmental issues. He began his career in Pakistan and moved to Germany in 2008, where he has since been affiliated with DW, the German public broadcaster.
This project is significant to Awan as it connects his roots in Pakistan with his professional development in Europe and his growing passion for using documentary film to inspire awareness and action regarding the climate emergency.

Director Statement

With nearly two decades of experience in multimedia journalism, I have focused on telling impactful stories—those that expose crises and explore solutions. This documentary, my first long-format film, employs a constructive journalism approach to address the climate emergency in the northern areas of Pakistan, part of the "Third Pole," where mountain communities are facing challenges due to glacial melt and catastrophic flooding.
Rooted in personal connection and professional purpose, the film combines journalistic integrity with cinematic depth, highlighting not only the threats but also the resilience and local innovations that are shaping a path forward.