Our documentary “One tree, one inhabitant – A story of building strong roots” at the ALIMENTERRE Festival
Now in its 20th year, the ALIMENTERRE Festival has been running since 2007. From 15 October to 30 November 2026, the French Committee for International Solidarity (CFSI) is presenting a selection of 10 documentary films on a variety of themes. For this special edition, four additional documentaries have been selected by a jury in West Africa. Our documentary “One tree, one inhabitant – A story of building strong roots”, about the winners of the 2026 PLATFORMAwards, is among them.
For the past twenty years, the ALIMENTERRE festival has been inviting every citizen to reflect on our food choices: local sourcing, fairness towards producers, sustainability and quality are at the heart of the discussions. Every year, more than 2,500 events are organised in over 1,000 local authorities across France and in around fifteen other countries.
Ten films are being showcased, with – as every year – educational resources and support in local communities forming the festival’s strength. The festival is also inviting West African partners committed to promoting local consumption to take part in the events.
New this year: a selection of films focusing on West African contexts. Four documentaries are available to explore issues relating to agropastoralism, the mining of rare earths, sustainable agricultural practices and the preservation of ecosystems. These documentaries are practical and engaging tools for raising awareness of international solidarity and bringing the international perspective to life at the local level.
Our documentary “One tree, one inhabitant – A story of building strong roots”, which highlights the partnership between the French department of Isère and the Boundou Community Nature Reserve in south-eastern Senegal, has been selected.
Synopsis
In the Boundou Community Nature Reserve, in south-eastern Senegal, rural communities are facing drought, food insecurity and the effects of climate change. In response to these challenges, the ‘One Tree, One Resident’ project is mobilising local residents, women, young people and farmers around sustainable reforestation and agroforestry tailored to local conditions.
Through poignant portraits and a partnership between the Reserve’s Conservation Authority (CORENA) and the French department of Isère, the film tells the story of how every tree planted becomes an act of resistance, self-reliance and hope for the future of a region.
The selection committee’s opinion
This short documentary portrays a concrete example of decentralised cooperation developed in partnership with local communities. The project, a collaboration between France and Senegal, demonstrates a tailored and sustainable solution to the shared challenges posed by climate change. This film is therefore a useful tool for highlighting possible local alternatives to address the problems faced by farmers, whilst also exploring the links between food sovereignty and ecosystem restoration.