About the Director

Kevin Rumley is a documentary filmmaker whose work centers on environmental justice and social activism. His storytelling approach is observational and issue-driven, focusing on individuals who challenge institutional power and advocate for systemic change. Through concise and focused documentary structure, Rumley highlights the human dimension behind global environmental debates. In Hunger Strike Against Ecocide, Rumley documents a moment of environmental protest that intersects with youth activism, civil resistance, and corporate accountability. His direction maintains attention on personal conviction while situating the story within a broader legal and political context.

Film Synopsis

Hunger Strike Against Ecocide is a portrait of activist Howey Ou, often described as the “Chinese Greta Thunberg,” who organized a hunger strike in Switzerland in 2021. The protest followed legal sanctions imposed on her and 45 other environmental activists after occupying Mormont Hill, a site owned by the cement company Holcim. The documentary captures the motivations, risks, and emotional toll of climate activism, exploring themes of civil disobedience, ecological protection, and the consequences faced by those challenging industrial expansion. Through firsthand documentation, the film sheds light on the growing global movement to recognize ecocide as a crime.

Director’s Statement

Kevin Rumley envisioned the film as a "Portrait of a Sacrificed Generation," aiming to capture the visceral urgency of youth-led climate resistance. His approach focuses on the intersection of personal sacrifice and global activism, framing the hunger strike not just as a political act, but as a deeply human response to "Ecocide"—the mass destruction of ecosystems. The director sought to highlight the legal and physical risks young activists face when challenging powerful industrial entities, using Ou's journey to symbolize the broader struggle for environmental justice in a system that often criminalizes protesters while allowing ecological damage to continue

Awards & Recognition

Swiss Film Recognition: The film is part of the official distribution by Swiss Films, recognized for its contribution to nature and environmental storytelling.

International Distribution: It was released as a TV movie and has been featured on major film databases like IMDb for its focus on global climate icons.

Cultural Impact: While primarily recognized on the festival and documentary circuit, the film has been cited in discussions regarding the movement to make Ecocide an international crime, serving as a visual record of the "Mormont Hill" occupation and its aftermath