Global environmental solutions company Veolia celebrated the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea by hosting a special environmental film screening in collaboration with the Seoul International Environmental Film Festival.
The screening, held on June 18 at CGV Myeongdong in Seoul, featured the latest work by renowned French wildlife photographer and filmmaker Vincent Munier, titled "Whispers of the Forest, 2025." The event served as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue on environmental issues.
The film captures extraordinary moments of a family interacting with nature over three generations in the deep forests of the French Vosges mountains. It received recognition at the 2026 César Awards, winning Best Documentary and Best Sound.
This screening aimed to reflect on the value of biodiversity and share Veolia's vision for ecological transition. The significance of the event was heightened this year, marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France.
In his welcome speech, Herve Peno, CEO of Veolia Korea, expressed his pleasure in participating in the environmental film festival, stating, "Veolia, as a leading global environmental services company, has over 1,200 employees who practice the vision of ecological transition in their daily lives."
Pierre Borcoux, Cultural Attaché at the French Embassy in Korea, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss as issues that transcend borders. He noted that the partnership between Veolia Korea and the Seoul International Environmental Film Festival to host this special screening is crucial.
During the event, the film "Whispers of the Forest" was also awarded the Biodiversity Award, a special prize at the 23rd Seoul International Environmental Film Festival.
Founded in 1853, Veolia is a global leader in environmental services, specializing in water quality and treatment, waste management (including hazardous waste), carbon emissions, and resource recovery. Since entering the Korean market in 1999, Veolia Korea has employed over 1,100 staff at its headquarters in Seoul and 46 operational sites nationwide, providing comprehensive environmental solutions in industrial water services, wastewater treatment, waste recycling, resource recovery, and energy management.
The 23rd Seoul International Environmental Film Festival, running from June 5 to 30, features the theme "Ready, Climate, Action 2026" and showcases 120 films from 31 countries.
This year, in celebration of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, a special program titled "French Focus" is being presented, featuring 11 selected films that highlight environmental, ecological, and community issues from the perspective of the French film industry.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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