Hamburger Zukunftsentscheid’s heartwarming weather warning

Created pro-bono by director Oliver Bernotat through Simon & Paul for Hamburg climate change initiative Hamburger Zukunftsentscheid, this beautifully shot film subtly illustrates how the weather paints the backdrop of our everyday lives.  

Steering away from cliches of climate advertising, the spot portrays seemingly mundane but deeply humans scenes in Hamburg; a grandfather complains that it’s too hot, a mother and daughter dash through an unexpected downpour, laughing as they take shelter together in the car. Through these relatable and unembellished scenes, the directors make climate change, and action, feel tangible and close to home. 

The spot was realised as a Green Production, with Simon & Paul implementing sustainable measures throughout the process: a locally based crew, energy‑efficient equipment, climate‑friendly logistics, and fully vegan and vegetarian catering. The production company made it a priority to reflect the message of environmental responsibility not only narratively, but also in its execution. 

“We're not making an image film, we're creating memories – close up, quietly observed, full of joie de vivre. It's about what we want to preserve in Hamburg,” says Oliver Bernotat, director.