Seeds of change: Phase two of Kia's ‘Cycle of Life'
While the first chapter of Cycle of Life explored farm-to-table narratives, this new edition shifts to a farm-to-fabric focus.
Directed by Kaley Emerson, Seeds of Change was rolled out as a short film series that was released across digital channels including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The campaign introduces biofabrication to young Zambians through the transformation of agricultural waste – specifically banana stems – into usable materials.
In collaboration with The Waste Lab, co-founded by Ceylan Uren and Lara Hussein, and the African Education Programme, co-founded by Julie-Anne Savarit-Cosenza, the film follows the youth through their hands-on training in turning agricultural waste into usable materials.
While the campaign's core message is delivered through film, its broader impact is tied to practical education and real-world implementation. Kia's use of nature-derived materials in its vehicle interiors – such as plant-based textiles and natural dyes demonstrates how circular design and bio-fabrication can inspire both product innovation and real-world community impact
A key challenge — and achievement — of the production was ensuring sustainability across all phases.
electriclime° adopted a range of eco-conscious practices throughout filming. From optimising travel logistics and limiting crew size to using local teams and reducing material waste, the production aimed to minimise its environmental footprint.
A carbon estimate calculated using the AdGreen calculator initially projected emissions at 44.87 tCO2e. The team was able to reduce this to 41.42 tCO2e. While still notable, the savings of over 3 tonnes marked a meaningful step forward in reducing environmental impact.
Other on-set efforts included recycling, composting food waste, sourcing ethically donated wardrobe pieces, and avoiding unnecessary set materials. The team also worked closely with local partners to ensure efficiency and relevance.
This campaign is just the beginning. Over the next six months, Kia is building a program to transform the Kia Garden in Kafue, Zambia, into a fully productive farm.
Looking ahead, Kia plans to transform the Kia Garden in Kafue into a fully operational farm within the next six months. The site will serve as a hub for education in farming and biofabrication, empowering the local youth and promoting self-sufficiency through sustainable practices.
Through 'Seeds of Change', Kia aims to drive progress through education and empowerment. This campaign reinforces the thought that true change comes from ongoing momentum and collective action.
Credits:
Client | KIA
Vice President of Product & Marketing: Ahmed Soudodi
Head of Marketing & PR: Jimmy Chamata
Senior Manager / Marketing Coordinator: Mingi Pyo
Agency | INNOCEAN
Senior Account Manager (Innocean): Mohammad Al Sabbagh
Creative Director (Innocean): Tatiana Moukhaiber
The Wastelab Co-founder: Ceylan Uren
Biofabrication Expert: Dimma Mawejje
Gardening Expert: Esther Munsele
Youth Ambassadors: Caston Kalimangaya, Kelly Mweemba, Malambo Matron
AEP Co-Founder & Executive Director: Julie-Anne Savarit-Cosenza
AEP Country Director: Paul Chisunka
Production Company | electriclime°
Director: Kaley Emerson
Co-Founders: Michael Ahmadzadeh & Pabz Alexander
Executive Producer: Jumana Radi
Senior Producer: Layal Mooti
Producer: Lana Abu Risheh
Line Producer: Rob Neuhold (Forward Motion)
Director of Photography: Devid Fichera
Production Coordinator/1st AD: Malak Edris
Sustainability Supervisor/BTS filmmaker: Omar Farouq
Zambian Fixer: Joseph Muwowo
Production Manager: Chaza Phiri
1st AC: Tyrone Poipao
VTO/DIT: Ryan Sheppard
Gaffer/Grip: Riaan Hannekom
Best Boy: Benard Mwansa
Unit Manager: Nelson Lungu
Unit Assistant / PA: Danny Chota, Kelvin Mulenga, Seward Ngulube
Sound: Roy Gondwe
HMU Artist: Emel Nampemba
Post Producer: Ben McFarlane
Post Coordinator: Lacheln Reyes
Post Production Studio: Sunny Vfx
Editor: Bled Bujupi
Colourist: Claudio Beltrami
Sound Design and Mix: Martin Leitner @ Sounds Good Audio
Online Editor: Rahul Thandassary
Design & Animation: RayJohn Fernandez & Marjolaine Lebrassuer
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