From Chevening to the Emmys: International recognition for climate change journalist and filmmaker 

When the documentary Alaska’s Vanishing Native Villages received an Emmy nomination for ‘Outstanding Climate, Environment or Weather Coverage’, it marked a major milestone for both Chevening alumna Belen Tavares and the Indigenous communities whose stories it captured.  

Belen, a Peruvian journalist and filmmaker, co-produced the documentary, which explores the devastating impact of climate change on Native communities in Alaska, where temperatures are rising four times faster than the global average. Working alongside director Patty Talahongva and producer Lauren Mucciolo the film highlights the urgent realities facing communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.  

For Belen, the project is reflective of the purpose that has guided her career for over 20 years across Peru, Spain, and the United States.  

‘Journalism is about shining a light on what matters and giving a voice to the people – especially the voiceless.’  

Telling stories that matter 

Her commitment to Indigenous and climate storytelling is deeply rooted in her experience growing up in Peru, a country with 55 Indigenous peoples whose voices have historically been marginalised.  

‘Indigenous communities all around the world share a strong connection to, respect for, and care for the land… It is a relationship that the rest of us should emulate now more than ever.’  

As climate change increasingly affects vulnerable communities worldwide, she believes journalism has a vital role to play in creating awareness and inspiring action.  

‘We are at a point where we must adapt to its impacts and prevent further damage. For these reasons, I believe focusing on Indigenous peoples and climate journalism is essential.’  

Witnessing climate change first-hand  

On filming in the city of Kotzebue in Alaska, Belen says it is one of the most memorable experiences of her career.  

‘I walked on the frozen Kotzebue Sound, was dazzled by the scenery, and saw kids playing outside in the middle of the night. I met the people and learned about their subsistence way of life and their culture.’  

But only months later, the community faced destructive storms linked to worsening climate conditions.  

‘Seeing the images that people from Kotzebue were publishing on social media was heartbreaking. Witnessing this ‘other’ Kotzebue – one struggling with fear and destruction – has stayed with me… It is vital that we recognise the scope of this crisis and begin protecting our planet.’  

How Chevening shaped her storytelling 

In 2017, Belen completed a master’s degree in Screen Documentary Filmmaking at Goldsmiths University of London with a Chevening Scholarship.  

She says the experience transformed both her perspective and her approach to storytelling.  

‘Thanks to Chevening, I was immersed in the diverse global communities of London and Goldsmiths. The experience reminded me that, despite our different backgrounds, our core human experiences remain universal.’  

Her time in the UK also challenged her creatively and pushed her to innovate as a filmmaker. 

‘Documentary filmmaking transformed my approach to storytelling. Ultimately, Chevening revealed my true potential and demonstrated exactly what I am capable of achieving.’  

Creating impact through documentary filmmaking 

For Belen, documentary storytelling is about creating a meaningful impact.  

‘My hope is the film has helped these communities receive the resources necessary to protect their land and traditional way of life.’  

She also hopes audiences leave with a stronger understanding of their own role in tackling climate change.  

‘From the small, everyday actions of regular people to the major decisions made by policymakers, we all have a role in taking care of our planet.’  

And the impressive Emmy nomination has only strengthened Belen’s commitment to telling stories that challenge perspectives and connect people across cultures.  

‘This recognition has motivated me to improve every day and has given me the drive to continue looking for stories that feature inspiring characters, challenge our perspectives, and remind us of our shared humanity.’