My people, the Kirike (Okrikans), have always lived on Okrika Island in the Niger Delta—a sacred place with dense forests and rivers merging into the Niger, comparable to the Amazon in biodiversity. Since the 1950s, Big Oil’s crude extraction has turned this delta into one of Earth’s most polluted places. Pollution from the Port Harcourt Refinery wreaks havoc on the environment and our health. As a Kirike native, I mourn the loss of our cherished land, waters and ancestral heritage. Pülö proves that pollution goes beyond the physical; it infringes on human rights, heritage, and spiritual bonds. As the echoes of culture fade, the community’s voice emerges as the final guardian. Who are we without our home and the ties to ancestors who once dwelled in this environment—where we now stand? And is this the last time we ever hear of this island?

We believe in the potential of Pülö as a tool for social change at the local and regional levels and on a broader scale. This story is paradigmatic of environmental degradation in many parts of the world and can be a strong example for other communities. Environmental degradation has resulted in the poor health of Okrika, poor air quality, the extinction of many aquatic species and foods. Along with awareness-raising activities, we will stimulate institutions to provide better healthcare education, infrastructure and facilities for the people of Okrika and other communities. Key agents, such as government agencies and oil companies, will be prompted to take action to remediate the pollution in the area. The film will also be an essential tool to reinforce the sense of cultural pride and identity in the community.