Building Resilience from within the community

In the UNESCO World Heritage site of Koutammakou, the Batammariba people have long built their homes, the takienta, by hand, from the soil beneath their feet. These earthen tower-houses are not relics. They are living expressions of a culture, a spiritual practice, and a way of understanding the relationship between people, land, and ancestors. They are also under threat. Architects of the Earth follows Preserving Legacies Custodians Casimir Batchatchile, Ibrahim Tchan, and Agustin N'Batchaka as they work to protect this tradition from the growing impacts of climate change. This is not a story told about them, it is a story told by them.

Where Ancestral Knowledge Meets Innovation

At a moment when the construction sector accounts for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, the takienta offers a quiet but powerful counter-argument: sustainable building is not a new idea. It has existed in the ancestral knowledge of the Batammariba for generations. The film explores a critical idea: that ancestral and Indigenous knowledge systems, when bridged with science and innovation, can offer powerful solutions to the climate crisis.

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From Washington to Koutammakou

The film debuted during DC Climate Week, but its real destination is home. This May, as part of the launch of their Climate Risk Assessment, they will bring the film back to the villages that made it possible — Koussoucoingou, Boukoumbé, and Nadoba. Ibrahim describes what he hopes those screenings will become:

"We aim to create a true moment of gathering — bringing together elders, youth, artisans, and customary authorities. We are looking forward to seeing their reactions as they recognize themselves on screen, not as subjects of an external narrative, but as authors of their own story. We expect strong emotions, meaningful discussions, and perhaps even moments of silence filled with reflection. Above all, we hope the film will serve as a catalyst for intergenerational dialogue on what must be protected, adapted… or allowed to evolve.”

In addition, it's a chance to listen. As Ibrahim puts it:

"For us, showing this film to the communities is about restoring voice and offering a faithful reflection of their resilience. It is also a valuable opportunity for listening: every reaction, comment, and question will be documented, discussed, and integrated. This direct feedback will inform our next steps, whether in developing improved takienta prototypes using eco-materials, implementing reforestation initiatives with culturally and ritually significant species, or strengthening knowledge transmission systems."

Storytelling as climate action

We tell stories to understand the world. To see ourselves in it. To imagine what's worth protecting — and what's possible. Architects of the Earth is not just a film, it's a tool. A bridge between local knowledge and global conversations. A reminder that the communities most connected to the land often hold the most important answers. As Ibrahim puts it:

"This film is not the end. It is a practical and evolving tool, whose value will be measured by its ability to support Batammariba communities in shaping their future — deeply rooted in their land, yet fully capable of adapting and innovating in the face of change."

Gratitude to all those who helped make this film a reality

A sincere thank you to all who made this film a reality and continue to support its and our mission.

Presented by: Preserving Legacies
A Film by: The Convergence
In Association with: National Geographic Society, ICOMOS
Supported by: Iron Mountain
Director: Elise Orlowski
Executive Producer: Victoria Herrmann
Producers: Michael O. Snyder, Daniel Cervenka
Line Producers: Ibrahim Tchan, Augustin N’Batchaka, Casimir Batchatchilé
Local Producer: Venus Dossou
Director of Photography: Jakub Chlouba
Editor: Elise Orlowski
Assistant Editor: Reza Tene
Sound Engineer: Tim Burns
Translations: Rosie Poirier
Impact Producer: Rosie Poirier
Fixer: Fred Vedomey
Featuring: Ibrahim Tchan, Augustin N’Batchaka, Casimir Batchatchilé
Also Featuring: Ichristophe Oudole, Michel Dissani, Tempe Wante, Christian N’Sahouti, N’Cao N’tcha, Ghistain Kouagou N’tcha
Special Thanks: Josias Obonte, Complexe Scolaire Privé Fraternité de Natitingou; Benin Volunteer Team Corps (Roland Mante, Romaric Zinmonse, Francis Anoum, Pélage Natta, Valérie N’Kouei, Kouagou Natta, Vincent Offio)