The Mission World Community Film Festival makes its debut from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at the Clarke Foundation Theatre in Mission.

The festival features 32 documentaries that address an array of issues such as the global water supply, food security, indigenous/cultural struggles, human rights, environmental issues and others.

The award-winning Fierce Light – the Friday night feature film – explores the roots of spiritual activism of some of the most influential leaders of our times, such as Martin Luther King, Gandhi and Desmond Tutu, along with lesser known activists such as Alice Walker, Julia “Butterfly” Hill and Thich Nhat Hahn.

After the film, filmmaker Velcrow Ripper will interact with the audience via a link from a studio in Los Angeles.

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai tells the story of the Green Belt Movement of Kenya and its founder Wangari Matthai, the first environmentalist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The environment, human rights, and democracy are drawn together in this film about a 30-year journey of courage and hope.

The Green Belt Movement became a powerful political force that helped defeat 24 years of dictatorship.

The festival also includes guest speakers, after select films, interacting and answering questions.

The event also features a bazaar, where festival-goers can connect with community groups and people involved in social justice, the environment and international development agencies.

Participants include organizations such as CUSO-VSO, Western Canada Wilderness Committee, Zerowaste, Council of Canadians, Mission Indian Friendship Society and many more.

It is hoped that the festival will become an annual event in Mission.

A festival pass for the entire weekend is $25. Single-day tickets, student, and low-income discounts are available.

Tickets are available in Mission at Murdoch’s Book Shoppe on First Avenue and at Grab-a-Java on Seventh Avenue. In Abbotsford, they are available at Legal Grounds Coffee House on Essendene. Visit the website missionfilmfestival.com for more information.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.