World Film Fest starts Friday
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Updated: October 29, 2009 9:17 AM
The Mission World Community Film Festival makes its debut Oct. 30-Nov.1 in Mission at the Clarke Theatre.
An event not to be missed, the festival features 32 compelling documentaries that address an array of issues critical to our times, from global water supply to food security, indigenous/cultural struggles, human rights, environmental issues and others.
Many of the films are award-winning and breathtaking, some controversial and shocking. All are eye-opening. The award-winning Fierce Light explores the roots of spiritual activism of some of the most influential leaders of our times, people like Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, along with lesser-known activists such as Alice Walker, Julia “Butterfly” Hill and Thich Nhat Hahn. It is a visually powerful and moving film about the necessity of spiritual action in the world. After this 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 of the Green Belt Movement.
Working tirelessly against deforestation, poverty, embedded economic interests and political corruption, the movement became a powerful political force that helped defeat a 24 years of dictatorship.
These are just two of the 32 inspiring films featured over the weekend. There will also be guest speakers after select films, interacting and answering questions. Participatory, educational, entertaining, stimulating, the festival aims at building community both locally and globally.
The festival 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.
The inaugural weekend will lay the foundation for the event to become a featured part of Mission on an annual basis. As one organizer puts it, “these films are simply incredible. You can’t get them on television or find them at the movie house, but they need to be seen. They are too important to miss.”
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, and in Abbotsford at Legal Grounds Coffee House on Essendene. Visit www.missionfilmfestival.com for more information.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30, and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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