The 21st World Community Film Festival gets off to a start this weekend with two films on opening night this Friday.
Just Do It: A Tale of Modern Day Outlaws, is a smart, high-energy and often-funny portrayal of 21st century activism that will inspire folks who may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the problems our society is facing.
Love In Action by award winning filmmaker, Velcrow Ripper captures the vibrancy of the epic Occupy movement in a short, poetic clip from his upcoming film. Ripper will join us opening night via Skype to report from New York about his experiences visiting Occupy sites all over the world.
Opening night usually sells out, so get your tickets early.
With over 30 films shown in five different downtown Courtenay venues, Saturday is considered the main event of the festival. Themes such as community economic development, environmental issues, human rights, social and women’s issues, native rights and international solidarity are explored with passion, hope and creativity.
Saturday night’s feature film, SpOil, voted the Best Environmental Film at 2011 Vancouver International Film Festival, was made in response to plans by Enbridge Inc. to build a pipeline for heavy crude oil from the Alberta tar sands across British Columbia to the coast of the Great Bear Rainforest.
Experience the rugged beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest through the lens of seven world-renowned photographers and three videographers who documented its landscapes, wildlife and culture.
Also showing Saturday night is Happy, a film that combines cutting-edge science from the new field of “positive psychology” with real-life stories of people from around the world exploring what brings us true happiness. This screening will be the only opportunity to see this film since it will not be in our lending library for World Community members.
When not viewing films, visit the bazaar in the Upper Florence Filberg Centre where community groups will be on hand to give out information or to sell merchandise related to the various issues raised during the festival. It’s also a great place to relax, have a snack and purchase a ticket for the local foods banquet for Saturday evening.
A festival pass for Friday and Saturday is $32 (Friday evening $14, Saturday $22 or $3 for youth on Saturday). Tickets are available at the Sid Williams Theatre box office, at 250-338-2430 or online at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.
See www.worldcommunity.ca and click on the film fest link for descriptions and links to trailers of the films.
— World Community Film Festival