An opportunity to travel the world and experience first-hand the challenges, triumphs and hopes of others living in the global village awaits you.
It’s time once again for the World Community Film Festival, held in Courtenay this Feb. 3 and 4.
For 20 years the film festival, deemed "the largest social issues filmfest in B.C.," has been showing documentary-style films about international topics that you may never hear about on the evening news.
The festival gets off to a start Feb. 3 with the film JustDo It. With unprecedented access, director Emily James spent over a year embedded in activist groups such as ClimateCamp and Plane Stupid, documenting their clandestine activities.
JustDo It introduces you to a powerful cast of mischievous and inspiring characters who put their bodies in the way. They super-glue themselves to bank trading floors,blockade factories and attack coal power stations en masse, all despite the very real threat of arrest.
JustDo It is an absorbing, illuminating and at times very funny film.
With over 30 films shown in four different venues, Feb. 4 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.
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 and have a snack, Make sure to reserve your seat for the popular banquet on Saturday evening.
A festival pass for both days is $32 (Friday evening $14, Saturday $22 or $3 for youth on Saturday). Tickets are available at the Sid Williams Theatre box office. Phone 250-338-2430 or order online at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.
Check out the schedule at www.worldcommunity.ca.
The World Community Film Festival is a project of the World Community Development Education Society.
— World Community Development Education Society