The 28th World Community Film Festival is just around the corner and the Comox Valley is invited to downtown Courtenay on Feb. 1- 2, to experience more than 30 engaging and inspiring documentaries that showcase social and environmental justice stories from across Canada and around the world.
Programmers are excited to share the opening night film, Gurrumul, featuring indigenous artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, hailed by Rolling Stone as “Australia’s most important voice.” Some of his songs are adapted from music and stories up to 10,000 years old.
Gurrumul’s music is stunning and so too are the glimpses of the traditional culture that made him so reluctant to leave Elcho Island for the wider world.
“For Gurrumul fans, the film is obviously a must-see. For those unfamiliar with his work, it’s an even greater treat. They will be entertained, enthralled, perhaps in some small way changed.” Guardian
Four downtown Courtenay venues offer film options on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. covering topics ranging from Indigenous issues, music and human rights to environmental action around climate change and forest protection, and resilience in communities around the world.
Families can take in a Mini Family Film Fest with a collection of lovely short films from 1-2:30 p.m.
Visit the Community Action Hive at the festival located in the Upper Filberg Hall 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2. Connect with the organizations who are making change right here in the Comox Valley.
Meet activists, organizers and volunteers from local environmental, social justice and service organizations. Check out the Local Democracy Corner where you can chat with folks elected at the local level. The Hive is open to the public for free. Grab a delicious lunch or a quick snack from the Elevate Canteen in the Hive. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Comox Valley Transition Society. Join us for a delicious vegetarian Festival Feast of global curries at 6 p.m. on Saturday. For only $22, you can enjoy a full meal from starters and salad to buffet, beverage and dessert. A limited number of advance tickets are available at www.worldcommunity.ca
Closing night feature, Soufra, shows how societal change can begin with small steps.
Mariam Shaar leads a group of hard-working women overcoming many obstacles as they build a food business in Bourj el Barajneh, a refugee camp south of Beirut, Lebanon. This is not just a story about the plight of refugees; it is also the story of perseverance and hope. As the women in the film prepare mouth-watering dishes, you’ll be glad you came to the screening with an open heart and a full stomach.
This critically acclaimed film festival is an incredible place to fuel your passions for community and planetary well-being.
For film descriptions and trailers visit www.worldcommunity.ca. Tickets available for Friday and Saturday eve films, Saturday only, or the full festival at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com