2018 OFFICIAL SELECTION

Adaptation Bangladesh

Directed by Justin DeShields (USA) 12 min.

 The “new normal” of global climate change is often a harrowing reality to contemplate. Cultural anthropologist Alizé Carrére demonstrates that it does not need to be a reality devoid of hope. In Bangladesh — the most densely populated country in the world and one that will bear a disproportionate share of the impact of global climate change — Carrére shows the resilience, flexibility and innovation that will be requisite for the survival of our species. Stunning for both the scenery and the innovation by some of the worlds most vulnerable people.

ALMA -

Art, Legacy

and the Environment

Directed by Victor Hugo Espejo (ESP) 14 min.

In its whole, this film is an expression of creative reciprocity with our planet. Alma tracks the journey of a group of sensitive musicians as they journey to a 12th century monastery in a remote region of Galicia, Spain to be part of a music and nature residency. They listen deeply and from that knowing, they create. We see how nature serves as the muse and the instrument. Through art we re-establish communication and flow with our natural surroundings. A must see at The Earth Day Film Festival.

Amazonia Dammed

Directed by Ada Bodjolle (GBR) 14 min.

Amazonia Dammed tells the story of the Munduruku people's urgent struggle to protect the heart of the Amazon against one of the largest mega-dam projects on Earth. Through the director's relationship with the community of Sawré Muybu, the film invites the audience to discover how these brave warriors in a war of hope join their voices to protect our planet's remaining rainforests. Cinematically captivating and memorable.

A Simpler Way

Directed by Michael O. Snyder (USA) 26 min.

The foundational pieces of how we operate are often overshadowed by the shiny, technological advances of our society. A Simpler Way illuminates how some of the most technologically innovative systems can also be the simplest. Four university students journey to a remote village in Uganda to discover a radically simple solution to an urgent global problem. Using only the power of the sun, SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection) is cheap, effective, and has the potential to save a million lives. Through this film, we see that our neighbors are nearer than we think and the key to solving some of the most pressing global issues lies within us all.

Fix and Release

Directed by Scott Dobson (CAN) 16 min.

 Fix and Release explores a small turtle trauma center in Peterborough, Ontario as it fights to better the odds for survival for freshwater turtles. This visually stunning film shows turtles in a way that few have seen before. Turtles are vital for healthy wetlands; as Dr. Carstairs says, “We are saving the world one turtle at a time”.

Information Station

Directed by  Katie Brigham (USA) 9 min.

Explore the cozy, authentic culture and spontaneous, fleeting community of the remote Carson Pass Information Station. Located in the Sierra Nevada along the famous 2,650 mile long Pacific Crest Trail, the station is collectively owned and operated by a team of close-knit volunteers. A significant piece that illustrates how little we truly need when we come together as a community.

One Hundred Thousand Beating Hearts

Directed by Peter Byck (USA) 16 min.

Tells the story of fourth generation cattleman Will Harris’ evolution from industrial, commodity cowboy to sustainable, humane food producer. A growing group of consumers are questioning the ethical and environmental impacts of eating beef. Harris’s work in southwest Georgia shows his agricultural practices that produce healthy beef (and poultry), regenerate the soils and allow all the animals to express their natural instincts. This film is a reminder that we are intricately connected to the land and resources we consume; the health of the planet is tied to the health of us all. 

Standing Rock Take Me From

The River

Directed by Denny Rauen (USA) 30min.

This revealing film challenges all of us to reassess our role in the exploration of the planet and indigenous people. Learn how even in 2016, the U.S. government broke treaties with indigenous people. The Standing Rock Sioux have had enough. A personal and intimate look at the internationally renowned conflict at Standing Rock.

The Indo Project

Directed by Greg Balkin (USA) 6 min.

The Indonesian island of Timor is rich in biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes. Local communities are developing as destinations for world-class rock climbing and water sports, to replace the devastating industries of logging and mining. This is the story of a people who stopped an environmental tragedy with peaceful protest, stood firm through adversity, and of their efforts to create a sustainable future for their families and the island’s environment.

Timbó

Directed by Peiman Zekavat (UK) 9 min.

The destruction of the Amazon forest-the world's most biologically diverse place- seems to have become normalized. Timbo highlights the threat posed by energy companies keen to dam the world largest river. If built, the dams would flood an area the size of London, Paris and Amsterdam combined. The flood would cause a large amount of toxic plants to dissolve in the water, leading to severe poisoning or even death among the indigenous tribes. These plants are locally known as Timbó. Created in an immersive way, the audience is drawn into into the stunning sensations of tribal life in the Amazon.

Water Warriors

Directed by Michael Premo (CAN) 22 min.

A timely and energetic film that follows the indigenous voices of New Brunswick as they seek to protect their life source: fresh water. The community is called into action as SWN-a multinational corporation-enters indigenous territory to frack the land, pumping millions of gallons of stolen fresh water mixed with chemicals into a fragile ecosystem. A success story on the side of the water protectors that serves as a beacon of possibility for all who are called to action.

Where are the Stars?

Directed by Muhammad Asif Islam (USA) 4 min

 A short film on how light pollution affects the view of the night sky. Watch how the splendor of the heavens above progressively reveals itself the further we get from the lights we’ve lit. A reminder to look up and know that not all that shimmers is gold.