The fourth annual Bow Valley Justice Film Festival is scheduled for this weekend, hosted by Canmore-based CAUSE Canada and featuring a lineup of critically-acclaimed and meaningful films that can inspire and motivate.
This festival, scheduled for the Canmore Collegiate High School Theatre Friday and Saturday (Feb. 11-12) is designed to highlight social and environmental justice issues at both the local and global level in a forum that offers an opportunity to learn more and to take action, according to CAUSE representative Debbie Penninga.
Two films are scheduled for Friday evening, beginning at 6 p.m., followed by five films Saturday, beginning at noon.
“Over the years, the work of CAUSE has been to highlight areas that have been under-assisted and to work with people to find their strength and empower them to achieve the rights they should have,” Penninga said.
As part of the festival, at least 10 non-government organizations (NGO) from the Bow Valley and abroad, including the Bow Valley Food Bank, Canmore Community Gardens, Bonny Books and the Bow Valley SPCA, will be on hand in the NGO village to offer ways for Bow Valley residents was to get involved.
And it’s the largest number of organizations that have teamed up with the festival to date; something organizers want to continue to grow.
“I would like to see that continue to happen. If we have a good response to this we can build on this,” she said.
Another unique aspect of the festival is that each film is followed by a question and answer period with conversation leaders who are experts in their field and can offer an insider’s view or ways to become engaged.
One of these individuals includes Florentine Ngarambe, an appeal court judge in Rwanda, who will lead the conversation following Saturday’s 7 p.m. film about Rwanda, As We Forgive.
“When you see a movie you often don’t know what to do next, but the leaders will help you do that,” Penninga said.
Festivalgoers have the opportunity to become friends of the festival with a suggested minimum donation of $20.
“We have a really strong line up of film, dialogue leaders and the NGO village. There’s some great symmetry there so people can make connections,” she said.
Admission to this event is free. For more information, go to www.justicefilmfestival.ca
CANMORE COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE
FRIDAY, FEB. 11
6 p.m. A Small Act. The support of one person inspires a man to work toward lasting change in his native Kenya.
8 p.m. Crude. Contamination of the Ecuadoran Amazon, which resulted in a highly controversial legal case.
SATURDAY, FEB. 12 (CCHS)
12 p.m. Chemerical. Follow the Goode family’s efforts to create a toxic-free home.
1:35 p.m. Emmanuel’s Gift. Ages 10+. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah opens minds, hearts and door for the disabled in Ghana.
3:20 p.m. Budrus. Non-violent resistance to the Separation Barrier transforms the Palestinian village of Budrus.
5 p.m. Bomb Harvest. Depicts the consequences of war and bravery of those trying to clear up the mess.
7 p.m. As We Forgive. The people of Rwanda face the questions of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Look for the NGO Village in the CCHS theatre foyer.
