The Best in Environmental Films: At Home or At a Fest
By Margaret Gilmour
February is going to be a cold month, but a lot of comfort can be found wrapped in romance, darlings (big and small) and Valentine treats.
Actually, this is the month I usually find myself wrapped up in front of the fireplace with a good movie (Friday night is movie night at my house). In fact, with the 82nd Academy Awards nominations just announced this week, I know I’ll be adding some new films to my must-see list.
It was good to hear that several environmental documentaries received best feature nominations including Food, Inc. and The Cove.
Actually, I’ve seen both, and I vote for The Cove. I am sure I sat with my mouth ajar during half of the film. Not just because of what happens to the dolphins, but because of what the filmmakers brew up to make their trip to Japan successful and to capture events unthinkable.
If you like documentaries, Mother Nature Network (MNN) came up with the of list of 2009’s top 10 environmental films from all over the world—and each one examines issues that deserve our attention. Some of the films can be viewed online for free.
MNN’s top 10 environmental films for 2009:
While I’ll look forward to staying put for a few nights throughout the month and taking in a documentary here and there, I am also looking forward to getting out for Stroud Water Research Center’s third annual Environmental Film Festival on February 11th at the Delaware Museum of Natural History. Ticket price ($20/seat) includes refreshments, cocktails and a chance at winning prizes from their impressive list of local and national sponsors including Trail Creek Outfitters, Talula’s Table and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (love their beer).
UPDATE 2/9/2010: Due to the severe storm/blizzard that’s coming our way, Stroud’s planning to host the festival on Friday night, February 12th, instead. We hope you can still make it.
I called Liz Brooking, Director of Communications and Marketing at Stroud to get more information about their series, and it sounds like a great line up of 12 documentaries and short films created by independent filmmakers.
“The films illustrate how the acts of many individuals really do add up,” she says. “We wanted to inspire people and demonstrate that they can make a difference whether their actions are small or large.”
Started in California by The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival is the non-profit’s attempt to build community within the Yuba Watershed while exploring environmental issues through film. Their film project turned into such a success that it became the largest of its kind in the U.S.
I like the idea of watching a series of films on issues that may prove new to me, and being inspired rather than overwhelmed by the message. After all, in addition to being educated, I am also looking for entertainment and escaping into a world other than my own.
“Film is a visceral medium,” Liz says. “It gives people an opportunity to identify with the individuals in the story and takes the message out of an abstract concept.”
When and Where:
Stroud Water Research Center’s Environmental Film Festival
UPDATE 2/9/2010: Due to the severe storm/blizzard that’s coming our way, Stroud’s planning to host the festival on Friday night, February 12th, instead. We hope you can still make it.
Films start at 6:30 p.m.
Delaware Museum of Natural History
See calendar listing for list of films and to purchase tickets or click here. (Tickets almost sold out—place your order soon if you want to go.)
Photos from Stroud Water Research Center (From their film fest)
Sources: MNN.com, National Weather Service
