The 14th annual Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival (PIF) taking place in Toronto on November 21-24th. This year, PIF brings us a line-up that clearly defines the state of the environment and the world’s climate today. It’s great that these films are going to be drawing more attention over to the climate change issues. There a lot of people that are trying to make changes by reducing their carbon footprint. If you want to be one of them, then you can take a look at the Cool Effect website. Here, they explore what can be done to reduce greenhouse gases as well as taking a closer look at what is meant by the term “carbon footprint”. The problem lies with the other people who are still refusing to believe that there are any problems with the environment. Hopefully, these films will make people think, and encourage them to try and find cheaper energy suppliers or to save money on their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. In order to do this, homeowners can read this here. This will help the environment, lowering the rate of climate change.
The array of films discuss Canada’s High Arctic, “troubled oceans”, and stories of survival. Something new at PIF this year is the Fest Forum, which will present four films accompanied by panel discussions with filmmakers, academics, scientists and activists who care deeply about our world. The issues of focus include: Climate Change, Activism, Water and GMOs. The four films will screen on Saturday, November 23rd.
Although all films are worth seeing, as they will most likely generate plenty of discussion, I am listing a few that I recommend and will try to screen as well.
Opening Night – Thursday, Nov. 21
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 5:30pm
ARCTIC DEFENDERS
Dir. John Walker (Canada)
A startling revelation that the Canadian government secretly moved Inuit communities into the High Arctic, without resources, to defend our sovereignty.
Friday, Nov. 22 – TIFF Bell Lightbox, 3:45pm
METAMORPHOSEN
Dir. Sebastian Mez (Germany)
Poetic and bleak, Metamorphosen depicts Russians surviving after a nuclear meltdown.
Friday, Nov. 22 – TIFF Bell Lightbox, 6:30pm
NO LAND, NO FOOD, NO WATER
Dir. Amy Miller (Canada)
This film gives voice to farmers fighting for sustainable agriculture in Mali, Uganda and Cambodia.
Friday, Nov. 22 – TIFF Bell Lightbox, 9:05pm
A RIVER CHANGES COURSE
Dir. Kalyanee Mam (USA/Cambodia)
This breathtaking, Sundance award-winning, doc follows three rural Cambodian families’ quiet struggle to preserve traditions in the face of globalization.
Satuday, Nov. 23 – AGO, Jackman Hall, 9:15pm
GRINGO TRAILS
Dir. Pegi Vail (USA)
Tourists may bring capital to even the most remote destinations, but that’s not all they bring. This groundbreaking doc reveals the footprint tourism leaves behind.
Sunday, Nov. 24 – TIFF Bell Lightbox, 9:10am
THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE
Dir. Liz Marshall (Canada)
Are animals property to be owned and used, or are they sentient beings deserving of rights?
THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE – THEATRICAL TRAILER from THE GHOSTS IN OUR MACHINE on Vimeo.
**I did a spotlight on this film & interviewed director, Liz Marshall, during HotDocs this year.
Sunday, Nov. 24 – AGO, Jackman Hall, 4:45pm
ATANARJUAT: THE FAST RUNNER
Dir. Zacharias Kunuk (Canada)
An Inuit legend comes to life in Zach Kunuk’s heart-pounding and visually breath-taking tale of love and revenge.
**If you’ve never seen this film, it is one not to miss.
Closing Night Film – Sunday, Nov. 24
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 7:20pm
LAST CALL
Dir. Enrico Cerasuolo (Italy)
In 1972, the world ignored the predictions in the famous book, The Limits to Growth which outlined the impact of population, industrialization, resource and food shortages. Having ignored the warnings, what should we do now?
PIF offers a full day of Industry programming on Friday, November 22nd, which includes the Green Pitch and Award. I attended the Green Picht last year, and found it quite fascinating to hear filmmakers’ ideas and how they’d hope to make these come to fruition. You can find the Industry schedule here. Admission to the Green Pitch and Green Screen Panel is FREE.
For information on venues, film schedule, and all other festival news, visit planetinfocus.org.
