Submitted by Wildsight Invermere
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is back on Saturday, Nov. 20. This much-anticipated evening of films and inspiration comes to you in a reimagined, hybrid version. The in-person event takes place at the Columbia Valley Centre (strictly adhering to COVID-19 regulations). For those who prefer the comfort and safety of their home, a live-streamed, online version is a happy alternative. All ticket holders also have access to a five-day video-on-demand option. That way, if you miss the original screening, you can watch it on your own time, from anywhere. The films are also being made available to the Summit Youth Hub and local schools for free.
Now in its eighth year, the festival is organized by Wildsight Invermere as a natural extension of its environmental advocacy work. “Through the power of film, the event celebrates the beauty and wonder of our natural world and hopes to inspire audiences to act on behalf of our big, blue planet,” explains Kat Graves, Climate Change and Resilience Coordinator for Wildsight Invermere.
This year’s 110-minute program of ten films focuses on stories from far-flung places like Antarctica, Russia, Rwanda, and Tuvalu. Follow adventure seekers slacklining under the northern lights in Norway and a hard-core expedition penetrating Florida’s swampland full of alligators and snakes in search of the endangered ghost orchid. Hear the passionate plea of the Pacific Climate Warriors to alert the world of our collective need to face climate change. Closer to home, a B.C.-made documentary provides hope around rewilding efforts to bring back the salmon in a Vancouver creek. And don’t forget, there will also be penguins, stellar sea lions and a scrappy Russian marine biologist named Vladimir!
This festival is Wildsight Invermere’s annual fundraiser, with hundreds of volunteer hours going into its organization. The silent auction is open for bids online until 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 20 with 28 items that reflect the Columbia Valley’s wellness, artistic and outdoor community — from a guided climb of Chisel Peak to body treatment sessions and unique overnight accommodation in the Purcell and Rocky Mountains.
Visit https://fundables.app/auction/id/wildsight to find out more.
Wildsight Invermere gratefully acknowledges its 2021 sponsors. Visionary sponsors are Cleanline Automotive, Columbia Valley Law, Invermere Liquor Store, thinkBright Homes;
Catalyst sponsors are Collective Carpentry, Columbia Basin Trust, Copper City Physical Therapy, Invermere Optometry Clinic, and Leader sponsors are Basecamp Innovations, Copper City Dental, Juniper Heights Healing, Silver Fern Acupuncture + Herbal Clinic. Many thanks to all the draw prizes and silent auction donors.
For tickets ans more information visit wildsight.ca/events/2021wsff-invermere/ or the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/170670715266759/?ref=newsfeed.
Questions? Contact Kat Graves by email at ccrc@wildsight.ca or at the office 250-341-6898