By Haley Grinder

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival returned to Invermere last weekend on Saturday, Nov. 20. The festival, led by Wildsight Invermere, boasted the showing of 10 short films in an innovative way: virtually and in person.

Although a unique format this year, the event marks its eighth annual film festival, with environmental stories being told from locations far and wide, such as Antarctica, Russia, Rwanda, Tuvalu, Norway, and Florida. There was also a tribute to the province itself with one B.C. based documentary highlighting the decrease of salmon spawning through Vancouver creeks and the efforts that are being made to ensure their safe return.

Main themes present within the films were of climate change action, living life to the fullest, and an overall appreciation of the planet’s ecosystem, with an overarching awareness of Indigenous culture and consideration to the health and longevity of the Earth.

The festival offered three different methods of participation: in-person at the Columbia Valley Centre at 7 p.m., live-streamed from home at the same time, or a 5-day video-on-demand option. In person attendees were required to prove their double vaccination status in order to abide by COVID-19 safety protocols.

“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,” says Kat Graves, Climate Change and Resilience Coordinator for Wildsight Invermere.

Being as the event is Wildsight Invermere’s annual fundraiser, they also hosted a silent auction with 28 items that showcase the Columbia Valley’s outdoor-focused and artistic community. Available both online and in person, attendees had the opportunity to bid on items such as a two-person lazy river paddles donated by Columbia River Paddle, guided climbs up to Chisel Peak from East Kootenay Mountain Guides, and two-nights accommodation at Juniper Hotel in Banff and Paintbox Lodge in Canmore. Donations for the auction ranged in value from $60 to $480.

Door prizes were also gifted to both live-stream and in person attendees. Wildsight stressed their appreciation for those that made the event possible. Their visionary sponsors were Cleanline Automotive, Columbia Valley Law, Invermere Liquor Store, thinkBright Homes. Catalyst sponsors were 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.