New community monthly film series starting soon

By KAMLOOPS 350/ 

ENVIRONMENT — Kamloops 350 is pleased to announce a new community inspired film series called Films For Change (‘cause change is gonna do ya good!).

The first film of the series, Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling us? (hosted by GE Free Kamloops), will air Jan. 29 starting at 7 p.m. at TRU’s Clocktower Alumni Theatre. The series arose out of the desire from many social-justice and sustainability-minded community groups to bring important, inspiring, beautiful and though-provoking movies to Kamloops for all to see.

Admission will be by donation, and one film will be hosted by a different community group on the last Wednesday of each month (except July and August, when no films will be shown).

This month’s film will take place on the last Thursday. Show times will be 7 p.m (doors open at 6:30), and each film will be followed by a discussion involving the audience and one or several local authorities on each film’s subject matter.

Besides Kamloops 350, the following community groups have expressed interest in hosting a film showing during one month: B.C.Sustainable Energy Association, Kamloops Food Policy Council, InCar, and Transition Kamloops. Other community groups are welcome to submit a proposal to host a film.

The types of films that will be considered for inclusion in the series centre around whether they are positive in tone, evidence-based, and, generally, sustainability-minded. TRU’s Office of Environment & Sustainability is the main sponsor of the series.

Gisela Ruckert, chair of Kamloops 350, one of the instigators of the series, explains what sparked the desire to initiate the film series, “There are so many organizations in our community who do great work in the area of social justice, environment and sustainability.

“We wanted to create a monthly space where these local groups can highlight issues close to them and give the public a chance to get involved in projects they support. By bringing these groups together, we hope to increase connections between them and grow their support locally.”

Queen of the Sun: What are the bees telling us? is a winner of 10 international film festival awards described by Roger Ebert as ““A remarkable documentary that’s also one of the most beautiful nature films I’ve seen.” The movie is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from the awardwinning director of THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN.