The Wildest Film Festival
Elephants, bridges, adventurers, paper artists...what do they all have in common? They're all changing the world through film. Check out the 8th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Seattle on Nov. 4th.
The elephants of Tsavo teach us that they have value even if you never see one.
I recently previewed over 20 film trailers to help pick the best seven films to show at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Seattle on November 4th. I was particularly captivated by the trailer for a film titled, "Orphans of Tsavo." This short, documentary style, film depicts the efforts of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants in Kenya.
Kenya has lost nearly 90% of its wildlife, and the Tsavo National Park is one of the only places in the country where elephant families are safe from poachers. As I watched this film I was horrified by the number of orphaned elephants, and the loss of wildlife within Kenya. As I watched, I realized that I valued the safe, peaceful existence of these animals, and would feel an extreme sense of loss if they one day disappeared, even if I never get to see them.
Loss of biodiversity is a threat to the health of our planet that rarely receives enough public attention. However, knowing, or assuming, most people value and benefit from the existence of species and natural resources gives me hope.
This is why Conservation is hosting the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival. Not only will the audience get to see the cute, big-eyed, baby elephants, but there are six more amazing films with a conservation message. The film program we have arranged includes an assortment of genres; from the film Division Street, about wildlife corridors and getting wildlife across our extensive road network, to Renewal, a movie that depicts the efforts of churches and religious groups to use the power of their membership to support green initiatives and promote environmental education.
After viewing these powerful films, the hope is for the audience to leave with an increased sense of environmental awareness, and inspired by the examples of what can be achieved when people work together to create a healthy planet for people and wildlife.
If the films are not enough to get you excited the first 100 people through the door will receive great give-a-ways from our national sponsors, and everyone will receive a free raffle ticket with chance to win outstanding prizes! In addition, there will be great deals on Sierra Nevada Brewing Company beer and snacks galore. And if you are not already a member, or if you know someone who is interested, we will have a great membership deal at the event, which will make it easy to get involved and start protecting wildlife and wilderness across the Northwest!
Buy tickets early! Tickets will be on sale prior to the event for $9, and at the event they will be on sale for $11.
To get your tickets now go to: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/84553 ~ For directions and details click here.
