Rich in creative energy and inspiring films is the promise of Powell River Film Festival’s final full day, Saturday, February 19.
The day begins at 10 am at Evergreen Theatre, Powell River Recreation Complex, with Waste Land which follows renowned artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from his home in Brooklyn to his native Brazil and the world’s largest garbage dump, located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. In photographing an eclectic band of “catadores” (self-designated pickers of recyclable materials) Muniz’s initial objective was to “paint” images of them with garbage. However, his collaboration with these inspiring characters as they create photographic images of themselves out of garbage reveals both their dignity and empowerment. As the catadores begin to re-imagine their lives, they offer stirring evidence of the transformative power of art and the alchemy of the human spirit.
Waste Land has won awards at almost every festival in which it has been screened. Its message is powerful: a single person can make the difference, and live lives rich in inspiration for us all. A simple lunch will be available for purchase following this film.
By all measures David Suzuki is extraordinary, but what drove him to become the phenomenon he is? Force of Nature reveals the key events and people that shaped Suzuki as he reflects on his life and shares deeply personal stories, revealing a side previously unseen: the forced relocation of his Canadian-born family from their home to an internment camp, his father and other important influences, the 1960s and his return to Vancouver.
Suzuki is by turns touching and funny and, above all, endlessly engaging. His powerful words and inspiring life epitomize his commitment to making science vital and accessible to everyone, and may make audiences reconsider how we live. Force of Nature begins at 12:30 pm.
The world premiere of locally produced and directed Defining Diversity, Creating Community will be preceded by a reception at 1:45 pm in the Elm Room with the screening following at 2:30 pm. The rich biodiversity of this region, first inhabited for thousands of years by the Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation people, has provided sustenance for the development of our community, attracting people from every corner of the world seeking a better life. Their stories, revealing a rich and complex tapestry of cultures, experiences, beliefs, and lifestyles, combined with archival imagery and scenes of the town’s natural and human landscapes, questions who we are and where we are heading as a community.
The concept of diversity is opened up and explored through both positive and negative experiences of people as they have attempted to find their place in this continually evolving community. At the core of these stories is a reflection of how prejudice can transform into tolerance, and then acceptance, and eventually into a full appreciation and celebration of difference. Filmmaker Tony Papa, the film crew and participants will be in attendance.
This premiere will be preceded by The Road Forward, a musical performance recapturing aboriginal political and social movements of British Columbia, envisioning a road forward where no one is left behind. Filmmaker Evan Adams will be attending.
Tickets and passes are available online, and at Breakwater Books and Coffee, 6812A Alberni Street; Coast Realty, 4766B Joyce Avenue; Armitage Mens Wear, Town Centre Mall; and the film festival office, 201A 7373 Duncan Street. For more information readers can call 604.485.0325, extension 224, or visit the festival website.
