A vital community of gardeners and growers, with an ever-increasing interest in sustainability, exists in Powell River. Two films showing at Powell River Film Festival will be of interest to this community as they offer new insights and ideas into issues that are both global and local.
More than Honey brings an international perspective as director Markus Imhoof, grandson of a Swiss professional beekeeper, charts how the bee crisis is being experienced in different parts of the world. Employing the latest in filmmaking technology to observe phenomena undetectable by normal eyesight, Imhoof creates a sense of wonder and awe at the complexity and beauty of a bee’s life both inside and outside the hive.
Over the last decade, however, millions of bees have disappeared worldwide. Imhoof highlights the pressure caused by the continually growing pyramid of the global economy, at the base of which can be found, and must not be forgotten, the insects. Certainly a lot more than honey is at stake. Without bees, modern society will be radically different, and some question whether it can survive at all. What separates this work from earlier films on the subject, apart from the brilliant cinematography, is that Imhoof proposes a possible solution to the fate of the bees. More than Honey shows at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 23.
Showing the same day at 1:30 pm, is Bitter Seeds, a deeply affecting, character-driven film exposing the issues surrounding farmer suicides in India. The film masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of compelling human stories and subplots, blending together a world that is both personal and profound.
With industrial agriculture seemingly thriving in India, why have a staggering 250,000 farmers committed suicide in the past 16 years? Touching down in Telung Takli, director Micha Peled traces the roots of this epidemic to an all-too-familiar villain: biotechnology giant Monsanto. Also seeking answers and hopefully solutions is aspiring journalist Manjusha Amberwar. Having lived through her father’s suicide, she now wants to stop other farmers, including her uncle, from meeting a similar fate. Her quest requires her to push the parameters of what women in India can do.
Closer to home on Denman Island, Bob and Velda lived simply, supported by their farm sales at the local market. When the time came to retire from farming, this inspiring and energetic couple fulfill their dreams in other creative activities.
Documentary filmmaker François Laliberté captures this time of transition in their lives with his lyrical Building a Dream. Twenty years ago Bob found a cedar log while beachcombing. Now at 72 years, using this log, Bob finally has the time to build his last boat by hand. Meanwhile, Velda pursues her own passion, painting farm scenes on canvases and found objects, transforming them into whimsical folk art. Filmed on Denman over a period of two years, this gentle portrait captures the essence of island living, and introduces audiences to a captivating couple. The film shows at 1:30 pm on Friday, February 22. The filmmakers, with Bob and Velda, will be in attendance.
All films are screened at Patricia Theatre where seating is limited, and organizers suggest purchasing tickets early. Anyone requiring wheelchair space at the theatre should call 604.483.9345 as soon as possible to reserve a space.
Dwight Hall, with the Arts Mosaic, live music, community tables and cash bar, will be open from 4:30 pm throughout the festival week, and all day on Saturday. A selection of light lunch items will be for sale Saturday, and local Townsite restaurants will be offering festival specials.
Parking will be available in the lots beside Townsite Brewing and the Old Courthouse Inn. Tickets for all festival films are available online, at Armitage Mens Wear, Breakwater Books and Coffee and the Patricia.
