Movies for the green-minded

By Matt Law
[media editor]

Environmentalists and would-be filmmakers have converged on West Vancouver this week.

The Green Screen International Film Festival Society began its first annual festival dedicated to environmental and nature-focused films on Nov. 1 in West Vancouver.

Showing 55 films from countries around the world, the festival will wrap up with its final night on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The festival was created to educate, inspire and entertain.

It’s purpose: “To bring together media, scientists and celebrities in a think tank environment to find interesting and entertaining ways to encourage and inspire individuals to make a difference,” states the festival’s website.

The films examine everything from deforestation in the rainforest, to desertification in Asia, to the health of salmon runs in B.C.

The final night will showcase eight films beginning at 7 p.m., including The Ancient Forests by Eski Thomas and Amanda Temple, and narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Ewan McGregor and Andy Serkis.

Also showing on Saturday will be American Serengeti, a film that looks at the past and future of America’s great plains, and is narrated by Magnum P.I. Tom Sellick

Films begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday night at the Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver.

For more information on the festival or to buy tickets, visit greenscreenfilmfest.ca