Musings & Shout Outs >
evolution of a film festival

I’m always amazed by the number and quality of cultural events that take place on this tiny island.  This weekend islanders can enjoy the 12th annual Salt Spring Documentary Film Festival.  Like most good events, our island film festival was started in a church basement by a small group of locals passionate about both film and social justice. It has since grown into a three day, six venue spectacle with a catered opening night gala party.

This year the festival organizers are thrilled to report that David Suzuki will present his new film, The Force of Nature in person the week before the festival, on Saturday February 26th.  David will lead a lively discussion after the film and be available for a book signing.  This event is a collaborative fundraiser for the Salt Spring Film Festival, The Salt Spring Forum and the Salt Spring Conservancy.

The festival will feature award winning independent documentary films from across Canada and around the world exploring music, art, food and culture as well as humanitarian, social justice and environmental issues.  Andrea Rankin, one of the festivals organizers says, “Independent films and the popularity of film festivals are fueled by a growing community desire to learn about and engage in important world issues. Our local festival is a great opportunity for islanders satisfy their quest for knowledge and expand their picture of the world.”

Andrea’s love of film is a life long passion – one that she developed in an unlikely environment.  She grew up in Saskatchewan in the fifties so there wasn’t much opportunity to view public showings of independent, foreign and documentary film.  Luckily for Andrea, her mother was was involved with the National Film Board of Canada and so was able to order NFB documentaries for their local library which her father would then projected in the family’s living room.  When she was older, Andrea pursued her passion for film by joining a local foreign film club.

Rock Salt is very proud to be one of the sponsors of this year’s festival.  As a avid supporter of local food producers and growers we encourage you to check out several films about food and food issues such as Fresh by Ana Joanas, celebrating farmers and business owners who are reinventing our food system and Ingredients by Brian Kimmel who follows farmers and chefs seeking to get great local food back on our community tables.   Kevin Tomlinson will be on hand to discuss his film Back to the Garden.

The festival runs March 4th to 6th.  The launch will start next Friday at 6:oopm in the GISS multi-purpose room with food, music and the film The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls.

The festival has grown, changed and evolved in many ways over the years but has remained true to its original motivation of inspiring people to learn about important world issues.   Entrance is by donation.  The only question that remains is how one decides which films to go see?