NOTE: The 2010 schedule will be posted December 28th
All films, green exhibits, special events and discussions take place at
Sonoma Valley Woman's Club, 574 First Street East in Sonoma, Ca.

2009 Films

THE ORGANIC OPPORTUNITY

By Christopher Bedford
USA 2007 25 min
chrisbedford@charter.net

Topics: Sustainable Economy, Sustainable Community, Organic Agriculture

What could happen if a county adopted policies to promote local, organic agriculture as a goal? This film is about just such an initiative. Woodbury County, Iowa has developed a series of programs to promote local farmers growing fruits and vegetables and meat, eggs, and cheese in harmony with nature's rules. The film documents the development of the nation's first county level programs to offer farmers tax incentives to grow organically; the nation's first local organic food purchase program for county institutions: and the nation's first program of land access for new organic farmers committed to growing food for local and regional consumption.

The result has been an explosion of new economic development including a nationally famous farmers market, a five star organic restaurant, and a growing influx of farmers and news businesses seeking to work and prosper in an organic local food economy. 'If this could happen here in Western Iowa,' says Jen Boyle, President of the Floyd Boulevard Local Foods Market, 'this can happen anywhere. This is the future of our food.'

plays with HOW TO MAKE A PIZZA

By Chris Warner
USA, 2007, 24 minutes

In an age where most foods are processed and packaged--and corporate soil destroying monocultures rule the agricultural landscape--a philosophizing pizza chef shows us that the best food is grown locally and prepared by hand--and that great tasting food comes from the heart and soul. Filmed in Vermont during a heavy snowstorm in early April, Chef Schenk ventures into a forest of snow-covered maples to learn how to tap the trees for their sugar – Maple syrup is the secret ingredient in his renowned American Flat-bread pizza!

Included in admission is a taste of Mary’s Pizza topped with a drizzle of warm pure Vermont Maple Syrup.

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WATER FIRST

By Amy Hart
USA/Malawi, 2008, 28 minutes
amyhart@mac.com

Topics: Clean water, activism, sustainable community, forest conservation, climate change

Want to save the world? You'll probably need water. First. In the year 2000 the UN established the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - a set of goals designed to address issues of hunger, poverty, women's equality, infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, environmental sustainability and other factors in developing nations. Through the inspiring story of Charles Banda, a humble water activist in Malawi, WATER FIRST conveys the importance of clean water in achieving all of the goals and improving the quality of life for all people.

Plays with FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE:
A CONVENIENT TRUTH

By Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Forestry Commission of the United Kingdom, 2008, 16 minutes

This film shows how much forests can contribute to the mitigation of climate change, stressing the importance of reversing forest loss. Forests store more carbon than all the world’s remaining oil stocks. Continuing deforestation and forest degradation account for almost one-fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions – more than the entire global transport sector. The film explains how society can combat climate change by conserving and managing existing forests, by tackling causes of deforestation and by planting new forests.

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HIDDEN BOUNTY OF MARIN:
FARM FAMILIES IN TRANSITION

By Steve Quirt & Ellie Rilla
USA/2008, 27 minutes
kmarando@co.marin.ca.us

Topics: Wildlife and watershed protection, organic agriculture, Sustainable community

Marin County, California, is an extraordinary place with an extraordinary community of farmers and ranchers. Traditional cattle, dairy and sheep ranchers blend with oyster farmers, cheese makers and vegetable producers. Marin dairies provide 20% of the Bay Area’s milk. Meat, shellfish and organic row crops are produced for local and regional markets. An exciting transformation is taking place here. This documentary brings us close in to the lives and work of nine farm families in transition who bring us high quality, local and organic food. The land they steward provides watershed protection and habitat for a tremendous diversity of birds, plants and wildlife.

Plays with LEDNICE (THE FRIDGE)

By Lucie Stamfestova
Czech Republic, 2007, 7 minutes

An animated metaphoric story about global warming from the point of view of a refrigerator whose door is left open.

Plays with LUNATIC FARMER

By Chris Warner
USA, 2008, 16 minutes

Farmer Joel Salatin shows how his animals “do the real work”—fertilizing, aerating, composting—making clean food for the community without fertilizer, antibiotics and other harmful chemicals. He is a bit of an oddity in a world dominated by corporate mega-farms which foster soil destroying mono-cultures. Joel says 'We are in the redemption business: healing the land, healing the food, healing the economy, and healing the culture.'

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ENERGY CROSSROADS

By Chris Fauchere
Tiroir A Films Productions
USA, 2008, 58 minutes

Topics: Renewable energy, resource depletion, conservation, global economy

Scientists and experts agree that the use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, coupled with higher efficiency and conservation, will be key factors in preserving our quality of life and paving the way to a sustainable world for our children.

Will America be up to the task as it consumes 25% of the world’s energy, 85% of which comes from non-renewable fossil fuels? This award-winning documentary exposes the problems associated with our energy consumption. It also offers concrete solutions for those who want to educate themselves and be part of the solutions in this decisive era.

The film is a great tool for concerned citizens, educators, and organizations to help bring this urgent message across to the public.

Followed by a discussion with leaders in green technology.

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TROUBLED WATER

By Mark Wilcken
USA, 2008, 55 minutes
mwilcken@aetn.org

Topics: Water conservation, citizen coalitions, emerging water crisis

This documentary speaks to us all. What is happening in Arkansas is happening in California and throughout the world. Unlike many western states that are struggling with water issues, Arkansas seemed almost immune. But excessive farming is resulting in dangerous drops in the state’s two largest aquifers. A potential solution has been in the works for years, but it might be as bad as the problem. And that’s just the beginning. Different issues in different parts of the state are raising a common concern; that Arkansas’s status as a water rich state may be in doubt. Growth in industry, agriculture and population are straining this essential resource and the signs are beginning to show. Farmers, geologists, experts and concerned citizens share their opinions and stories about how water is managed in Arkansas and what can be done to protect this irreplaceable resource.

Following the film there will be a discussion about water issues in our watershed and what we can do to help conserve this precious resource.

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RACHEL CARSON RETURNS

In a Performance by Lilith Lynn Rogers
(total program 60 minutes)

Rachel Carson (1907-1964), one of the most influential writers and thinkers of the 20th century, is widely regarded as the founding mother of the modern environmental movement. Her best-selling book, SILENT SPRING (1962) alerted the American public to the dangers posed by the widespread and careless use of pesticides, igniting a storm of controversy. Our government was forced to act, banning the use of DDT in the U.S. and creating the Environmental Protection Agency. All of Carson’s work connects us to the delicate web of life and the balance of nature.

We are thrilled to have Lilith Lynn Rogers of Sebastopol Ca. with us, performing RACHEL CARSON RETURNS.

Ms. Rogers tells Carson’s story in the first person, reads from her books, speeches and letters, answers questions from the audience, and leads a discussion about current issues and what we can do about them.

Before the performance there will be a short 15 minute film about Rachel Carson’s amazing life.

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POWER PATH

By Bo Boudart
USA, 2008, 55 minutes
boudart@comcast.net

Topics: Resource management, Native American grassroots activism, Human rights, sustainable community

This documentary follows the Navajo, Hopi and Lakota Sioux tribes, as they find ways to introduce renewable energy projects into their communities through a grassroots movement that the filmmakers have tracked over the past two years. 'Power Paths' reveals this story from the Native Americans’ points of view. They are resolved to protect their ancestral lands for future generations, whether on the great plains or in the deserts of the southwest. We witness their struggle to reclaim the destiny of their tribes and how they defend the air, water, and land from further degradation by the impacts of extractive mining and burning hydrocarbons on their lands. 'Power Paths' tracks this grassroots movement and shows how a small group of citizens work toward sustainability.

A Native grassroots and environmental group known as the Just Transition Coalition, has joined with tribes to pursue the soft path of decentralized, renewable energy production across the West.

An unprecedented decision by the California Public Utilities Commission takes the Just Transition plan seriously. For the first time, Native Americans stand to receive some economic justice for the harm caused to their natural resources.

Followed by a discussion with filmmaker Bo Boudart.

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RIVER OF RENEWAL

Directed by Oscar-nominee Carlos Bolado
(Like Water for Chocolate, Promises)
USA, 2008, 56 minutes
doug@SpecialtyStudios.com

Topics: Endangered Species Act, Klamath, salmon, Yurok

The documentary film tells the story of the crisis in the Klamath Basin where competing demands for water, food, and energy have pitted farmers, American Indians, and commercial fishermen against each other.

River of Renewal shows one of the great rivers of America in crisis while telling the story of Jack Kohler, a "sidewalk Indian" who discovers his roots among the Klamath River tribes. Eventually after years of conflict the polarization of Klamath Basin communities gives way to conflict resolution and consensus building in view of the potential decommissioning of Klamath Basin hydroelectric dams that cut salmon off from hundreds of miles of spawning habitat. Recognizing that their livelihoods all depend on the health of the river, stakeholders who had been antagonists agree to share the water and to demand the removal of the dams.

The outcome may be the largest dam removal project in history and the restoration of a once vital river basin.

There will be a book signing with Stephen Most (River of Renewal) and Native American storytelling performances by Jack Kohler. Following the film there will be a discussion with Most, Kohler and other special guests.

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BURNING THE FUTURE: COAL IN AMERICA

USA, 2008, 52 minutes
By writer/director David Novack.
doug@SpecialtyStudios.com

Mountain Top Removal coal mining is the fastest growing coal mining technique worldwide, removing whole mountains by bulldozing them into adjacent valley and stream beds. This film examines the explosive forces that have set in motion a groundswell of conflict between the coal industry and residents of West Virginia. Confronted by an emerging coal-based US energy policy, local activists watch the nation praise coal without regard to the devastation caused by its extraction. Faced with toxic ground water, the obliteration of 1.4 million acres of mountains, and a government that appeases industry, our heroes demonstrate a strength of purpose and character in their improbable fight to arouse the nation’s help in protecting their mountains, saving their families, and preserving their way of life.

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TWO ANGRY MOMS

By Amy Kalafa
USA, 2007, 60 minutes
amy@angrymoms.org

There are nearly seventy-three million school-aged children in America. Two Angry Moms takes a look at the school food programs responsible for a large portion of each child’s daily meals. Following the filmmaker’s quest to understand how the system works, the film explores the roles the federal government, corporate interest, school administration and parents play in the feeding of our school kids. The film offers successful and inspiring examples of how to improve school food programs and make a difference in both the health of each child and the long-term health of the country’s food distribution system.

Following the film there will be a discussion with school garden teachers who want to bring healthy, locally grown food into our local school cafeterias.

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DIVING IN THE LAND OF CHINGIS KHAN

By Steffan Schulz
Mongolia, Russian Federation, USA, 2008, 48 minutes
schulz@strangemedia.com

Hövsgol Nuur is one of the last vestiges of its kind, a living laboratory for climatic change. Known as the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, this high altitude lake along with Baikal, its sister lake in Siberia, represents nearly 20% of the earth’s fresh water supply and remains one of the lesser explored frontiers on Planet Earth. Join this expedition of scuba divers on their journey to discover and document the lake’s underwater environment, and how human impact & other factors may be affecting the pristine water quality. From shipwrecks to Buddhist artifacts, see what secrets Lake Hövsgol has hidden beneath its surface.

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JOHN GREENLEE in person!

Lecture and slide show
Designing Meadows and Natural Lawns
Growing the Movement Against American Turf

John Greenlee, owner and founder of Greenlee Nursery, is an internationally known horticulturalist specializing in the cultivation and study of grasses.  In 1992 John authored the best selling garden book, The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses published by Rodale Press. His most recent book, Meadows by Design, will be published by Timber Press in 2009.

It is time to shift our gardening methods! In his presentation, John will discuss the benefits of replacing turf-grass lawns with sustainable alternatives. The ills of the traditional lawn are more apparent now than ever. Americans spend $200 million a year applying toxic lawn pesticides. Children are six times more likely to get leukemia when pesticides are used in the home. And furthermore, turf-grass gardens on average require twice as much water as native grasses.

A diverse variety of grasses are being used today to create the most exciting landscape design in the country. Native and specialty grasses are covering green roves and living walls. But the practice of sustainable gardening is not just for landscape designers, anyone can do it! Ornamental grasses and grass-like plants are fantastic in perennial beds, containers, and water features. They transform larger areas into prairie landscapes or fragrant, romantic meadows. Earth friendly, easy to grow, and incredibly healthy natural lawns and meadows are the wave of the future.

In addition to John’s discussion, Greenlee Nursery will be providing a selection of their native grasses for purchase after the program.

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CALL IT HOME:
SEARCHING FOR TRUTH ON BOLINAS LAGOON

By Bill Chayes and Chuck Olin
USA, 2008, 56 minutes
www.chayesprorductions.com

This documentary celebrates the beauty and importance of the world famous Bolinas Lagoon, explores the issues behind a decades-long community debate to understand the forces affecting its future and seeks to inspire people everywhere to love and respect nature.

The film places the Bolinas Lagoon story in the context of the history of the “Marin Miracle”; preservation of open land in Marin County, including development of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore. The rise of national environmental consciousness in the 70’s literally began in Northern California, and to some degree, with efforts to preserve Bolinas Lagoon. It is also clearly a microcosm that resonates with important environmental issues that are currently debated across our nation and around the world

PLUS A WORK IN PROGRESS – (10 minutes) By Bill Chayes

Followed by a discussion with Bill Chayes and other invited guests.

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FOOD FIGHT: A STORY OF CULINARY REVOLT

By Chris Taylor
USA, 2008, 83 minutes

Over the course of the 20th century, our food system has been co-opted by corporate forces whose interests do not lie in providing the public with fresh, healthy, sustainably produced food. Fortunately for America, an alternative emerged from the counter-culture of California in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where a group of political anti-corporate protesters--led by Alice Waters--voiced their dissent by creating a food chain outside of the conventional system. The unintended result was the birth of a vital local-sustainable-organic food movement which has brought back taste and variety to our tables.

FOOD FIGHT is a fascinating look at how American agricultural policy and food culture developed in the 20th century, and how the California food movement has created a counter-revolution against big agribusiness.

The film features Sonoma Valley farmer Bob Cannard and Bay Area food writer Michael Pollan, among others.

Following the film there will be a discussion and reception with filmmaker Chris Taylor and other invited guests.

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"A Taste of New Orleans"

Sample Pulled Pork Sandwiches
And Green Salad with Pecans & Citrus Vinaigrette
Sponsored by Sheana Davis of The Epicurean Connection

Followed by

FAUBOURG TREMÉ: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans

Directed By Dawn Logsdon and Lolis Eric Elie
Produced by Lucie Faulknor, Dawn Logsdon and Lolis Eric Elie
USA, 2007, 68 minutes
lucie@tremedoc.com

This film is a modern history book that perfectly captures the spirit and culture of Faubourg Tremé - one of New Orleans' great neighborhoods, a place of creative ferment and political resistance for some 300 years. The film brings the old Tremé back to life and demonstrates that not only is it the birthplace of jazz, it is also the birthplace of civil rights in the U.S.

This is not just a black New Orleans story, this is an essential AMERICAN story. Long ago, Faubourg Tremé was home to the most prosperous and politically active black community in America. Here black and white, free and enslaved, rich and poor co-habited, collaborated and clashed to create much of what defines New Orleans culture. Combining pre- and post-Katrina hurricane footage with a wealth of never before seen archival footage, the film is a riveting tale of hope, heartbreak and haunting historic parallels.

After the film there will be a discussion with the filmmakers.

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GRANDMA BUILDS AN EARTHSHIP

By Kent Gunnufson
USA, 2008, 58 min.
kent@mountainmagazine.com

This inspirational story is informative and heart warming. It offers insight into one of many possibilities for our nation to achieve energy independence. It is the story of a 67 year old grandmother who builds her totally off-the-grid home, her Earthship. Pascha’s 12 year pioneering effort fought through a mountain of regulatory barriers to bring alternative (non standard) construction methods to the high Rockies. Using alternative building materials to create an energy self-sufficient home in one of the country’s harshest environments was a monumental challenge. Despite pessimistic views, Pasch refused to give up and forged ahead to achieve her mountain dream.

Following the film there will be a discussion with the filmmaker and members of the green building movement with a focus on geothermal heating and passive and solar energy.

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ONCE UPON A TIDE

By Kathleen Frith and Mark Shelley
USA, 2008, 10 minutes
kfrith@hms.harvard.edu

Told through the unique voice of Academy-Award winner Linda Hunt as the Storyteller, Once Upon a Tide is set in a time, not unlike our own, when a spell has been cast causing people to forget about the ocean and its importance to our lives. With this backdrop, we meet a young girl who is traveling to the ocean for the first time. Led by her, we embark on a fantastic journey, where orcas swim through corn fields, scientists talk in rhyme, and the power of dreams helps her, and the audience, discover how the ocean touches all parts of our Earth and nurtures our existence.

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BENEATH THE BLUE

By Art Howard
USA, 2008, 20 minutes
heyjulie@earthlink.net

As one scientist exclaimed 'It's like Dr. Suess went crazy down there!.' In 'Beneath the Blue' viewers are shown a beautiful and exotic world on the ocean's floor. Deep-water coral communities off the coast of the Southeastern United States are just now being discovered and explored by researchers, and there is an urgent rush to document and describe these places before they are destroyed by irresponsible fishing and trawling practices, or offshore drilling. Stunning HD footage shot by North Carolina native Art Howard, who has traveled the globe documenting wildlife and scientific exhibitions, captures exotic creatures and coral pinnacles and mounds that have taken thousands of years to form.

These delicate habitats are the spawning ground for many fish, and home to species never previously documented. In many ways our oceans are the last frontier, and there are mounting pressures from fishing, energy acquisition, and aquaculture. Sound regulatory policies are urgently needed to protect these places that lie 'in our backyard.' Scriptwriter Julie Williams Dixon has carefully woven the stories of the scientists together in a way that makes the viewer understand that even though we can't visit these places the way we might hike a trail, or climb a mountain, we are still all connected in the glorious web of life.

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FLIP FLOTSAM

Kenya/UK, 2003, 23 minutes
By Lucy Bateman & Etienne Oliff

Ever wondered what happens to your footwear after you're finished with it? This weeks award-winning and startlingly original documentary traces the fantastic journey of Africa's most popular shoes: the flip-flop. Easily bought, quickly discarded, the flip-flop stands as a symbol of the summer holiday for millions of westerners. But in its African homeland, it undergoes a series of versatile transformations. Filmed over a two year period, this startling and uplifting film takes an ingenious look at the life-cycle of the flip-flop. Its especially noteworthy for the beauty of its photography and editing. Winner Best Eco Short Film, 2003 Wine Country Film Festival.

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CAPE WIND

By Robbie Gemmel
USA, 2008, 9 minutes

Cape Wind: The Fight for the Future of Power in America tells the story of how one man's vision to build a wind farm off the coast of Cape Cod has revealed the core malfunctions of our nation's political system and inspired a new generation of environmentalists who are determined to change the way energy is produced.

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THE SECRET WEAPON

By Champ Williams
USA, 2008, 2 minutes

When attacked by a voracious sunflower star, the helpless keyhole limpet relies on others for its defense.

Following the program there will be a discussion with filmmakers.

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DIRT! THE MOVIE

by Jaime Lee Curtis

DIRT! THE MOVIE brings to life the environmental, economic, social and political impact that the soil has. It shares the stories of experts from all over the world who study and are able to harness the beauty and power of a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with soil.

DIRT! the Movie is simply a movie about dirt. The real change lies in our notion of what dirt is. The movie teaches us: "When humans arrived 2 million years ago, everything changed for dirt. And from that moment on, the fate of dirt and humans has been intimately linked." But more than the film and the lessons that it teaches, DIRT the Movie is a call to action.

"The only remedy for disconnecting people from the natural world is connecting them to it again."

What we've destroyed, we can heal.