Retired Folks showing Social Justice Films

It is exciting that documentary films have become so popular in the last few years. Excellent directors like Michael Moore are finding that they are the best vehicle to get out challenging and new information which does not appear in the media. Documentary film festivals have sprung up all over North America and some of the best of these are found in the Vancouver area, in British Columbia. The ones that have attracted the most attention include DOXA - an amazing Vancouver Festival that comes along in May, CODEV The World Community Film Festival at Langara College in Vancouver, and - a small but growing group in White Rock called The White Rock Social Justice Film Society.

Each year for the past seven years an energetic group of retired folk have got together to plan a program of films dealing with subjects promoting social justice and ranging from the environment, global humanitarian issues, health care, food security, energy, water, peace and poverty. The new season starts in September with a Friday film and every month, except December, through March, there is a new presentation. In February there is a weekend festival when up to ten films are shown.

Viewers are offered the opportunity after the films to discuss issues with fellow audience members and knowledgeable resource people are present to answer questions. By raising awareness and consciousness the group hopes to inspire people to act on behalf of their community and to take up causes that need support.

The White Rock Festival has an inspiring history. Jack McLachlan is the founder and he himself is a lifelong activist from Manitoba. Now in his eighties he continues to work with and inspire the group. The small but dedicated band of volunteers that share an interest in documentary films and social justice meet every week to plan the presentations. A lot of work needs to be done to choose and acquire the films. The licence for public screening needs to be gained and wide publicity has to be done before each film, to inform people about the dates and times of the films. There is now a Facebook page and a great website where people can go to find out about the program and see trailers of the films. The address is www.socialjusticefilmfestival.ca. Some films that have been screened may also be borrowed by society members. The public is now encouraged to join the society for a membership fee of $5.

Because of the burden of work associated with such a society some of the younger members become tired and burned out. This year, sadly, the group looked for a while as thought it might have to fold. But new members were brought in with fresh energy and as a result, the last season was one of the best ever in terms of audience participation and thought provoking films. Now the team is reinspired and is planning its first AGM as a society in May. Then the planning will start for the new season starting next September.

Exciting plans are leaking out about next seasons menu of films! Some of the hints I have picked up are that negotiations are being held to show "Inside Job", a punchy and authentic film about the financial collapse in the US, and "Regeneration", a documentary about the reengagement of young people in activism and political issues.

The Social Justice Film Festival in White Rock will be back every year and hopes to grow a little each season. They are eager to share their exciting films with you all and hope, if you live near Vancouver, that you will check them out soon.