Join us at the 2016 Green Film Fest

San Francisco Green Film Festival returns Thursday, April 14 through Wednesday, April 20, 2016 for its biggest year yet. For its sixth edition the Green Film Fest will be a city-wide celebration and focal point for the week of Earth Day. As the West Coast's leading green doc destination, the Festival is bringing together films, filmmakers, experts, and audiences to spark the next great environmental ideas. 

The Festival will present 70 internationally acclaimed, eco-focused films. Over 90 visiting filmmakers and guest speakers will be in attendance to delve into some of the most pressing environmental issues and innovative solutions. Audiences will be inspired to move beyond their theatre seats, with tangible ideas and connections to take positive environmental action. 

The Festival’s theme this year is Keep It Wild, with a series of films that inspire us to preserve our wilderness. We’re bringing you characters that are taking on fierce battles and beautiful adventures to protect their bit of wild and prove the outdoors is for everyone. 

We’ll be scaling the country’s highest peak in AN AMERICAN ASCENT; fighting to make rivers run free in A RIVER BETWEEN US; celebrating the National Park Service Centennial in our KEEP IT WILD shorts program; and honoring the 50^th Anniversary of the film that started a conservation movement, BORN FREE. Additional events in this theme include: WILD VR (an immersive workshop on virtual reality); and PARROTS, PELICANS, AND PEOPLE: OH MY! (a discussion with wildlife filmmaker Judy Irving).

Opening Night will take place at the Castro Theatre - a new venue for Green Film Fest - on Thursday, April 14, before moving to the Festival’s main venue the Roxie Theatre from April 15 through 19, and returning to the Castro Theatre for Closing Night, April 20. Other Festival Venues include: FestHQ at 518 Valencia; Koret Auditorium at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch; YBCA; Goldman Theater at the David Brower Center in Berkeley; and the Banatao Auditorium in Suturdja Dai Hall on UC Berkeley Campus.

BIG NIGHTS

OPENING NIGHT: HOW TO LET GO OF THE WORLD (AND LOVE ALL THE THINGS CLIMATE CAN’T CHANGE)

Green Film Fest 2016 kicks-off with a new film from Oscar nominated director Josh Fox (Gasland). Fox continues in his deeply personal style, investigating climate change – the greatest threat our world has ever known. Traveling to 12 countries on 6 continents, he asks, what is it that climate change can’t destroy? HOW TO LET GO OF THE WORLD is part of a bold series of films at Green Film Fest that reflect on the climate deal made in Paris last year, and challenge those in power to respond to people on the frontlines of climate change. Director Josh Fox will be in attendance for the San Francisco Premiere of the film. (Josh Fox, USA, 2016, 125 mins) Thursday, April 14 at the Castro Theatre at 7:30pm

CENTERPIECE: AN AMERICAN ASCENT

This year’s Centrepiece goes to the heart of Green Film Fest’s theme Keep It Wild. From directors Andrew Adkins & George Potter, AN AMERICAN ASCENT sets out to change the face of the outdoors, following nine African Americans take on America’s highest peak: Denali. There has never been an expedition like this before. Their goal is not only to summit, but to prove the outdoors is for everyone and inspire a new generation to protect our wild places. Bay Area climber and star of the film, Scott Briscoe, joins us for this San Francisco Premiere. (Andrew Adkins, George Potter, USA, 2014, 69 mins) Sunday, April 19 at the Roxie Theatre at 8:30pm.

50TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING: BORN FREE

BORN FREE star Virginia McKenna comes to San Francisco to celebrate the 50th Anniversary screening of this wildlife epic. For five decades, the story of Elsa the Lioness has captured hearts around the globe, not least inspiring star Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation, dedicated to protecting these majestic animals. Ms. McKenna will be presented with the 2016 Inspiring Lives Award at the screening. (James Hill, UK/USA, 1966, 95 mins) Wednesday, April 20 at the Castro Theatre at 6.30pm

CLOSING NIGHT: NOT WITHOUT US

Green Film Fest 2016 concludes with an incredible World Premiere from San Francisco director

Mark Decena. NOT WITHOUT US takes us to Paris with seven grassroots activists from around the world head for the UN Climate Talks. Their moving and personal journeys as activists has led them to this point and they want world leaders to feel the pressure. A deal was signed, but the question still remains: can the COP21 agreement stop catastrophic climate change and if not, then is it up to us? Mark Decena will be in attendance to accept the 2016 Green Tenacity Award, with international activists from the film. (Mark Decena, USA, 2016, 90 mins) Wednesday, April 20 at the Castro Theatre at 9.15pm 

ANNOUNCING THE GREEN FILM FEST AWARDS

Green Film Fest announces five diverse awards for films presented at the 2016 Festival, honoring filmmakers who go to great lengths to uncover new stories and a new take on environmental issues.

• Best Feature Award: Shalini Kantayya, CATCHING THE SUN

• Best Short Award: Justin Bogardus, NATURE RX

• Green Tenacity Award: Mark Decena, NOT WITHOUT US

• Inspiring Lives Award: Virginia McKenna, BORN FREE

• Young Filmmaker Award: James Tralie, ESCAPE VELOCITY

• Audience Award will be voted by Festival attendees and presented at the Closing Night Wrap Party.

BAY AREA FILMS & FILMMAKERS

Green Film Fest is the home for Bay Area environmental filmmakers. In addition to these feature presentations, the Festival will showcase 13 film shorts from Bay Area filmmakers, including TRAILHEAD (dir. Emily Fraser, Henry Wiener) celebrating Oakland’s vast wildlife trails; CAMEL GASTROLITH (dir. Chris Jordan) a surprising view of plastic in a camel’s stomach; FIGHT FOR ARENG VALLEY (dir. Kalyanee Mam) the indigenous Chong people of Areng Valley, Cambodia, fight to protect their spirit forests; and a work-in-progress screening of 5 BLOCKS (dir.Robert Cortlandt, Dan Goldes) charting the transformation of San Francisco’s central Market Street. 

AN ACQUIRED TASTE

Vanessa LeMaire-Workman, USA, 2016, 77 mins

World Premiere. In person Vanessa LeMaire-Workman

A moving documentary that doesn’t shy away from asking hard questions about the food choices we make. An Acquired Taste delves into the inner conflicts of a new urban breed in the San Francisco Bay Area: locavore hunters. Defying factory farms, a young, mindful generation learns to hunt as a way of connecting with the source of their sustenance. A profound reflection on what makes us human. Saturday, April 16 at the Roxie Theatre at 3:30pm. 

NATURE’S ORCHESTRA & SOUNDSCAPE ECOLOGY WALK

Stephen Most, USA, 2015, 24 mins

San Francisco Premiere. In person Stephen Most

A unique opportunity to explore soundscapes. In the film NATURE’S ORCHESTRA, musician and acoustic scientist Bernie Krause wants us to stop and listen. The film follows him on an Arctic soundscape expedition to listen for the nature sounds we're losing. After the film, join our Soundscape Ecology Walk, recording nature sounds in Yerba Buena Gardens, in the heart of San Francisco. After the walk, see the recordings come to life on a spectrogram. Saturday, April 16 at the YBCA at 4:00pm.

OF THE SEA

Mischa Hedges, USA, 2015, 75 mins

In Person Mischa Hedges, local San Francisco fishermen, and representatives from Real Good Fish and Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program.

Fishermen are the stewards of some of the last wild food on our planet: fish. But few California fishing families remain, due to complex regulations, high cost, and competition with cheap farmed and imported seafood. Struggling to revive a fading way of life, fishermen and entrepreneurs are creating new models for the future of local, sustainable seafood. Sunday, April 17 at the Roxie Theatre at 3:00pm.

NOT WITHOUT US (See Big Nights for details)

Mark Decena, USA, 2016, 90 mins

World Premiere. In Person Mark Decena

PARROTS, PELICANS, AND PEOPLE: OH MY!

Judy Irving, director of THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL and PELICAN DREAMS, offers a look into the lives of parrots, pelicans, people, and other creatures as they struggle to survive in both urban and wild environments. The program will include clips from her films, a discussion of her creative process, and conversation with the audience. Sunday, April 17 at 518 Valencia at 3:30pm. 

WORLD PREMIERES 

FREIGHTENED

Denis Delestrac, France, 2016, 84 mins

In person Denis Delestrac

Denis Delestrac's (SAND WARS) audacious investigation reveals the mechanics and perils of freight shipping. An incredible 90% of the products consumed in the Western world come from overseas. This expansive journey uncovers the obscure world of container ships that is central to our economy and environment. Saturday, April 16 at the Roxie Theatre at 5:45pm. 

NOT WITHOUT US (See Big Nights for details)

Mark Decena, USA, 2016, 90 mins

In Person Mark Decena

AN ACQUIRED TASTE (See Bay Area Films & Filmmakers for details)

Vanessa LeMaire-Workman, USA, 2016, 77 mins

World Premiere. In person Vanessa LeMaire-Workman

KEEP IT WILD

The Green Film Fest theme is showcased in the Festival’s Big Night films AN AMERICAN ASCENT (dir. Andrew Adkins & George Potter) and BORN FREE (dir. James Hill); and from Bay Area filmmakers in OF THE SEA (dir. Mischa Hedges) and NATURE’S ORCHESTRA (dir. Stephen Most). Additional events in this theme include: WILD VR: A NEW REALITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STORYTELLING, an interactive workshop on the possibilities for wildlife campaigns in virtual reality; and OPEN SHOW: PROJECT EARTH, a showcase of the Bay Area’s best visual storytellers.

I AM CHUT WUTTY

Fran Lambrick, Vanessa de Smet, UK, 2015, 54 mins

Each year, many hundreds of environmental activists put their life on the line to protect wild places. In Cambodia, environmentalist Chut Wutty defied such threats and intimidation to fearlessly investigate the corrupt rubber plantations and logging syndicates. Ultimately paying with his own life. Now his fellow activists need to decide how they go on fighting to defend their forests. Sunday, April 17 at the Roxie Theatre at 6:00pm.

JUMBO WILD

Nick Waggoner, USA, 2015, 60 mins

The Jumbo Valley, located deep in the wilds of British Columbia and one of few homes for Grizzly bears, has long been revered for its spiritual significance and beauty. For decades, First Nations, conservationists, backcountry skiers and snowboarders have fought a proposed large-scale ski resort. After 24 years of opposition, what more will it take to keep Jumbo wild for good? Friday, April 15 at the Roxie Theatre at 6:30pm.

KEEP IT WILD (SHORTS PROGRAM)

This collection of short films brings you a new look at the people out there protecting our wild spaces and the landscapes that inspire them. This program includes NATURE RX (dir. Justin Bogardus) winner of the Green Film Fest 2016 Best Short Award; TRAILHEAD (dir. Emily Fraser, Henry Wiener) celebrating Oakland’s vast wildland trail system; and the following wild short films: 62 YEARS (dir. Logan Bockrath); DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN OUR WILD SPACES (dir. Jason Fitzpatrick); FREE THE SNAKE (dir. Carissa Ridgeway Tudor); A LINE IN THE SAND (dir. Chris Cresci, Justin Clifton); MOVING THE GIANTS (dir. Michael Ramsey). Sunday, April 17 at the Roxie Theatre at 1:00pm.

A RIVER BETWEEN US

Jeff Martin, USA, 2014, 90 mins

San Francisco Premiere. In Person Jason Atkinson, producer

Flowing from southern Oregon to Northern California, the vast communities of the Klamath River have been feuding over its water for generations. Four dams & unequal water rights pit neighbor against neighbor. They have to choose to put their past behind them and compromise. If they succeed, it will be the largest river restoration project in American history. Saturday, April 16 at Roxie Theatre at 1:00pm.

SONIC SEA

Michelle Dougherty, Daniel Hinerfeld, USA, 2015, 56 mins

Oceans are a sonic symphony. Yet human activity has radically transformed the ocean’s delicate acoustic habitat, challenging the ability of whales and other marine life to prosper, and ultimately to survive. Sonic Sea offers solutions and hope for a quieter ocean, and underscores that the ocean’s destiny is inextricably bound with our own. Tuesday, April 19 at SFPL Main Branch at 12:00pm. 

SURF SHORTS

In Person: Paul Ferraris, Beth O’Rourke

Meet the women surfers around the globe who are creating a new surf culture. From San Francisco’s feared, fabled and often ferocious Ocean Beach in INSIDE THE MIND OF SACHI CUNNINGHAM (dir. Beth O'Rourke, Jeff den Broeder); to a small Baja fishing village in Mexico in LA MAESTRA (dir. Paul Ferraris, Elizabeth Pepin Silva); and finally to meet Iran’s female surf pioneers in INTO THE SEA (dir. Marion Poizeau). All of them make every wave count. Friday, April 15 at Roxie Theatre at 9:00pm. 

ROAD FROM PARIS: CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGY

As we reflect on the climate deal made in Paris last year, Green Film Fest looks towards filmmakers presenting the challenges and solutions to climate action. The Festival is book-ended by two dynamic new films inspiring climate activism: HOW TO LET GO OF THE WORLD (AND LOVE ALL THE THINGS CLIMATE CAN’T CHANGE) (dir. Josh Fox); and NOT WITHOUT US (dir. Mark Decena).

THE ANTHROPOLOGIST

Daniel A. Miller, Seth Kramer, Jeremy Newberger, USA, 2015, 80 mins

San Francisco Premiere. In Person Daniel Miller

The parallel stories of two women: Margaret Mead, who popularized cultural anthropology; and Susie Crate, an environmental anthropologist studying the impact of climate change. Uniquely revealed from their daughters’ perspectives, Mead and Crate demonstrate a fascination with how societies are forced to negotiate the disruption of their traditional ways of life. Tuesday, April 19 at Roxie Theatre at 6:30pm. 

THE BABUSHKAS OF CHERNOBYL

Holly Morris, Anne Bogart, USA, 2015, 72 mins

San Francisco Premiere

To us it may be a radioactive “Exclusion Zone”, to them it’s their ancestral homeland. Thirty years since the Chernobyl disaster, a defiant community of women continue to scratch out an existence on its toxic land. Through their surprisingly uplifting stories we see the healing power of shaping one’s destiny and the subjective nature of risk. Sunday, April 17 at the Roxie Theatre at 8:00pm

BEHEMOTH (BEI XI MO SHOU)

Zhao Liang, China/France, 2015, 90 mins

West Coast Premiere. Director’s Choice.

In the Old Testament, the mountains are the domain of a monster named Behemoth; in modern times the vast mining industry has taken the monster’s place. Inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, Zhao Liang shares poetic reflections on China’s search for a paradise, one that has ended up more like Hell. Could the monster have ever dreamed of this? Tuesday, April 19 at the Roxie Theatre at 9:00pm

THE BURDEN

Roger Sorkin, USA, 2015, 40 mins

San Francisco Premiere. Discussion with Truman National Security Project.

Oil is our greatest long-term national security threat. The US Military is the world’s largest consumer of oil and their dependence on supplies makes them constantly vulnerable to attack. The troops are crying out for clean energy. But is Congress listening? Monday, April 18 at the Roxie Theatre at 6:30pm

CATCHING THE SUN

Shalini Kantayya, USA, 2015, 75 mins

San Francisco Premiere. In person Shalini Kantayya

The race for clean energy is here. But what does the ‘green economy’ look like on the ground? Trainees at a solar jobs program in Richmond, CA; Wally Jiang, a Chinese CEO; and SF Bay Area community activist Van Jones, are all facing the ups and downs of the emerging yet global race for a renewable future. Winner of the 2016 Best Feature Award. Saturday, April 16 at the Roxie Theatre at 8:30pm 

CONTAINMENT

Peter Galison, Robb Moss, USA/Japan, 2015, 80 mins

San Francisco Premiere

Imagine a society 10,000 years from now. Can we protect them from the deadliest, longest-lasting radioactive substances ever produced? Not a single country in the world has a clear plan for what to do with our radioactive waste stream. From New Mexico to Fukushima, meet the people tasked with speaking across time to protect future generations. Saturday, April 16 at the Roxie Theatre at 6:00pm 

DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA

Jon Bowermaster, USA, 2016, 100 mins

West Coast Premiere. In person Jon Bowermaster.

Mark Ruffalo produces and narrates this direct appeal to the President to join the “anti-fracking” majority. Across the US people are seeing firsthand the impact of reliance on yet another dirty energy process, including unheard stories of pollution and contamination here in California. Sunday, April 17 at the Roxie Theatre at 5:30pm; and Monday, April 18 at UC Berkeley at 6:00pm.

ICE AND THE SKY

Luc Jacquet, France, 2015, 89 mins

California Premiere

Luc Jacquet (March of the Penguins) returns to the Antarctic with this awe-inspiring account of the life of climate change pioneer Claude Lorius. A farseeing glaciologist, Lorius was the first scientist to be concerned about global warming. In Ice and the Sky, Lorius reflects on his legacy and continues to believe we can find a solution. Monday, April 18 at the Roxie Theatre at 8:30pm; and Tuesday, April 19 at the David Brower Center at 7:00pm 

SPOTLIGHT CALIFORNIA

In person Ali Hart, producer; James Mastracco, Executive Producer

Explore the creative process behind Spotlight California. This web series, produced by Tom Steyer, explores that issues that impact the California we don’t see on postcards; drought, gas gouging, air pollution, and environmental leadership. Sunday, April 17 at 518 Valencia at 1:00pm. 

TOPOPHILIA

Peter Bo Rappmund, USA, 2015, 62 mins

In this exquisite study of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline—one of the world’s longest conduits for crude oil—Rappmund continues his experimentation with landscape and time-lapse photography. Following the 800-mile pipeline from end to end, astonishing images and rhythms arise, capturing the complex intersections at which industrial and natural sublimes meet. Saturday, April 16 at 518 Valencia at 4:00pm. 

ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

H2OMX

José Cohen, Mexico, 2014, 82 mins

San Francisco Premiere

Mexico City faces a continual battle for access to water: getting it, rationing it, transporting it, and consuming it with the utmost judgment and care. The Valley of Mexico is a complex water system in high demand at the same time as facing unstoppable pollution. Sunday, April 17 at Roxie Theatre at 3:45pm

IN PURSUIT OF SILENCE

Patrick Shen, USA, 2015, 81 mins

San Francisco Premiere. In Person Patrick Shen

Beginning with an ode to John Cage’s seminal silent composition 4’33”, sights and sounds are delicately interwoven with silence to create a contemplative, cinematic experience. Amidst the rapid growth of our cities, silence is quickly passing into legend. This is a meditative exploration of our relationship with silence and the impact of noise on our lives. Saturday, April 16 at the Roxie Theatre at 1:30pm

SAVING MES AYNAK

Brent E. Huffman, USA, 2014, 60 mins

San Francisco Premiere. In Person Brent E. Huffman

A race against time to save a 5,000-year-old Buddhist city in Afghanistan threatened by demolition by a Chinese state-owned copper mine. Afghan archaeologists face what seems an impossible battle against the Chinese, the Taliban, and local politics to save their heritage from likely erasure.  Saturday, April 16 at the Roxie Theatre at 3:45pm 

SUNU

Teresa Camou Guerrero, Mexico, 2015, 80 mins

San Francisco Premiere

Delving into the heart of the Mexican country, Teresa Camou exposes the rich wisdom of a fast-disappearing rural tradition centered respectfully around maize. Seen through the eyes of small, midsize and large Mexican maize producers, Sunú knits together different stories from a world threatened by big business.  Saturday, April 16 at the Roxie Theatre at 8:00pm 

THE TRUE COST

Andrew Morgan, USA, 2015, 93 mins

This is a story about the clothes we wear. It’s about the people who make them, and the fashion industry’s impact on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs grow dramatically. So, who really pays the price for our clothing? Sunday, April 17 at the Roxie Theatre at 1:30pm.

SHORT FILMS

Good things come in small packages and throughout the Festival we showcase an array of 40 new, International short films. There are two dedicated shorts programs: KEEP IT WILD and SURF SHORTS, as well as a short before every feature screening. Highlights include the World Premieres of seven new short films, including beautiful animation in BRIGHT SPOTS (dir. Jilli Rose) and the chilling CAMEL GASTROLITH (dir. Chris Jordan); the USA Premieres of REVERENCE: THE MONARCH PROJECT (dir. Jean-Nicolas Orhon) and KIDCHUP (dir. Carolina Giannini Veirano); as well as stunning new films FIGHT FOR ARENG VALLEY (dir. Kalyanee Mam), WALT (dir. Justin Clifton), and DEFENDANT 5 (dir. Heidi Lee Douglas). Also shown are winners from the Festival’s Climate Action Film Contest and shorts created in our Youth Media Workshop.

SPONSORS

Green Film Fest is proud and honored to have exceptional support from 2016 Opening Night Grand Sponsor Kaiser Permanente and Grand Sponsor Wells Fargo. The Festival thanks The Orchard Hotel as the Exclusive Hotel Partner. Additional support includes the Campbell Foundation, Dean Witter Foundation, Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation, and the San Francisco Arts Commission. 

GREEN FILM FEST TICKET INFORMATION

Pricing for all regular screenings: General Admission $15; Students, seniors and disabled adults $14; Members $13. Tickets for receptions and parties are individually priced. There are free events held in FestHQ (518 Valencia) on April 16 & 17; and at San Francisco Public Library Main Branch on April 19. See the Box Office for details. 

About the San Francisco Green Film Festival

The San Francisco Green Film Festival (SFGFF) is the West Coast’s leading destination for groundbreaking and compelling films on the urgent environmental issues of our time. Our mission is to educate and connect communities through forward-thinking programs of environmental films and discussions. SFGFF presents an annual film festival each spring, along with year-round community screenings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since launching in 2011, SFGFF has presented an extensive range of films connecting people to the most pressing green stories in over 200 programs of 440 films with the participation of over 140 community organizations in film, arts, and the environment. We have crafted a unique festival that is the Bay Area's only event dedicated to media that explores environmental topics and sustainable living. 

For more information: greenfilmfest.org

San Francisco Green Film Festival

San Francisco Green Film Festival

The San Francisco Green Film Festival is the West Coast’s leading destination for groundbreaking and compelling films on the urgent environmental issues of our time. As global temperatures skyrocket and media coverage of climate change vanishes, our mission is to educate and connect communities through forward-thinking programs of environmental films and discussions. Launched in 2011, SFGFF presents an annual film festival each Spring as well as year-round community screenings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area. Find out how you can get involved and take action!

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