The Green Screen Ecological Film Showcase Returns

After sitting out 2008 due to a lack of eco-themed film offerings, the Green Screen Ecological Film Showcase returns this year brimming with nearly 8 weeks worth of documentaries, discussions, live music and activism. Things got underway last week in Norfolk, Virginia and screenings will run through the beginning of November.

The festival is sponsored by local theater owner, Tench Phillips who has been hosting the series since 2003. "These are mostly small films that you normally wouldn't see unless you lived in a big city," Phillips told the Virginian-Pilot. "There was a part of me that said, 'There's no way I can find an audience for these.' But after I screened the films, I was like, 'These are so powerful; I just have to try.'"

The opening night film is "The Cove." Led by dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry, a group of activists infiltrate a cove near Taijii, Japan to expose both a shocking instance of animal abuse and a serious threat to human health. Besides documenting the mass killing of dolphins, it also exposes how the meat is often purposely mislabeld and sold for a higher price in markets despite the presence of toxic levels of mercury which can lead to poisoning.  

In October the Virginia Sierra Club will present a documentary, "Coal Country," which looks at proposed coal-fired plants in Virginia's Wise and Surry counties.

Other films include:

"Fresh" also will be screened; it's an inside account of how community organizers and organic farmers are working to change U.S. eating habits. Proceeds from this scheming will support of Five Points Community Farm Market in Norfolk. October 1

"An American Opera: The Greatest Pet Rescue Ever!" following after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans presented by filmmaker Tom McPhee. October 19

"Throw Your Heart Down" will wrap the festival. The film follow famed banjo player Bela Fleck on his journey through Africa. There he explores the little known African roots of the banjo and records an album. November 5

Photos courtesy of narocinema.com & thecovemovie.com.