Troy Shantz The Sarnia Justice Film Festival is preparing to roll out another season of thought-provoking films and discussion on topics of interest locally and around the world. For example, the festival kicks off its ninth season on Oct.
Troy Shantz
The Sarnia Justice Film Festival is preparing to roll out another season of thought-provoking films and discussion on topics of interest locally and around the world.
For example, the festival kicks off its ninth season on Oct. 8 with a screening of “Bikes vs. Cars” at the Sarnia Library Theatre.
City council is currently deciding whether or not to change a bylaw and allow cyclists to ride on the sidewalk; a move some say would result in more bike-car collisions.
The festival is organized by a nine-person volunteer committee tasked with selecting films they believe Sarnians want to see and talk about.
“This year there’s a good, wide range of films – something for everyone,” said committee member Darren Hakker.
“We know how valuable these topics are to our community,” he added, noting they range from education to environmental issues.
“The film isn’t meant to solve all of our problems, it’s meant to start discussions and help make change happen.”
And audience discussion is a key part of each screening.
“After every film, we invite two or three people up who are really connected to the issue, and they first talk about what they thought of the film and then we open it up for discussion, Hakker said.
Anyone can ask questions or comment on its content.
“A lot of people think that’s the best part, when we get people in our community to stand up at the front and say, ‘Hey this is what I think, this is what I represent, and let’s chat about it.’ “
Thanks to festival sponsors the films are completely free, although donations are always accepted, Hakker said.
Screenings start 7 p.m. at the Sarnia Library Auditorium:
Oct. 8
Bikes Vs. Cars: An investigation into the struggle cyclists face in a society dominated by cars.
Nov. 12
Minimalism: A Documentary about Important Things. Profiles people who lead a meaningful life with only essential possessions.
Jan. 14
The Mask You Live In: Follows boys and young men as they try to understand the definition of masculinity in America.
Feb. 18
Paper Tigers: A year in the life of an alternative high school trying to break the cycle of violence, poverty and disease faced by six students.
March 25
The Apology: An historical documentary examining women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army in the Second World War.
April 22
Bugs: An exploration into the role insects may play in the future of agriculture and cuisine.
