FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                October 6^th, 2011

3^rd Annual REEL CHANGE SustainAbility Film Fest Comes to UBC Okanagan

The Fresh Outlook Foundation (FOF) will host its 3^rd Annual REEL CHANGE SustainAbility Film Fest in Kelowna October 21^st/22^nd.  Hosted by FOF with partners UBC Okanagan, Leo’s Videos, and the Regional Waste Reduction Office, the film fest features 14 award-winning documentaries about a wide range of sustainability topics — everything from genuine wealth and species protection to educational reform and sustainable business. The films (and their topics) include:

  The Economics of Happiness (Globalization vs. Localization)

  Farming with Nature (Permaculture)

  Bokashi (Industrial Composting)

  The Incomappleux (Forest Protection

  Mission Possible: Cradle-to-Cradle Design (Intelligent Manufacturing)

  Seed Warriors (Food Security)

  The Greenest Building (Reusing/Recycling Buildings)

  Gasland (Gas Extraction/Water Pollution)

  Inside Job (Global Economic Crisis)

  Vanishing of the Bees (Species Protection)

  The Finland Phenomenon (Educational Reform)

  So Right. So Smart. (Sustainable Business

  Deep Green (Climate Action/Energy Efficiency)

  The Clean Bin Project (zero waste)

For film synopses, screening times and locations, and panelists, visit www.freshoutlookfoundation.org

Each film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local experts. “This format is what separates REEL CHANGE from other film fests, even those in large communities,” explains FOF founder and CEO Joanne de Vries. “It’s good to learn about a topic, but it’s even better to explore that topic with experts from various sectors who can provide a local context and generate dialogue about local solutions. 

“And solutions are what it’s all about,” adds de Vries. “Last year’s REEL CHANGE in Kelowna provided a perfect example of how people left the film fest having decided to make changes in their personal and professional lives that would contribute to community sustainability. 

“We showed DIRT, a documentary about soil ecology and conservation,” she recalls. “Nathalie Begin was so moved by the film she decided to spearhead the development of a community garden in her West Kelowna neighbourhood. With input and support from municipal hall, local businesses, and community groups, Begin proceeded to build what is now a 29-plot, fully functioning community garden.

“Seeing DIRT triggered something in me,” says Begin. “It helped me realize how my individual actions are truly part of the whole and do have an impact.  Having the opportunity to speak with a panel member after the movie gave me the courage to not only be engaged emotionally, but to actively be part of something meaningful.

“Now,” she continues, “the bountiful harvest from the gardens is sending a positive message to the gardeners, their families, and the neighbourhood on how much can be achieved with well-intentioned collaborative efforts.  It is an exciting project and enriching experience!”

DIRT also affected de Vries in a powerful and compelling way. “I was so moved by the film, and how it impacted those watching it, that I promised the audience I’d launch a campaign to have 10,000 Okanagan residents see the film. To date, about 3,500 people — including 1,000 K-12 students — have seen the film as part of our Talking DIRTy campaign. The majority of viewers love the film, with screening hosts and teachers saying that soil-related attitudes and behaviours are certainly being challenged.” Anyone wanting to host a screening should contact Joanne de Vries at .

For film synopses, screening times and locations, and panelists, visit www.freshoutlookfoundation.org

For more information about REEL CHANGE visit www.freshoutlookfoundation.org or contact:

Joanne de Vries