EFFM ‘11.

“Now that we have released the schedule for this year’s festival, I thought it only appropriate to devote this blog to why I think this year’s films are so wonderful.

(1)   International content

Last year, we were aware that the vast majority of the films we showed were produced and set in US.  There is not a problem with American films per se – the US has a strong and vibrant independent, green film culture and has really helped develop this genre as a mainstream option.  It also has some amazing festivals to help promote them.  But it does mean that there is a decidedly North American focus, and they are often pitched very much at the North American market.  As an example, the closing images of one of last year’s films actually made the audience giggle, as American flags waved and a US politician, in very patriotic terms, tried to appeal to the audience’s sense of “red, white and blue”.  I am not sure he realised this audience would include sniggering Australians.

By contrast, this year we have films coming from 10 different countries, including Russia, Brazil, Australia, Denmark, France, Iceland and Sweden… and some other places I have probably forgotten.  The mix of perspectives, accents (discussions of nuclear power sound so much more beautifully sinister when spoken with a Danish accent), and ideas is so much richer for it.

(2)   Australian content

Not only is the breadth of countries far larger, but we are showing four Australian-made films.  It is fantastic to see these gems emerge from the Australian film industry, and we are really excited to help promote them.  From Waste Not, which takes a really interesting look at how much stuff Australians waste, to Magic Harvest, documenting the trials and tribulations of first-time veggie gardeners in Adelaide, and Common Ground, about a reconnection with the unique Australian landscape. We are also screening the world premiere of Plasticized, which takes us on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean monitoring plastic pollution. All these films are fabulous.  We are really excited about increasing the number of Australian screenings, and expect this is a trend that will continue.

(3)   Varied content

Probably in part due to the international spread, the subject matter is also fabulously diverse.  The fine line between eco-terrorism and direct action is explored in If a Tree Falls; particularly important issues at a time when people are getting so frustrated with the lack of progress from traditional forms of protest…  More on that in another blog.  Whimsical and almost poetic images of the impacts of urbanisation are presented in A World of One’s Own.  Multiple perspectives on the impact of light pollution are examined in the gentle and contemplative The City Dark – philosophical considerations of what it means for us to be separated from the vastness of space; practical considerations relating to astronomical research; the health implications of no darkness (who knew there were any?); and finally the environmental costs – interfering with migratory pathways, deaths of baby turtles and other unpleasant consequences of our obsession with 24/7 lighting.  And, particularly relevant for me as a new mother is Play Again, exploring one of the potential reasons for our children’s increasing disconnect from nature, being too much screen time, and its potential developmental implications.

It is a complete cliché, but there truly is something for everyone. Please enjoy.”