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Planet in Focus promotes the use of film and video to frame and explore social and ecological focal points, and as a catalyst for awareness, discussion and action.
As David Suzuki says: "Nothing could be more important than the potential educational value of environmental film."
With this ethos on our sleeve, we strive to screen the most creative, insightful, and inspirational programming available. We reach out warmly to both new and traditional audiences, aiming to create a welcoming and energized forum where environmental art, science, industry and activism can come together.
The festival is complemented by a hands-on video workshop for underprivileged youth and the cross-country Best of Planet in Focus tour. Each day’s program features pre and post-screening discussions, panels, workshops and networking events, designed to further engage with the films’ subjects, and foster dialogue and community amongst audiences, filmmakers and broadcasters.
Planet in Focus is an incorporated not-for-profit organization founded in 1999 by Festival Director Mark Haslam. We are affiliated with the Planet in Focus Foundation, a registered charitable organization (# 869744177RR0001). We are currently run by a highly committed eight-member Board of Directors, assisted by various volunteer committees, and we are accountable to a national Advisory Council. Our Honorary Patron is the renowned scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster, Dr. David Suzuki.
Mandate:
• to produce an annual film and video festival that showcases and promotes outstanding and compelling works in all genres, focussing on environmental themes and subjects by Canadian and International filmmakers
Mission:
• to promote the use of film and video as a catalysts for public awareness, discussion, and appropriate action on the ecological and social health of the planet
• to include diverse perspectives (e.g., multi-cultural, international, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, racial, spiritual, and economic status)
• to promote social and ecological sustainability in all festival operations, and forge relationships with organizations and individuals who have similar goals
Goals:
• to encourage the creation and exhibition of a broad spectrum of films and videos exploring environmental and ecological themes that celebrate, question and establish varied ways of viewing the state of our world.
• to present to the public, including children and youth audiences, creative, educational, provocative, and entertaining films and videos on social and ecological themes.
• to create a forum on the use of films and videos as catalysts for discussion of social and ecological issues and appropriate action.
• to establish an international marketplace for ecological films and videos.
• to create an annual meeting place for environmentalists, film and video makers, distributors, broadcasters, and manufacturers to network and initiate new projects.
• to encourage the introduction of ecological processes in the production, distribution and screening of films and videos.
Values:
• Respect for all humans and non-human nature
• Cooperation and collaboration
• Creative community building
• Openness and dialogue
• Commitment to not-for-profit operation
• Long-term and consistent support of environmental filmmaking
• Sustainability
• Financial accountability
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