Planet In Focus - Our Planet, Your Focus, Our Festival

Vol. 16– September 2005
Festival News, Views and Issues, from Planet in Focus

Don’t Be Disappointed; Buy Early, Buy Often!

The Planet in Focus box office is now selling tickets for its 2005 festival. Pushing the definition of ‘environment’ beyond the traditional emphasis on nature, PIF’s varied selection of cutting-edge film touches on universal themes that appeal to a broad audience, including movement and migration, energy and climate change, and aboriginal issues. This year’s lineup boasts more than 70 thought-provoking and award-winning films including over 40 Canadian and international premieres.

The festival opens Wednesday, September 28 with the Canadian premiere gala presentation of The Real Dirt on Farmer John, winner of the Audience Choice Awards at Slamdance and Chicago International Documentary Festivals, and Grand Jury Awards at the San Francisco and Newport Film Festivals. The film is an epic tale of maverick Midwestern American farmer John Peterson, a man devoted to free expression and revolutionary farming. The full festival schedule as well as information about individual films can be found at our new website, www.planetinfocus.org.

PLANET IN FOCUS: International Environmental Film & Video Festival
September 28 - October 2, 2005
Advance Booking Line: 416.531.4689
Single ($10), student/senior ($8), opening night ($15), festival passes ($75)
Discounted block seats for groups available

Films in Context: Upcoming Panel Discussions

Three remarkable panels, free of charge to the public, will take place during the Festival (please visit www.planetinfocus.org for more details).

"The Post-Oil World: Have We Thought Through Our Solutions?"
Friday, September 30, 5pm
Following a series of controversial films dealing with global warming, wind power, and contentious approaches to solving our energy problems, this panel will be moderated by Professor Rob MacDonald, Environmental Studies at York University with panelists: Chris Horner, director, The Disappearing Tuvalu; Ole Tangen, director, Wind Over Water; Janet Sumner, Executive Director, The Wildlands League; Dr. Fergal Nolan, President of the Radiation Safety Institute.

"The Ethics of Wildlife Filmmaking"
Saturday, October 1, 2:30pm
This panel explores what really goes on behind the scenes and how filmmakers deal with the subject matter in front of them in order to get their incredible footage and stories. Michael Allder, Executive Producer of The Nature of Things will moderate this lively and exceptional discussion.

"Global Garbage"
Sunday, October 2, 5pm
This panel follows the director's cut of Shipbreakers and will be moderated by our honourary patron Dr. David Suzuki. Panelists include: Michael Kot, director, Shipbreakers; Binoy Thomas, journalist, Voice of India; Wayne Elliott, Canadian shipbreaker; Andrew Male, Communications Coordinator, Greenpeace Canada.

The countdown is on for Planet in Focus 2005. The festival is just weeks away and we have a terrific lineup of films from around the world starting with our opening night gala screening of The Real Dirt on Farmer John. The award-winning film is having its Canadian premiere at PIF on Wednesday, September 28 at the Royal Cinema on College St. at 6:30pm. We expect that all of you will make it - even Farmer John, the epic hero of the film, will be in attendance.

The PIF office has also been busy organizing more than films: Planet in Focus sees the return of our Eco Fair, an Organic Pancake Brunch, industry round tables and our schools programme, plus an exciting new Youth and Children's Animation Workshop at the National Film Board. So check out our new website for the full schedule of films and events, purchase your tickets and tell your friends how they can get The Real Dirt On Farmer John! - Candida Paltiel, Festival Director

View Candida's full message at www.planetinfocus.org/festival.php

Youth, Camera, Action! Showcase

Youth, Camera, Action!, the Planet in Focus youth video production program, took place over the last two weeks of August. The youth involved, all first-time filmmakers, will have the opportunity to showcase their short videos at the festival on Sunday, October 2. Congratulations to all participants, instructors and coordinators for a very successful program! Details about the youth videos will be presented in the next newsletter.

Planet in Focus and The Nature of Things Present Walking with Ghosts at the Toronto Zoo

Plant in Focus and The Nature of Things present Walking with Ghosts, Sunday, September 18 at the Toronto Zoo. This wildlife documentary provides a rare and intimate glimpse at a delicately balanced cycle of death and renewal, offering never before seen footage of wild snowshoe hares and lynx. Director Caroline Underwood will be in attendance. The film is presented as a part of the Toronto Zoo’s on-going film series, “REEL Nature,” sponsored in part by The Nature of Things with David Suzuki.

Walking With Ghosts
Sunday, September 18, 2pm
Toronto Zoo
Screening is free with admission to the Zoo.
Please call 416-392-5947 to register as space is limited.

Planet in Focus at the Vegetarian Food Fair

Foodies and seasoned vegetarians alike can find gastronomical gratification at the 21st Annual Vegetarian Food Fair, taking place September 9, 10 and 11 at Harbourfront Centre. Hours of the Fair are Friday from 4pm to 9pm, Saturday from 11am to 8pm, and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Visit the Planet in Focus table for information on this year’s film festival, including program books and ticketing information.

A full schedule of events and vendors can be found at www.veg.ca/foodfair.

Support Planet in Focus

As a non-profit organization, Planet in Focus depends on the generosity of donors. Supporting PIF means raising environmental awareness and supporting talented filmmakers. We are committed to the long-term endeavour of raising environmental awareness. Our surveys show that in addition to our core audience of environmentalists, Planet in Focus is drawing new audiences – film lovers and others who would not usually attend an environmental event. So we know we are on the right track.

We are actively seeking individuals, organizations, foundations, and businesses that share our vision. We hope that you will join our growing community of supporters in helping to realize the truly immense potential of Planet in Focus to entertain, inspire, educate and motivate. The Planet in Focus Foundation, a registered charitable organization (#869744177RR0001), has been established to ensure that PIF has the resources necessary to sustain its remarkable pattern of growth.

Please support Planet in Focus with your donation to the Planet in Focus Foundation. For a summary of donor benefits and donation forms, please visit http://www.planetinfocus.org/getinvolved_donate.php

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Candida Paltiel, Festival Director, at 416-531-1769 or candidap@planetinfocus.org.

PLANET IN FOCUS: International Environmental Film & Video Festival
September 28 - October 2, 2005
Box Office Opens September 5
Tickets: 416.531.4689; Single ($10), student/senior ($8), opening night ($15), festival passes ($75)
Discounted block seats for groups available