ECO topics include water, green building, sustainable economy, alternative energy, organic agriculture, and wilderness conservation at the Sonoma Environmental Film Festival. Submitted Photo
Using the powerful medium of film and interactive discussions, the first Sonoma Environmental Film Festival will present the world’s best environmental-themed films to enhance our understanding and appreciation of what it means to be green and stewards of Earth. The films are not doom and gloom but rather inspiring, entertaining and easy to understand. Many are world premieres and all are wine country premieres that relate to our local communities. The complete schedule will be announced online on Dec. 18. SEFF dates are Jan.25 – 27, 2008.
Film topics include water, green building, sustainable economy, alternative energy with an emphasis on solar and biodiesel, organic agriculture and wilderness conservation. The program of 30 films was curated by festival founder Justine Ashton, students from the high school’s Earth Club and SoloQuest, and individuals from Sonoma Valley’s vibrant and rapidly expanding green community.
Other activities include green exhibits, guest speakers, an Education Program for Middle and High School Students and a Sunday Benefit Crab Feed and Round Table Discussion.
The Round Table Discussion will focus on water, Sonoma Valley school gardens, Sonoma green building, small solar energy projects and resource conservation in Southern Sonoma County. Speakers are experts in each field and audience participation is highly encouraged. Bring your green tips!
There will be plenty of Good Eats available for purchase featuring local products, organic sodas, teas and coffee and wine by the glass sourced from Sonoma Valley organic and biodynamic vineyards. A composite of the eco films will be made available to teachers and educators after the festival concludes. The DVD will be offered free for educational purposes. Net proceeds from SEFF will go to the new Sonoma Valley High School garden, which recently received a grant from the State of California to establish a school garden. Other schools in the district that also received grants for gardens are Flowery and El Verano schools.
All films and activities take place at the Sonoma Valley Women’s Club, 574 First Street East, in Sonoma. Beginning Dec. 18, for the film schedule and ticket information, go to www.wcff.us/SEFF/index.asp.
