11th Annual Salt Spring Island Film Festival With little more than a week to go, the countdown to our annual Salt Spring Film Festival begins. The festival is known for presenting a strong program of thought provoking and entertaining films from all over the globe. Mark your calendars “For the Love of Film.”

The opening Gala begins on Friday at 6 pm at GISS. Live music by Alvaro Sanchez and the Chamigos and a light dinner fare and desserts served by Chef Bruce Wood and Laughing Daughters Bakery will set the tone for the rich and entertaining evening to follow. At 7 pm ‘The Green Film’ – it’s not easy being green – especially when you’re a filmmaker! – will precede the feature film ‘The Yes Men Fix The World’. The ‘Yes Men’, Andy Bichbaum and Mike Bonnano, have an unusual hobby: posing as top executives of corporations they hate. Armed with nothing more than thrift store suits and daring creative minds, they lie their way into business conferences and parody their gullible corporate nemeses right before their eyes. It is a zany and true story.

Documentary films are hot. They’re winning awards and becoming an important part of the mainstream film world. “We are very excited about the films screening at this year’s festival. There is something for everyone. Topics covering the environment, art and culture and human rights around the globe seek to enrich, educate and entertain. Our screening committee views many films from international film festivals and has carefully chosen a program of films that you will love. From following the migration of the amazing Monarch Butterflies to an innovative recycling program in Egypt, we cover a wide variety of content.”

This year we are very lucky to have several great documentary filmmakers coming to Salt Spring to discuss their films. Sandy Cioffi will captivate her audience with her beautifully crafted and quality film ”Sweet Crude” and her engaging talk afterwards will knock your socks off! Norm Lofts will lead the debate on the ongoing battle over raw milk in his film ‘Michael Schmidt Organic Hero or Bio Terrorist.’ We are also screening two films nominated for this year’s Academy Awards – ‘Burma VJ’ and ‘The Most Dangerous Man in the World’. We’re definitely on a roll.

At the heart of Salt Spring’s annual Film Festival is its army of volunteers. Dozens of people offer their time, energy and goodwill to make sure this Festival happens. Unique among festivals, admission is still by donation, a policy that’s been faithfully preserved over the years so that everyone in the community has an opportunity to attend. When you arrive at the door please give generously to insure that this increasingly popular community film festival will continue.

If you have been to the Festival, you will know about the special nature of the event. It’s a time for islanders to come together to watch thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining films. Nothing fancy, but an experience rich in substance and fellowship.

We hope to see you there!