Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 Feb. 5 to 9
“The Crash Reel” I Feb. 7
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS community.princetonlibrary.org/peff
WELCOME
“To Be Forever Wild” I Feb. 1
P
rinceton Public Library is excited to host the 2014 Princeton Environmental Film Festival. This is the festival’s eighth consecutive year, and we continue to strive to meet its mission to share exceptional documentary films, presentations and speakers to engage our community in exploring environmental sustainability from a wide range of angles and perspectives. Many of the films in this year’s festival reflect the concept of risk, and this emerged as the theme that connects our selection of films. The films feature stories of people on very different paths and explore the risks they take, the choices they make, the stakes they face and, ultimately, what risk we take by doing nothing at all. We are grateful to our sponsors — Church & Dwight, Co. Inc., The Whole Earth Center of Princeton, The Friends of the Princeton Public Library, The Princeton Education Foundation, and Terra Momo Restaurant Group — for the funding that makes the festival possible.
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Through their generosity, all PEFF screenings continue to be offered free of an admission charge. Thanks, also, to the community members who volunteer on our planning committee, additional volunteers who help out at the event, and the businesses, organizations, schools and Princeton University for their participation, and for helping to make sure that the PEFF is central to the needs and interests of our community. And, finally, thank you to all of you who come out every year in increasing numbers to support the Festival, the films, filmmakers and the sustainability of our planet. Please check the PEFF website for updates: community.princetonlibrary.org/peff For up-to-the-minute news, visit our Facebook page, facebook.com/ princetonenvironmentalfilmfestival and follow us on Twitter using the hashtag #peff2014. Susan Conlon Festival Director
community.princetonlibrary.org/peff
Kim Dorman Associate Festival Director
T H U R SDAY, J A N UA R Y 3 0
Jan. 30, 7 p.m. “Thin Ice: The Inside Story of Climate Science” Geologist Simon Lamb produced, directed and photographed this documentary that is intended to reveal the enormous range of human activity and scientific endeavor required to help us understand our changing climate. Researchers on four continents and the ocean were interviewed for the film that is a joint initiative between Oxford University, Victoria University of Wellington and London-based DOX Productions. Directed by David Sington and Simon Lamb; 2013; 73 minutes. The screening will be followed by a talk by Dr. Elisabeth Sikes, Dr. Anthony Broccoli, Dr. Enrique Curchister and Elias Hunger of Rutgers University.
F R IDAY, J A N UA R Y 31
Jan. 31, 8:30 a.m. Sustainable Princeton Great Ideas Breakfast
“Thin Ice” I Jan. 30
“Garbage or Resource” I Jan. 31
Sustainable Princeton hosts this bright-and-earlymorning event, featuring “lightning talks” from local residents and others on the theme of “Visioning Sustainability in the Princeton Community in 2020.” They will provide a free and zero-waste breakfast, featuring Fair Trade foods, coffee and tea.
Jan. 31, 11 a.m. “Garbage or Resource: A Dominican Republic Experience”
Through corporate and education projects, the Dominican Republic has turned recycling into an important economic opportunity for its citizens. Directed by Natasha Despotovic; 2013; 17 minutes
Jan. 31, noon “Elemental”
This documentary follows individuals from India, Canada and Australia as they confront some of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time. Rajendra Singh, an Indian government official gone rogue, confronts community opposition and personal doubt as he battles to save the oncepristine Ganges River. Eriel Deranger, a young Canadian mother, struggles with family challenges while campaigning against the proposed 2,000mile Tar Sands pipeline. In Australia, inventor and entrepreneur Jay Harman searches for investors willing to risk millions on his conviction that nature’s own systems hold the key to the world’s ecological problems. Directed by Gayatri Roshan and Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee; 2013; 93 minutes. Director Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee will join a postscreening Q&A via videoconference.
“Elemental” I Jan. 31
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“Parrot Confidential” I Jan. 31
F R IDAY, J A N UA R Y 31 Jan. 31, 4 p.m. “Parrot Confidential”
“Bidder 70” I Jan. 31
This PBS Nature program reveals the plight of thousands of parrots living in captivity as pets through the story of Lou, a parrot abandoned in a foreclosed home, and others. While their intelligence and ability to communicate have made parrots one of the worlds most popular pets, their high-decibel squawks, complex behavior and 70-plus year lifespan, have left shelters and sanctuaries struggling to care for many who have no place to go. Directed by Allison Argo 2013; 54 minutes. Charles Leck, retired professor of ecological sciences at Rutgers University and former state ornithologist, will speak following the screening.
Jan. 31, 7 p.m. “Bidder 70”
This film profiles University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher and the act of civil disobedience, committed in the name of climate justice, that leads to his felony conviction and incarceration. Directed by Beth Gage and George Gage; 2013; 73 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmakers Beth Gage and George Gage. Wallaby Tales I Feb. 1
S AT U R DAY, F EB RUA R Y 1 Feb. 1, 10 a.m. Wallaby Tales
Wildlife educator Travis Gale uses humor and live animals from all over the world in a presentation for the whole family. Entertaining, high-energy and educational, the program highlights the importance of protecting the wildlife of the world.
Feb. 1, noon “Fighting for the Futaleufú”
“Fighting for the Futaleufú I Feb. 1
The fierce natural beauty of Chile’s Rio Futaleufú is explored through the story of rafter Robert Currie, his son and Patagonia locals as they struggle to preserve the river and their community. Directed by Stephanie Haig; 2013; 17 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Stephanie Haig.
Feb. 1, 1 p.m. “To Be Forever Wild”
This film, being created by a group of Catskills artists, is inspired by Henry David Thoreau, who used his time in the wilderness to reflect on the faults and the potential of the society to which he would return. Directed by David Becker; 2014; 67 minutes. This is a work-in-progress screening of the film, which will be released later in 2014. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director/ producer David Becker, and editor Ian Holden. 4
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S AT U R DAY, F EB RUA R Y 1 Feb. 1, 3 p.m. “Brooklyn Farmer”
The challenges facing the Brooklyn Grange, a group of urban farmers who endeavor to run a commercially viable farm within the landscape of New York City, are explored. As their growing operation expands to a second roof, the team confronts the realities of operating the world’s largest rooftop farm in one of the world’s biggest cities. Directed by Michael Tyburski; 2013; 26 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Michael Tyburski.
“Brooklyn Farmer” I Feb. 1
Feb. 1, 4 p.m. Panel Discussion: “Farming at the Edge of Nature”
A group of local farmers and naturalists discuss their farming practices, philosophy, ethics, business models, challenges and optimism for the next generation dedicated to working closely with the land. The panel includes Alec Gioseffi, Adam Martin and Lauren Nagy from Cooperative 518; Lindsay Napolitano and Johann Rinkens of Fields Without Fences; Jared and Rachel Rosenbaum of Wild Ridge Plants, Growers and Stewards of Native Plants; and Steve Tomlinson, who works at Great Road Farm. Jared Flesher, documentary filmmaker and Edible Jersey editor will be the moderator. A trailer of Flesher’s upcoming film, “Field Biologist,” will be shown at the event.
“Farming at the Edge of Nature” I Feb. 1
Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m. CoolVines: “Stories about Wine”
Mark Censits owner of CoolVines, discusses wine as both a beverage and as an agricultural product, the flavor of which is determined by vines, soil and the degree to which it is processed. Censits shares the stories behind the wines and gives an opportunity to taste what makes each bottle special. Please register at wineandstories.eventbrite.com
“GMO OMG” I Feb. 1
Feb. 1, 7 p.m. “GMO OMG”
Director and concerned father Jeremy Seifert searches for answers to the question of how genetically modified food affects our children, the health of our planet and our freedom of choice. Seifert’s journey takes him from his family’s table to Haiti, Paris, Norway, and the lobby of agri-giant Monsanto, from which he is unceremoniously ejected. Along the way we gain insight into industrial agriculture’s profit-driven mission to manipulate seeds for higher yields. Directed by Jeremy Seifert; 2013; 85 minutes.
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“William and the Windmill” I Feb. 3
“Musicwood
“A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet” I Feb. 2
“Pandora’s Promise” I Feb. 2
SU NDAY, F EB RUA R Y 2 Feb. 2, 11 a.m. “A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet”
Directed and written by Academy Award-winning director Mark Kitchell, and inspired by the book of the same name by Philip Shabecoff, this is the first big-picture exploration of the environmental movement — grassroots and global activism spanning 50 years from conservation to climate change. The film won acclaim at festivals around the world, and in 2013 began theatrical release and educational distribution. Directed by Mark Kitchell; 2012; 101 minutes.
Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m. “Pandora’s Promise”
Academy Award-nominated director Robert Stone examines whether nuclear power — the one technology we fear most — could save our planet from a climate catastrophe, while providing the energy needed to lift billions of people in the developing world out of poverty. Stone tells the intensely personal stories of environmentalists and energy experts who have undergone a radical conversion from being 6
fiercely anti- to strongly pro-nuclear energy, risking their careers and reputations in the process. Directed by Robert Stone; 2013; 89 minutes. A Q&A with filmmaker Robert Stone will follow the screening.
M O NDAY, F EB RUA R Y 3 Feb. 3, 4 p.m. “William and the Windmill”
This feature-length documentary film tells the story of young Malawian William Kamkwanba who rescues his family from poverty and famine when, despite unbelievable circumstances, he builds a powergenerating windmill from scrap parts. Directed by Ben Nabors; 2013; 92 minutes. A Q&A with filmmaker Ben Nabors will follow the screening.
W ED NE SDAY, F EB RUA R Y 5 Feb. 5, 6 p.m. “Slow Food Story”
Director Stefano Sardo profiles activist and Slow Food movement founder Carlo Petrini and chronicles the evolution of the movement from
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d” I Feb. 6
“Growing Cities” I Feb. 6
“Slow Food Story” I Feb. 5
its beginnings in the small town of Bra in the Piedmont region of Italy to a worldwide network of 170 chapters in 150 countries. Directed by Stefano Sardo; 2013; 73 minutes.
Screening at Princeton Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau St. The screening will be followed by a talk featuring Raoul Momo, owner of Terra Momo Restaurant Group, and Jim Weaver, owner of Tre Piani Restaurant and a member of the steering committee member of Slow Food Central NJ. Mediterra Resturant and Teresa Café on Palmer Square will be offering three-course meals inspired by the film. For details on these $30-$40 events, please visit community.princetonlibrary.org/peff/special-events
T H U R SDAY, F EB RUA R Y 6 Feb. 6, 4 p.m. “Growing Cities”
This documentary examines the role of urban farming in America and asks how much power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat. The film follows two friends on their road trip across the country as they meet the people who
are challenging the way this country grows and distributes its food—from those growing food in backyards to make ends meet; to educators with the goal of teaching kids to eat better; to activists seeking a meaningful alternative to the industrial food system, and others. Directed by Dan Susman; 2013; 60 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Dan Susman.
Feb. 6, 7 p.m. “Musicwood”
A group of the most famous guitar-makers in the world (Bob Taylor of Taylor guitars, Chris Martin of Martin Guitars and Dave Berryman of Gibson Guitars) travels into the heart of the Alaskan rainforest to negotiate with Native American loggers and change the way the Sitka spruce tree, used in the creation of quality acoustic guitars, is logged. Featuring a soundtrack of music by Yo La Tengo, Kaki King, Steve Earle, and others, the film reveals the clash between the loggers, corporate CEOs, and the environmental group Greenpeace. Directed by Maxine Trump; 2012; 80 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmakers Josh Granger and Maxine Trump.
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F R IDAY, F EB RUA R Y 7
“Bringing it Home” I Feb. 7
Feb. 7, noon “Bringing It Home”
The question of why industrial hemp cannot be grown in the United States is explored. Grown in 31 other countries, and a potential economic opportunity for farmers, hemp is used for construction, textiles, nutrition and more in the United States and around the globe. Directed by Linda Booker and Blaire Johnson; 2013; 52 minutes. “Tiny: A Story About Living Small” I Feb. 7
Feb. 7, 4 p.m. “Tiny: A Story About Living Small”
The film follows one couple’s attempt to build a “tiny house” from scratch, and profiles other families who have downsized their lives into homes smaller than the average parking space. Through homes stripped down to their essentials, the film raises questions about good design, the nature of home, and the changing American Dream. Directed by Merete Mueller and Christopher Smith 2013; 62 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Merete Mueller. “The Crash Reel” I Feb. 7
Feb. 7, 7 p.m. “The Crash Reel”
Academy Award-winning director Lucy Walker follows snowboarder and Olympic hopeful Kevin Pearce on his long journey back from a traumatic brain injury he sustained during training. Filmed over more than two years, the documentary includes footage from traditional archival sources and informal sources like Pearce’s friends, family, sponsors and others. Directed by Lucy Walker; 2013; 108 minutes.
S AT U R DAY, F EB RUA R Y 8 Feb. 8, 10 a.m. “Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles of New Jersey”
In this presentation for youth and families, Sarah Miele, outreach coordinator at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, gives an overview of the organization that responds to marine mammals and sea turtles in distress along all of New Jersey’s waterways and works to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. 60 minutes.
“Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles of NJ” I Feb. 8
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S AT U R DAY, F EB RUA R Y 8 Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m. “Saving Otter 501”
“Saving Otter 501” I Feb. 8
This PBS Nature production records the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 501st attempt to save an orphan otter. From her discovery as a stranded newborn pup crying on the beach through her rehabilitation in secret roof tanks atop the Aquarium, the film follows as Otter 501 learns how to dive, hunt, eat, and fend for herself in the wild, where survival is a long shot at best. Directed by Bob Talbot and Mark Shelley; 2013; 60 minutes.
Feb. 8, 1 p.m. Premiere: “Invisible Ocean: Plankton and Plastic” During a Tara Oceans expedition to study the health of the oceans, New York scientist/artist Mara Haseltine finds an unsettling presence in samples of plankton she collected. The discovery inspires her to create a sculpture revealing an ongoing invisible battle beneath the water’s surface, showing that the microscopic ocean world affects all life on Earth. Directed by Emily Driscoll; 2014; 9 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with producer/ director Emily Driscoll and scientist Mara Haseltine.
“Invisible Ocean: Plankton and Plastic” I Feb. 8
Feb. 8, 2 p.m. Short Takes
A selection of short films will be screened, including those submitted in the student competition cosponsored by the library and Princeton University’s Office of Sustainability.
“Running Wild: The Life of Dayton O. Hyde” I Feb. 8
Feb. 8, 4 p.m. “Running Wild: The Life of Dayton O. Hyde” From rodeos, conservation battles, and wild horse rescues, to award-winning books, personal heartbreak and more, “Running Wild” is a selftold tale of a 6-foot-5 cowboy who finds personal freedom through his protection of wild horses. Directed by Suzanne Mitchell; 2013; 92 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Suzanne Mitchell. Dayton O. Hyde will join via videoconference.
Feb. 8, 7 p.m. “Blackfish”
“Blackfish” I Feb. 8
“Blackfish” tells the story of Tilikum, a performing killer whale that killed several people while in captivity. Through a shocking compilation of footage and emotional interviews, the film explores the creature’s extraordinary nature, the species’ cruel treatment in captivity, the lives and losses of the trainers and the pressures brought to bear by the multi-billion dollar sea-park industry. This film has been rated PG-13. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite; 2013; 83 minutes. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with associate producer Tim Zimmermann.
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“Kiss the Water” I Feb. 9
SU NDAY, F EB RUA R Y 9 Feb. 9, 11 a.m. “Kiss the Water”
Director Eric Steel explores the life and art of Megan Boyd who for decades perfected the craft of flymaking for fishermen on the edge of the Scottish coast. Hailed as some of the best flies ever made, they have garnered her and her techniques an almost cult status. With a mix of cinematography and hand-painted animation, the film captures the beauty and mysticism of both Boyd and the flyfishing art. Directed by Eric Steel; 2013; 80 minutes. Director Eric Steel will join a post-screening Q&A via videoconference. “A Will for the Woods” I Feb. 9
Feb. 9, 1:30 p.m. “A Will for the Woods”
Musician, folk dancer and psychiatrist Clark Wang battles lymphoma and faces a potentially imminent need for funeral plans. Determined that his last act will not harm the environment and may even help protect it, Clark discovers the movement that works to further sustainable funerals that conserve natural areas. Directed by Amy Browne, Jeremy Kaplan, Tony Hale and Brian Wilson; 2013; 92 minutes. Filmmakers Jeremy Kaplan, Tony Hale and Brian Wilson will join a post-screening Q&A via videoconference.
Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m. “Blood Brother”
Filmmaker Steve Hoover traces the story of his best friend Rocky Braat, a young man from a fractured family and a troubled past who left his life, friends and career in Pittsburgh to live with a group of HIVpositive children he met while traveling through India. Directed by Steve Hoover; 2013; 92 minutes. “Blood Brother” I Feb. 9
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“Blackfish” I Feb. 8
Festival Planning Committee
Library Staff Support
Susan Conlon* Festival Director Kim Dorman* Associate Festival Director
Nick Stuart, Susan Conlon, Hanna Lee Website Development Amy Hiestand Writing and Publicity Pat McAvenia, Darren Alizio, Manny Diaz, Tony Goyden Facilities and Technical Support
Erica Bess* Liz Cutler Shelly Hawk* Janet Hauge* Steve Hiltner Lindsey Kayman Hanna Lee* Dorothy Mullen
Jessica Santos Natasha Shatzkin Ken Soufl Matt Spewak Bainy Suri Camila Tellez Zach Woogen *Denotes library staff
Community In-Kind Donations and Participation Cool Vines Infini-T Café and Spice Souk OASIS Princeton Day School EnAct Club Princeton Garden Theatre Princeton Public Schools Princeton University Office of Sustainablity Savory Spice Shop, Princeton Small World Coffee Suppers Program Sustainable Princeton the bent spoon
Library Administration Leslie Burger Executive Director Timothy Quinn Communications Director Janet Simon Development Director
Unless otherwise noted, all screenings are in the library’s Community Room. Doors open 30 minutes before the start time of each event. For information gifts and sponsorships to support PEFF, contact Janet Simon: 609.924.9529, ext. 251; jsimon@princetonlibrary.org
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Through their generosity, all festival screenings are free
of the
Princeton Public Library I Sands Library Building I 65 Witherspoon St. I 609.924.9529 I www.princetonlibrary.org