THE EIGHTH ANNUAL
PROGRAMME March 5 & 20-24, 2019 Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
and other venues
www.waterdocs.ca
SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS PARTNERS
The Estate of Ruth Eileen Day The Estate of Robert Roland Rafos
PATRONS
David & Lin Burman The Loretto Sisters David & Anne Patterson
The Sisters of St. Joseph The Toronto Foundation The Ursuline Sisters
SUPPORTERS
Linda Carter Brenda Cathrea Rienk De Vries Phil & Margaret Devor Derek Day & Diane Donley Susan Ellis Natalija Fisher Ian W. Gilmour & Brenda Darling Duncan Holmes Melanie Howe Robert Isenberger Phyllis Koppel
Allenna Leonard Barbara McGregor Our Lady’s Missionaries Marguerita Pattison Terrie Russell Nanette Sanson & Anne Brayley The Brayley Family Fund at the Toronto Foundation
The Marjorie J. Sharpe Fund at the Toronto Foundation
Ronnie Seagren Tides Canada
MEDIA PARTNERS
PROGRAM PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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WELCOME
WATER ... The snow beneath our feet as we walk through February streets; The clouds that push westerly as we gaze on the horizon; The lake water that laughs with low sounds on a summer’s beach; The fluid of life that courses through and comprises two-thirds of our very being… A fundamental element, water is not merely a precious resource, but a foundational part of our being, indeed, of all life on the planet. This documentary series celebrates all things water, from its majestic power, through its life-giving flows, to its horrific contamination and waste. Selected from films around the globe, Water Docs brings water home to all of us, where it flows, where it belongs. WELCOME TO THESE WATERS. ENJOY THE FLOW.
ECOLOGOS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Founded 20 years ago, Ecologos has followed the wisdom of Kuan Tzu (a contemporary of Moses)… “When water is uncontaminated, the people’s hearts are upright. The Sage who would change the world begins with water.” With this, the Ecologos mission is to foster a spirit of reverence for water, to inform about threats that imperil water, and to inspire citizen action to protect water. Its modus operandi is to touch people deeply through documentary films, the storytelling of our time, and through experiential learning that re-connects people with their own most powerful personal experiences of water. To pursue this mission, Ecologos has successfully implemented four annually recurring core programs: The Water Docs Film Festival Water Docs Where-You-Live Water Docs @ School Action Projects The Wild Water Residency (see pg 18 for more info) In addition, Ecologos mounted and played a pivotal role in a number of special projects including:
The Water Journey a workshop involving deep, guided and personal reflection The Great Lakes Water Walk across the entire Toronto waterfront in 2017 Stop The Mega Quarry the massive and successful protest campaign in 2013 Awakening the Dreamer Symposium established this innovative program in Ontario in 2011 Water Hour a pioneering, integrated, social media campaign in 2010 Please visit us at www.ecologos.ca for detailed information about these waterprotection, water-celebrating programs. This is truly unique and special work. It needs your help. Please consider making a 20th Anniversary gift to Ecologos and help us continue this Water Journey together. Please donate here: www.canadahelps.org/ en/charities/ecologos-waterdocs/ Thank you for your continued support, Mariam & Stan Gibson, Co-founders of Ecologos Federal Charitable Registration Number: 877193821RR0001 3
A MESSAGE FROM THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
March 2019 Place matters. Our physical landscape, lakes and rivers in particular, but also the imagined communities springing up around these important sites, unquestionably imbue our life with special meaning. When we share our own connections to the water that sustains us, also taking care to listen to one another’s stories, we foster the solidarity and sense of common purpose that are essential to any successful effort to preserve our natural inheritance for future generations. All participants in this year’s Water Docs Film Festival, from filmmakers to artists to audience members to volunteers, make a bold statement in support of such noble mission, for which I offer my wholehearted thanks on behalf of a grateful province. Enjoy the show!
Elizabeth Dowdeswell
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A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Message from the Mayor It is my pleasure to extend greetings and a warm welcome to everyone attending the 2019 Water Docs Film Festival. Welcome to all those attending this five-day programme dedicated to invoking a spirit of reverence for water, informing people about threats to water, and inspiring citizen action to protect water. I am delighted that wonderful events like this are taking place in Toronto. Arts and culture are incredible forces for the development of an individual, group or community, and they promote intercultural connections including tolerance, understanding, friendship and social cohesion. On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable event and continued success. Yours truly,
John Tory Mayor of Toronto
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 100 QUEEN STREET WEST, TORONTO, ONTARIO, M5H 2N2
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THE WATER WARRIOR AWARD WATER WARRIORS
Launched in 2018 on World Water Day, our annual Water Warrior Award is presented each year at The Water Docs Film Festival to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to protecting and raising awareness about threats and issues facing water. The award has been designed to highlight the work of someone who exemplifies and embodies Ecologos’ mission – namely, to restore the human connection to water while motivating people to take action to protect our planet’s most precious element. Ecologos commissioned a local Toronto glass artist - Aurora Darwin - to design and create the awards that will be given each year to the selected water warrior. Aurora was featured in the documentary The Peel Project, which had its Toronto premiere at the 2017 Water Docs Film Festival. During the premiere, Aurora displayed some of her artwork, inspired by her journey down the Peel River Watershed during the making of the documentary. We worked with Aurora to design a beautiful glass wave, capturing the powerful ability inherent in art to move hearts and minds to take action for water. The inaugural award was presented to Canadian activist, author and National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, Maude Barlow. The 2019 Water Warrior Award is being presented to two special water warriors whose powerful message about water has rippled through communities around the world: Grandmother Josephine Mandamin and her niece, Autumn Peltier. (Please see back cover for more information.) Award Photo: Beverly Robinson
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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION VOLUNTEERS: WE COULDN’T EXIST WITHOUT THEM!
The Water Docs Film Festival and all of our other programs could not exist without the dedication and effort of the many people who help us spread the word about having reverence for water, the threats that imperil water and the actions citizens can engage in to protect water. Water has been much in the news of late, whether about the risks of plastic contamination, the need for clean water in aboriginal communities or the opportunities of sustainable fishing. Water is vital for all life on this planet and it is becoming increasingly clear that only an informed and committed public can keep our institutions and businesses accountable. Volunteers are the backbone of many non-profit organizations, most especially those working in the areas of the environment and the arts. A few of us are staff, but the vast majority of Water Docs contributors are volunteers. Some work year ‘round on the planning and delivery of Water Docs activities, while others may come for only a couple of shifts at the festival, but all are extremely valued and very much appreciated. The Water Docs Film Festival could not happen without all of you and we are so very grateful for each and every one. This year’s festival schedule of thirty-seven films is the result of many hours of watching a much larger number of submissions and of all the logistical, fundraising, public outreach and training efforts that support it. In particular we would like to acknowledge the following for their many contributions: DESIGN TEAM VOLUNTEERS
FOUNDERS
Mary Almeida Joel Mukwedeya Adrianna Couto Ronnie Seagren Allenna Leonard
Stan and Mariam Gibson
PROGRAMMING TEAM VOLUNTEERS
Justin Arjune Michael John Long Nanette Sanson Ronnie Seagren BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Reink de Vries Chair Allenna Leonard Vice-Chair Ronnie Seagren Secretary Ian Gilmour Director and Immediate Past Chair Marguerita Pattison Director Stephen Bede Scharper Director Nanette Sanson Director Jean Ann Ledwell Director Jyotsana Naik Director Marcelene Anderson Director Marjorie J. Sharpe Founding Advisor and Director Emeritus Thomas Berry Founding Advisor
STAFF
Melanie Howe Water Docs Film Festival Program Manager Bob Isenberger Water Docs @ School Program Manager Suzanne Christie Water Docs Where-You-Live Program Manager Emily Charles-Donelson Social Media Manager Patricia Garcia Public Relations Manager Jen Li Water Docs Film Festival Volunteer Co-ordinator AND OUR PARTNERS FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENTS
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2019 WATER DOCS FILM FESTIVAL
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Event
Location
Date
Water and the City: Renewing Our Urban Spaces FREE Evergreen Partner Event
Evergreen Brick Works 550 Bayview Avenue BMO Atrium
Tuesday, March 5
The Water Warriors FREE OWWA Student Chapter Partner Event
OISE Auditorium 252 Bloor St. West, Ground Floor
Wednesday, March 20
The Magnificence of Water Opening Night!
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema 506 Bloor St. W.
Thursday, March 21
Opening Night Reception It’s Party Time! Your Opening Night ticket is your entry ticket.
CSI Annex, 720 Bathurst St. Ground Floor Lounge
Thursday, March 21
The Weight of Water: The 2019 Film Award Winners World Water Day
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema 506 Bloor St. W.
Friday, March 22
The Impact of Water: What Happens When There’s Not Enough? World Water Day
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema 506 Bloor St. W.
Friday, March 22
Orcas at the Matinée: A Family Affair Saturday Matinée Screening Kids 13 and under are FREE with a paying adult
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema 506 Bloor St. W.
Saturday, March 23
Water Pressure: Our Right to Water Saturday Evening Screening
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema 506 Bloor St. W.
Saturday, March 23
Water Drops Shorts Program Sunday Matinée/Closing Screening
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema 506 Bloor St. W.
Sunday, March 24
FREE Shuttlebus from Broadview Subway Station
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE Time
Films/Film Makers
7:00pm Doors open 6:30pm
Alice’s Garden Jenny Plevin The Lungs of the City Harrison Swanson & Oliver Czuma Healing Baltimore’s Harbor Sirjaut Kaur Dhariwal & Crystal Berg The Return of Harbor Porpoises to San Francisco Bay Jim Sugar From the Water Greg Hemmings Keeper of the Creek Dan Goldes Onward Ever Brandon Walsh
6:30pm Doors open 6:00pm
Water 1 Morgan Maassen For the Love of Salmon Jan Vozenilek The Radicals Tamo Campos & Brian Hockenstein Gracie Gracie White Eagle & Cathy Cain
6:00pm Doors open 5:30pm
Spring on the Strand A D Cooper Veer Mariama Slåttøy & Sveinung Gjessing Elemental Armand Dijcks Aquarela Victor Kossakovsky
from 9:00pm on
Confluence Amy Marquis & Dana Romanoff Screening in June’s Room
6:00pm Doors open 5:30pm
Water 2 Morgan Maassen Alice’s Garden Jenny Plevin The Weight of Water Michael Brown
9:00pm Doors open 8:30pm
Shadow of Drought: Southern California’s Looming Water Crisis Bill Wisneski Where the Water Runs Dubois Ashong Once Hamoun Mohammad Ehsani
3:00pm Doors open 2:30pm
Fred the Pufferfish Joel Stutz Birthplace Sil van der Woerd & Jorik Dozy The Story of Birthplace Sil van der Woerd & Jorik Dozy To the Orcas, with Love Natalie Lucier
6:00pm Doors open 5:30pm
Daaham - Thirst Siva Nageswara Rao Timbo Peiman Zekavat Thirst for Power Mat Hames
3:00pm Doors open 2:30pm
Water Tony Lee & brian g. smith Fred the Pufferfish Joel Stutz For the Love of the Reef Alan E. Franks The River of the Kukamas Nika Belianina Facing the Mountain Vaibhav Kaul & Ross Harrison Swim, Drink, Fish: FISH Jerome Riel & Studio Sophomore Wild Tides Rachael Dudley & Kate Curley The Grind Message Niels Christian Askholm Waterway Jay Brenda Piekarski A Word to the Wise Jordi Esgleas Marroi 9
2019 WATER DOCS FILM FESTIVAL HEALING BALTIMORE’S HARBOR: A PIPE DREAM?
Tuesday, March 5, 7:00 pm WATER AND THE CITY: REVITALIZING OUR URBAN SPACES ALICE’S GARDEN
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Jenny Plevin USA - 2018 - 9.5 min
BEST SHORT FILM
2019
Alice’s Garden, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is situated on the grounds and waterways that provided safe harbour for freedom seekers as part of the Underground Railroad. Today, these sacred grounds continue to uplift the community through urban agriculture and community engagement. In this powerful short, Alice’s Garden’s Executive Director, Venice Williams, passionately connects the grounds valuable history with its present ability to serve hundreds of families, and with the need to conserve and protect the land through innovative water solutions for future generations. Alice’s Garden is a deeply illuminating and heartfelt film. THE LUNGS OF THE CITY
International Premiere Filmmakers: Harrison Swanson & Oliver Czuma USA - 2018 - 14 min The Lungs Of The City tells the controversial history of Chicago’s lakefront, through entertaining and sometimes bizarre stories, which include George Lucas of Star Wars fame, the legality of (breaking) the Public Trust, and the development of ‘natural’ beaches. The film serves to inform of the painstaking task of creating and maintaining the aesthetic of a natural waterfront within a booming urban setting.
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Canadian Premiere Filmmakers: Sirjaut Kaur Dhariwal & Crystal Berg USA - 2017 - 27.5 min As explored by the Centre for Environmental Filmmaking at the University of Washington, Baltimore’s national landmark harbour has become plagued by pollutants, toxins, stormwater runoff and sewage backup, which has reduced it from its one time glory to a detriment to the immediate wildlife, human life and economic life of the city. And yet, in order to face the clean-up head-on, local water keeper organizations study the dilapidated city infrastructure and begin to fight for clean water and their beloved city. THE RETURN OF HARBOR PORPOISES TO SAN FRANCISCO BAY
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Jim Sugar USA - 2016 - 9.5 min Having abandoned San Francisco Bay in the early 1940s, the harbour porpoise have now returned, 65 years later, as a top-level predator and an indicator of the improving health of the bay. As the film explores, aggressive water health restoration, beginning with the formation of the Save the Bay Foundation in 1963, has allowed for the once dead body of water to again take on life with the return of dolphins, whales, sharks and the famed harbour porpoise.
FILM SYNOPSES FROM THE WATER
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Greg Hemmings CANADA - 2018 - 11.5 min From The Water follows the active surf and paddle-board community that formed five years after an intensive harbour rejuvenation effort in Saint John, New Brunswick. Set to a touching poem by Robert Moore, which was inspired by the local water keepers, this experimental short pays homage to the human capacity to right a wrong done against nature, and to nature’s ability to provide community members with an inspiring place to play in their own backyard. KEEPER OF THE CREEK
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Dan Goldes USA - 2018 - 4.5 min Joel Goldes, a park steward in his hometown of Oak Park, California, is living proof that one person can improve the health of the world around them. For the past six years, Goldes has been collecting litter, trapping invasive crayfish, reopening blocked streams, and championing for his local park at city council hearings. Even as a singular voice in the fight for the park’s viability, Goldes’ need to be helpful keeps him committed to this noble cause. Keeper Of The Creek is an inspirational story about the power of one. ONWARD EVER: THE BECOMING OF INDIANA’S WHITE RIVER
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Brandon Walsh USA - 2018 - 16 min In weaving together interviews from city infrastructure workers, environmental activists, illustrators and sculptors, youth volunteers and more, Onward Ever explores the need for a clean and viable river system, on which so many people along Indiana’s White River depend. In doing so, the film asks viewers to reconsider ‘not how to live life, but why to live life’ in conjunction with nature.
Wednesday, March 20, 6:30 pm THE WATER WARRIORS WATER 1
Filmmaker: Morgan Maassen USA - 2014 - 4.5 min In his two-part series, filmmaker Morgan Maassen follows surfers as they paddle and glide through the South Pacific Ocean off the coast of the French Polynesian Islands, plunging audiences beneath the rolling waves into a world of mesmerizing colour and movement. With a score as experimental and incandescent as the visual footage, Water 1 and Water 2 are marvels of filmmaking that you won’t want to miss. FOR THE LOVE OF SALMON
Filmmaker: Jan Vozenilek CANADA - 2018 - 8 min In this striking short, filmmaker Jan Vozenilek, captures the determination and strength of Keely WegetWhitney, a 25-year-old from the Stl’atl’imx First Nation (pronounced Stat-lee-um), as she embarks on a challenging 60 km swim in the frigid and racing Fraser River in British Columbia. Her goal? To bring awareness to declining salmon health and its impacts on her community and the environment. Join Keely on this empowering and representational act for all of our futures.
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2019 WATER DOCS FILM FESTIVAL THE RADICALS
Filmmakers: Tamo Campos & Brian Hockenstein CANADA - 2018 - 55 min A group of professional adventurers, lead by filmmaker Tamo Campos, snowboard their way through four Indigenous communities on the West Coast of British Columbia to learn firsthand the importance of becoming radical activists. The journey is nothing short of exciting and informative, as it balances snow and watersport and protest filmmaking, with heartfelt and factual interviews that highlight issues like damming, mining, and fish farming. The Radicals is an embrace of the extreme for social good, whether through listening, being inspired, or actively resisting. GRACIE
Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm THE MAGNIFICENCE OF WATER OPENING NIGHT SPRING ON THE STRAND
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: A D Cooper UK - 2016 - 2 min Spring On The Strand is a poetic non-narrative film which chronicles the emergence of the spring season on the River Thames, in West London, over the span of two months in 2016. It is a gorgeous experimental short that captures expansive skies and mesmerizing sunsets on nothing but an iPad, that is complemented by an original score befitting of the scenery. VEER
World Premiere Filmmakers: Gracie White Eagle & Cathy Cain USA - 2016 - 5.5 min Gracie is an intimate and inspiring glimpse into the world of the 14-year-old member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Gracie White Eagle, and her personal and familial experience in the youth-powered activist movement against the North Dakota Access Pipeline (NoDAPL). Gracie White Eagle is a truly talented young filmmaker, who champions for sustained youth leadership, through powerful footage of Standing Rock protests and her deep reflections on the importance and gravity of this activism.
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Ontario Premiere Filmmakers: Mariama Slåttøy & Sveinung Gjessing NORWAY - 2017 - 7 min Veer’s filmmaker and dancer, Mariama Slåttøy, is intimate and expressive in both her movement and her capturing of that movement. In this powerful short about ruling and being ruled, viewers are consumed by compelling imagery, stunning cinematography, and a hypnotic score. Veer is an experiment in movement that will have you immersed.
FILM SYNOPSES ELEMENTAL
Thursday, March 21, 9:00 pm OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION CONFLUENCE
Canadian Premiere Filmmakers: Amy Marquis & Dana Romanoff USA - 2018 - 55 min Filmmaker: Armand Dijcks THE NETHERLANDS - 2018 - 3.5 min In this experimental short, filmmaker Armand Dijcks transforms the award-winning still photography of Ray Collins into cinemagraphs, to create movement and showcase the beautiful interplay of water and light. Elemental is a beautiful and mesmerizing piece of filmmaking that will leave audiences in pure wonder.
In 2016, an indie folk band, The Infamous Flapjack Affair, travelled the length of the Colorado River Basin, stopping along the way to write music, play gigs, work with local artists, and ultimately, hear stories by those who live in the Basin and are challenged by changes to the natural river system, such as from damming and climate change. Confluence is a testament to the power of music to bring people together, to spark conversation and to unite us over shared interests and concerns. ORIGINAL MUSIC BY THE INFAMOUS FLAPJACK AFFAIR
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY AMY MARQUIS AND DANA ROMANOFF EDITED BY GREG SNIDER / BLUE CHALK MEDIA EXECUTIVE PRODUCER THE WIDEWATER INSTITUTE INFAMOUS FLAPJACK AFFAIR BEN BARRON JAMES MITCHELL SARAH NOYCE DAVID CAREL HOSTS AMALA POSEY DIANNA UQUALLA PETE SANDS KYLE MONGER JENNY BRIGGS DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN DURLACH ADDITIONAL CINEMATOGRAPHY DANA ROMANOFF FIELD PRODUCER AMY MARQUIS LINE PRODUCER PHILIP HIGGS LOCATION AND LIVE SHOW SOUND RECORDIST BRIAN LOSCH DRONE PILOT SOREN JENSEN / SKYSIGHT PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS BEN WILCOX MADELEINE BALLARD ALEX BARON STORY CONSULTANT VANESSA MAZAL MUSIC MIX AND MASTERING BRAD SMALLING / EVERGROOVE STUDIO SOUND DESIGN & RE-RECORDING ENGINEER MIKE CRAMP / POSTMODERN COMPANY POST PRODUCTION COORDINATOR BANDERA CRUSE / POSTMODERN COMPANY ANIMATION MASS FX MEDIA ANIMATION CREATIVE DIRECTOR MATT SCHULTZ ANIMATION PRODUCERS JENNY NAPIER SHAWNA SCHULTZ MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER BREECE KELSEY JASON LINN JOEL MACCLUSKEY DOUG ROUSTER ILLUSTRATIONS JAMIE GIVENZ COLOR RICK GOUGLER / POSTMODERN COMPANY ASSISTANT EDITOR DAN QUINTERO / BLUE CHALK MEDIA
AQUARELA
Friday, March 22, 6:00 pm THE WEIGHT OF WATER: THE 2019 FILM AWARD WINNERS WORLD WATER DAY WATER 2
North American Premiere Filmmaker: Victor Kossakovsky RUSSIA - 2018 - 89 min Renowned Russian filmmaker, Victor Kossakovsky, showcases the magnificent power of water, in its many forms, and the fragility of humans living at the behest of that power. The film spans the globe, from the freezing and thawing of Lake Baikal in Russia which swallows cars whole, to the enormous icebergs crashing into the ocean off Greenland, to the rushing surges of water which flood Miami, Florida during Hurricane Irma. This film is a visual masterpiece that pushes viewers through awe, heartbreak, despair and joy. Aquarela is a true recognition of the respect that water demands.
Filmmaker: Morgan Maassen USA - 2017 - 5 min
BEST SHORT FILM
2019
In his two-part series, filmmaker Morgan Maassen follows surfers as they paddle and glide through the South Pacific Ocean off the coast of the French Polynesian Islands, plunging audiences beneath the rolling waves into a world of mesmerizing colour and movement. With a score as experimental and incandescent as the visual footage, Water 1 and Water 2 are marvels of filmmaking that you won’t want to miss.
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2019 WATER DOCS FILM FESTIVAL ALICE’S GARDEN
BEST SHORT FILM
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Jenny Plevin USA - 2018 - 9.5 min (See Page 8 for synopsis.) THE WEIGHT OF WATER
BEST FEATURE FILM
2019
Ontario Premiere Filmmaker: Michael Brown USA - 2018 - 80 min The Weight Of Water is an exhilarating and inspiring film that follows visually-impaired eco-adventurer, Erik Weihenmayer, as he kayaks the Colorado River between the Grand Canyon. Erik, however, is no stranger to hard-earned success, having been the first blind person to reach the base camp of Mt. Everest in 2001. This time around, filmmaker Michael Brown captures Erik’s increasingly difficult fight through turbulent and dangerous rapids, while taking audiences on an emotional journey through struggle, despair, determination, and achievement.
Friday, March 22, 9:00 pm THE IMPACT OF WATER: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE’S NOT ENOUGH? SHADOW OF DROUGHT: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S LOOMING WATER CRISIS
International Premiere Filmmaker: Bill Wisneski USA - 2017 - 42 min While California recovers from the worst drought in state history, a myriad of impacts resulting from climate change threaten Southern California’s imported water supply. As a shadow of drought hangs over the region, this documentary explores the dire consequences of inaction that lie ahead.
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WHERE THE WATER RUNS
Filmmaker: Dubois Ashong USA - 2017 - 25 min
2019
This is the story of Nasir (28), a disingenuous water distribution operative and truck driver working for the Los Angeles department of water and power during the worst drought in L.A. history. On the brink of a promotion, Nasir learns of a plot spearheaded by his sister to take revolutionary action against the possible privatization of the city’s dwindling water resources. Nasir, who has adopted a blind eye approach to the company’s corruptions, must choose whether his individual survival is more important than that of his entire community. ONCE HAMOUN
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Mohammad Ehsani IRAN - 2016 - 35 min Since Lake Hamoun has gone dry, numerous environmental and social problems have appeared in Sistan region. Poverty, emigration, and the extinction of traditional and local jobs have been the result of the drying of Lake Hamoun in the southeast of Iran in Sistan and Baluchistan Province on Iran Afghanistan border. This documentary depicts the present situation of Lake Hamoun and the problems of the people around it.
Saturday, March 23, 3:00 pm ORCAS AT THE MATINÉE: A FAMILY AFFAIR FRED THE PUFFERFISH
World Premiere Filmmaker: Joel Stutz SWITZERLAND - 2018 - 1 min (See Page 16 for synopsis.)
FILM SYNOPSES Saturday, March 23, 6:00 pm
BIRTHPLACE
Filmmakers: Sil van der Woerd & Jorik Dozy THE NETHERLANDS - 2018 5.5 min Birthplace tells the symbolic story of a man arriving on a perfect earth, who encounters his nemesis in the form of ocean trash. THE STORY OF BIRTHPLACE
Filmmakers: Sil van der Woerd & Jorik Dozy THE NETHERLANDS - 2018 - 14.5 min The pollution of our oceans is one of the most important stories of our time. Our oceans are under attack by a growing stream of plastic waste; a rapidly growing tumour for which we are responsible. The problem is complex and exists on many levels. The Story Of Birthplace takes viewers on the journey behind the scenes of the making of the music video Birthplace and shares the filmmakers’ passion for getting this story out to the world and the urgency behind its compelling message. TO THE ORCAS, WITH LOVE
Toronto Premiere Filmmaker: Natalie Lucier CANADA - 2017 - 56 min What we do to nature, we do to ourselves. A filmmaker’s relationship with orcas inspires her to restore a loving relationship with herself and this remarkable planet. Stories of personal connections with orcas, beautiful cinematography featuring BC’s resident orcas, and an evocative soundscape composed by Jeff Rona provide an uplifting contrast to the environmental challenges we face.
WATER PRESSURE: OUR RIGHT TO WATER DAAHAM - THIRST
International Premiere Filmmaker: Siva Nageswara Rao INDIA - 2017 - 5 min When asked to do so, will we replenish and sustain nature as it does for us? This is the moral question asked in filmmaker Siva Nageswara Rao’s short fictional film with a philosophical twist. Lost in the heat of the desert sun, our water starved protagonist comes across a shelter with a water well and a bottle with a message that compels him to choose between personal short term relief or to sustain the resource for the benefit of others. TIMBÓ
Filmmaker: Peiman Zekavat UK - 2017 - 9 min TIMBÓ, a poisonous plant made worse when dissolved in water, is the canary in the coal-mine to the local tribes along Brazil’s Tapajós river. In this stunning film we observe daily life among those whose lifestyles are threatened by mining and dam development due to inevitable flooding that will spread poison throughout the community. This story is an outcry, demanding us to listen to the voices which industry attempts to silence. THIRST FOR POWER
International Premiere Filmmaker: Mat Hames USA - 2018 - 61 min Thirst For Power will leave you in awe of human ingenuity and our mastery over water. Inspired by his book of the same name, author and scientist Dr. Michael E. Webber shows us the true power of water to bring life to civilizations or send them into despair in its absence. From Roman 15
2019 WATER DOCS FILM FESTIVAL aqueducts in the south of France to modern energy and water distribution systems, you will gasp at the mechanical behemoths that give us the luxury of household tap water. But is there hope for keeping this foundation strong as climate change exacerbates its vulnerabilities?
Sunday, March 24, 3:00 pm WATER DROPS SHORTS PROGRAM WATER
FOR THE LOVE OF THE REEF
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Alan E. Franks USA - 2018 - 7 min A swan song for the only living organism that can be seen from space, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This uplifting film takes us below the waves and shows two faces of the reef: one, vibrant in beauty and life; the other, grey and barren due to ocean acidification. Author and historian Iain McCalman reflects on the wavering health of this wonder of the world and shines light into how we may be able to shift the world toward an optimistic future. THE RIVER OF THE KUKAMAS
World Premiere Filmmakers: Tony Lee & brian g. smith CANADA - 2017 - 2.5 min While babysitting 3 year-old Leon, Tony takes a moment to put out the trash. But when kids and dogs are left alone, Murphy’s Law ensues. FRED THE PUFFERFISH
Ontario Premiere Filmmaker: Nika Belianina PERU - 2018 - 7 min Nika Belianina brings a rare perspective to the screen. A love-cry to the River Of The Kukamas; the body of water that gave life to this Amazonian culture. At once a mythological tale and reverent prayer for nature. A Kukama man shares his thoughts on the dying of his culture as it gives way to the modern world. FACING THE MOUNTAIN
World Premiere Filmmaker: Joel Stutz SWITZERLAND - 2018 - 1 min This whimsical animation by filmmaker Joel Stutz introduces us to Fred, a pufferfish living a cozy life of luxury in his fishbowl. A colourful and playful short that will flip the world upside down in the wake of reckless human behaviour; begging us to contemplate the impact of our actions.
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Toronto Premiere Filmmakers: Vaibhav Kaul & Ross Harrison INDIA - 2016 - 21 min A story of human resilience in the face of environmental disaster. India’s Kendernath Hindu temple, perched amid the Garhwal Himalayas, is a spiritual destination to which thousands migrate annually. Facing The Mountain is a retelling of the destruction of this temple during a deluge in 2013 brought on by climate change. This is the story of those whose faith is unwavering amid environmental challenges.
FILM SYNOPSES SWIM, DRINK, FISH: FISH
on the big screen in this objective contemplation of holding on to a tradition that is no longer necessary for survival. WARNING: Some graphic scenes. WATERWAY JAY
Filmmaker: Brenda Piekarski USA - 2018 - 7 min
World Premiere Filmmakers: Jerome Riel & Studio Sophomore CANADA - 2018 - 8.5 min Revel in the fresh waters of Lake Ontario as we join Chef Grant van Garmeren in a fishing trip to debunk the perception of this Great Lake’s questionable fisheries. This local short will inspire you to seek the freshness of locally sourced food and from within that journey understand the importance of preserving our habitats. WILD TIDES
World Premiere Filmmakers: Rachael Dudley & Kate Curley CANADA - 2018 - 12 min Step into the cool waters off the West Coast of Vancouver with Amanda Swinimer, a woman who shows that following your passion is a recipe for success. Amanda has made a business of hand harvesting wild seaweed, a unique method of harvest that keeps her garden of nutrient dense seaweed thriving every year. THE GRIND MESSAGE
Canadian Premiere Filmmaker: Niels Christian Askholm DENMARK - 2018 - 21 min The Grind, the annual whale harvest in the Faroe Islands, washes the shores red with the blood of pilot whales; the tradition dates back nearly half a millenium for a once vital food source. Now in the 21st century is it a slaughter or a means of survival? Director Niels Christian Askholm presents various perspectives
In 2017, Jay Gustafson launched Paddle for Progress, a two-year, 4,300mile personal journey in response to Governor Dayton’s call for water action. Jay’s mission to reconnect humanity with one of our most precious resources took him to the most remote and least visited corners of Minnesota, as well as through nearly every major community in the state. Waterway Jay is the story of this one man’s journey to save water, and how we are connected to it all. A WORD TO THE WISE
Ontario Premiere Filmmaker: Jordi Esgleas Marroi SPAIN - 2018 - 27 min This documentary introduces us to Douglas Lui Fo’oa, a husband and father from the Solomon Islands, one of the most remote places on Earth. He is our guide and as he shares his wisdom with us, we travel around some of the Islands’ amazing locations, slowly understanding the almost idyllic qualities of this archipelago and its people. Douglas tells us about the country’s origins, the role of cannibalism in tribal wars and the spiritual power of sharks and other animals. The respect for nature and the environment that his community promotes as a means to achieve happiness and a peaceful existence is a reminder of how complex issues can be so simply expressed. The result is a portrait of someone who seems to effortlessly understand the meaning of life.
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WATER DOCS PROGRAMS WATER DOCS FILM FESTIVAL
WATER DOCS WHERE-YOU-LIVE
The Water Docs Film Festival occupies five days every March filled with outstanding documentary films, lively discussions, and opportunities to take direct action – all with a view to honouring and protecting water and engaging citizens in action.
Water Docs Where-You-Live helps you bring outstanding, water-themed documentaries to your own community, any time of the year. Its reach is snowballing through neighbourhood organizations, existing partnerships such as with the Ursuline Sisters and the Rotary Club in Chatham and emerging partnerships such as with Sudbury’s Cinefest International Film Festival, Ontario’s second biggest documentary festival.
WATER DOCS @ SCHOOL ACTION PROJECTS
WILD WATER RESIDENCY
Water Docs @ School Action Projects is a school-year-long learning and action program for grade 7 and 8 classes. Through provided lesson plans, classes learn about the importance of watersheds, implement a hands-on action project to address local watershed issues, and create a short documentary and social media campaign about their project. WD@S is in its 6th year in partnership with Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF).
Wild Water Residency is a new, annual initiative in partnership with the Canadian Wilderness Artist Residency. This summer, 10 aspiring young artists (high school age students) will be led on a three-week canoe journey in the northern parts of Algonquin Park. They will be mentored in leadership skills and in creating a personal work of art based on their experience of the water and wilderness. Following their trek, there will be a public send-off event in North Bay.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS: WWW.WATERDOCS.CA
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BLUE MARBLES PROJECT BLUE MARBLES PROJECT
In 1972 an iconic image of the earth was captured from a million miles away. It looked like a little blue marble. Decades later, marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols initiated the Blue Marbles Project and set out to pass a blue marble through every person’s hand on earth, with a simple message of gratitude along with it. Since that time, blue marbles have been shared around the world with millions of people in celebration of our beautiful, fragile, planet, carrying the simple and clear message that #WaterIsLife. THE “RULES” WILL ALWAYS REMAIN PURE AND SIMPLE:
1. The marble must be blue (any shade, preferably glass rather than plastic or rubber). 2. When you get one, give it away to someone as a token of gratitude (this can happen whenever you like). 3. Share your story with the world (however you like).
ALL YOU NEED DO IS GET SOME BLUE MARBLES AND START SPREADING BLUE GRATITUDE.
To help with spreading this beautiful and simple message worldwide, the Water Docs Film Festival team has provided a supply of blue marbles in a glass bowl in the lobby. You are welcome to take a blue marble and put it in your pocket until the appropriate opportunity arises for you to share the message of love and gratitude for all the water on our planet with someone else. Until that time, every once in awhile, take the marble out of your pocket and hold and look at it for a few moments. While thinking about how water has served and impacted you that day, remember to send your own love and gratitude to the water that has made your life on this Big Blue Marble of ours possible. #WATERISLIFE #ACTIONFORWATER
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Water Warrior Award
“The destruction of aquatic ecosystem health, and the increasing water scarcity, are in my opinion the most pressing environmental problems facing human kind.”
Maude Barlow, recipient of the inaugural 2018 Water Warrior Award GRANDMOTHER JOSEPHINE MANDAMIN (1942-2019)
Wikwemikong Unceded Nation, Great Lakes Mother Earth Water Walker. When challenged by one of her traditional teachers to not accept that she was powerless, Josephine suddenly came up with the idea of walking around Lake Superior to draw attention to the fact that water is the life blood of Mother Earth. And it was her great love for the water that Josephine not only spoke about but also demonstrated by walking around and blessing waterways across Turtle Island. In her lifetime, it is estimated that she walked 23,000 kilometers, a distance equivalent to half the circumference of the Earth, and pledged her life to the environment, always emphasizing the importance of the protection of the water. It was the original challenge that not only motivated her, but also conditioned her to become the inspiration she was and will remain for so many and that has helped provide a legacy that will continue on for generations to come, and for that, we will be forever grateful. Chi Miigwetch Nokomis.
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The 2019 Water Warrior Award is being presented to two special water warriors whose powerful message about water has rippled through communities around the world: Grandmother Josephine Mandamin and her niece, Autumn Peltier.
AUTUMN PELTIER
Autumn is a 14-year-old from the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Anishinawbe Territory located on Manitoulin Island. She is also known as Mskwaa-Geezo Kwe (Red Moon Woman) of the eagle clan. She is currently in grade 9 and attends the Manitoulin Secondary School. Autumn is known as one of Canada’s youngest Water Activists and has become internationally known for her advocacy work and teachings to women. She began her work in 2015 when she first attended the Children’s Climate Summit in Sweden where she shared her story about the sacredness of water and the importance of clean drinking water for Indigenous people in Canada and especially in Ontario. Since then, Autumn has been creating awareness, sharing water ceremonies with young women and girls, participating in sacred water walks that she learned from her great auntie Josephine Mandamin. Her biggest engagement to date was speaking before world leaders on World Water Day in March 2018 at United Nations Headquarters in New York City where she told world leaders to “Warrior Up”. Autumn was awarded a Sovereign Medal of Exceptional Volunteerism and for being an exceptional environmentalist by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the Governor General of Canada.
PLEASE VISIT WWW.WATERDOCS.CA TO READ FULL BIOS. Programme Design: Romelda Morson
