Wild & Scenic Film Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Katie Robertson Shaddix

kshaddix@alabamarivers.org

205-322-6395

Birmingham Hosts Unique Environmental Film Festival at McWane Science Ctr.

Films to help communities find environmental solutions

BIRMINGHAM, Ala (Oct. 16, 2008): The largest environmental film festival in North America is coming to Birmingham. Join the Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Alabama Environmental Council as they host the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival on November 6, 2008 at the McWane Science Center. Doors will open at 5:30pm.

The tour brings together a selection of films from the annual festival held in California in

January. “These films include fascinating and compelling stories from people all over the

world working to protect natural resources and wild places,” said Cindy Lowry, Alabama

Rivers Alliance executive director. “Anyone with an appreciation for nature, or an interest in how individuals and small groups of people can make a real difference, will find the films fascinating and inspiring.”

Featured at the event in are films such as The Oil and Water Project, a documentary following two young kayakers making their way on an endless summer-style 35,000 km road trip from Alaska to Argentina in a retro-outfitted Japanese fire truck without a single drop of petroleum; and Fridays at the Farm, a film by a photographer/film maker and his family who, feeling disconnected from their food, decide to join a community-supported organic farm.

The festival is a natural extension of Alabama Rivers Alliance and Alabama Environmental Council work to inspire people to act on behalf of the environment. “Part of our mission at the Alabama Rivers Alliance is to empower citizens to protect their backyard rivers and streams,” says Lowry. “These inspiring films are a great way to get people motivated to take action in their communities.”

“This is an important time for our environment,” says Michael Churchman, executive director of the Alabama Environmental Council. “It seems that more and more people are joining together to promote a clean and healthy Alabama. This will be a celebration of what others have done nationally and a gathering for those interested in what can be done in Alabama.”

EVENT DETAILS:

Date and Time: Doors open at 5:30pm and shows start at 6:00pm

Location: McWane Science Center, 200 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203

Tickets: $15

For more information: Contact Katie Robertson Shaddix, kshaddix@alabamarivers.org, 205-322-6395. www.alabamarivers.org