Green cinema:
Week of the ecological films in Sofia www.euroekofest.org Screenings of the awarded films from the European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”. Films with discussions for Climate Change and Global Warming
Organizer: “European Environment Festival” Foundation, sofia 1 – 7 December, 2008, 16.00 - 18.30 h. City Library, 4 Slaveykov sq., Sofia Hall “Viara” with cooperation of City Library, Sofia This project is financed by the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria
partners:
С ТОЛИЧНА БИБЛИОТЕКА
Koprivstitsa, Bulgaria
Коалиция за климата - България
Hello, Friends of the Green Cinema! “European Environment Festival” Foundation has the pleasure to invite you to the Green Cinema – one unforgettable Week of the ecological films in Sofia from 1st till 7th December, 2008 at the City Library. During this first Panorama of the Ecological Cinema in the capital, the awarded films from the European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21Century” for films and TV programmes dedicated to ecology and environment protection will be presented, as well as productions for Climate change and Global warming together with discussions on the topic. This project is realized with the support of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria. The “European Environment Festival” Foundation organizes for the forth time this unique ecological film festival in Bulgaria which has established itself as a traditional and prestigious forum with international importance and popularity. During the Week of the ecological films in Sofia the Best ecological films from the latest festival edition, held from 4th till 6th July, 2008 in the historical town museum of Koprivstitsa, also will be screened. This is our next message to the large audience to reconsider the ecological problems and invitation for the forthcoming festivals, organized with the partnership of Koprivstitsa Municipality and the Department of Museums of one of the most ecologically clean Bulgarian towns. Each year the International jury of respectable professionals in the field of ecology gives the prestigious “Stork Nest” Grand Prix awards for the most significant ecological films. The Foundation also gives the Grand Prix award for the Best Balkan film on the ecological topic. Other awards are given by the Ministry of Environment and Water, State Forestry Agency, the Mayor and Department of Museums of Koprivstitsa, the “St. Ivan Rilski” Association for protection of the population in emergencies. 79 productions of the biggest and leading world’s film and TV companies from 24 countries participated in the festival in 2008 as well as, the most popular Bulgarian televisions and a number of independent production companies and ecological organizations. At our Festival each year, films from four different continents on Climate change and Global warming are presented, as well as such about the risks of floods, water, soil and air pollution, recycling and distraction of household waste, risks of the chemicals and GMO and food, the achievements of the new eco technologies, devastation of nature, extinction of biological diversity, the harmful effect of noise. There are also films about the protection of the environment, human life and health. We show tourist films, for conservation of natural and cultural heritage and media products related to improvement of legislation and policy in the field of ecology, too. After closing of each festival edition the interest of the Bulgarian society and particularly this of the capital and the young people towards the films of the festival is very enormous. From the ecological organizations, many citizens, academic and artistic guilds via the national media and web portals have raised the question for the presented current ecological films from the festival to become available for the larger audience in the capital which will be acquainted with the discussed global and vital for people’s lives and planet problems and questions and the way for solving them. A particular interest deserves the problems related to Climate change and the combat against Global warming. Therefore the Foundation in accordance to the Regulation of the European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21Century” initiates the organization of the Green cinema: Week of the ecological films in Sofia. The idea is this project to become traditional during next years and has its forthcoming editions in other cultural institutions in the capital.
The films and TV programmes which you will see give a full picture of the permanently increasing ecological threats and conflicts in separated spots in the world and the most important thing – they show the decisions and measures which are taken by states and non-government organizations against the ecological problems, depicting the unforeseen consequences from the lack of straightforward policy in the fields of ecology. They also show the need of coordination between the different governments, international institutions and civil society, which should act in cooperation for solving particular environment issues. Through this Week of the Ecological cinema in Sofia, we hope to contribute for the more successful popularity of the green idea among the young people in Bulgaria and a change in the priorities from the current consumption value system towards a better awareness, ecological education and culture, healthy way of life and adopting of the established ecological principles and standards in the European countries. Welcome to the Green Cinema in Sofia! We are waiting or you! European Environment Festival Foundation
EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENT FESTIVAL FOUNDATION The prime goal of the European Environment Festival Foundation is to organize an International Environment Festival with the participation of film and TV companies, production, advertising and publishing houses and agencies, nongovernmental organizations, electronic and printed media, experts, scientists and cultural activists working on the coverage and settlement of environmental issues with a view to stimulating the creation of competitive film and media products aimed at raising the public’s ecological culture and knowledge and instrumental towards the conservation of life and the environment. The Foundation’s activity relates also to the staging of a series of ecological events and initiatives with a broad spectrum of participation by senior Bulgarian state and municipal institutions, academic establishments and centers, universities, ecological and human rights organizations, leading experts in the fields of the ecology and medicine, electronic and printed media. The prime goal of the European Environment Festival Foundation is to get the public familiarized with the overwhelming ecological risks and ways to coping with them with a helping hand from the media and nongovernmental organizations. European Environment Festival Foundation 4 Slaveykov sq., 4 th floor, office 401 1000 Sofia, BULGARIA E-mail: greenwave@euroekofest.org, Web site: www.euroekofest.org Phone: (+359 2) 988 26 84 , (+359) 878 175 881; Fax: (+359 2) 988 26 84 Ecological initiatives within the European Environment Festival Foundation: • Organizing of the only in Bulgaria from 2005 till now annual European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21Century” for films and TV programmes dedicated to ecology and environment protection, 10 – 12 July, 2009, Koprivstitsa • Initiative for the Institution of a Nobel Prize for the Ecology - Worldwide Campaign of the European Environment Festival Foundation, 2007 • Bulgarian World Initiative for creating an “Olympic Forest” in each town-host of the Olympic Games. Initiated by the European Environment Festival Foundation, 2007 • International seminars and discussions on actual ecological issues • Training seminars for journalists working in the field of ecology, organized by the “Konrad Adenauer” Foundation • Planting trees in the “Green Europe” Festival park in Koprivstitsa with the kind assistance of the State Forestry Agency and Koprivstitsa Municipality • Eco Badminton Competition under motto “Sport for an ecological world ”, organized with the kind assistance of the Bulgarian Badminton Federation • International Photo Exhibitions on ecological theme • The “Green Planet” Children’s Drawing Competition • Ecological attractions and events for young people • Green cinema: Week of the ecological films in Sofia with screenings of the awarded films from the festival editions, City Library
The Stork Nest Grand Prix Award of the “European Environment Festival” Foundation after an idea by Attorney-at-Law Tzvetan Tzvetanov, Chairman of the Board of the “European Environment Festival” Foundation Author of the awards: Andrei Mitevski
Programme: 1 December, 2008 16.00 - 18.30 City Library, Hall “Viara” Inauguration of the Green cinema: Week of ecological films in Sofia Screenings: Banko and Dobri, For the Earth/Za zemiata Association, Bulgaria, 2008, 17 ‘ The Stork Nest Grand Prix for Documentary films for its vivid portrayal of one of Bulgaria’s most serious environmental problems through the eyes of a bewildered local, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Climate in Crisis Part 1: Warning from the Future, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Japan, 2006, 52 ‘ The Stork Nest Grand Prix for Scientific and educational films for its convincing warning about the global challenges of climate change, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Stop to the Climate Change, Priroda na Zaem/Nature on Loan Association, Bulgaria, 2007, 4 ‘ The Stork Nest Grand Prix in the TV Spots for the complex presentation of global environmental problems in an unique, convincing and entertaining manner using cartoon technique, Environment Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Dolna Banya, 7 - 9 May, 2007 Discussion: “Global Warming. Danger of Climate Change. Information to society and media coverage”. Meeting with the authors of the films Presenter of the discussion: Mark Bossanyi, UK, Coordinator of the Climate Coalition – Bulgaria, Member of the International jury of the European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 2 December, 2008 16.00 - 18.30 City Library, Hall “Viara” Screenings: Poison Sells, ARD, Germany, 2007, 30 ‘, submitted by the Media programme of the German foundation “Konrad Adenauer”, Sofia A documentary of the famous German investigative journalist Manfred Ladwig from ARD, Germany about the American company Monsanto, the biggest producer of GMO seedlings Deserts in the Move – Europe, ZDF-ARTE, Germany, 2007, 52 ‘ The Stork Nest Grand Prix for TV programmes for the strong influence of the film - a dire warning of the consequences of the reckless use of natural resources causes Global Warming, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 The Bittersweet River, BHRT-BHT1, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2008, 28 ‘ The Stork Nest Grand Prix for the Best Balkan Film for a lively portrayal of a contemporary Balkan dilemma: jobs or the environment?, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008
3 December, 2008 16.00 - 18.30 City Library, Hall “Viara” Screenings: Living with Shame, Taizhou TV Station, China, 2008, 20 ‘ The Stork Nest Grand Prix for Documentary films for its insight into the personal life of contemporary victims of unbridled economic development, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008
Searching for the eco town, Public Television Service Foundation, Таiwan, 2008, 22 ‘ Film in the Competition Programme, category for the TV programmes, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Waste = Food, VPRO Dutch Public TV, the Netherlands, 2006, 50 ‘ Visiting film of the Dutch Public Television Discussion: Ecology and Business Presenter of the discussion: Rene Boesten, the Netherlands, Managing director of Toafes – Dutch-Bulgarian environmental consultant company 4 December, 2008 16.00 - 18.30 City Library, Hall “Viara” Screenings: A World in Colours: Toxic Ships, RAI, Italy, 2005, 31 ‘ The Stork Nest Award Grand Prix for Documentary Films for presenting systematic problems in the criminal world trade with toxic substances which have direct impact on human life, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Dolna Banya, 7 - 9 May, 2006 How Eeternal Is the Eternal Ice?, Bavarian Broadcast, Germany, 2005, 25 ‘ A Special Mention for a very well structured educational film about Alpine glaciers and the consequences of global warming, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Dolna Banya, 7 - 9 May, 2007 World of Solitude, KVIK Film Productions, Iceland, 2005, 52 ‘ The Stork Nest Award Grand Prix for Documentary films for a fascinating combination of beautiful cinematographic images and a strong civil position, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Dolna Banya, 7 - 9 May, 2005 Vitosha - Invisible Invasion, bTV, Bulgaria, 2006, 26 ‘ The Award of the the Ministry of Environment and Water of the Rebublic of Bulgaria for Bulgarian production on an important ecological issue, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Dolna Banya, 7- 9 May, 2005 5 December, 2008 16.00 - 18.30 City Library, Hall “Viara” Screenings: Peace with seals, Panda film, Italy&Czech TV, Italy& Czech Republic, 2008 Visiting film, Award for the Best scenario, 9th International TV Festival Eco, Ohrid, 2008 Atlas – the Generous Earth, Bulgarian National Television, Bulgaria, 2007, 30 ‘ Special Mention for its reflection of the environmental problems of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast through the words of a Middle Eastern poet and philosopher, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Hidden from the Modern World, Prina Consult Ecological Association, Bulgaria, 2007, 43 ‘ The Award of the State Forestry Agency for the Best film in the area of the Forestry Sector, Biological diversity and Natural Way, Special Mention for its promotion of a little-known corner of Bulgaria, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Riders in the city, Bulgaria, 2008, 6 ‘ Film in the Competition Programme, category for the Documentary films, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Meeting with the authors of the films
6 December, 2008 16.00 - 18.30 City Library, Hall “Viara” Screenings: E-Cube: Energy, Economy, Ecology, RAI, Italy, 2007, 30 ‘ Special Prize for its uncompromising exposure of high-level political deceit and its skillful use of the whole range of TV communication methods, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Meltdown: Germany, TVE for AJI Witness/WWF, Switzerland, 2007, 22 ‘ The Award of the National Forestry Board, Ministry of Agriculture for illustrating the adverse impact of global warming on the health of German forests and the exponential growth of health-impacting organisms, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Dolna Banya, 7- 9 May, 2007 Oak # 419, RHPimages, USA&Germany, 2006, 52 ‘ The Stork Nest Grand Prix for travel and cultural heritage films for the incredible story of one man’s sacrifice to protect an oak tree as the symbol of everything we have to protect, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Presentation of the World Wildlife Fund WWF documentary series Meltdown: Fiji, Germany, Australia, Nepal, TVE for AJI Witness/WWF, UK/Switzerland, 2007. Meetings with the representatives of the DanubeCarpathian Programme Bulgaria, WWF 7 December, 2008 16.00 - 18.30 City Library, Hall “Viara” Screenings: Gas over Galabovo, Plovdiv Regional TV Centre, Bulgarian National Television, Bulgaria, 2008, 30 min The Award of the “St. Ivan Rilski” Association for the Bulgarian film on significant ecological problem, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Nylon Apocalypse or…, bTV, Bulgaria, 2007, 30 ‘ Special Prize for its comprehensive coverage of one of Bulgaria’s most glaring environmental problems, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 On Thin Ice, Greenpeace, Sweeden, 2006, 30 ‘ The Stork Nest Award Grand Prix for Scientific and Educational Films for adequate presenting of global ecological problems of immense future importance, European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Dolna Banya, 7- 9 May, 2006 Discussion: “Ecological problems in Bulgaria and Climate Change”. Meeting with the authors of the films. Presenters of the discussion: Nevena Pramatarova, Manager of the European Environment Festival Foundation and Mark Bossanyi, UK, Coordinator of the Climate Coalition – Bulgaria, Member of the International jury of the European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21st Century”, Koprivstitsa, 4 – 6 July, 2008 Closing of the Green cinema: Week of ecological films in Sofia
Non-commercial presentational screenings accordance to the Regulation of the European Environment Festival “Green wave – 21Century”
films: Banko and Dobri For the Earth / Za zemiata Association, Bulgaria, 2008, 17 ‘ Director: Borislav Georgiev Camera: Borislav Georgiev The film presents Bansko ski resort in constrast to the village of Dobarsko, both located close to Pirin Mountain. The story evolves through the eyes of Baba Katya from the Dobursko village. City Library, Hall “Viara” 1 December, 16.00 - 18.30
Climate in Crisis Part 1: Warning from the Future NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Japan, 2006, 52 ‘ Director: Takehiro Asai Camera: Fumihiko Saito, Teru Imai, Tatsuhiko Sugita Music: Takefumi Haketa What does Global warming mean for the future of the human race? According to the Earth Simulator, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, in 100 years, global atmospheric temperatures will increase by 4.2°C. Due to the significant rise in temperature, heat waves are likely to become more common which, in turn, will cause more heat-related deaths. Typhoons and hurricanes will be bigger; extreme weather disasters more frequent. This documentary includes stunning computer graphics based on the Earth Simulator’s predictions and reports on current global climate anomalies that foreshadow the future. What potential tragedies await our children and grandchildren? Produced before Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”, the program portrays the impending crisis in a way that conveys the reality of climate change, and provides viewers an opportunity to consider the significance of the actions we take today. Awards: Hors Concours, Banff World Television Festival 2007, Silver World Medal, New York Festivals 2007 City Library, Hall “Viara” 1 December, 16.00 - 18.30
Stop to the Climate Change Priroda na Zaem/Nature on Loan Association, Bulgaria, 2007, 4 ‘ Director: Hristina Petrova Written by: Ivan Kozhuharov, Hristina Petrova Music: Hummel, Petar Hristov TV Spot for the complex presentation of global environmental problems using cartoon technique. City Library, Hall “Viara” 1 December, 16.00 - 18.30 The Bittersweet River BHRT-BHT1 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2008, 28 ‘ Director: Dinno Kassalo Camera: Dinno Kassalo Music: Rambo Amadeus A hunderd years ago, Henry ford’s first car ran on alcohol, while Rudolf Diesel started his engine on peanut oil. Global warming has started. Do we have more time to dream „green dreams”? Why is the river Ljuta (bitter) sweet? City Library, Hall “Viara” 2 December, 16.00 - 18.30 10
Deserts in the Move – Europe ZDF-ARTE, Germany, 2007, 52 ‘ Director: Ingo Herbst Camera: J. Schmoll, B.Gudjonsdottir Producer: Peter Borig Most school textbooks continue to recite the conventional wisdom that Europe does not have any deserts. They are out of date. Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece are four EU countries that are already so badly affected that they have joined the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD). A fifth of Spanish land is so degraded that it is turning into desert, and in Italy tracts of land in the south are now abandoned and have also been declared desert. But the problem is not confined to these four countries. Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Russia have all reported signs of desertification – and in the Ukraine 41% of agricultural land is at risk of erosion. In 2000, the United Nations published a report in which it stated ‘the first stages of serious soil degradation were being noted in parts of Europe and 150 million hectares are at a high risk of erosion. Deterioration is at a critical point in Mediterranean countries’. Awards: Ekotop Filmfestival: Prize of Ministry of Environment 2007, Deutsche Umwelthilfe: Medienpreis, 2007 City Library, Hall “Viara” 2 December, 16.00 - 18.30 Poison Sells ARD, Germany, 2007, 30 ‘ Documentary of Manfred Ladwig, ARD, Germany A documentary of the famous German investigative journalist Manfred Ladwig from ARD, Germany about the biggest worldwide seedlings producers – the American multi company “Monsanto”. The film is a preliminary final of intensive narration on the German television about the genetic engineering that deals with the globalization. The genetic engineering is one of the topics of the globalized world. “Monsanto” is the biggest worldwide seedlings producer and it pretends that it is a benefactor that wants to beat the starvation in the world with GMO good and ensure at the same time the farmers with high crops. The film raises the question are the commercial messages fair and tell the story of the concern that justifies any means even criminal in selling its production. The footage is taken under very difficult circumstances. The concern refused any cooperation. Manfred Ladwig and the team have been threatened by arresting in St. Luis, where the head office of “Monsanto” is based. City Library, Hall “Viara” 3 December, 16.00 - 18.30
Living with Shame Taizhou TV Station, China, 2008, 20 ‘ Director: Huaqing Jin Camera: Huaqing Jin There is a small town with a twenty-year history of dismantling and decomposing metal scraps. More than 50 000 workers from other places are the main force behind the industry. They have no know ledge, but nevertheless are performing the miracle of turning stones into gold in their own original way. They made a lot of money, much more than they could have during an entire lifetime in their hometown, but it has taken a heavy toll on them… City Library, Hall “Viara” 3 December, 16.00 - 18.30
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Searching for the eco town Public Television Service Foundation, Таiwan, 2008, 22 ‘ Director: Jen-Chieh Chu Camera: Jheng-Fong Sie Can you believe that there once was a rural village which needed green coverage? Today Professor Han and Siao-bing will take you to Ottenhausen, a picturesque village in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, with a population of only 578. Thirty years ago, in order to modernize the village, the villagers widened the roads, and covered the village square with cement for parking. But then they realized that the trees, frogs and bats disappeared, and their success brought frequent flooding. The worsening conditions led the villagers to reconsider, and they launched a full-scale village renewal movement. The renewed Ottenhausen was awarded a gold medal as a model village, and it serves as an example for future eco-rural villages. City Library, Hall “Viara” 3 December, 16.00 - 18.30 Waste = Food VPRO Dutch Public TV, the Netherlands, 2006, 50 ‘ Director: Rob van Hattum Written by: Gijs M. Swantee and Rob van Hattum Producer: Karin Spiegel/Madeleine Somer Our waste does not disappear: we can dilute it or cover it with soil: in the end it comes back to via the food, the water or the air. In this documentary the designer William McDonough and the chemist Michael Braungart present the solution for this problem: waste = foode or Cradle to Cradle. Cradle to Cradle shows how all materials and energy used in processes and products can be reused in a valuable way and without the use of hazardous substances. Companies in the Netherlands, in Germany and in the USA have adopted the concept, which demonstrates that economic development and environmental protection can go hand in hand. Chinese president Hu Jintao has made C2C the official government policy for achieving the Circular Economy. Utopia or reality? City Library, Hall “Viara”, 3 December, 16.00 - 18.30 A World in Colours: Toxic Ships RAI, Italy, 2005, 31 ‘ Director: Vincenzo Pergolizzi Camera: Vincenzo Pergolizzi The documentary is a report for RAI Educational programme “Un mondo a colori” (A World in Colours) about the illegal dismantling of the European poison ships in some hidden ports of the Turkish Aegean region. Lots of workers coming from Anatolian villages have often the only chance of a job in this seriously dangerous activity: some of the vessels of this toxic armada are laden with hazardous or even radioactive waste. There is a high rate of cancer and lung diseases among these workers. However, the European Union seems to ignore the dramatic reality of the toxic ships… Awards: Prize for the courage in realizing an environmental movie, Green Vision, St. Petersburg, Russia, Winner of the Golden Olive, 1st Prize at Bar Film Festival, Montenegro City Library, Hall “Viara” 4 December, 16.00 - 18.30 How Eeternal Is the Eternal Ice? Bavarian Broadcast, Germany, 2005, 25 ‘ Director: Matthias Rebel, Camera: HP Fischer Music: Dieter Halesch, Ecco Meineke Willi is in the Oetz Valley of the Austrian Alps. Three scientists are waiting for our reporter on the edge of the Vernagtferner Glacier. Willi wants to see and heads for the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology in Bolzano. A mountain guide explains to Willi how a glacier crevice is formed and how to traverse one by using a ladder. City Library, Hall “Viara” 4 December, 16.00 - 18.30 12
World of Solitude Camera: Fridthjofur Helgason KVIK Film Productions, Iceland, 2005, 52 ‘ Music: Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson Director: Pall Steingrimsson The film centres on the debate on Vatnajokull in Iceland, the world’s largest ice cap outside of the polar region. Ideas are circulating on the establishment of a National Park linked to the glacier, but work has already commenced to the north of it, on a hydroelectric power project. According to international definitions, a national park and hydropower plant are irreconciable. The latter undertaking is hotly debated in Iceland, and is of concern to environmentalists throughout the world. It is safe to say that no individual issue has received as much discussion in the Icelandic media as has the proposed power development. The glacier is unique in concealing one of the largest volcanic areas in the world and it’s area of influences stretches to the sea on three sides. To the north of Vatnajokull lies the largest untouched wilderness in Europe, a vast area of unvegetated lava, gravely plains and surprising patches of vegetation. The rivers draining from the glacier form entrancing rapids and waterfalls on their way to the sea. In a worls which is steadily becoming more cramped, pristine land becomes ever more important and worthy of our consideration. Welcome to a World of Solitude - the huge and endlessly fascinating area of the East Central Highlands of Iceland. Awards: Green Vision - Prize for the Courage in making an environmental film, Matsalu II Nature Film Festival in Estonia, 3rd Prize City Library, Hall “Viara” 4 December, 16.00 - 18.30 Camera: Petar Stoev, Valentin Nikolov Vitosha - Invisible Invasion Music: VideoHelper Inc. bTV, Bulgaria, 2005, 26 ‘ Producer: Gena Traykova Director: Venelin Petkov In 2001 a tornado hit Bulgaria’s most visited mountain – Vitosha. It destroyed several dozen hectares of spruce trees. Soon after the disaster the tornado swaths became breeding grounds for an aggressive beetle species called Ips typographus. In the following years the beetles moved out of the swaths and destroyed vast areas of spruce forest. The infestation is so massive that today scientists say all of the older spruces in the mountain will be killed by the beetles within the next few years. The people in the village of Bistritsa take a prominent place in the story. The village is located at the very foot of the mountain and its residents are afraid of erosion and landslides. They insist that urgent actions be taken which include removal of the dead trees and planting of new ones. However, scientists insist on the non-interference approach. The film is a clash of opinions based on emotions, traditions and scientific observations. City Library, Hall “Viara” 4 December, 16.00 - 18.30 Peace with seals Panda film, Italy&Czech TV, Italy& Czech Republic, 2008 Director: Miroslav Novak Written by: Ferdinand Pitrosu Framed by two stories, this feature documentary fable “Peace with Seals” deals with the concept of “human nature”. The first story is about a seal named Gaston who, according to the Prague Zoo director, became “the most famous animal on earth” after he managed to reach Germany during a devastating flood. At the height of his fame, Gaston was adopted by the former Prime Minister Gross; after Gaston’s death, the Prague Zoo erected a statue in his memory. The second story took place 50 years earlier and tells the life story of a seal named Ulysses, caught in Sardinia by a Milan photo journalist who, in front of the cameras, tossed the animal into the famous Di Trevi fountain. The photo reporter was fined, but not for killing a baby seal but for polluting the water in the fountain. What changes mark our relationship with animals? Today there are urban nature reserves, aquariums instead of oceans, and seal hunting can be booked with a travel agent. In the time of Homer, seals were the most widespread inhabitant of Europe’s largest biotope, the Mediterranean Sea. Today, with sun tanning being so fashionable, people have replaced the seals on the beaches. Seals have become one of the most endangered mammals in Europe. Where will we be able to encounter wild animals in the future? How are animals being domesticated? And what is the domestication of people? City Library, Hall “Viara”, 5 December, 16.00 - 18.30 13
Atlas – the Generous Earth BNT, Bulgaria, 2007, 30 ‘ Director: Simeon Idakiev Camera: Kamen Kolev A film devoted to the natural and archeological landmarks of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, whose original beauty and ecology are threatened by human encroachment. The film is based on subjects of the essay “The Earth” created by Gibran Khalil Gibran – writer and philosopher from Lebanon. The videos taken are from: Durankulashko Lake with its interesting visitors centre, the regions of Yaylata, Bolata and Kaliakra, and the mouth of the Kamchia River, the town of Sozopol, the village of Rezovo and the botanical garden of the family of agronomists – Serafimovi in the village of Velika. City Library, Hall “Viara” 5 December, 16.00 – 18.30 Hidden from the Modern World Prina Consult Ecological Association, Bulgaria, 2007, 43 ‘ Director: Ivan Kozhuharov Camera: Ivan Kozhuharov This film is a documentary about tourist challenges in Garmen municipality region. City Library, Hall “Viara” 5 December, 16.00 - 18.30
Riders in the city Camera: Delyan Spasov Bulgaria, 2008, 6 ‘ Music: Logoped Director: Delyan Spasov & Elitza Grancharova Take your bicycle and get out on the street to show that you exist. Call your friends and ask for your rights, even if you don’t know where this might take you. Be near the nature on two wheels, or call the nature to come by you by creating a cleaner environment even in the city jammed by cars. City Library, Hall “Viara” 5 December, 16.00 - 18.30 E-Cube: Energy, Economy, Ecology Director: Roberto Laurenzi RAI, Италия, 2007, 30 ‘ Camera: Alessandro Peticca A document that has never been brought to light by the USA Inquiry Commission regarding the plots between oil lobbies, the Bush Administration and the subject of environment in America. According to Henry Waxman, Chief of the Commission: “...part of the information we have already obtained suggests that there may have been consistent commitment on behalf of the White House to downplay information to the public regarding the adverse effects of global warming”. City Library, Hall “Viara” 6 December, 16.00 - 18.30
Director: Nick Turner, Tanya Petersen Meltdown: Germany Camera: Nick Turner TVE for AJI Witness/WWF, Switzerland, 2007, 22 ‘ Meltdown explores the impacts of Climate change through the stories of four individuals in very different environments: Fijian Penina Moce, who lives on the remote island of Lau; retired German forester, George Sperber; Norbu Sherpa from the high mountains of Nepal, and eco-tourism entrepreneur John Rumney, in Port Douglas Australia. Their personal stories are interwoven with accounts from climate scientists researching the impacts of Climate change in different ecosystems. City Library, Hall “Viara”, 6 December, 16.00 - 18.30 14
Oak # 419 RHPimages, USA&Germany, 2006, 52 ‘ Director: Robert Harding Pittman Written by: Robert Harding Pittman Camera: Robert Harding Pittman A 400 year old oak tree is to be cut down to make way for a new highway. The roadway is to lead to the next projected development, with 20,000 housing units, in the ever growing urban sprawl of Los Angeles County. “Oak 419” is a documentary about the protest movement to try to save this tree, led by John Quigley who spent 71 days living on its limbs. The movement became much bigger than just this tree, receiving great media attention, which became the main tool of the protest. The significance of someone having the courage to stand up for what he believes in was reflected in the enthusiastic crowd of people who were drawn to the tree: television reporters and camerapeople, photographers, radio announcers, musicians, people in frog suits, Latino immigrants, Filippino immigrants, cheerleaders, Native Americans and even Santa Claus – symbolic of the cultural diversity of Los Angeles and California. The film is about an attempt to reclaim democracy in today’s divided, neoconservative America. The occupied tree became the “proverbial line in the sand” between nature, and the voracious development that is happening all over the world in the age of global warming. It became a symbol of a phenomenon that is common to the world over in the face of “progress”. Can one weigh the value of real estate development against that of nature? What is “progress”? City Library, Hall “Viara”, 6 December, 16.00 - 18.30 Gas over Galabovo RTVC Plovdiv, BNT, Bulgaria, 2008, 30 ‘ Director: Tzvetan Simeonov Written by: Tzvetan Simeonov Camera: Violin Paleikov Galabovo town is being constantly gased by the three power-plants nearby. Awards: Speciac Award “Rober Shuman”, 2007, First Award of the Ethno Festival, 2007 City Library, Hall “Viara”, 7 December, 16.00 - 18.30
Nylon Apocalypse or…, bTV, Bulgaria 2007, 30 ‘ Director: Gena Traikova Written by: Gena Traikova Camera: Valentin Nikolov The citizens of the EU throw out 1.3 billion tons of waste every year. In 2005 each of us has thrown away about 500 kg of refuse. In this documentary we are trying to show the European waste depots built in Bulgaria and some not exactly European practices in waste management.Our team is trying to find out whether our country meets the European requirements. And also we are trying to explane how we can reduce the volume of waste. City Library, Hall “Viara”, 7 December, 16.00 - 18.30
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On Thin Ice, Greenpeace Sweden, 2006, 30 мin. Director: Andreas Rydbacken Written by: Andreas Rydbacken Camera: Andreas Rydbacken Music: Narni Producer: Martina Krueger For the people living in Greenland their country is not the same anymore. During the last decade the climate has changed dramatically and the disappearing sea ice is threatening the entire Inuit hunting culture. At the same time the melting glaciers are releasing more and more ice into the ocean, threatening the entire globe with sea level rise. This is a film about a Greenpeace expedition to Greenland in 2005, where scientists discovered that some of Greenland’s major glaciers have increased their speed at an alarming rate. Along the way, the Greenlanders tell their story of how the warmer climate has affected their lives. City Library, Hall “Viara”, 7 December, 16.00 - 18.30
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