The film festival was hosted
at Lancaster's Duke Playhouse (opposite) and run from Thursday 9th October night through Friday 17th October comprising an eclectic series of climate change related films and documentaries timetabled alongside special guest speakers and panel discussions.

The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QE
Box Office: 0845 344 0654 (local rate applies)
Fax: 01524 598519
http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/index.php


Film Festival 2008 titles included:

Manufactured Landscapes

http://www.mongrelmedia.com/films/ManufacturedLandscapes.html

Director: Jennifer Baichwal, Canada 2006
Probably the most spectacular and thought provoking climate change film to date, Manufactured Landscapes follows the photographer Edward Burtinsky (made famous by Al Gore’s use of his images in An Inconvenient Truth) as he traces the life of consumer products from China to the West and back again. The film’s greatest achievement is to deal head on with the twin issues of climate change and Peak Oil in a way that provokes thought rather then shuts down hope. The result is a beautifully shot and edited film - this is the climate change film you cannot miss.

Sustainability Panel Discussion:
Following the screening of Manufactured Landscapes there will be a panel discussion with three of the North West’s finest sustainability specialists.

Garbage Warrior

http://www.garbagewarrior.com/

Director: Oliver Hodge, UK 2008 - Cast: Rachel Wexler, Michael Reynolds
An intimate portrait of radical US architect Michael Reynolds, a man possessed by his dream of changing the world. Michael Reynolds creates beautiful ramshackle homes in the New Mexico desert out of discarded beer cans, reclaimed wood, old tyres and clay, the physical manifestations of his life's passion for sustainable living. But Reynolds is not so much an architect as a one-man eco-movement, a visionary whose ideas will either help us save the planet or just land him in more trouble with the local authorities.

Director’s Question and Answer session:
It is hoped that there will be a question and answer session with Brighton based director Oliver Hodge after this screening. Please phone box office to confirm.

Carbon Detox

The worlds first stand-up climate change routine
This highly entertaining one man show will challenge your assumptions and help you to find fresh ways to deal with climate change. Find out how we can learn everything from smokers, why plastic bags became a fetish and how can we find joy and thrive in a climate change world. And not a graph in sight!
"It's fresh and original...Carbon Detox will rock your world" Rob Newman, Comedian and Campaigner


http://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/

Director: Chris Paine, USA 2006 - Cast: Colette Divine, David Freeman, Alexandra Paul
Nominated: Best Documentary - Environmental Media Awards (2006)

With increasing gasoline prices, fossil fuel shortages, unrest in oil-producing regions and the mainstream consumer adoption of the hybrid electric car (more than 140,000 Priuses sold this year), this documentary couldn't be more relevant or important. Its foremost goal is to inform audiences about this car and its place in history as well as our wider car culture and how it enables our continuing addiction to foreign oil. This somewhat chilling film investigates the death and resurrection of the electric car, as well as the role of renewable energy and sustainable living in the USA’s future, issues that affect everyone from progressive liberals to the neo-conservative right.


http://www.whatawaytogomovie.com/

Director: Timothy S. Bennett, USA 2007
A disturbing, compassionate and sometimes humorous personal essay about coming to grips with climate change, resource crises, environmental meltdown and the demise of the American lifestyle. Friends and experts analyse historical, social and psychological factors driving us toward human extinction. Bennett’s ruthless assessment challenges the audience to face terrifying times with courage and integrity.

In the gallery:
After this screening, the Dukes youth theatre will stage a series of short devised pieces on the subject of climate change in the foyer and gallery area. Please feel free to stay and watch.

The End of Suburbia

http://www.endofsuburbia.com/

Director: Gregory Greene, Canada/USA 2004
The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, with global demand for fossil fuels beginning to outstrip supply. The North American suburbia promised space, affordability, family life and upward mobility. As the population of suburbs exploded over the last 50 years, the suburban way of life became embedded in the American consciousness. But serious questions are emerging on the sustainability of suburbia. As energy prices skyrocket in the coming years, how will the inhabitants of suburbia react to the collapse of their dream? Are today's suburbs destined to become the slums of tomorrow? And what can be done now, individually and collectively, to avoid The End of Suburbia?

Pre-Screening Presentation on Sustainable Towns:
A speaker from Transition City Lancaster Initiative will give a short talk before this screening on creating a local response to the challenges of achieving a waste-free society.


http://www.powerofcommunity.org/cm/index.php

Director: Faith Morgan, 2006
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people. They share how they transitioned from highly mechanized agriculture to using organic farming and urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis. The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis, is an example of options and hope.

Show Times:

Thursday 9th October - 8 pm

Manufactured Landscapes
(with Panel Discussion)


Friday 10th October - 8.30 pm

Garbage Warrior
(hopefully with Director Q+A)


Saturday 11th October - 8.30 pm

Carbon Detox


Tuesday 14th October - 8.30 pm

Who Killed the Electric Car


Wednesday 15th October - 8 pm

What a Way to Go
(Gallery with DT3 performance)


Thursday 16th October - 7.30 pm

The End of Suburbia
(with Transition Town Lancs Event)


Fri 17th October - 8 pm

How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
(Bicycology Bike Powered event)