help_outline Skip to main content

News / Articles

Global Peace Film Festival Sept 21-Oct 4

Published on 9/9/2020

As the prospects for a traditional film festival grew dim earlier this year when the COVID-19 pandemic took a worldwide hold, organizers of the 18th annual Global Peace Film Festival (GPFF) were quick to adapt for the safety of its audiences and special guests. In this very different, challenging and tragic year, GPFF has pivoted to deliver a robust program that includes thought-provoking films and art exhibits for people all over the world to enjoy from the comfort and safety of their homes, as well as a limited number of in-person events at which people can be safely distanced.

In years past, this unique festival has brought filmmakers and filmgoers from all walks of life to Central Florida, inspiring them to take action in their daily lives and to leave the world a more peaceful place than they found it. GPFF now aims to continue this tradition virtually through online feature film screenings, virtual panel discussions and art exhibits.

Starting on the International Day of Peace, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, a selection of more than 20 feature films will be available for screening for just $5 each. These films highlight themes such as civil rights, environmental justice, ethics, human rights, immigration, LGBTQ+, music, social justice, voting, wellness and wildlife. For an even greater value, a White Dove pass, which provides access to all films, is available for $100, a savings of $15. 

Link for GPFF feature film program: https://peacefilmfest.org/program/

Link for GPFF short film program: https://peacefilmfest.org/online-film-festival/

Link for GPFF “extras” (interviews with filmmakers and panel discussions - this link is not yet populated, we’re recording these this week and next): https://peacefilmfest.org/extras/



A few films of specific interest to LWV members include:

A CONCERNED CITIZEN is a feature documentary about Dr. Riki Ott, a whistleblower who predicted the Exxon Valdez oil spill hours before it happened. A toxicologist, author, and activist, Riki has been organizing the Gulf coast communities to recover from the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. She is also helping to spearhead the campaign with Ultimate Civics, one that will introduce a Constitutional amendment to end corporate personhood, and to reform campaign finance and contributions.  A CONCERNED CITIZEN also shows viewers how other citizens have followed Dr. Ott's example to change and strengthen efforts to curb oil pollution of America's lands, rivers and coastal waters.


BIRDDOG NATION

Follow the fearless women who helped flip the House in 2018 as they are schooled by activists from the Birddog Nation, including Ady Barkan, a dying father with ALS who is fighting for democracy with his last breath, and Ana Maria Archila, a sexual assault survivor who confronts Senator Jeff Flake on an elevator during Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings. Through protest marches, grassroots organizing and a tactic known as "birddogging," the leaders of the Birddog Nation take the women on a deep and transformative journey. Can they team up for another Blue Wave in 2020?


SWING STATE FLORIDA

Swing State Florida takes the viewer on a journey through three critical Florida communities: migrant agricultural workers in Immokalee, the historically African-American Liberty City area of Miami, and the Hurricane-stricken panhandle. In each place, we hear from people facing challenges from climate change and migration, to political and economic marginalization.  The documentary film, directed by the Bertelsmann Foundation’s Samuel George, mixes intimate portraits with expert commentary to give a vision of Florida in the run-up to the 2020 election. The challenges documented in the film present struggles replicated in swing states across the country.

WAGING CHANGE shines a light on an American struggle hidden in plain sight: the women-led movement to end the federal tipped minimum wage for restaurant workers.

An additional selection of 18 short films will be available for free on the GPFF website.