On January 25, 2020 at the beautiful Bijou Theater in downtown Bridgeport, Sierra Club Connecticut held our Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour fundraiser. In attendance were over 150 people, all treated to 12 different films with topics ranging from fossil fuel activism to glacier inspired art; from saving frogs in the rainforest to an African American ski club. There was a silent auction with items from local vendors and the festival’s national sponsors. The crowd was enthusiastic and the response from attendees has been extremely positive. 

 

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival was founded by the South Yuba River Citizens League in Nevada City, California 18 years ago. The mission of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is to inspire environmental activism and a love for nature– through film. Wild & Scenic shares an urgent call to action, encouraging festival-goers to learn more about what they can do to save our threatened planet. It has grown over the years and now there are various events throughout the United States, all hoping to inspire activism by sharing stories of hope and inspiration, overcoming odds, and finding beauty in the world.

 

Some highlights from the night included “Blind Sushi”, the story of a blind travel writer who spends the day with New Haven’s own Chef Bun Lai from Miya’s Sushi, foraging and fishing in Long Island Sound to create a sustainable, local meal. We were also fortunate to have Chef Bun Lai donate a 6-person dinner to our silent auction, won by a lucky attendee. “Water Warriors” is the story of a diverse band of protestors in New Brunswick, Canada who fought against the fracking industry. And won. “Wildlife and the Wall” is a film about the destructive environmental impact a border wall would have on Big Bend National Park and all the creatures that call it home. 

 

We are thrilled to have been able to offer this event to our members and supporters, to the people of Bridgeport, and the state of Connecticut. We plan to make this an annual tradition, growing in number and scope, and becoming a great event for activists to be inspired and come together. Art has a wonderful way of bringing important issues to the forefront and individual stories can inspire and touch even the most cynical among us. If you joined us, thank you. If you couldn’t attend this year, we hope to see you next year! 

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Ann Gadwah is Chapter Chair and Political Chair of Sierra Club Connecticut.