As part of our 2023 Earth Day celebration, The Portland EcoFilm Festival is thrilled to celebrate water, with four new films from around the beautiful blue world:
FOLLOW THE WATER, RECLAIM YOUR WATER, THE SANCTUARY, and BENEATH THE WAVES.
Youth under 16 get in free! Sponsored by Columbia Riverkeeper.
FOLLOW THE WATER
22 minutes | USA
Directors: Ivana Horvat, Emily Vidal, John Lugton
How do Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest view their connection to water? How did people become disconnected from the waters after settling here? How can we reconnect to the waters–and to each other? This film (shot primarily in Portland) is an exploration of our collective connection, disconnection and reconnection to the waters, told through a multicultural lens. It invites us to consider the ripple effect of being physically and spiritually disconnected from the waters, and what we can learn from Indigenous stewards of the land.
RECLAIM YOUR WATER: NATASHA SMITH
5 minutes | USA
Director: Faith E. Briggs
Natasha didn’t grow up believing that “Black people don’t do that,” was going to be a limiting factor in her life. Not only does she ride dirtbikes, skate, and surf; she is passionate about sharing those skills with other people. Along with her friends at Ebony Beach Club, Natasha is reclaiming waves, introducing others to the ocean, and spreading a love of surfing through her community. Whether it's dipping toes into the water or getting on a board, Ebony Beach Club is creating an inclusive space on the beaches of Los Angeles, and making waves in their community.
THE SANCTUARY
6 minutes | Australia
Directors: Timothy Raymond Brown, Michael Bruce Portway
Recounting his love of the water, octogenarian Ray Lewis snorkels among the vibrant sea life of a marine sanctuary near the heart of Melbourne, Australia–a city of 5 million people. For Ray, this is not only a place of recreation, but one he has worked tirelessly to protect. From a young fighter pilot to a dedicated conservationist, Ray recounts his journey and the stunning transformation that has taken place in the marine sanctuary since it received official protection.
WAVES BENEATH THE WATER
52 minutes | Netherlands
Director: Arthur de Bruin
A captivating landscape of ditches, canals, ponds, pools, lakes, and rivers, the Netherlands is surrounded by water. The country’s mills, pumping stations, polders and dykes have been famous for centuries. As much as 16% of the country is fresh water, and a third of the land lies below sea level. But what do we actually know about the aquatic lives of the freshwater residents? Using the latest underwater filming techniques, this film reveals nature’s hidden secrets, introducing viewers to many surprising underwater inhabitants of this surprising and breathtakingly beautiful world.
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In general, the Hollywood Theatre does not provide content advisories about the subject matter shown in our theatre. Films exhibited don't necessarily reflect the views of the Hollywood Theatre. Information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media and DoesTheDogDie.com.