Sep
6
By Linda Peterson
Victoria’s first International Water Film Festival “Wild Water” hosted by the Victoria Film Festival will wow you from Thursday September 22 to Sunday September 25. A range of stimulating films focus on the wonders of water: extreme water sports, environmental concerns and travel experiences. Films are shot in a variety of locations around the world. Kayaking, surfing, ice-climbing, diving, yacht racing, cliff jumping adventures, and more are in store. You will travel along with the experts.
The festival begins on Thursday evening at 6:30 at The Canoe Brewpub with a fundraiser for the Vancouver Island chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. This non-profit global organization works on initiatives to protect the oceans and beaches. “If By Sea” is the feature film. There will be a silent auction of prints by 6 artists/photographers, three short films, a raffle and a door prize. Tickets are $10.00. Light snacks are included.
On Friday, the excitement starts at 5:00 pm at the Vic Theatre with a talk by Grant Callegari on “Building a Life and Career as an Adventurer”. This is followed by the Opening Reception at 6:00 pm and two film presentations. Individual film tickets are $12.00, reception cost is separate.
Saturday’s events include free family hands-on activities from 1:00-4:00 sponsored by Ocean Networks Canada (Nootka Court – corner of Humboldt and Douglas). The themes are science and technology. The Maritime Museum will have kids tied up in nautical knots with learning centers and competitions on knot tying. The Vic Theatre has film showings during the day with a series of short films at 11:00, and longer presentations at 4:15 and 7:00.
The final festival day, Sunday, starts with films showing at 12:00, 2:15, 4:00 and ends at 7:00 with “The Sonic Sea” an award winning documentary on the effects of noise from industry and military sources on marine life. A panel discussion follows.
The festival thanks its generous local sponsors Times Colonist, Ocean Networks Canada, Downtown Victoria Business Association, Maritime Museum, and Dorey Wealth Management Group with Raymond James.
Detailed information about the films, events and ticket orders can be found at wildwaterfestival.ca. As the website states be part of “an action packed festival with heart stopping films, family activities and guest speakers.”