Sonora Rising: A story of water, bread, and life in the Tucson desert: Three Tucson visionaries are creating and growing the circular economy of water in the arid Sonoran desertJoin the Gila Conservation Coalition for the 9th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Saturday, September 19, at 7:00 pm, as part of the 16th Annual Gila River Festival. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to restrict public gatherings, this year’s film festival will take place online as a live virtual event. Ticket holders will be able view the film festival remotely from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Tickets go on sale August 1 at www.gilariverfestival.org.
Last Wild Places – Gorongosa: Focusing on empowering and educating women, Gorongosa National Park has become a model of successful conservation efforts. “The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is a natural extension of the Gila Conservation Coalition’s work to inspire people to act on behalf of the Gila River and its watershed. Now more than ever, we need these wonderful stories of how communities like ours are working to protect their watersheds, unique landscapes, and the environment,” says Allyson Siwik, Executive Director of the Gila Conservation Coalition.
The film festival will feature the film Sonora Rising: A story of water, bread, and life in the Tucson desert. The Colorado River water flows more than 300 miles across Arizona to quench the thirst of four million people to sustain their food, economy, and livelihoods. The film stars three Tucson visionaries who are creating and growing the circular economy of water in the arid Sonoran desert. The film was directed by Sinjin Eberle of American Rivers, who gave a very popular presentation at last year’s Gila River Festival.
The festival will also include the film, Last Wild Places: Goronsola. For 15 years, Mozambique was engulfed in a brutal civil war that devastated human and wildlife populations alike. Now, in part by focusing on empowering and educating women, Gorongosa National Park has become a model of successful conservation efforts. In this short film, follow elephant expert Dominique Gonçalves as she shares the powerful ways the park is working with local communities and gaining a new generation of brave women rangers and scientists.
This year’s mistress of ceremonies will be Kendra Milligan, Independent Editor for the Silver City Daily Press and Independent. "Growing up in Grant County, I know the importance of our rivers,” said Milligan. “I've seen our rivers flood and flower for over forty years. The wild rivers and their scenic riparian areas must be preserved for prosperity, not commodified and defiled for short-sighted gains. This film festival celebrates the uniqueness of our rivers. Come join me to be swept away by the beauty!"
Approximately ten other short films will be screened, including two local films. Mark your calendars – you don’t want to miss this! Registration for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and the complete schedule for the 16th annual Gila River Festival, will be available August 1 at www.gilariverfestival.org
With thanks to the National Partners of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival: EarthJustice, Klean Kanteen, Peak Design, Hipcamp, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and to our Local Sponsors: New Mexico Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
EVENT DETAILS:
Online Saturday, September 19, at 7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased starting on August 1, at www.gilariverfestival.org The film festival can also be viewed through September 20.