Water becomes more important in Ojai every day, not only for humans but also for other species and our land. Coping with a lingering drought and its effect on our environment trickles down to future generations. On Wednesday, October 5 at 7 p.m. the Ojai Film Festival teams up with the Green Valley Project to offer screenings of two films, followed by a community discussion about how young people help improve the future of our local watershed. The event happens at Flourish Ojai, on the corner of Aliso and Canada Streets.
The Ojai Film Festival selected the two films because they depict people choosing to improve landscapes in crisis, ultimately making the natural world a better place. This furthers the Festival’s mission of “Enriching the human spirit through film.”
The program begins with the short film “Shepherd’s Song,” which shows how losing both parents by age 18 pushed Jenya Schneider to find meaning in her life. That came in the form of a flock of sheep used to restore California’s native grasslands as part of the Cuyama Lamb project.
In the main feature, “Where There Once Was Water,” photographer Brittany App documents the effects of drought on California’s land over the course of eight years. App’s powerful documentary invites us to recognize the integral role water plays in our lives. It transforms the viewers relationship with this precious liquid one drop at a time.
Green Valley Project is a youth-led initiative of The C.R.E.W., in collaboration with local environmental organizations and experts. The movement makes a difference in repairing our environment through planting trees, removing invasive species, restoring damaged habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, or creeks for fish and turtles.
The venue for the screenings also helps youth. Flourish Ojai, a Center for Inspired Living, concentrates on young adults. They partner with local organizations to offer tools of personal transformation and leadership. By facilitating highly creative mentors, in person and online, they empower young people with the confidence to lead inspiring lives.
Join this important discussion on Wednesday, October 5 to find inspiration on how our whole community can make a difference in this time of drought. This event is FREE, donations welcome. For more information email greenvalleyprojectojai@gmail.com or call (805) 640-1947.
