Documentary festival returns to Kelowna

More than 30 documentary films from around the world will be shown for free in Kelowna during the annual World Community Film Festival, March 1 - 4.

The festival will open Thursday night at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society on Leon Avenue.

Friday night will feature a showing of the Carlos Santanaproduced “Dolores” documenting the life of Dolores Huerta cofounder of the United Farm Workers Union, at Okanagan College

Movies continue all day Saturday and Sunday at the college.

Films address topics such as the housing crisis, environmental protection, farm co-ops and organic agriculture, indigenous issues and diversity.

An activist arena will be part of the festival where people can find local activist groups. Good food is available during the festival as well.

The volunteer committee has maintained a “free admission-education is a right” policy over the film festival’s 15-year history. Donations are accepted for local charities.

“The film festival offers an antidote to both ignorance and demoralization – a chance to spend “community time” with your friends and neighbours, while turning attention to the compelling topics of the films,” said festival volunteer Mark Haley.

More information and schedules can be found at worldfilmfestkelowna.net or on the festival's Facebook page.