Spring is almost upon us, and whilst the flowers begin to bloom and weather warms it’s also a good time to remember our environmental impact. Luckily, the Environmental Film Festival Melbourne is showcasing a bunch of terrific films this September, which aim to educate, entertain and enthral green-leaning audiences. They are also holding a number of post-screening panel discussions and events throughout the nine-day festival (4-12 September).

Journey to the South Pacific – image courtesy EFFM

The Plus Ones’ Top 5 Picks

Outlined below is just a small selection of the 2014 Environmental Film Festival Melbourne’s must-sees:

1. Slow Food Story and Tasting – Watch Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini charm the Italian countryside as he starts an international culinary revolution. A post-screen expert panel will discuss sustainable food systems whilst the hungry audience will be treated to a slow food feast. (Mon. 8 September)
2. Gasland 2 (screening with Farmland, not Gasland) –  This is the next installment of filmmaker Josh Fox’s Oscar-nominated film Gasland, which delved into the environmental damage caused by fracking, along with the dirty big business of the gas mining industry. This time round, Fox continues his international investigation into fracking including its negative impact on Australian farmers. (Thurs. 11 September)
3. Journey to the South Pacific 3D Screening – For a family friendly-affair, take the kids big and small to the Australian premiere of Journey to the South Pacific. The film takes viewers to the magical undersea world of the tropical West Papua islands and is narrated by acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett. (Sat. 6 September)
4. Festival Shorts – For a range of environmental tidbits check out EFFM’s festival shorts, an eclectic mix of animated and documentary short films from around the world that shed light on a range of pertinent environmental issues. (Fri. 5 September)
5. Closing Night Party – Watch the documentary film Planet RE:think, which hypothesizes how the world can recover from financial crises through the better management of our planet’s natural resources. Afterwards hang out with festival guests and patrons including Australian Greens’ Federal Minister Adam Bandt and former Greens head Bob Brown at the EFFM closing night party. (Fri. 12 September)

Slow Food Movement – image courtesy EFFM

There are a number of other screenings and events, such as the Opening Night party on Thurs. 4 September, and the Eco-Art exhibition in Collins Place (featuring artists Peter Strain and Dylan Wood’s images of the Kimberly and Tasmania), which will also be fantastic to experience.

The full festival lineup can be found on the Environmental Film Festival Melbourne website. It runs 4-12 September.

-Tali

Tali Caspi is a mildly obsessive film buff, creative writer and urban explorer interested in all things arty, odd and interesting. Follow her musings on Twitter @thestoryroom.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests to the media preview by the Environmental Film Festival.