Hard-Hitting Films About Climate, Racism & Gender Slated For Calgary Justice Film Festival

Beyond Borders profiles the people behind the statistics of climate change from the Arctic to Bangladesh. PHOTO BY ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOUNDATION /Environmental Justice Foundation

After two years of virtual screening, the Calgary Justice Film festival is back in person with three days of free screenings.

Previously called the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival, the fest rebranded last year as it has expanded well beyond the neighbourhood since its inception in 2005.

The festival is focused on environmental and social justice issues and features films from around the world. The 17th annual event runs November 18-20 and kicks off Friday with the Alberta premiere of To Kill a Tiger at 6:30 p.m. at the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall in the Central Public Library. This National Film Board of Canada documentary depicts the plight of an Indian farmer fighting for justice for his 13-year-old daughter who was sexually assaulted.

Ranjit at home in his village, Bero, in Jharkhand, in a scene from To Kill a Tiger

The festival is focused on environmental and social justice issues and features films from around the world. The 17th annual event runs November 18-20 and kicks off Friday with the Alberta premiere of To Kill a Tiger at 6:30 p.m. at the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall in the Central Public Library. This National Film Board of Canada documentary depicts the plight of an Indian former fighting for justice for his 13-year-old daughter who was sexually assaulted.

When it screened at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, it was described as

“Harrowing.” “It is also courageous and, by its stunning finale, galvanizing. With compassion and rigour, documentarian Nisha Pahuja (The World Before Her) tells the story of a family struggling to find justice in the wake of a heinous violation. Most of their community is against them, but they have allies, love, and a dogged belief in the possibility of change.”

After opening night, the festival moves November 19 and 20 to the River Park Church auditorium, 3818 14A St. S.W., with screenings of films focused on issues such as climate change, ageism, gender identity, racism, and equality. These films are set in locations from around the world, including Calgary, Brazil, Gambia, and the Arctic.

In 1979, women, including Mary Two-Axe Earley, centre, undertook a four-day walk to Ottawa to protest sex discrimination against First Nations women embedded in the Indian Act. The fight for rights is detailed in the film Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again. Courtesy, Odette DesOrmeaux

As in previous years, the screenings will be followed by post-film discussions with the film’s director or guests knowledgeable about the documentary topics.

Also, the Festival Peace Fair will return to the River Park Church’s gym with booths providing information on 16 organizations, including NGOs working for environmental protection as well as justice and equality issues around the globe.