THE SEQUEL - As we enter 2020, it’s a great time to imagine our collective future. Join World Community for the documentary, The Sequel, at the Stan Hagen Theatre at North Island College. The film explores the work of environmental economist David Fleming and the vibrant Transition Movement his ideas inspired.

Around the world, people are developing the skills, will and resources necessary to re-imagine civilization, even in the event of an uncertain future. We encounter extraordinary projects and people such as renegade economist Kate Raworth, philosopher Roger Scruton, Gaian ecologist Stephan Harding and localization revolutionary Helena Norberg-Hodge.

These visionaries are cultivating a resilience not reliant on the impossible promise of eternal economic growth. Instead, they are developing diverse alternatives and rekindling hope in the creativity and intelligence of people to nurse our communities and ecology back to health.

Everyone is welcome. Admission by donation   FMI: 250 337 5412

As California farmers struggle with drought and other impacts of climate change, our ability to grow and access local food is becoming more important every year. World Community’s film series continues with the film Five Acres (30 min.) followed by a panel discussion with one of the filmmakers and local food activists from Nanaimo and the Comox Valley.

The Five Acre Farm in the Harewood area of Nanaimo has a long history of producing local food. It’s one of the last intact farms in BC’s first planned agricultural community. The history and future of this innovative agricultural project are portrayed in the film Five Acres, by Paul Manly and Laurie MacMillan. Manly comments “Through its important work on urban farming, restorative agriculture projects and employment skills training, Nanaimo Foodshare Society is helping build a healthy, sustainable and local food system while providing an inclusive work environment for individuals from vulnerable populations.”

Samuel Robins, Superintendent of the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company had some visionary ideas. In 1884, Robins purchased Harewood Estates, a large parcel of land between Nanaimo and the base of Mount Benson. He subdivided the area into five-acre lots and made them available to mining families as homesteads at affordable prices.

Executive Director of LUSH Valley Food Action Society, Maurita Prato says “I love what is happening with Nanaimo Foodshare Society, our sister Island Food Hub, the City of Nanaimo and the 5 acre farm. There is a lot to learn from this collaborative model of urban farming and community food security.”

Admission is by donation. Everyone is welcome. FMI: Janet (250) 337 5412

Following that there’s a film screening on Tuesday Dec. 3 – 7pm at NIC: Artifishal (81 min)

Artifishal is a film about people, rivers, and the fight for the future of wild fish and the environment that supports them. It explores wild salmon’s slide toward extinction, possible threats posed by fish hatcheries and fish farms, and our continued loss of faith in nature. Discussion to follow. Everyone welcome. Admission by donation