The fifth annual Social Justice Film Festival in Port Coquitlam opens this week with this year's Oscar-winning documentary feature.
The movie Inside Job, directed by Charles Ferguson about the financial crisis of 2007 to '10, will start the festival on Friday at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Church (2211 Prairie Ave.).
Organizer Derek Kootte said he was able to secure licensing for the 10 documentaries and docu-dramas as his group is a non-profit society; proceeds from the event will support the church's outreach programs to help those in need.
The aim of the festival "is to increase awareness about social justice around the world and to engage people," Kootte said, noting audience members can take part in a discussion about the film and the issues it raises after each showing.
Besides the Friday movie, of which admission is by donation, the festival will run Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kootte acknowledged the timing of the festival is "unfortunate" given the city is hosting the 88th annual May Day parade that day; however, "we hope people can celebrate May Day and then come see a movie to see how the rest of the world is living," he said.
The Saturday line-up is as follows:
10 a.m. Food, Inc.: Nominated for an Academy Award, this 2008 American documentary narrated by Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser looks at corporate farming practices in the United States.
The New American Century: Massimo Mazzucco's film that explores the reasons behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
11:30 a.m. Guns For Hire: A documentary about the secretive world of private military companies.
Afghanistan: Drugs, Guns and Money: A film that follows the opium crops and drug trafficking routes heading north from Afghanistan to Europe.
1:30 p.m. With God on Our Side: This movie takes a look at the theology of Christian Zionism.
Crude, The Real Price of Oil: A re-telling of the epic battle with Chevron over the Ecuadorian Amazon.
3 p.m. Wiki Rebels: A docu-drama by Swedish television about Wikileaks' founder Julian Assange.
Acts of Transformation, War Toys to Peace Art: A short film that documents students, teachers and community members on violent toys and video games.
The Coca Cola Case: A searing indictment of the pop company and its alleged criminal activities against union leaders in Colombia, Guatemala and Turkey.
Tickets to the Social Justice Film Festival are $10 for the day or $5 for half a day ($2 for seniors/students). Refreshments will be available after each showing. A homemade chili lunch for $6 will be served to participants. Call 604-942-0022.
