The Geography of Hope (and EcoSexuality?)

If you can map it, it's geography. But can you pinpoint as elusive a feeling as hope? The filmmakers screening their works at The Geography of Hope Film Festival, opening today in Point Reyes, California think so. I'm not quite sure how Saturday's panelist, sex activist Annie Sprinkle, will meld her colorful rhetoric with the theme of "hope," but I must say I'm curious! In fact, I'm interested to see just about everything this inaugural festival has to offer.


Organized by Point Reyes Books as part of the Geography of Hope Conference, the theme for this year is "Reflections on Water." The festival opens with The River Why, based on the novel of the same name, and features Zach Gilford, Amber Heard, and Dallas Roberts, alongside Academy Award Nominee Kathleen Quinlan, Golden Globe Nominee William Devane and Academy Award Winner William Hurt. Watch the trailer and tell me if you can't almost smell the ferny, redwood undergrowth of a Pacific Northwest stream...



In addition to the films, there are 12 outdoor art installations, all within walking distance of the Dance Palace Community Center theater venue, and two very unique panels--the kinds of talks you won't see anywhere else, says festival co-director, John Mueller.

Saturday's panel, "To Change the World: Art, Ecosexuality and Environmental Evangelism" features Reverend Billy and Savatri D (if you've never heard of the hilarious Rev. Billy, he's a heck of a character), alongside activist artists Richard and Judith Selby Lang. Rounding out the group are the illustrious artists and "ecosexuals," Annie Sprinkle (yes, that Annie Sprinkle) and Beth Stephens. Definitely not something you'd see anywhere else! Just don't take the kids...

The (much milder) children's film event is on Sunday at 11 a.m., featuring environmental short films appropriate for all ages. If your child is working on an environmentally-related school project, this might be a great starting point for gathering ideas and information. If not, the event promises to be a calm place to chill out (or warm up) with little ones on a blustery weekend morning.

If the spiritual nature of water and its depiction in film is the kind of discussion that floats your boat, you may want to check out Sunday's panel. Featured speakers include John Beebe, leading Jungian analyst; Ernest Callenbach, founding editor of FILM QUARTERLY, who will screen related film clips; and harpist/singer/scholar Therese Schroeder-Sheker, who will perform live. The site describes the event as "an extraordinary, one-time opportunity to experience film, expert commentary, thoughtful insight and beautiful music as they relate to the overarching role of water in our spiritual lives."

Passes for the whole weekend are only $100. Opening night may be sold out (no wait list line--bummer), but all other films are still available for purchase (see the program for ticketing links). Day-of purchases have to made at the Dance Palace: 503 B St., Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

For event info, call: 415-669-7559