Holy (un)Holy River

Peter McBride & Jake Norton/2016/60 min/Health & Environment

CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: This film takes you on an dramatic adventure to Ma Ganga (“Mother Ganges”), a waterway that is divine and defiled, revered and reviled. Once celebrated for its purity, India’s Ganges River now carries contaminates from its glacial headwaters, where freshly fallen snow contains zinc from industrial emissions. Water is diverted from the river for agriculture and other uses, and the 500 million people in the Ganges basin further pollute the river. “Holy (un)Holy River” asks the essential question: Can the Ganges survive?  

Teens and young adults encouraged to attend. "PG-13" May contain heavy themes, graphic images or language.

Saturday, March 2, 1 to 3 p.m. [Central]
First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple
77 W. Washington St., Chicago

After the film, participate in facilitated audience dialogue to explore the film's topics, connections, and opportunities for action. Facilitator: Pam Bergdall, Local and International Facilitator, Institute of Cultural Affairs. Also engage with action and project ideas through Cami Provencher and Frank Fiorito from the Alliance for the Great Lakes; Mike Staffeldt and Lois Nowak from the Sierra Club; Water Walkers of Anishinaabe tribe; and Stanley Oda from Women & Water Coming Together Symposium.

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats.

Tuesday, March 5, 7 to 9:30 p.m. [Central]
Patagonia Chicago, 48 E. Walton St., Chicago
OEFF After Hours Event

Admission $20, includes reception from 7 p.m.
Film at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Sip New Belgium beer and savor Mediterranean snacks while you take in the cool vibe of one of the world’s most environmentally conscious brands at the 7 p.m. reception.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. the 8-minute film “On the Backs of Salmon” will precede the feature film. Directed and produced by students from Ballard High School in Seattle, Wa., “On the Backs of Salmon” received an honorable mention in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest.

After the films, participate in Q&A, and learn about meaningful action opportunities, with Travis Solberg of the Alliance for the Great Lakes and Dale Asis from LVEJO (Little Village Environmental Justice Organization). Facilitator: Stephanie McCray, Executive Coach with Executive Material. Also engage with action and project ideas through Negin Ahmadi of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Dale Asis of LVEJO, and Beth Braun and Cookie Wherry of U of I Extension Master Gardeners (who will have a 3-D watershed model).

ADA compliant accessible venue.