5:30pm Cocktail Reception, Earth Central Hub & Carl Safina book signing 7:00pm Keynote with Carl Safina 7:30pm Film: FOLKTALES Zoom Q&A with co-director Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady follows screening
Set against the sweeping, snow-laden landscapes of Arctic Norway, the film follows a group of teenagers embarking on a transformative year at Pasvik Folk High School, a traditional folk school that strips away the distractions of modern life in favor of simplicity, self-discovery, and survival skills. The film weaves together their lives as they navigate the challenges and rewards of Arctic life, from caring for a pack of loyal Siberian huskies — believed to unlock a person’s true self. Co-directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady believe in the idea that these animals can help a human become more human.
Director : Cindy Meehl Producer: Julie Goldman Editor: Toby Shimin Cinematographers: Guy Mossman, Luke Geissbühler
Director Cindy Meehl’s memorable documentary reveals the true, behind-the-scenes story of Buck Brannaman, whose life inspired Nick Evans’s novel The Horse Whisperer and its film adaptation, directed, produced by, and starring Sundance founder Robert Redford. Buck follows Brannaman, from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. He eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses and people.
Director: Sally Aitken Producers: Bettina Dalton, Oli Harbottle, Anna Godas Editor: Tania Michele Nehme Cinematographers: Nathan Barlow, Dan Freene, Ann Johnson Prum
Author and wildlife rehabber Terry Masear has an ambitious goal: to save every injured hummingbird in Los Angeles. But the path to survival is fraught with danger. This heart-expanding Sundance hit introduces audiences to Terry's diminutive patients through breathtaking slow-motion photography and emotional storytelling. Over the course of director Sally Aitken’s moving documentary, we become deeply invested in baby hummingbirds like Cactus and Wasabi, celebrating their tiny victories and lamenting their tragedies. Through Terry's eyes, each bird becomes memorable, mighty and heroic. Her compassion and empathy serve as a reminder that grace can be found in the smallest of acts and the tiniest of creatures.
