KDocs is kicking off a four-day film festival with a dozen provocative, timely and critically acclaimed documentaries.
Hosted by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in partnership with the Vancouver International Film Centre, KDocs will bring guests four days of education, engagement and entertainment with thrilling films, director Q&As and panel discussions Feb. 16-19.
“The documentaries we’re showcasing grapple with intense and timely topics,” said KDocs festival director Janice Morris, also an English instructor at KPU. “Our hope is that each cinematic experience will springboard into discussions and action around environmental and economic sustainability, and social justice.”
Whether it’s the Syrian refugee crisis, our digitally dominated age, Aboriginal rights, or developmental disorders in our children, KDocs offers a thought provoking line-up of documentaries:
Racing Extinction, Feb. 16, 6:15 p.m. (opening gala reception, 5 p.m.)
How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change, Feb. 16, 8:30 p.m.
The Pass System, Feb. 17, 12 p.m.
After the Last River, Feb. 17, 1:45 p.m.
We Call Them Intruders, Feb. 17, 4:45 p.m.
Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World, Feb. 17, 7:15 p.m.
Do Not Resist, Feb. 18, 12 p.m.
After Spring, Feb. 18, 3 p.m.
Migrant Dreams. Feb. 18, 6 p.m.
Sonita, Feb. 18, 9 p.m.
Life, Animated, Feb. 19, 3 p.m.
Wizard Mode, Feb. 19, 5:15 p.m. (closing gala reception, 7:35 p.m.)
Featuring a dozen films, double the number of last year’s event, the 2017 festival features more Canadian films, documentaries rated for high school age viewers, as well as opening and closing night gala receptions.
From Academy Award-winning director, Louie Psihoyos and the team behind The Cove, the opening gala kicks off the festival with Racing Extinction, a groundbreaking documentary that examines biodiversity loss, and a talk by renowned ecologist Dr. William Rees. The closing gala features the stars and co-directors of Wizard Mode—a candid personal perspective on autism through the life of one of the world’s greatest pinball players.
“Building on the success of last year's VIFF and KDocs partnership, we’re certain audiences will appreciate this chance to engage, connect and, perhaps, reflect on how the cinematic space can deepen and enrich the experience of watching a film,” said Tom Charity, Vancouver International Film Centre programmer.
The KDocs film festival will again be hosted at the Vancouver International Film Centre/Vancity Theatre and is open to the general public. For trailers, details, and ticket and registration information, visit kdocsff.com, or follow KDocs on Facebook and Twitter.