Documentaries today aren't quite the same as those dry as dust preachy 16mm films that some of us remember from Social Studies classes.
And a good thing too, say board members of the White Rock Social Justice Film Festival, newly incorporated – and invigorated – as an independent society under the presidency of Glenn Miles.
"It's the Michael Moore effect," said vice-president Charles Marxer, referring to the impact the confontational, sardonic – and downright entertaining – filmmaker has had on the idiom.
"It's no accident we're starting off (this year's festival) with one of his," added secretary Eileen Spencer.
The festival – which has wisely used its winter Friday night film series as a way of building interest – returns for a seventh edition Feb. 18-19 at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave.
And the audience seems to be growing steadily, indicating there are people on the Peninsula – and even further afield – who welcome a little spinach with the pablum served by the mass media.
"Our average audience is around 100 people," said board member Phil DesRosiers. "It's sometimes as high as 140."
As in past years, the festival will present films designed to challenge existing beliefs, promote discussion and debate and encourage further research and positive involvement in social justice issues in the community, with speakers facilitating discussion after each film.
"I don't think our vision is to present anything as an alternative right way – our objective is to raise and put a spotlight on issues and allow an interchange of ideas," said Leslie Payne, another board member.
"People don't want to get depressed by issues – they want to know how they can get involved and make a difference," said Eileen Spencer.
"Hopefully we're providing information that's different," said treasurer Herb Spencer.
Live music is also an adjunct to the festival – the directors believe in encouraging young local talents – but festival founder Jack McLachlan said this year's special guest will be 19-year-old Canadian ragtime piano prodigy Max Keenlyside, from Charlottetown N.B., who will play at the Friday night opening and Saturday night closing.
"We're urging people to come early, because he'll play before the films," McLachlan said.
The festival kicks off Friday (Feb. 18) at 7 p.m. with Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story, tracing the effects of corporate dominance on our daily lives.
Saturday's program (Feb. 19) begins at 10 a.m. with Crude Sacrifice, a look at the sociological and ecological impacts of the Alberta Tar Sands project.
Poor No More (11:30 a.m.) gives three cash-strapped Canadians a look at European countries where housing affordable and university education is free.
Chemerical (2 p.m.) takes a typical family on a trip through the toxic chemical household products that we take for granted.
The New Rulers Of The World (4 p.m.) follows award-winning Journalist John Pilger in his investigation into globalization, while Soundtrack for a Revolution (7 p.m.) traces the American civil rights movement through the freedom songs that inspired the fight for justice and equality.
For more information, visit www.whiterocksocialjusticefilmfestival.ca