If you've looked out your window recently, noticed the strange weather for the time of year, and wondered if there's anything to be done about it, than keep your Monday evenings free for the next little while.
Beginning Monday (Feb. 2) at the Adventure Centre, 樱桃视频resident Ana Santos presents a series of free documentaries on climate change designed to help people understand the role they play in affecting change.
"The first couple of weeks will be spent on the basics, learning what climate change is, what we have to do with it, and can we do anything about it?" said Santos.
The next few weeks looks at examples of what communities around the world are doing. The documentary on Bogota, Columbia, scheduled for Feb. 23, holds a special place in Santos's heart.
"It was a very poor city, with very poor infrastructure," she said. "The documentary shows how they have changed it around, not only for the good and better for the world, and for climate change, but the way the community has changed, and how they relate to each other.
If they can do that over there, then surely we can do it here, too."
The series will wrap up with a look at British Columbia, and how climate change directly affects those in this province.
The best part is that the entire series is free.
"I didn't want to put up any barriers," said Santos. "I contacted all the movie producers, asking them for permission to show the films."
Almost all of the producers were thrilled to have Santos show their work, with the exception of one, who asked for $250 before releasing showing rights. An anonymous donor stepped up and gave Santos the funds.
The evenings begin at 7 p.m., run for approximately two hours, and will occur every Monday until March 30, except for March 9.
They launch with Santos delivering a brief introduction on the documentary, including her reason for selecting the film. Afterwards, there will be time for questions and, Santos hopes, a passionate discussion.
Refreshments will be provided by some of Squamish's local businesses.
"It would be great after if people stayed and discussed their ideas. We could move out of the theatre, stay and talk," said Santos. "I'm hoping people will leave the room and think 'I can make a difference'."
Santos will then briefly introduce the next week's documentary, drawing a link between each of the weeks.
An English-Spanish translator, Santos said she took on the project because she cares so much for the planet.
"I was trying to learn about [climate change], but it seemed like with every issue it was easy to fall into the trap of negative feelings," she said. "I thought a positive and exciting approach would do wonders."
She has quickly become an expert, having watched and culled through a wide variety of documentaries to present to Squamish.
"I just want to share my learning experience," she said.
"I want people to feel positive about climate change and realize that it doesn't have to be taken as an insurmountable challenge."
For more information, contact Ana Santos at [email protected].
