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About Us
Inspired by the Courtenay film festival in January 1996, Islanders Marg and Art Simons returned to their Saltspring inter-church group "Ten Days for Global Justice," and suggested that perhaps we could do something similar here. They obtained the use of the Anglican Church basement, and for two years, 'piggy-backed' on the resources of the Courtenay Festival.
After a year off to re-think the project, the organizing team received a major infusion of ideas and energy from Jane Squier and Maggie Schubart, and the project was reborn in 1999 with our current name, "Our Island, Our World Film Festival." From its inception the Festival focused on documentaries concerned with 'justice', in a wide understanding of that term. Today, the Festival continues to foster awareness of justice, sustainability and development issues and then make the links between global and local concerns.
Our Island, Our World now includes a social justice bazaar with local and fair trade goods for sale; music; local presenters or festival guests at each film; and local, organic food prepared by the GISS culinary classes. A core group still organizes the event with the help of scores of community volunteers on Festival weekend. Entrance fees are by voluntary donation, so as to make our event accessible to as many of our community members as possible.
Developed over the years to be of, by, and for our community, the Festival would not be possible without the remarkable level of local support we receive each year. Film patrons and our community partners sustain and enliven the festival by volunteering, giving in kind donations, and by filling the donations jar throughout the weekend. Community groups complete the circle by taking action on issues raised in our films. Here are some photos of friends and neighbours in action.
Patron donations and our monthly "Film Festival Café" at Barb's Buns support a film workshop scholarship for a secondary school student in partnership with Gulf Islands Film and Television School.
Our festival also partners with the World Community Development Education Society and features many films from the Traveling World Community Film Festival in Courtenay, BC.
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