Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Uniting learners through social justice, global citizenship and phenomenal films.
After a successful launch last fall, KDocs is back with a lineup of thought-provoking documentaries for its spring film festival.
Run by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in partnership with the Vancouver International Film Centre, KDocs has tripled in size to showcase three award-winning documentaries, plus talks with filmmakers, panel discussions and exhibitions in a full-day festival this March.
“We're thrilled to host our first full-day documentary film festival,” said KDocs founder and organizer Janice Morris, an English instructor at KPU. “KDocs is about uniting learners through critical thinking and dialogue on issues of social justice, global citizenship and creative solution-building. It's an exciting collaboration, and its growth shows KPU's continued commitment to progressive education and community building.”
“At VIFF Vancity Theatre, we are always pleased to find ways to extend the cinematic conversation between filmmakers and audiences in a meaningful way; to build bridges and make this space a forum for ideas and engagement,” added Tom Charity, Vancouver International Film Centre programmer. “We’re excited about the possibilities inherent in our partnership with KPU and KDocs.”
Screenings at the March 14 festival, presented by the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA), include: Honor Diaries, the first film to break the silence on ‘honour violence’ against women and girls; Do the Math, a chronicle of leading American environmentalist Bill McKibben's battle to fight the fossil fuel industry, and; A Dangerous Game, which follows billionaire Donald Trump and a cast of characters who want to turn some of the Earth’s most precious places into playgrounds for the super-rich.
Confirmed speakers include author Raheel Raza (featured in Honor Diaries) and director Anthony Baxter (A Dangerous Game). Plans are underway to secure other speakers and filmmakers for panel discussions, which will also feature KPU students and faculty.
The inaugural KDocs event last fall screened The Price We Pay and featured a director Q&A with Harold Crooks. The spirit behind the series began several years ago when Morris and a fellow KPU English instructor screened Miss Representation at KPU Surrey. The doc sparked a community-wide grassroots movement that grew to see students, faculty and community members critically examining documentary films, their themes and how the issues they raised could collectively be addressed.
Like the October launch, KDocs is open to the general public. For $5-$10 per film and a nominal membership fee, guests will have access to three films, all festival activities, plus meals and snacks.
Morris expects over 500 guests to attend the film festival at the Vancouver International Film Centre and Vancity Theatre. Registration opens soon. For more information, visit: kpu.ca/kdocs or find KDocs on Facebook.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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