First Annual International Films for the Forest

In the summer of 1996, I spent several weeks conducting field research in Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Historically, the dense forests and rocky terrain of the Osa Peninsula have shielded it from the outside world, accessible only by rugged roads and boats in some areas. However, expanding development threatens the peninsula and lands are being cleared for logging and agriculture at a higher rate than anywhere else in Costa Rica. According to The Nature Conservancy, illegal logging, poaching and ill-conceived land-use activities further threaten the region.

I'll never forget my experiences there, particularly a woman who had been raised in Sierpe but lived in San Jose for years. Hours after her arrival, she still wept for the loss of forestland converted to banana crops she'd seen on her drive from the capital city. Thanks to the deforestation and Hurricane Cesar-Douglas, I barely made it out of Costa Rica myself. Clearcutting of forests was blamed for the massive mudslides that took out areas of road along with dozen of bridges along the Pan-American Highway, making travel by vehicle impossible.

So what's the connection between rainforests and Austin film? Quite a bit, thanks to local nonprofit organization Rainforest Partnership, which creates mechanisms for conservation and sustainable use of rainforests in Central and South America that are threatened with deforestation. Rainforest Partnership hosted a M.A.F.I.A. event in April, and filmmakers had one week to make a short film with the theme "The Tree and I." Filmmakers submitted their films to one of three categories, including PSA, documentary and narrative.

As part of the First Annual International Films for the Forest, winning films will be screened on May 13 at Hot Mama's Espresso Bar, along with live music and fire dancing performances. Tickets are available for $15 pre-event or $20 at the door. Entry fee includes complimentary cocktails, and food is available for purchase.

Celebrity judges include Richard Linklater; Lisa McWilliams of Mobile Film School; Michel Scott (Horse Boy); and Evan Smith, co-founder of Texas Tribune. Purchase tickets here.

The winning films from the competition will eventually be featured on Rainforest Partnership’s website. To learn more about Rainforest Partnership, watch Michel Scott's Rainforest Partnership: Linking People to People in the following embedded video.