Eco Film Fest

The buzzword of 2008 is undoubtedly “green”. Just look around – MNCs are incorporating the green initiative in their corporate social responsibility programs, car producers like Honda are doing lots of R&D into hybrid vehicles, the media consistently runs stories on local eco warriors… So it makes sense really that the next on the list is Kuala Lumpur’s first green entertainment festival. Yes you read right! On 1 and 2 November, the lawns of the National Arts Academy will play host to Eco Film Fest ’08, organized by EcoKnights.

 If the name rings a bell, it’s because the EcoKnights ran a film competition in May, asking filmmakers to submit shorts based on the theme of Sustainable Development. These films are finally ready to be screened to the public at the fest. But don’t be misguided about the festival’s name though as it will offer more than just film screenings. If you care about the environment or simply want to know more about what’s going on with our world, the fest will prove to be an eye-opener in more ways than one.

The Eco Biz area will showcase a variety of businesses that are experimenting with green technologies and dealing with green services and products. The emphasis though would be on emerging technologies which are aiding the green cause such as hybrid vehicles, waste tyre management, waste to energy technology and loads more. Over at GreenScapes, you get to shop for green products and at Eco-licious, indulge in a spread of food made with all organic ingredients.

And of course, what’s a fest without some music? Artistes like Mia Palencia, Jerome Kugan, Azmyl Yunor, One Buck Short and KL Stompers will perform alongside Orang Asli nose flutists, mak yong dancers and AWARA students who will close the fest on Sunday night a presentation entitled It’s Getting Hot In Here. To sweeten the deal, admission to the fest is completely free. Their website, www.ecoknights.com, not only offers updates on the fest but is also a great source of info for those wanting to learn more about going green.

Text Sarah Chan