A Maple Ridge group that screens documentaries, encouraging debate and discussion will be starting up again.
For about a decade Cinema Politica had been hosting film screenings and a post-movie discussion every month in the Maple Ridge City Council Chambers up until the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now they will be starting again and in celebration, the group will be hosting a public Garden Party .
“I am looking forward to Cinema’s Politica’s return,” said Oosha Ramsoondar, one of the founders of the local group. “So many people have told us they found the documentaries, guest speakers, and discussions both interesting and thought-provoking.”
At this years Celebrate Earth Day festival the group had a booth where they were taking suggestions from the public on what subjects they would like to see presented. There were 42 suggestions covering topics like: protecting the environment during development, inspiring stories of change by communities for a greener alternative, and about drug use, homelessness, and poverty.
What makes Cinema Politica different than simply watching a documentary is that there is usually a panel or guest speaker after the film is shown, experts in the field, and they will lead a discussion.
“We think that it’s really important for people who are interested in social issues and environmental issues to get a chance to come together,” said Steve Ranta, a member of the group, adding that it is also a great way for people who are interested in helping the community to network.
Verity Howarth, another founding member, feels that the group’s documentary nights are a valuable opportunity for local citizens to get together, learn about and participate in discussion of interesting or challenging topics.
“We had a booth at the recent Earth Day which collected more than forty suggestions from people. Several of the topics centred around housing, mental health, and maintaining a green environment,” said Howarth, noting how important these issues are in the community.
The Garden Party will feature local songwriters Holly Arntzen and Paula Justis.
Arntzen is known across Canada for her combination of music and messages about ecology. She sings, plays piano and dulcimer, and describes her music as: folk, jazz, rock, and songs dedicated to the earth.
READ ALSO: New funding needed for Maple Ridge’s Hub homeless support
MORE: Scouting group faces rent hike from $180 to $4,800 per month
Scouting group faces rent hike from $180 to $4,800 per month
Justis sings and plays guitar, and likes to explore themes of communication, especially between the generations.
The Cinema Politica Garden Party will be from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at the CEED Centre, 11739 223rd St., Maple Ridge.
All members of the public are invited, refreshments will be available, and small donations are welcome but not required.
The group is hoping to be allowed the use of the City of Maple Ridge council chambers for their screenings, although that has not been confirmed yet. They had a petition for people to sign at their booth at the Celebrate Earth Day festival on April 20.
They are also hoping to have their first documentary screening by late summer, early fall.
For more information go to: cinemapolitica.org/local/ridgemeadows.