Earth Focus Environmental Film Festival Kicks Off for Free This Saturday in L.A.

KCETLink Media Group, the national independent broadcast and digital media network, has announced that its two services, KCET public television in Los Angeles and independent satellite network Link TV nationwide, will launch the first film festival in Los Angeles dedicated entirely to environmental issues, called the EARTH FOCUS ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL. Partnering closely on the event is the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital (DCEFF), which for over 25 years has been the world's premier showcase of environmentally-themed films.

In its debut outing, the EARTH FOCUS ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL will take place Sat., July 29 from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hollywood's iconic Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028) in partnership with American Cinematheque and sponsors that include Green Wish, a grassroots nonprofit that helps other local nonprofit green organizations fund projects for their communities, and Deadline.com, the media sponsor for the festival. The free event is open to the public featuring five acclaimed films tackling the most important and relevant global environmental issues today. Celebrity environmental activists including filmmaker Raphael Sbarge (Once Upon a Time, Murder in the First, Longmire), Ed Begley Jr. (Ghostbusters, St. Elsewhere, Pineapple Express), Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul) and Sharon Lawrence (Shameless, Queen Sugar, NYPD Blue) will introduce each film that will be followed by post-screening dialogues with the filmmakers. Free general admission tickets are available starting today at KCET.org/earthfocus.

"With our commitment to bringing environmental conservation issues to the forefront for audiences on multiple platforms through our EARTH FOCUS franchise, we are proud to offer a free festival as a resource for enlightenment and education through powerful storytelling," said Michael Riley, President and CEO of KCETLink Media Group. "In partnership with DCEFF, we've been able to curate the finest films that cover a range of issues impacting the environment today. We hope these films can encourage our community here in Southern California to play a part in helping save our planet for tomorrow."

The EARTH FOCUS ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL is a full day event that will also showcase green organizations in Los Angeles including Heal The Bay, River LA, LA Conservation Corps and Sierra Club among others, with booths set up on the plaza of the Egyptian Theatre offering important environmental educational information to attendees. More information on The Egyptian Theatre and the American Cinematheque can be found at www.americancinematheque.com.

The schedule (subject to change) is as follows:

10 a.m.: Opening event in Egyptian Theatre plaza with booths from organizations Heal The Bay, River LA and Sierra Club among others.

10:30 a.m.: "Water & Power: A California Heist" (1 hr. 26 min.)

Introduction by actor Ed Begley Jr. (Green Wish Founding Member) / Q&A with Director Marina Zenovich (Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired) and Jay Famiglietti (Water Scientist with NASA/JPL and UC Irvine). Moderated by Maryanne Culpepper (Executive Director, DCEFF).

From National Geographic Documentary Films, directed by Emmy award-winner Zenovich and executive produced by Academy Award winner Alex Gibney and Jigsaw Productions, the film unfolds like a real-life version of the 1974 film noir "Chinatown," uncovering the ruthless exploits of California's notorious water barons, who profit off the state's resources while everyday citizens endure a debilitating water crisis.

1:30 p.m.: "RISE: Sacred Water - Standing Rock (Part 1)" followed by "RISE: Poisoned River" (Total Running Time 1 hr. 34 min.)

Introduction by actor/filmmaker Patrick Fabian (Friend of Green Wish) / Q&A with Viceland's Rise host Sarain Fox. Moderated by Chris Clarke (KCET contributor, California Desert Program Manager with the National Parks Conservation Association).

"Sacred Water" examines the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation's resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline, which became worldwide news as the largest gathering of indigenous people in more than a century who came together to protect the area's water. While "Poisoned River" follows Brazil's Krenak People who are struggling to survive in the wake of a massive toxic spill that has contaminated their drinking water, hunting grounds and culture.

4:30 p.m.: "Tomorrow" (Total Running Time 2 hours)

Introduction by actor/filmmaker Raphael Sbarge (Green Wish Founder) / Q&A with TBD. Moderated by Kim Spencer (Link TV Co-Founder).

Not just a film, but the beginning of a movement seeking to encourage local communities around the world to change the way they live for the sake of our planet.

7:30 p.m.: "The Age of Consequences" (1 hr. 20 min.)

Introduction by actress Sharon Lawrence (Green Wish Founding Member) / Q&A with Director Jared P. Scott (Requiem for the American Dream). Moderated by Deadline.com Senior Editor Dominic Patten.

This documentary film investigates the impact of climate change on increased resource scarcity, migration and conflict through the lens of national security and global stability. Interviews with distinguished admirals, generals and military veterans reveal how climate change stressors -water and food shortages, drought, extreme weather and sea level rise - function as catalysts for conflict in volatile parts of the world.

Each of the films included in the film festival will be augmented by original content published on KCET and Link TV's web sites at kcet.org/earthfocus and linktv.org/earthfocus, on related topics ranging from environmental justice to climate activism to California's drought. Contributors will include veteran environmental journalists and other experts. Additionally, visitors to the websites will be treated to multimedia features, environmental-related discussion boards and social media videos as well as trailers to the films being featured.

The EARTH FOCUS ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL is part of KCET's "Summer of the Environment," which offers a robust library of content on multiple platforms intended to ignite compassion and action for helping to save and heal the planet. Additional content on KCET and Link TV that focuses on environmental challenges and solutions include:

- EARTH FOCUS PRESENTS documentary film series Weds., at 10 p.m. THE LINEUP includes: "The 11th Hour" (7/5), "The Cove" (7/12), "Seeds of Time" (7/19), "A Fierce Green Fire" (7/26), "Tapped" (8/2), "Breath of Life" (8/9), "The City Dark" (8/16) and "We The People 2.0" (8/23)

- Three KCET SOCAL CONNECTED environmental specials (7/11, 7/18 and 7/25 at 8 p.m.) focus on such issues as farming, recycling, climate change, environmental businesses and more.

- LOST LA: DESCANSO GARDENS (7/18) A documentary explores the history of one of Southern California's most beloved public gardens. From its pre-colonial origins as an oak woodland to its contemporary role as a living museum, the film examines how the Descanso Gardens reflect the social, political, and cultural evolution of Los Angeles.

- ARTBOUND PRESENTS STUDIO A (August airdate TBD) Featuring acclaimed artists with important environmental causes including Low Leaf and Aloe Blacc.

- EARTH FOCUS Dakota Pipeline Mapping project in partnership with ALMA and Friends, features interactive maps that focus on high-stakes environmental changes in the areas surrounding the Missouri Watershed, namely the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

- CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL, an expansive online guide to the California Coastal Trail; exploring its past, its present, and its future through a series of historical narratives, camping and hiking guides, as well as articles about important cultural points of interest along the Trail.

Join the conversation on social media using #EarthFocus, #KCETgreen and #DCEFF.

KCETLink Media Group is a national independent, nonprofit, digital and broadcast network that provides high-quality, culturally diverse programming designed to engage the public in innovative, entertaining and transformative ways. With a commitment to independent perspectives, smart global entertainment, local communities, and opportunities for engagement and social action, KCETLink depicts people and the world through a lens unavailable elsewhere in U.S. media. A viewer-supported 501(c)(3) organization, KCETLink content is distributed nationally via satellite on Link TV - DIRECTV channel 375 and DISH Network channel 9410 - and on KCET in Southern and Central California via broadcast and cable, as well as through various digital delivery systems. For additional information about KCET and Link TV productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org or linktv.org. Select programming from KCET and Link TV is also available for streaming on Hulu, Apple TV and Roku platforms.

The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital (DCEFF) is the world's premier showcase of environmentally themed films. Since 1993 our mission has been to celebrate Earth and inspire understanding and stewardship of the environment through the power of film.

Each March in Washington, D.C., we present 100+ films to audiences of more than 30,000. Filmmaker and topical discussions are an important part of our events, which happen at museums, embassies, libraries, universities and local theaters throughout the city. We also present a year-round screening series and community events.

Many of our screenings are free, and our Washington, DC location offers the unique opportunity for films and filmmakers to reach national and international lawmakers and decision-makers. Our impact continues to grow both in DC and beyond.

DCEFF is the largest green film festival in the world; the longest-running in the United States.

To learn more, visit dceff.org. Follow #DCEFF: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter.

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