Can William bring water to the thirsty land in time to save the village? How can he get the resources he needs? ONE BOY’S COURAGE. Directed and written by Chiwetel Ejiofor, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” is based on the memoir of the same name by Bryan Mealer about our real-life hero William Kamkwamba. Considered the filmmaker’s most optimistic creation, “The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun” follows the courageous young girl, Sili, played by Lissa Balera. Sili is a physically handicapped beggar girl, but resolutely tells her blind grandmother that she will find a job. Today’s powerful movies, have touched many people’s hearts and shows us we can do good even in very difficult situations.

Today, we present two touching films about the true companionship between horses and humans. The first film is “Windstorm,” directed by well-known German film director Katja von Garnier. The award-winning movie stars a beautiful wild black stallion whom no one can tame, and an equally wild young girl named Mika. Our second movie is the 2009 production entitled “Tornado and the Kalahari Horse Whisperer,” directed by famous South African film director Regardt van den Bergh. Based on true events, the picture tells the story of Pierre, an unhappy young man, and Tornado, an emotionally distraught horse. Tornado’s caregivers do not know how to help him. Feeling that he can relate to the horse, Pierre, portrayed by Quentin Krog, is drawn to Tornado and decides to find a solution.

Today, we will present two inspiring movies about a family of loyal, hard-working insects: ants! Ants are small, fascinating creatures that can be found almost everywhere in the world. BBC’s 2017 documentary “Ants: Nature’s Secret Power” brings us many surprises and shows how wonderful our little ant friends are. “Antz” is great fun to watch for both children and adults. Here again, we see the virtue of selflessness and teamwork exemplified by our little ant friends.

“Hiccup”, this touching and inspiring 2018 Hindi film shows us that with compassion, trust, and determination, anything is possible. The exciting 2015 comedy-drama, “Brother Bajrangi,” takes us on a journey full of adventure and surprises. Inducing tears and laughter, this uplifting movie shows us the power of faith, friendship, and kindness. Indeed, “Hiccup” and “Brother Bajrangi” are wonderful films that illustrate how life’s challenges may be overcome through love, sincerity, and courage.

In 10 years, we hope that we’ll have thriving, growing enterprise, producing lots of good food. People coming to visit a restaurant to eat vegan food, staying in bed and breakfast, learning how to cook vegan in the kitchen. Generally learning what a sustainable lifestyle it is, and it really is the only future we’ve got. We just can’t keep on farming the way that we have, the past 200 years. It’s just not fit for the future. Up until about two years ago, it seems that veganism was concerned with animal welfare and people’s repugnancy to eating meat. And lately, people have started to look at the sustainability aspect of agriculture.

It's not an inevitable way of feeding people. You don't need to eat meat to live a healthy life. You can't justify it to yourself or to anybody else. Just get in touch with feelings that everybody basically has deep down, and get in touch with your own soul and say, “I’m going to do what I know is right, rather than what I think I’m expected to do and what’s always been done.” I think governments could give farmers a lot more support. They could give guidance, they could give information. Ideally, they’d be able to give subsidies to farmers so that farmers had some funds that would help them in their transition.

Jay and Katja Wilde were ready to turn to Bradly Nook Farm to a vegan organic farm. But what would become of the 73 cows living there? With the help of The Vegan Society, they discussed their options. “The Hillside in Norfolk can take the entire herd altogether at one go. Calves and cows can stay together, and all the family groups can be preserved. It’s can absolutely sort of dream outcome, which is the ultimate dream for me, really.” In fact , the success of “73 Cows” shows that people are ready to shift to a more compassionate vegan world.

"73 Cows" is a 2018 short documentary that follows the inspiring story of Jay and Katja Wilde, pioneering farmers from the UK who compassionately transitioned from livestock agriculture to vegan organic plant-based farming. Beautifully directed and produced by Alex Lockwood, "73 Cows" won the prestigious BAFTA award for Best British Short Film. So, "73 Cows" is a film about, basically, a farmer from Derbyshire who couldn’t bear to send his cows to slaughter and instead wanted to try and find a new way of farming. About the process of trying to, sort of, regenerate their farm and decide what they would do with the cows that they no longer want to slaughter.

Our next feature is the 2002 British documentary entitled “ The Day I Died, ” produced and directed by Kate Broome. Since Dr. Raymond Moody published his famous book “ Life after Life ” in 1975, many researchers all over the world have recorded thousands of cases involving near-death experience and their after-effects. This documentary includes extensive narratives of people who have had such an experience. Many report feeling pure peace and love, as well as seeing bright light or the “Being of Light,” and when they come back to life, they no longer fear death.

“My Extraordinary Summer with Tess ” is a story about a rather gloomy young boy named Sam on holiday with his family on a Dutch island. Together, their innocent escapades help him realize the importance of family. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” is based on the inspiring true-life story of a 13-year-old boy from Malawi, Africa. Threatened by drought and famine, the ingenious boy overcomes countless obstacles to fine a way to save his family and village. The emotional movie is a must see for the whole family!

June 8th, is World Oceans Day. On this marvelous day, let us look at two wonder-filled movies about my beautiful marine home. “Oceans” and “Finding Dory” are two tender and stirring films that bring a better understanding to why it is so important to keep our shared ocean clean and healthy. We are all connected, no matter where you live. The vegan diet, as this is the best way to protect our oceans, the planet, and indeed all life.

“Earth from Above-Biodiversity” and “Love and Bananas: An Elephant Story,” are two amazing productions that serve as a wake-up call for us all to protect the magnificent planet and all her beautiful inhabitants, both human and non-human. Mr. Arthus-Bertrand shares a strong message. He emphasizes again and again that everything is living and everything is linked. Humanity is not above nature, but part of it. Ashley Bell states: ”Don’t visit these circuses or zoos. Don’t ride these elephants or buy their paintings. Tell others.”

To present two films. Our first film is “The Man Who Knew Infinity,” about the brilliant young mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. “You wanted to know how I get my ideas. God speaks to me.” Our second film, “The theory of Everything.” This movie is inspirational viewing and gives a glimpse into the lives of this extraordinary family and the brilliant mind of distinguished scientist Stephen Hawking. Whose radical discoveries have opened doors of understanding and paved the path to promising advancements in our world.

“La La Land” is a musical film about two young artists pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles, USA. Mia is a waitress with a passion for acting. Sebastian is a talented jazz pianist. They support one another’s dreams. “Sing” takes us to Calatonia. Koala bear Buster’s theater experiences financial difficulties. Buster comes up with hosting a singing competition to gain more popularity. “The Artist” is set in 1927. George is a very successful Hollywood silent film star, he bumps into a big fan named Peppy.

As we watch Amar and Carmen’s friendship blossom, we also see how international relations have impacted their lives. Thus, the film highlights the importance of harmony and understanding between all peoples. Directed by Oliver Laxe, “Mimosas” is an enigmatic, meditative, and mesmerizing experience. “The Great Voyage” is a moving film on how an epic journey unites the hearts and souls of a father and son. The film also successfully gives beautiful insight into the Islamic tradition of the Hajj pilgrimage.

As this is the year of the Pig, we will present two lovely movies about our amazingly smart pig friends: “piglet’s Big movie” and “Gordy”. Our first feature was born from the beloved stories penned by Alan Alexander Milne. Our second movie is: The piglet Gordy lives happily with his parents and five brothers and sisters. All is well until one day his father is taken away in a truck to a place “Up North” from which pigs do not return.

I think the sky’s the limit. I look forward to taking this action-packed festival that we’ve captured here today, and taking it on tour, and go to some other cities across Canada, across the US and around the world. And after that my entire life changed. I went vegetarian, and then after watching and seeing the impact of the dairy industry, I went vegan. And (that was) the best decision of my entire life. I am so happy. I am so healthy. I love everything.

With cinematography by Noel Vincent, "Promises" is a poignant wakeup call of the unnecessary atrocities that our sweet, intelligent chicken co-inhabitants are subjected to because of animal farming. The touching, eye-opening documentary moves the audience to choose more compassionate, vegan lifestyles. Photography is my contribution. My way of shining a light in that darkness. My way of creating change. My promise. You too can make a promise to not cause harm. To look, to really see, and to never turn away.

These three important intertwined issues – climate change, human health, and cruel animal industries – became the basis for the world’s first vegan film festival. In October 2018, Canada was proud to host the Ottawa International Vegan Film Festival (OIVFF), featuring documentaries from all over the world that address these fundamental issues. The festival proved to be an awesome event, and the films touched the hearts of those in attendance. As its grand finale, the OVIFF presented awards for the “best of category” films in five different areas. The awards for both the “Best Overall Film” and “Best Lifestyle File” went to the British documentary “73 Cows”.

“A Dog’s Purpose”, It tells a lovely yet inspiring story about a dog who has reincarnated many lives on earth searching for the purpose of life. If I can get you licking and loving, I have my purpose. “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”, Hachi, an Akita puppy. Professor Wilson finds the puppy on his way back home. Years later, the professor falls ill and passes away. Over the next 10-plus years, Hachi insists on coming to the station and waiting outside every day for the rest of his life. They taught me the meaning of loyalty, and you should never forget anyone that you loved.