Brendan Walsh and Jessica Walsh/2016/69 min abbreviated festival cut/Conservation
FILM DESCRIPTION: Making Waves: Battle for the Great Lakes takes viewers below the surface of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem to understand how this ancient, beautiful and valuable resource right on Chicago's shores is being transformed. For more than a century, at least 180 non-native species of plants, fish, invertebrates and microscopic organisms have invaded the Great Lakes, altering the ecosystem from top to bottom, pushing some native species to the brink of extinction, and costing the region hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Learn why the future of the Great Lakes is at stake, and what we can do to protect them. Wonderfully narrated by Chicago news legend Bill Kurtis, this fine documentary won an Emmy award for Outstanding Achievement for Topical Documentary.
Saturday, March 3, 3 to 5 p.m. [South]
Jackson Park, Field House, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
Please stay for a post-film discussion with Making Waves filmmakers Jessica Walsh and Brendan Walsh. Join us for a Resource Fair, along with a discussion of local sustainability efforts by Michael Strautmanis of the Obama Foundation, Laura Barghusen of Openlands, Brenda McKinney of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Urban Fishing Program, George Rumsey of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, and Andy Carter of Roosevelt University’s community garden. Facilitator: Dawn Posey of the Jackson Park Advisory Council.
Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue.
Sunday, March 4, 12 to 2:30 p.m. [Downtown]
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago
SOLD OUT!
Please stay for a post-film discussion with Making Waves filmmakers Jessica Walsh and Brendan Walsh. Plus, chat with a number of water experts, researchers and advocates, including Ted Glasoe and Cami Provencher of the Alliance for the Great Lakes; Philip Willink, Senior Research Biologist at the Shedd Aquarium; and Rachel Havrelock, professor at UIC Freshwater Lab Stories. Weather-permitting, help us with a beach cleanup outside the Museum. Facilitator: Kristen Pratt, Manager of Public Engagement and Sustainability at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue. Refreshments provided.
Sunday, March 4, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. [W Suburbs]
St. Giles Catholic Church
McDonough Hall, 2nd Floor, 1101 Columbian, Oak Park
After the film, discuss local water conservation efforts and explore a Resource Fair filled with action ideas. Experts include Annette Anderson of Friends of the Chicago River, Patrick Williams of Openlands, Dave Martin of Sierra Club’s water team, Peggy McGrath of Go Green Oak Park, Gina Orlando of Care for our Common Home, Laura Derks of Flybird Experience, Sally Stovall of Green Community Connections, and others. Facilitator: Gary Wilson, Senior Contributor for Detroit Public Television’s Great Lakes Bureau.
Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue. Refreshments available.