Brushwood Center hosts fifth annual film fest

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods will present its fifth annual Film Festival in the Woods on Saturday, Aug. 20.

A collection of short films inspired by nature, the festival is a tribute to the rich history of artists and environmentalists of Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods.

Films were chosen to inspire curiosity, and this year's theme is Impact. People. Nature.

The main feature film, "Everglades of the North: The Story of the Grand Kankakee Marsh," is a documentary that reveals the diverse ecology, astonishing history, and controversial saga of the Grand Kankakee Marsh by examining how people have used and perceived this wetland for more than 10,000 years. This film not only touches on the impact of humans on delicate wetlands but also how birds and other wildlife have been affected. The film talks about efforts underway to restore these areas.

Also featured is "Moving the Giants," a short and poignant award-winning film directed and produced by Michael Ramsey, Ted Wood and Daniel Glick. Giants follows David Milarch as he clones some of the world's most ancient and largest living things - California's coastal redwoods - and replants them in Oregon. Tree planting is a key tool in addressing climate change, because trees, especially redwood trees, have the ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Milarch is replanting cloned trees from the south, where climate change has negatively affected them, up to the north where clear-cutting in the past removed them. His is part of a global effort to use nature as a cleaning agent for human impact in carbon emissions.

This two-hour film festival is full of fun, artistic and thought-provoking short films that are family-friendly. Seating starts at 6 p.m. Arrive early to claim a good spot and tour the Brushwood Gallery, which is featuring the exhibition "Doug Fogelson: On Climate," before the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

This Ravinia-style film festival is open to families and picnickers. The film festival is free, but people are asked to make a suggested donation of $10.

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing art, nature and discovery by offering multiple points of entry for the public to connect with the natural world. To learn more, visit BrushwoodCenter.org or call (224) 633-2424.