Movies Teach Lessons in Wildlife Conservation

Students from GL Roberts CVI and Brock HS experience the Durham Region International Film Festival

Once again, this year GL Roberts CVI hosted the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) from October 2-4. On October 3, students from GL Roberts and Brock HS watched films about wildlife conservation.

“This festival inspires students and teachers alike, as they are exposed to international films that discuss topical themes that are relevant to society, our community and the world,” explains Nicole Hart, Teacher and Guidance Counselor at GL Roberts CVI. “It exposes students to communicating thoughts and ideas, and influencing audiences through the medium of art or filmmaking. It also inspires students to explore worlds outside of their immediate social circles.”

The group of students watched three films, one called The Monkey Business, which was filmed at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary in Sunderland, Ontario. The film discussed how monkeys should be cared for in our society, especially those who live in captivity and have experienced abuse. Another film, Pioneer: Bren, focused on a former fisherman who is now an ocean farmer in Newfoundland. He is trying to save the population of fish by planting sea vegetation like kelp and creating healthy spaces for the ocean-dwelling animals to survive. The final film was Apex Survival – Maiden Voyage, which documented a group who were searching for great white sharks in places that historically were “hot spots” for these animals, to reverse the “monster” stereotypes. Each film focused on how humans have impacted the natural way of life for these animals and students discussed how the next generation could help drive change for a better future.

Making an Impact

Grade 11 student Dallicia Dallas from GL Roberts CVI really enjoyed participating in DRIFF’s school program and said it was a unique way to learn and explore new and impactful topics. Her favourite film was The Monkey Business.

“It was interesting and I learned a lot of things.  I never knew about monkeys and how they are treated, it was all new to me,” Dallas says. “I think this is a great opportunity for students to learn new things from other schools. It creates a community and a different way of learning.”

After the movies, there was a panel discussion where students and staff had an opportunity to question those who participated in the creation of The Monkey Business, director Connor Johnstone, the executive director of Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary Daina Liepa and also talk to wildlife cinematographer Julian Victor.

“The festival provides a unique opportunity for students to view international content through the films that are screened at DRIFF. The impact this has on the students includes the experience of attending an international film festival, the opportunity to learn through media, to engage in discussions within their classes, as their take-away. This includes making connections to multiple expectations across the curriculum,” Hart says.

This was the second year for the school to host this event and the first time in their newly renovated lecture theatre. “It is important for G.L. Roberts to host DRIFF to create a sense of community within our building, between our local community members (DRIFF), and between the secondary schools across the DDSB,” Hart says.