A documentary on disaster trauma and practical ideas for action struck a chord at the screening by the local group Cinema Politica on April 27.
The documentary called “Emergence:Women in the Storm” recorded both the physical devastation and the personal and community trauma experienced by residents living through the fires in Lytton and Yellowknife, and the floods in Yarrow.
It also explored how people in those areas sought emotional healing through dance, immersion in nature, art, and community cooperation.
“The film strikes a chord in many of us who are familiar with the locations. Some of us know people who were affected, and some of us were directly involved in the response,” said City of Maple Ridge emergency program manager Edd Bennett, who attended the screening and spoke as a panellist, also sharing information pamphlets on preparations for disasters and what immediate actions to take if a disaster strikes.
Kirk Grayson, founding member of Maple Ridge Climate Hub, also attended the event as a panellist.
She was impressed with the film, saying it gave clear information, “in a way that spoke to our shared humanity.”
However, she added, while there is a need for preparation and resilience, people should not lose sight of the “urgent” need to take action on climate change.
Both Bennett and Grayson encouraged attendees to seek out various ways to become involved in their communities, or to connect with Maple Ridge Emergency Response Services for local residents.
Oosha Ramsoondar, organizer for Cinema Politica Ridge Meadows, said the documentary was both informative and emotionally engaging.
“We highly appreciate the participation of our panellists and their organizations in helping to bring our community together to deal with issues around climate-driven disasters,” she said.
Cinema Politica screens films that encourage debate and discussion on issues relevant to the residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and to democracy.
For more on Cinema Politica Ridge Meadows go to: https://www.cinemapolitica.org/local/ridgemeadows/.
To contact Edd Bennett, manager of the Maple Ridge Emergency Program email: ebennett@mapleridge.ca