Both EarthDance screenings include a “fireside” chat with filmmakers, live music, and a Native American ceremony. The Festival opens with a wine, cheese, and chocolate reception at 7 p.m.

Festival director Zakary Zide has developed his one-night festival into a destination point for sustainability minded and cutting-edge filmgoers alike. “EarthDance is one of the best showcases for environmental media in the country,” he said. “It builds a bridge between art, nature, and science.”

The Festival’s juried compilation of comedies, documentaries, mockumentaries, animations, thrillers, and high adventure offerings prove that there is no need to sacrifice entertainment for ecology.

“EarthDance is the antithesis of dreary, politically correct polemics. Many of the films brilliantly employ humor and fantasy to instill hope about the downright serious state the human race has put itself in,” noted Jason Victor Serinus, East Bay Express, in 2007.

The Festival includes outstanding work by local filmmakers Ken Glaser (Organism) and Sharon Colman (Oscar-nominated Badgered); both filmmakers will attend the Festival. -- www.museumca.org