The 18th annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital begins today, March 16, and will run through March 28, presenting 155 films offering fresh perspectives on global, national and local environmental issues.  The complete Festival program is available online. 

Distinguished author Peter Matthiessen will lecture tonight on the impact of global warming on Arctic cultures and a portrait film of his life, "Peter Matthiessen: No Boundaries" will screen on March 20. Also tonight one can see how Greensburg, Kansas is rebuilding as an environmentally conscious town after its destruction by a tornado at the screening of "Greensburg." 

On March 17, learn how to build a carbon neutral house with filmmakers Jason Scadron and Liv Violette and builder Mark Turner at the world premiere of "The Green House;" explore America's new sustainable food culture in the film "Fresh" with filmmaker Ana Sofia Joanes; or consider the effects of climate change on society and the economy in "One Degree Matters" with filmmaker Eskil Hardt. On March 18 examine the powerful mythology surrounding a Southern plantation in the film, "Moving Midway;" gain insights into Italy's Slow Food Movement at the D.C. premiere of "Terra Madre;" investigate the devastating effects of colony collapse disorder in the bee community in the film, "Colony" with filmmaker Carter Gunn; or visit the gorgeous wild landscapes of Mongolia in "The Two Horses of Genghis Khan." 

On March 19 join naturalist Casey Anderson as he teaches a captive-born grizzly bear to fend for himself in the wild at the world premiere of "Expedition Wild" or join a father-son trip to the Mexican Caribbean at the D.C. premiere of "To the Sea."  On Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21, come to the National Museum of Natural History for two film programs devoted to food and agriculture themes. The films, "Dirt! The Movie" and "Soil in Good Heart," highlight the key role that topsoil plays in nutritious food while "Seed Hunter" covers the search for seeds to withstand the impact of global warming and "HomeGrown" spotlights an organic urban family farm operating off-the-grid in urban Pasadena, California.

According to the Environmental Film Fest folks, the pre-festival screening was a hit!  The D.C. premiere of "What's On Your Plate?"  drew more than 800 public, charter and independent school students to the Warner Theatre on March 9 to consider what goes into the food we eat every day. The witty and provocative documentary about kids and food politics was well received by the enthusiastic young audience. The two girl stars of the film, Sadie Hope-Gund and Safiyah Kai Russell Riddle, were there in person to answer questions (and sign autographs!) after the film along with Sarah Alexander of Food and Water Watch.

If you didn't make it to the festival, make note of these great films and add them to your list of must-see movies!