The world’s first international vegan film festival is due to take place this year in Canada.
The festival, named “The Ottawa Vegan Film Festival”, will launch in October at the Mayfair Theatre in Ottawa. Not content with just one city, or one country for that matter, the organizers intend to tour the festival around the world – creating a “global community”, both uniting vegans and inspiring non-vegans to give the lifestyle a go. Currently, it is the only known vegan international film festival in the world.
“The Ottawa Vegan Film Festival is a trailblazing event dedicated to celebrating the vegan ideal: a healthier, compassionate, environmentally friendly lifestyle that can be achieved through the consumption of plants and animal-free alternatives,” the festival website states.
The time is right for the festival, the organizers believe, as veganism is growing in popularity globally. “There is a huge appetite for information and insights into all aspects of vegan life: from the ethics of animal farming to the environmental and health benefits that come with a shift to plant-based eating,” the website notes.
Films have proved a powerful method of spreading the vegan message; “What The Health”, “Cowspiracy”, and “Okja” have been cited by celebrities and members of the public alike, as causing them to stop and think about their lifestyle. Last summer, racing car driver, Lewis Hamilton, spoke out about his experience viewing “What The Health.” “Animal cruelty, global warming, and our personal health is at stake,” Hamilton noted.
There is no current confirmation on which films will be screened at the festival, however, all submissions are welcome, and entries must be made by July.
Tickets for the first event in October will go on sale June 1st and will be available to purchase from the festival website.
