With support and funding from the council and deacons at First Christian Reformed Church, Calgary, Alberta, Jenny Krabbe’s dream for the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival became a reality.
Held to foster an awareness and understanding of injustices in the world, the festival ran in November, showing nine films over three days.
Films included Maquilapolis (City of Factories), Emmanuel’s Gift, Forgive Us Our Debts, Scared Sacred, The Peacekeepers, and Tšepong: A Clinic Called Hope.
Carmen Duran from Tijuana, Mexico, attended the festival. Duran is featured in Maquilapolis. “She is one of a group of women who learned camera skills so she could tell her own story of the working conditions in and around maquiladoras (large corporate factories),” Krabbe said.
Approximately 200 people attended each evening showing, and organizers were pleased with the turnout.
“We see this style of event as a way to open the door to authentic conversation, as there are many people from various walks of life who care about justice issues,” said Krabbe. “God works in all kinds of people’s hearts.”
With a rise in the popularity of documentary films, festival organizers look forward to future festivals. “We hope to bring stories of injustice and suffering to people who generally experience much abundance and have a sense that there is more for them to do in this world,” Krabbe said. “We also bring stories of hope to the screen to encourage people to find ways to make a difference.”
