The 7th Annual American Conservation Film Festival (ACFF) will kick off on Thursday, Nov. 5, and continue through Sunday, Nov. 8, in four venues around historic Shepherdstown.

This year’s lineup offers a blend of independently produced films and high-quality broadcast productions with limited theatrical release, covering a range of diverse conservation issues, including water, food, coal, climate, culture, flora, fauna, fish, birds, and lifestyles.

The 2009 ACFF themes reflect an enduring focus-“Predator Purgatory,” as well as an exploration of new horizons in conservation-“We Are What We Eat,” and “Conserving Cultures.”

Nearly 30 films will be screened, including:

“The Linguists” – Young scientists trek through Siberia, India, and Bolivia to document languages on the verge of extinction;

“Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators” – Maverick scientists, ranchers, and others explore the vital role North American predator’s play in the ecosystem;

“Home” – Mesmerizing aerial views provide a visually astonishing portrait of the Earth;

“Sea Change” – The threat of ocean acidification sparks scientific discovery and a personal odyssey; and

“The Greening of Southie” – A traditionally working class neighborhood is the unlikely site for constructing the first LEED-certified green building in South Boston.

The 2009 ACFF will serve as the U.S. or world premiere for a half-dozen films, including:

“Running with Wolves” – A biologist and former Olympic athlete struggles with a life-threatening condition, racing against time to save a pack of wolves in the Canadian Rockies;

“In the Company of Moose” – A filmmaker explores his biologist father’s lifelong passion and study of moose in Denali National Park; and

“Wings Over the Marsh” – A lush, evocative exploration of the drama of life among birds in a French marsh.

– American Conservation Film Festival Lineup and Schedule available at www.conservationfilm.org