The American Conservation Film Festival (ACFF) celebrates its 10th anniversary Nov. 1-4 in historic Shepherdstown. This year includes 65 films from around the world, post-show Q&As with filmmakers and conservation experts, a Saturday afternoon children’s program and, back by popular demand, 3D Films on Friday. The full schedule of films and events can be found on the website “http://www.conservationfilm.org”>www.conservationfilm.org.

Films will be screened throughout the town, including at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC), the Shepherdstown Opera House and at three venues on the campus of Shepherd University. Full festival passes can be purchased which for admission to all films, or one can purchase a ticket for a single “block” of films — anywhere from two feature films to five shorter films. Purchase online at www.conservationfilm.org or at the individual venue.

Some Highlights of the Festival include:

Semper Fi: Always Faithful follows Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger’s fight to reveal a grave injustice at North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune and a looming environmental crisis at military sites across the country. We are honored to have MSgt. Ensminger present for Q & A after the film on Thursday, Nov. 1.

The Dust Bowl by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns chronicles the worst man-made ecological disaster in American history. This film is premiering in full length before it will be released on PBS and will be followed by a Q&A with Associate Producer Susan Shumaker on Friday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 4.

3-D Friday Night at the Frank Center, starting at 8 p.m., will show two 3-D films, Ice Bear followed by The Predator Coast. Ice Bear is the story of a young bear’s epic migration through the icy waters of Hudson Bay and features breath-taking cinematography shot over twelve months, capturing rarely seen bear behavior. The Predator Coast is a unique part of Africa ruled on land by lions and crocodiles and out at sea, by sharks, dolphins and gannets. But all must bow to the ultimate master- a costal plain that has the seasonal power to give life and take it away. [The graphic nature of some scenes in both films may not be suitable for children]

Reynolds River Night with Alexandra Cousteau

Organizers are thrilled to welcome Alexandra Cousteau, filmmaker and globally recognized advocate on water issues, to ACFF. Alexandra will introduce her film, Our Nation’s River about the Potomac which touches the lives of everyone in its watershed and then take part in a Panel Discussion with Stephanie Flack of The Nature Conservancy and Ed Merrifield of Potomac Riverkeepers. Marion Stoddart, subject of the film which will open the evening Marion Stoddart: the work of 1000, will be in attendance to answer questions. Marion is an early grassroots organizer who headed the drive to clean up the Nashua River, one of the 10 most polluted rivers in the country in the 1960s. Reynolds River Night is Saturday, Nov. 3.

The American Conservation Film Festival is an annual event held in Shepherdstown that features films from a diverse group of conservation filmmakers from around the world. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization addresses conservation through the lens of film, providing a platform for education and dialogue about more sustainable ways to live. By presenting outstanding conservation films ACFF programming promotes solutions to pressing conservation issues, respect for world’s natural and cultural heritage and passion for conserving our resources. Since 2003, the Festival has screened some 250 films to 25,000 audience members, and has inspired countless individuals and organizations to help make the transformation toward better ways to live, work, and play.

Schedule and Tickets are available at www.conservationfilm.org.