Submitted by the Friday Harbor Film Festival.

Friday Harbor Film Festival celebrates Earth Day Month and our national parks on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. at Orcas Center’s Center Stage Theater and Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at both the San Juan Island Grange and the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts. “Out There: A National Parks Story” is a stunning road trip through our national parks, honoring the people working to maintain their beauty. The documentary will be followed by an exclusive prerecorded Q&A with the director, Brendan Hall. As part of the Earth Day Orcas, in conjunction with the San Juan Islands Makers Guild, there will be additional speakers, including a ranger from the San Juan Islands National Monument. Details are available at fhff.org.

“Out There: A National Parks Story”

A young filmmaker sets out on a 10,000-mile exploration of the national parks with his childhood best friend during the centennial year of the formation of the National Park Service. Along the way, the two record stories of the people who work in the parks and those who come to enjoy them, as part of the rich tapestry of the history of the park system emerges. They hear profound stories of people from all ages, walks of life and cultures that come to the parks seeking tranquility, healing, motivation and connection to the natural world. Between the spectacular shots of the parks and compelling interviews are colorful bits of old maps, posters and travelogues. This stunning road trip is a tribute to the national parks and their history and is also a recognition of the people who appreciate them and work to maintain their beauty.

Earth Day Film Festival online April 19-28

Friday Harbor Film Festival’s free showcase of timely environmental films with powerful stories is available to island residents and friends afar as part of the San Juan Makers Guild Earth Day Celebration. Features include “Out There: A National Parks Story,” “Elemental: Reimaging Wildfire,” “The Pollinators” and “Haida Modern: The Art and Activism of Robert Davidson.” Short Films include “Managed to Extinction,” “Undammed: Amy Cordalis and the Fight to Free the Kalamath,” “Island Grown in the San Juans,” “Echos of the Sound; The Story of Hugo and the Southern Residents” and “Contrasts.” Register at FHFF.org/EarthDayFest to participate, and you will receive a passcode and instructions to watch online.

The Best of the Fest Series schedule

Each month through September, Best of the Fest presents award-winning documentaries along with Q&As with the films’ directors and subjects. Programs begin at 7 p.m. They are offered in collaboration with the San Juan Island Library, the San Juan Island Grange and the Lopez Island Library. Since they’re on Fridays, they are a great “date night” activity.

“Wilding” – May 16 (San Juan Island Grange/Lopez).

“Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers” – June 20 (SJI Library/Lopez).

“Resident Orca” – Special event on July 16 (San Juan Community Theatre).

“A Dream Takes Flight” – Aug. 22 (San Juan Grange/Lopez).

“Hvaldimir” – Sept.12 (SJI Library/Lopez).

Details about all of the Best of the Fest films are available on the fhff.org website. FHFF appreciates the sponsorship of The Journal of the San Juan Islands! Mark your calendar and plan to view the exceptional Best of the Fest documentaries on either San Juan or Lopez Islands!