By Cheryl Lim

SOCIALLY conscious films are on show at the International Social Action Film Festival at Sinema Old School until Oct 1.

A total of 38 films will be shown over 50 screenings.

The festival, which opened last Wednesday, is geared towards building awareness of various issues in different parts of the world.

The deputy executive director of Sinema Academy of Motion Pictures, Ms Olivia Loh-Ing, told my paper: ?We want the audience to watch these films, and not only be entertained, but also to think about the issues raised and, hopefully, take action.?

Film-goers can look forward to films like Walking To School (2008).

The movie, by Chinese directors Peng Jia Huang and Peng Chen, follows underprivileged pupils in China?s Yunnan province as they struggle for the right to a basic education.

Another must-watch is American film Earthlings (2005).

Director Shaun Monson and narrator Joaquin Phoenix give voice to animals ? like dogs, elephants and seals ? which humans have used and abused for profit.

As in the lauded film The Cove, hidden cameras capture horrific images of animal mistreatment in abattoirs and pet farms, and even in bullfights in Spain.

The festival was developed by film company Legacy XXI in San Diego, California, and has run in 15 cities, including Berlin, Sydney and Melbourne.

It is the first time it is running in Singapore.

Also part of the festival are 10 talks and workshops by social groups like animal-welfare group Acres and environmental- conservation forum, Remember Chek Jawa.

cheryll@sph.com.sg

For films and timings at the International Social Action Film Festival, visit www.filmsforchange.org.
Prices for tickets and talks start at $11.77. Sinema Old School is at 11B Mount Sophia, # B1-12

For more my paper stories click here.