A new documentary explores a British Columbia town’s resistance to a coal-powered future 100 years after the killing of controversial local labour activist Ginger Goodwin. The Green Film Series presents Goodwin’s Way at the Gibsons Heritage Playhouse, Monday, Sept. 19 and at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre on Thursday, Sept. 22.
When highway signs commemorating folk hero Ginger Goodwin disappear, the documentary finds nearby Cumberland at a crossroads with its history. Goodwin, a rebellious labour activist, was slain by police under mysterious circumstances almost a century ago, yet his name still elicits wounds that date back to the town’s coal mining past.
Residents weave an oral tapestry of fact and myth – some remember Goodwin as a criminal, while many others admire the ideals of equality and self-determination he fought for in a town dependent on a boom to bust resource economy.
Now, as young families set their sights on building a sustainable generation, a new proposal for a coal mine threatens to make history repeat itself. Amidst an effort to oppose the project, residents young and old reconnect with Ginger Goodwin’s legacy – his “way.”
Director Neil Vokey will attend the Gibsons screening in person for a Q & A after the film, and will participate via Skype after the film in Sechelt. Labour songs will be performed by Grant Olson before the film in Gibsons, and an introduction to the Sechelt screening will be given by local MLA Nicholas Simons.
Both screenings start at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation at the door (suggested $10). For more information, see greenfilms.ca
Green Film Series events are meant to foster the role of film as a catalyst for dialogue, networking and action, encouraging community engagement on environmental and sustainability issues. The series is produced by the Rhizome Up! Media Society.
