BIFF Bugged
Screening Nov. 21 in Great Barrinton
By: BIFF - Nov 09, 2010
The BIFF’s REEL FRIENDS Film Society, will present, in collaboration with the Berkshire Botanical Garden and The Nature Conservancy, two short films and a discussion with leading experts, about the dangerously invasive Asian Longhorned beetle that has been found in Worcester and more recently Boston, MA, and is threatening to encroach on the Berkshires. The films will be presented on Sunday, November 21 at 11 a.m. at the Triplex. The short films that will be presented are LURKING IN THE TREES, produced by Frank Lowenstein of The Nature Conservancy and BUGGED, directed by Emily Driscoll an independent filmmaker. According to Driscoll, “The Asian Longhorned beetle (ALB) is one of the world’s worst invasive alien species and could destroy one third of America’s trees. For the first time, the ALB infests a city on the edge of a natural forested area. BUGGED follows scientists, government officials and private citizens who are on the front lines in the ALB eradication war.” Both films focus on Worcester, MA where the beetle has been found and how that city is dealing with the eradication of this ALB invasion.
Following the films, a discussion with Frank Lowenstein, director of The Nature Conservancy’s Forest Health Program, Ken Gooch, DCR’s Forest Health Director for the State of MA and Emily Driscoll will be held to discuss what is being done, and what we can do to prevent the ALB from reaching the Berkshires which would be devastating.
The films and discussion are open to the public at a matinee price and free for REEL FRIENDS and members of BBG and TNC. Seating is limited to this event, therefore we advise members to make reservations by contacting Lauren Ferin at the BIFF at 413-528-8030. For more information about future programs at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org
or call 413-298-3926. And for more information on The Nature Conservancy, please contact Sarah Volkman at 413-229-0232 ext. 231.
BIFF 2011 will be held June 2-5, and submissions are now open.