President's Letter

Welcome to the 26th Global Visions Film Festival!

This festival has the potential to change lives.

I know this because it has significantly changed my life since I became involved. For ten years, the films, conversations and people involved have consistently broadened and enriched my perspective on community, humanity, and issues that truly matter. Each year the festival renews my commitment to living as a global citizen, and expands my understanding of what that citizenship means.

For over a quarter-century Edmontonians have had intimate access to the world around them through the outstanding showcase of films that Global Visions presents. This year, finely crafted stories by filmmakers from Canada and around the globe will touch your heart, rouse your spirit and motivate your actions. Every year, someone says, "now, more than ever, we need these stories." 2007 is certainly no exception.

The power of Global Visions lies with you, the audience, when you share in the stories of our collective humanity that our sponsors, staff, volunteers and filmmakers have worked so hard to tell. Your choice to come to the theatre to witness, in the company of others, the realities of our planet and applaud, condemn, question and respond to what you see is what the festival is truly about.

Each year my favourite moment is when the lights come up at the end of a film and the audience becomes a community; the story becomes a discussion, and a spark ignites action and awareness on the global stage.

It is a special experience, and I look forward to sharing it with you.

Shelaine Sparrow
President of Global Visions Festival Society Board of Directors