The RVA Environmental Film Festival returns this Friday. For two weeks, Richmonders can see a variety of movies in online screenings + at limited in-person events.

RVA EFF has showcased movies that bring awareness to environmental issues since 2008, when it was known as “The Biggest Picture.” This year, the lineup includes 20+ local and national films.

Festival events are free and open to the public. According to RVA EFF Promotions Chair Tamara Smith, it’s the only free + publicly promoted film festival in VA. But be sure to register for virtual screenings — that way you’ll get notified when the program begins.

The festival kicks off with a virtual screening of “8 Billion Angels,” presented by the James River Association. Following the film, Justin Doyle — JRA’s Director of Community Conservation — will lead a group discussion of its themes.

Photo courtesy RVA Environmental Film Festival.

Winners of the Virginia Environmental Film Contest will also be shown at the festival. All five films will be shown virtually on Sun., Feb. 20. You can also see the first-prize recipient, “Headwaters Down,” on the big screen at The Byrd Theatre on Sun., Feb. 27. The film follows a group of friends on a 13-day canoe adventure from the headwaters of the James River to the Fall Line in Richmond.

If you want some more recommendations, here’s what we’re checking out.

High Tide in Dorchester | Sat., Feb. 19 | 12:15 p.m. | Virtual | Travel to ground zero for sea-level rise in the Chesapeake Bay.
Motherload | Sat., Feb. 26 | 10 a.m. | Libbie Mill Library | A crowd-sourced documentary about motherhood, climate change + cargo bikes.
Mossville, When Great Trees Fall | Sun., Feb. 27 | 3 p.m. | Virtual | One man stands in the way of a petrochemical plant threatening to uproot a centuries-old Black community.

To learn more about RVA EFF, join their mailing list. Check out the full schedule of films here.