Frances Ward gave up everything she’d built in her life to pursue something a bit unconventional: starting a kelp farm.
The new documentary Send Kelp! follows Ward’s journey as she tries to coax the crop from the waters of the Pacific. She speaks to scientists, wild harvesters and other entrepreneurs who also know about the challenges and potential of kelp.
“And along the way, she’ll find a glimmer of the hope that kelp might provide not only for our planet, but for her, too,” the synopsis of the film says.
Shot at various locations across Vancouver Island, the film features many people working in the local kelp industry, shell fishers, kelp producers and farmers, researchers and chefs. Each of them uses kelp in a different way, and the film showcases all of the ways to use the crop.
The film has already had an international showing, with past screenings in Canada, California, Belgium, South Korea, Spain and Germany. Next week the film will be brought to an Island audience.
The film will be shown in Campbell River on June 4 at 7 p.m. at Rivercity Players. Filmmakers and kelp researchers from North Island College will be in attendance to answer any questions. Other screenings will take place in Bamfield on June 6, Nanaimo on June 8, at 7 p.m. in the VIU Malaspina Theatre with VIU researchers, and Sidney on June 9 at 3:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. at the Star Cinema featuring University of Victoria researchers.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
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