Elachee Nature Science Center's first in a series of environmentally important films begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 with the Gainesville premiere of Scott Crocker's "Ghost Bird," the critically acclaimed documentary about the search for the long-extinct ivory-billed woodpecker in a swamp near Brinkley, Ark. in late 2004.

 The film focuses not only on the tiny, depressed town of Brinkley, Ark., and its residents, but also on the hoopla and media hype that ensued in the aftermath.

to capitalize on the sudden spotlight. Crocker has taken a bird-watching tale and turned it into a multilayered story that will fascinate bird lovers and others alike.

Tickets are $10 adults and $5 students for this showing are available online or by calling 770-535-1976. Seating is limited.

Elachee is located at 2125 Elachee Drive in Gainesville.