Environmental and adventure films illustrating the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing the planet and the work communities around the world do to protect the environment will hit the silver screen, sort of.

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is hosting its Wild and Scenic Film Festival from 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Brenau Downtown Center. A few of the films are:

• “Growing Change” by Chris Jordan-Bloch.
• “The Wild President” by Will Stauffer-Norriw, Sinjin Eberle, Jacob Boling.
• “Pale Blue Dot” by Chin Li Zhi.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for an Environmental Expo featuring local, nonprofit, environmental organizations to showcase their programs. The films run from 7-9:30 p.m. at 301 Main St. in Gainesville.

Free SweetWater beer will be served in limited quantities. Light refreshments also will be on hand.

Organizers will raffle off a kayak from The Outside World Outfitters, paddle trips, cabin stays on the river and certificates for eating and entertainment in Dahlonega. Many Gainesville businesses will have giveaways. 

Children may get in the environment spirit this year with their own festival before the main event. The Children’s Film Festival will have interactive exhibits outside in Gainesville’s Roosevelt Square from 2:30-4 p.m. Then, a series of children’s films will be shown from 4:15-5 p.m.

Admission to the children’s event is free, but donations will be accepted. Tickets for the main event will be $5 for children $5, $10 for students and seniors 65 and older, $15 for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper members and $20 for nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased in advance at chattahoochee.org/wildscenic. Prices in each category except for children will increase by $5 at the door the day of the event.

Funds raised will be used to help expand the Headwaters’ Neighborhood Water Watch program. The NWW helps increase public awareness of water quality in neighborhood streams and provides tools and training for neighborhood groups, schools and others to monitor and protect their local waterways.