We've found three approaches with the power to shape attitudes and motivate action, to effect change. These approaches underpin our main programs:
Documentary cinema – the storytelling of our time
Experiential learning – reconnecting people with their most powerful experiences of water as a foundation for action
Encounters with the arts – to provide an experiential foundation to build pathways for meaningful change
Water Docs Film Festival
The festival is the centrepiece of Water Docs programming – several days of high-impact films, animated discussions and community learning, with opportunities to take action to protect water.
Water Docs Where You Live Community Screenings
Organize a Water Docs Where You Live Community Screening or mini-film-festival for your group or neighbourhood. Every culture in Ontario's rich tapestry has its own special connection to water. Our wide range of inspiring water documentaries has been enjoyed to date at events province-wide. Different communities have also enjoyed holding our Water Journey workshop, a galvanizing experiential forum that helps people turn their experiences of water into positive environmental action.
Water Docs at School Action Projects
Water Docs at School is an 8-month long learning and action program designed for Ontario Grade 7 & 8 students. It uses a unique, hands-on approach to bring them into a close relationship with water, building their understanding of water systems and instilling a passion for water stewardship. After learning about the local watershed and its issues, students switch to action mode with a community environmental water project. Classes create documentary films of their projects and processes and are celebrated at a Student Recognition Day, with prizes for the best project and the best film.
Pedal Power
Water Docs audiences also love Pedal Power, an interactive mobile installation, which will be available for festivals, street corners and other events. Participants pedal a bicycle to draw water up a clear tube into a glass, providing a real-time, kinesthetic experience of how much energy it takes to convey water to us.
Common Earth
Common Earth is combatting climate change with a unique and comprehensive learning program. The program equips those concerned about the climate crisis with a profound and strategic understanding of how to create successful environmental interventions. Partnered with Water Docs, Common Earth offers a multi-dimensional program to address questions surrounding how we might move to a caring society that puts carbon in its place. Learn more…
The Water Journey
A vibrant personal connection with an issue gives us the energy and strength to face it and to enact real change. Join us on a journey of discovery as we explore our personal and collective relationships with this most vital of elements … water.
The Water Journey is an inspiring, experiential and participatory half-day forum that enables people to reconnect with their personal passions for water and the vital role it plays in all our lives. This raised awareness leads to a determination to take action to ensure the preservation and purity of water everywhere. After all, it's said that water is a window into our souls. Contact us if you want to hold this memorable and motivational water event with your group. This program is currently on hold.