Standing on Sacred Ground – Fire and Ice

US 2014 56 mins.  Directed by Christopher McLeod

In Part 1 of the 4-part documentary series Standing on Sacred Ground: from Ethiopia to Peru, indigenous customs protect biodiversity on sacred lands under pressure from religious conflicts and climate change. In the Gamo Highlands of Ethiopia, scientists confirm the benefits of traditional stewardship even as elders witness the de- cline of spiritual practices that have long protected trees, meadows and mountains. Tensions with evangelical Christians over a sacred meadow erupt into a riot. In the Peruvian Andes, the Qeros, on a pilgrimage to a revered glacier, are driven from their ritual site by intolerant Catholics. Qeros potato farmers face a more ominous foe: global warming is melting glaciers, their water source. Andes farmers, scientists and visiting Ethiopians struggle to adapt indigenous agriculture to the changing climate.

Special Guests in Attendance: Director Christopher McLeod and Screenwriter Jessica Abbe

Screening with: Standing on Sacred Ground – Pilgrims & Tourists

Tickets are free but space is limited.  Please make a reservation to secure a seat.