By Kasey Dutrow

Shenandoah University will host the Best of Fest, a movie night showing three award-winning conservation films, on Oct. 27. These films, selected by Shenandoah University’s Environmental Studies students, were chosen from the 2021 selections at the American Conservation Film Festival (ACFF) held in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

“Your Friend, Ranger Doug” follows a 94-year-old Glacier National Park Ranger. This short film by filmmakers Claire Jantzen and Sara Rose Nell follows Ranger Doug as he gives a first-hand account of the climate impacts of global warming. “Your Friend, Ranger Doug” is the ACFF’s Audience Choice award winner.

“Public Trust,” by filmmaker David Garrett Byars, documents scenes from some of America’s most beautiful public lands and the struggle to keep them out of corporate hands.

The final film, “Dear Mother Nature” is an upbeat film starring Wyn Wiley (he/him), also known as Pattie Gonia (she/her). Wyn, who is described as an “environmental advocate drag queen” by the ACFF, takes on plastics, overconsumption, and its impacts on our oceans. This 30-minute documentary by filmmaker Tim Kressin features stunning views of Hawaii as well as informative interviews with scientists and climate experts.

The Best of Fest will be held on Oct. 27 at the Stimpson Auditorium in Halpin-Harrison Hall at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and snacks will be provided.