PARRY SOUND - The Films That Make You Think Film Club will be hosting the fifth film of the 2012 season on May 8 at 7 p.m. at the West Parry Sound District Museum. The May movie will be the controversial but timely look at the life of activist and convicted eco-terrorist Wiebo Ludwig.
“Wiebo Ludwig is a very controversial and somewhat misunderstood figure who has made headlines a number of times over the past decade,” commented Glen Hodgson, the film club’s founder. “Although I had read the media reports and had an opinion of Mr.Ludwig and his actions, the documentary on his life really challenged assumptions and I thought it would be a good film to show in order to provide a little insight into his character and his rational for the things that he had done.”
Wiebo’s War tells the story of a Christian community at war with the oil and gas industry. The community leader, Wiebo Ludwig, is the prime suspect in a series of pipeline bombings near his family's farm. The bombings echo a campaign of sabotage he waged against the gas industry 10 years ago: barricading roads, blowing up wells, and culminating in the unsolved death of a 16-year-old girl.
The Ludwig family lives according to strict religious values. They are self-sufficient in food and energy, but isolated, with seven unmarried adult children, and 38 grandchildren, many entering their teenaged years. They believe that those who don't share their beliefs, like filmmaker of the documentary, David York, are living in terrible darkness.
“I am still a little unsure of how I feel about Liebo Ludwig even after watching the film,” added Hodgson. “But of course the purpose of the documentary is not to present a certain point of view but instead to challenge preconceptions and to get the viewer to reflect and formulate their own opinion outside of the one that has been offered through the media.”
Coincidentally, the timing of the film coincides with the passing of Wiebo Ludwig last month making the subject of the documentary even more relevant.
This film series is non-partisan and designed, as the title suggests, to inspire people to think about some key issues that we are facing our communities, our country and our world. Admission is a suggested donation of ten dollars for adults and seven for students and seniors and tickets are available at the door unless the film is sold out.
More information on the films being offered can be found at the West Parry Sound Museum or by emailing waubeek@hotmail.com.