This year, we're seen some unprecedented damage caused by numerous disasters, both abroad and here at home in B.C., where we hit a historical record for the most hectares burned by wildfires in the province. 

As it goes without saying, any efforts to help preserve or save the environment, ecosystems, and climate are sorely needed. 

That urgency is reflected in this year's theme at Vancouver International Film Festival's Sustainable Production Forum, which is Action Now. 

This forum, which was held last year for the first time, helps to propel green movement within film and television industries and keep the momentum going even further. When it comes to screen industries, Vancouver has been helping to lead the way in many areas when it comes to green productions. But there's always room for growth.

The daylong event will consist of several sessions that will address topics such as collaborative efforts, municipal and regional policy changes, academic approaches, and changes at major studios.

There'll be representatives from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Italian Film Commission, California Film Commission, Warner Bros. Entertainment, 20^th Century Fox.

That's in addition to local representatives from Creative BC, UBC, Yale University, City of Vancouver, and IATSE Local 891, as well as B.C. Film Commissioner Sandi Richter-Cooper and Vancouver Film Commission director David Shepheard.

Things begin with a keynote address Cine Mosaic CEO and PGA Green cofounder Lydia Dean Pilcher.

The event will conclude on a practical note with a session on how technological advances and practical solutions can help reduce greenhouse gases.

The forum will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 4 at Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour Street).

Admission is free. For full details or to register, visit the VIFF website.