“The Reluctant Radical” movie premiere

THE RELUCTANT RADICAL is a climate change film like no other; centered on the moral question: If a crime is committed in order to prevent a greater crime, is it forgivable? Is it, in fact, necessary? 

THE RELUCTANT RADICAL follows activist Ken Ward as he confronts his fears and puts himself in the direct path of the fossil fuel industry to combat climate change. The film reveals both the personal costs and also the fulfillment that comes from following one’s moral calling- even if that means breaking the law. We follow Ken through a series of direct actions, culminating with an action that shuts down all the U.S. tar sands oil pipelines and threatens to put him behind bars for 20 years. Ken Ward has no regrets, and his certainty leaves the audience to consider if he is out of touch with reality, or if it is the rest of society that is delusional for not acting when faced with the unsettling evidence that we are collectively destroying our world.

THE RELUCTANT RADICAL will premiere in Hood River, OR on Tuesday, May 15th, at Riverside Community Church. A short social and climate action information session begins at 6:30, followed by the movie itself at 7pm. Suggested min donation of $10, $5 for students. Following the screening, Portland director Lindsey Grayzel, and the subject of the film, valve turner Ken Ward, will participate in a discussion with the audience. All funds raised go to support Friends of the Columbia Gorge and the Columbia Gorge Climate Action Network in their work to reduce climate change.

Learn more here.