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CORVALLIS, Ore. - The International Forest Film Festival will begin in Corvallis on Monday, Oct. 24, and continue through January, in celebration of the United Nation's International Year of Forests 2011.

Films will be shown every other week, all of which are free and open to the public. The festival is sponsored by the OSU College of Forestry, International Forestry Students Association, Student Sustainability Initiative, Majestic Theatre and Corvallis Sustainability Coalition.

The 16 films are winners in six categories, selected from 160 films submitted from 30 countries. The festival is a collaboration of the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

Opening night will feature two films:  "Of Forests and Men," commissioned by the United Nations to kick off Forests 2011; and "The Queen of Trees," winner of the best in festival award. They will be shown on two occasions, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre, and Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in Richardson Hall Room 107 on the OSU campus.

"The International Forest Film Festival offers a unique opportunity to bring the issues and objectives of Forests 2011 to a global audience," said Jan McAlpine, director of the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat. "The power of cinematic art is universal. It connects with people all over the world on a personal level."

The films are part of a global effort to raise awareness of the importance of forests, their relationship with people and the planet. Organizers say they hope to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and stewardship for a green, more equitable and sustainable future.

More information, the complete screening schedule in Corvallis and descriptions of each film are available online at http://bit.ly/rbjZbp

Following the Corvallis screenings, the films will be available for OSU, K-12 or other public screenings.  Additional titles may be ordered from the International Forest Film Festival at http://bit.ly/pR6mbY