When wading through the literally thousands of submissions received this year, one theme made itself instantly apparent: that many many filmmakers out there are responding directly to the issues thrown up by the complexities of modern life. Here is a collection of stylistically disparate work that is unashamedly issues based. And those issues themselves are far reaching: fragility of the environment, stem cell research, deforestation, nuclear proliferation and anti-globalisation. At a time when individually and collectively there is increasing pressure to act and act responsibly, it is a source of no little encouragement to know that there are filmmakers out there leading the way.

Please note: The advertised times are the actual starting times of each programme for all RESFEST screenings.