“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. Ken breaks the law as a last resort, to fulfill what he sees as his personal obligation to future generations. After twenty years leading environmental organizations, Ken became increasingly alarmed by both the scientific evidence of climate change and the repercussions for civilization as we know it. Ken pushed unsuccessfully for a crisis-level response from environmental organizations.

The movie follows Ward for a year and a half through a series of direct actions, culminating with his participation in the coordinated action that shut down all the U.S. tar sands oil pipelines on October 11, 2016. 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.

Ken Ward, subject of the film, will be with us in person or by Zoom, for post-film discussion. Doors open at 6 p.m. for conversation and light refreshments; movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Free.

Don’t miss any of the films in our Fall three-part Faith & Ecology series, “Striving for Climate Justice.” On Monday, Oct. 7 we’ll show “Paris to Pittsburgh” and on Monday Oct. 14, “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret” at the same location and time.