ENVIRONMENT -- The nationally touring Wild & Scenic Film Festival is coming to Spokane this week with versions of 12 environmental films in a benefit for the Spokane Riverkeeper.

The event is Thursday April 30 at the Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m.; shows at 7.

Some of the films highlight rivers and environmental impacts involving energy development while a few shorts are geared to fun and entertainment.

“Silent River” is about the struggle of locals in Mexico to clean up the Santiago River.

“The Sacred Place Where Life Begins” documents the years-old fight of the Gwich'in People in Alaska over the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Spokane Riverkeeper, a non-profit organization aiming to protect the river for fishing, swimming and other uses.

The organization is sponsored by the Center for Justice and boosted by local support from numerous groups, said Riverkeeper spokesman Jerry White. Gonzaga University Environmental Studies seniors are organizing the film festival as a senior project, he said.

 Tickets: $12 in advance at eventbrite.com, $15 at the door.