EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Exactly one year after the Norfolk Southern toxic train derailment impacted the lives of thousands of residents in East Palestine and the surrounding area, the community will come together for a series of events inspired by the tragedy.
The East Palestine Environmental Film Festival plans to bring a fresh perspective -- not only to the derailment one year ago -- but to other issues across the nation.
The festival aims to bring light to the devastating aftermath of the tragedy on Feb. 3, 2023, through films - 17 to be exact. Three of the films will highlight what took place in East Palestine.
Organizers say it's a wonderful platform for filmmakers who want to showcase their environmental storytelling, while putting a spotlights on other challenges the world still faces today.
Robert Corna, who coordinated the festival, says the movies will inspire people to want to help.
"When people come to see these movies, they're gonna come out of the theater wanting to do something, whether it's to help East Palestine or back in their hometown to help an issue," Corna said. "But definitely, you won't be able to walk out of this film festival without being inspired by these movies."
The film festival is happening Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Street Theater in Columbiana. Tickets are free. Immediately after the festival, the theater will host an "East Palestine Justice Commemorative Event," which will feature environmental activist Erin Brockovich among its guests.
You can see more details about the festival and other area events below:
More coverage of East Palestine 1 year later:
- Toxic Ohio train derailment: Attorney General Dave Yost addresses unanswered questions involving East Palestine 1 year later
- Ohio train derailment: East Palestine 1 year later
- East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick talks to 3News' Laura Caso 1 year after a toxic train derailment rocked his village
- Ohio train derailment 1 year later: New videos show towers of fire that prompted evacuations in East Palestine
- One year later: Family that lives near Ohio train derailment site speaks out after breast cancer diagnosis
- One year later: East Palestine chiropractor running for Congress following toxic train derailment