Why I decided to run for office

In less than a week, I took a leap to combine my filmmaking and activism into representing Burnaby Lougheed in the provincial election Oct 24th on behalf of the BC Green Party.

Politics was not something that was on my mind until the Green Party reached out but given the climate emergency we find ourselves and having just released @magnitudefilm, it seemed to make sense. COVID has pushed all our production to early next year so for once, my schedule was open.

Also, I’ve watched my kid and many other @sustainabiliteens fight this battle on our behalf over the last year. They’re strong, committed and on a mission. After all, it’s their futures.

I’ve still got my day job and awesome colleagues Henrik and Joanna will step in to cover for me if needed. We’ve got lots in development and plans for production. 

So, my passion for helping others tell their stories continues. Jenn’s “game-changing rumination on acceptance and the psychology underpinning our existential climate crisis” in Magnitude. Mirjam’s story of Janie and Hermann’s groundbreaking research in the path of LNG tankers in The Whale and The Raven, and now those of the people living in the Trans Mountain riding, beside the big tank farms and along the inlet of the tanker traffic. Somehow it all fits.

Thanks for all the early support. It’s a short, fast campaign but my goal is to keep climate change at the forefront of people’s minds this election. The election we don’t need but will participate in. 

If you’re interested in more information, you can follow me on Instagram @andrewwilliamsonburnaby, Facebook (Andrew Williamson) and Twitter @theandrewgw There’s also more info on the Greens website and links to volunteer and donate. https://www.bcgreens.ca/andrew_williamson

Trust you’re all staying safe, shooting carefully and supporting the amplification of voices from all communities and cultures that have been sidelined for too long.