Timed nicely to dovetail with Earth Day 2019, the Fifth Annual Taos Environmental Film Festival hits northern New Mexico this Thursday, April 18, though Monday, April 22. This year organizers are presenting 22 award-winning films that “explore various natural ecosystems and their complex beauty, as well as forces damaging the balances of life on our planet.” Among the short films being screened are the Ewan McGregor-narrated nature documentary “Humpback Whales,” the IMAX-lensed adventure documentary “Journey Into Amazing Caves” and the locally produced portraint of New Mexican folklorist Nasario García, “Nasario Remembers the Rio Puerco.” Among the feature offerings are Silent Forests (about conservationists fighting to stop elephant poaching in Africa’s Congo River Basin), Blue Heart of Europe (which depicts the battle to protect Europe’s last wild rivers) and A Bold Peace (a historical chronicle of Costa Rica’s efforts to disband its military and redirect national resources toward education, health and the environment). The festival takes place at the Taos Center for the Arts (133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte). Admission to this multi-day festival is free, but a $5 donation-by-choice is accepted and appreciated. For a complete listing of films and events, go to taosenvironmentalfilmfestival.com.