A producer-director in Belleville, Ontario, is using film as a way to shed some light on the growing lack of darkness in our lives.

Gary Magwood produced and directed “Hello Darkness…”, a mini-documentary calling for research, science and guidance for those responsible for installing and maintaining the sources of lighting.

The film will be screening at Belleville Downtown DocFest March 6 and 7.

Magwood said he was initially motivated to produce the documentary because of an over-bright yard light across the river from his house.

“After being rebuffed by the owner when I suggested that directing the light downwards would serve his purpose of keeping the ground well lit, I started my research,” he wrote in an email.

The film was shot by Sean Scally, a Belleville film maker who won DocFest’s Best Local Feature Documentary last year. Magwood also said he received a grant from the City of Belleville’s arts and culture fund.

“Hello Darkness…” will be screening at Core Screen 1 at the Belleville Downtown DocFest on Friday, March 6 at 3:45 p.m. On Saturday, March 7 the film will play at the Bridge St. United Church at 3:45 p.m. More details are available at the Belleville Downtown DocFest website.