‘The Leopard in the Land’ screens Oct. 4

Snow Leopard Conservancy and Sebastiani Theatre will present a one-time screening of “The Leopard in the Land,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

This film by James McEachen documents Disney Executive Designer Joe Rohde’s personal expedition through the wilds of Mongolia to make paintings for snow leopard conservation. Rohde was challenged in ways far different from his regular work:painting in a snow storm before the acrylic froze, graciously accepting the gift of a fresh-cooked sheep ear, finding the pack camels after spending too long examining snow leopard tracks. But there were many rewards, like discovering the perfect brush, an eagle feather, to paint a tree sacred to female shamans.

After the film, a reception and exhibition of Rohde’s work will be held at the Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club. Rohde, McEachen, Conservancy staff, and Keesa the Bactrian camel will be on hand for a fascinating, fun afternoon.

The Snow Leopard Conservancy, based in Sonoma since 1986, is directed by Rodney Jackson, the world’s foremost expert on wild snow leopards and their high-mountain habitat in Central Asia. The Conservancy works in seven of the snow leopard’s 12 range countries, empowering rural communities to become the stewards of these majestic, endangered cats.

The Conservancy was instrumental in creating a pathway for sacred site guardians and other indigenous cultural practitioners to contribute to the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Plan. Jackson served as an expert consultant in the creation of this plan, endorsed last year by the heads of state of every snow leopard range country.

Jackson was a 1981 Rolex Award for Enterprise laureate, and has been a finalist three times for the Indianapolis Prize – the largest individual monetary award for animal conservation. He is an Honorary Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences.

The film will screen at 3 p.m. at the Sebastiani Theatre, 476 First St. E., followed by a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club, 574 First St. E.

Tickets are $10 at the door. For details, call 935-3851, email darla@vom.com or see SnowLeopardConservancy.org.