ECO FILMS

Rivers play a vital role in our environment, which is why they are the focus of this year's Environmental Film Festival. The festival, in its 21st year, has partnered with more than 75 venues across the Washington area to bring you an astonishing 190 films touching on the sanctity of our ecosystem. These documentaries were filmed in 50 countries and tell previously untold stories of some of the world's most notorious rivers -- including our very own Potomac.

The festival officially launches Thursday, with a party at the Warner Building Atrium (1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) and will include contemporary art and music, hors d'oeuvres by Restaurant Nora and tacos by Chipotle, special Freshfarm Markets cocktails and a silent auction. Tickets are $25, and you can purchase yours at 2013launchparty.bpt.me.

To learn more about the festival and find out showtimes, go to dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org. The festival runs through March 24.

EMO DANCE

We've all experienced heartache, but not all of us have been bold enough to tell our stories of love and loss in front of an audience. Six female performers plan on doing just that in a mesmerizing performance by UpRooted Dance. The dance company has joined forces with Happenstance Theater for the production of "Heartstrings & Shoestrings -- Stories of Love and Woe." These performers will take you through a journey of personal love stories told through interpretive dance, with poetic guidance by Happenstance Theater's artistic director, Sabrina Mandell.

The performance kicks off Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Montgomery College's Cultural Arts Center (7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring) and runs through March 17. Visit uprooteddance.com for future showtimes and to purchase tickets.

PHILIPPINO CULTURE

Get acquainted with Filipino artist Alfonso Ossorio's homeland Thursday evening at the Phillips Collection (1600 21st St. NW). "From the Philippines to the Phillips" is part of the Phillips After 5 series, a unique mix of art and entertainment every first Thursday of the month. The museum has collaborated with the Embassy of the Philippines to bring you several informal gallery talks on the life of Ossorio, a traditional dance performance by the University of Maryland Filipino Cultural Association Dance Troupe, Filipino folk music by students from the Northern Virginia Rondalla and a fashion show by designer Cathy Ebrada-Cleveland.

Food and drinks will be offered throughout the evening. Phillips After 5 is always a popular event, so we recommend you reserve your spot now at phillipscollection.org. Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for seniors 62 and older and students.