NEVADA CITY, CALIF. January 12, 2018 – Whether you’re looking for awe-inspiring films that offer close-up views of the wildest rivers and highest peaks around the world, or you want to become more proactive in protecting the earth, the 16th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival is the place to be.
The festival will showcase 135 environmental and adventure films at venues throughout historic Nevada City and Grass Valley, Calif., on Jan. 11-15.
Nearly 7,500 people are expected to attend the film festival, including 2,000 local students who will attend environmental film screenings as part of their school curriculum.
In addition to its award-winning films and 10 world premieres, the event draws people of all ages with its immersive experiences—including advocacy workshops, an environmental fair, music, art and opportunities to meet top filmmakers and environmental activists.
“Beyond the films’ dramatic images and stories, there is a call to action,” said Melinda Booth, festival director and executive director of the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), which produces the festival. “Seeing how people across the globe honor and protect the planet inspires others to do the same in their own communities.”
The theme of this year’s event—the largest environmental film festival of its kind—is Groundswell. “Our goal is to encourage environmental awareness and action from the ground up,” said Booth.
“Just as SYRCL is fighting to stop the Centennial Dam from being built on the Bear River, every community has its own struggles,” she said. “At Wild & Scenic we aim to provide the inspiration and tools that people need to get involved and protect their hometown rivers and landscapes.”
Free workshops will explore topics such as youth involvement in environmental activism, the future of agriculture, and the wild and scenic rivers system.
For those looking to take a break from films and head outside, there’s a field trip to the Yuba River and a guided hike along Nevada City’s Tribute Trail, as well as an opportunity to participate in an environmental group art installation. There will also be a multi-venue art exhibition, family-friendly 3-D films, a community art project and a late-night dance party.
The full program and schedule are on the Wild & Scenic Film Festival website:https://www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/festival/schedule-at-a-glance/
The Yuba Bus shuttle will provide free transportation between Nevada City and Grass Valley on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes.
Tickets to the Wild & Scenic Film Festival are available online at https://www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/tickets-2018 and can be purchased from 12-5 p.m. Monday – Friday at the SYRCL office at 313 Railroad Avenue, Suite 101, Nevada City. Beginning Friday, January 12, they will be available at Festival Headquarters at 315 Commercial St. in Nevada City.
See the 2018 film trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qRGvJDOU_Y
ABOUT THE 2018 WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL
Considered the nation’s largest environmental and adventure film festival of its kind, the 16th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival combines stellar filmmaking, cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire and ignite solutions to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for generations to come. Festival-goers are treated to a wide variety of award-winning films, including those about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy, wildlife, and environmental justice. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is hosted and produced by South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) at several venues in Nevada City and Grass Valley, Calif., from Jan. 11 –15, 2018. For more information, visit WildandScenicFilmFestival.org