23rd Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival: A Family-Friendly Extravaganza in Nevada City
NEVADA CITY, CA — The 23rd annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, hosted by the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), is set to run from February 13 to February 17, 2025. This year’s festival promises an array of engaging programming designed to entertain viewers of all ages. From family-oriented film sessions to educational workshops and interactive activities, the festival aims to foster a deeper connection to nature and environmental issues.
Among the highlighted events is the “Wild Child” film session scheduled for Saturday, February 15, at the Del Oro Theatre in Grass Valley. This special hour-and-a-half showcase will feature a curated selection of short films and a feature-length film suitable for both children and adults. Included in the lineup is the short film Freya, which portrays a 9-year-old girl exploring her neurodiversity through a passion for climbing, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. Another touching film, Cactus Hotel, narrates the whimsical life of a Saguaro cactus alongside its unique animal inhabitants.
In addition to cinematic presentations, the festival will include hands-on workshops designed to inspire creativity among youth. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own stop-motion short films, showcasing their artistic creations to an audience. For those seeking a more traditional artistic outlet, renowned filmmaker Max Romey will lead a watercolor painting excursion, coinciding with the screening of his film Footprints on Katmai, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, at 2:30 PM.
Engagement with art continues through the “Big Fly Big Fish” exhibition by artist Kevin Byrd, which will be displayed across various venues in Nevada City and Grass Valley. This unique exhibit blends the worlds of art and fly-fishing, utilizing unconventional materials such as household items to create large-scale fishing lures and assemblages, appealing to both art lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Another exciting feature of the festival is the Virtual Reality Lounge, which will be available on February 15 and 16. Presented by Wildlife Protection Solutions, this immersive experience will allow attendees to engage with captivating wildlife footage, bringing global nature experiences directly to them. Notably, access to the virtual reality experiences will be free of charge.
Moreover, the EnviroFair, taking place on Saturday and Sunday in downtown Nevada City, will serve as an educational hub. Attendees will have the chance to interact with numerous organizations dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. Here, families can participate in a scavenger hunt conducted by Earthjustice, with prizes available for participants.
As one of the premier environmental and adventure film festivals in the United States, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival blends outstanding film artistry with a commitment to environmental advocacy. The festival features a diverse range of award-winning films that cover critical topics such as conservation, community activism, and wildlife protection, while also inspiring attendees to take actionable steps towards sustainability.
Tickets and passes for the 2025 Wild & Scenic Film Festival are available for purchase at WSFF.eventive.org. This event not only promises entertainment but also aims to educate and inspire guests to become advocates for the environment and their communities.
