6th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival arrives to awe and inspire in Ventura tomorrow Friday March 13 and  Saturday March 14 at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Foothill Road in Ventura.

Hosted by the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, the film festival celebrates outdoor adventures and human interactions with nature–and serves as a membership drive. Join or renew at the $50 level and get four tickets to the show. Individual tickets are $10 each–if any are left.

Films range from two minute shorts to a 26 minute feature, with 21 films in all shown over both nights. Also on the bill is a film by a local, Maxwell Frank, who will be on hand to discuss his project with the audience.

Before the 7pm program of films, doors open at 6pm so you can enjoy information and swag from area conservation and outdoor recreation groups plus beer and wine from local breweries and wineries. Twp years ago I was pleased that they were pouring Ojai Vineyard’s red and white blend –one of my favorites. A plastic-free event, please bring a reusable glass for drinks, or they will be available for purchase at the festival.

Check out the Ventura Wild & Scenic Film 2015 Program [PDF] for a list and brief description of the films being shown each night.

THIS EVENT USUALLY SELLS OUT. But you might be able to pick up a spare ticket at the door. As much as I love the Poinsettia Pavilion and the view there, I think it’s time for a move to a better and bigger venue–perhaps Ventura College is calling?

In case you miss it, some of the films are available online. It’s not the same as ohhing and ahhing with others while watching on a big screen, but if the festival sells out or does not show anywhere near you, check out the program and search on line for these fine films including this one narrated by author Craig Childs (who actually WALKED to Burning Man one year and is a very good friend of our very good friend Charles Slosberg!)

And should the films inspire you to do some good, the Hillsides Conservancy invites you to a Ventura River Cleanup Saturday, March 21st from 9AM to noon between the 101 overpass and the railroad trestle behind the fairgrounds clearing garbage from the river and estuary and removing invasive plant species. Parking available at the free lot on the corner of Main and Peking or ride your bike. Wear closed toe shoes and long pants; tools and water provided. (Hmn does this sound like a good research project for my students perhaps?)