Belonging: Finding a Sense of Belonging Through the Land Artist Ruth Chase and wilderness skills expert Rick Berry will lead an open discussion on how we find our sense of belonging through the land we share. Ruth is working with Rick to better understand the dynamic teachings and philosophies of living as one with the earth.

For decades, Earthjustice has have been fending off attacks on the Alaskan Arctic. In 2016, they won a huge victory: President Obama withdrew the vast majority of the Arctic from future oil and gas leasing. Now, president Trump wants to undo those protections, imperiling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other undeveloped wilderness areas that conservationists have long fought to protect. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as climate scientists have found that burning untapped reserves will make it impossible to limit temperature rises below levels that carry dangerous consequences. Join Earthjustice for an overview of their fight to keep the Arctic’s oil in the ground.

Join Camilla Fox, Project Coyote Founder and Executive Director (and Director and Producer of KILLING GAMES ~ Wildlife In The Crosshairs, a 2018 Official Selection) and Dan Flores, best-selling author (Coyote America), and Project Coyote Ambassador, for a discussion focused on the human relationship to one of North America’s most controversial native wild icons, the Coyote—a species both revered and maligned by different cultures, and one that has withstood centuries of intense and targeted persecution.

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is proud to work with many amazing organizations that are devoted to protecting the earth and its inhabitants, and creating sustainability for all. Large and small, hometown groups and ones with international scope, you’ll find them here! We host our annual Enviro Fair to let all of these important organizations showcase their work and inform us about how we can engage in a meaningful way.

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is proud to work with many amazing organizations that are devoted to protecting the earth and its inhabitants, and creating sustainability for all. Large and small, hometown groups and ones with international scope, you’ll find them here! We host our annual Enviro Fair to let all of these important organizations showcase their work and inform us about how we can engage in a meaningful way.

We are entering a new era of water. Climate change, population growth, ground water depletion and other impacts necessitate that we rethink how we use and manage water. Agriculture accounts for about 80% of water use in our region. What is the future of water use and access for farmers and ranchers in the foothills? What are our vulnerabilities and what are the opportunities? At this workshop you will learn from experts in the field of water and agriculture about best practices for agriculturalists and water agencies.

Take home a few bottles of wine as your fest souvenir or win a raft trip in Chile! The wine auction features selections from dozens of wineries. Can't wait until the end? No worries—you can “take it away” for a pre-set price. Pay for your winnings at the Miners Foundry Bar. Friday, 5pm through Saturday, 7pm, Miners Foundry. Wine generously provided by our partners at Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.

Meet filmmakers and activists in the Wild & Scenic Media Lounge hosted by Elisa Parker of See Jane Do, a social change multi-media organization. The Media Lounge is THE place for up-to-date information, photos on the green carpet, exclusive interviews with special guests, and meet and greets with some of your WSFF favorites. Enjoy free WiFi and a comfortable setting to meet, connect, and network. (And enjoy a glass of our local wine!) Plus, join us live on 89.5 FM starting with the opening reception. And we are streaming live on the WSFF FB page.

Always a festival favorite - for kids of all ages! The kids films are: Imagination: Tom Wallisch (5min), Dragging 235 lbs Uphill Both Ways (8min), Prescription Strength Convenience (2min), Wild Inheritance (16min), TenkaraKid (5min), Under the Sea Debris (4min), Not Mine, Ours (3min), Norma’s Story (6min) and My Irnik (15min). Check out our program for film descriptions,

Meet filmmakers and activists in the Wild & Scenic Media Lounge hosted by Elisa Parker of See Jane Do, a social change multi-media organization. The Media Lounge is THE place for up-to-date information, photos on the green carpet, exclusive interviews with special guests, and meet and greets with some of your WSFF favorites. Enjoy free WiFi and a comfortable setting to meet, connect, and network. (And enjoy a glass of our local wine!) Plus, join us live on 89.5 FM starting with the opening reception. And we are streaming live on the WSFF FB page.

Carbon Nation director Peter Byck has spent the last 4 years filming innovative ranchers focused on regenerating their soils first, growing grass second, and producing healthy food third. Could these ranchers be storing enough CO2 in their soils to help slow climate change? Byck has helped form a team of scientists to find out how grazing can regenerate soils, drawdown CO2, increase biodiversity, improve animal well-being and help ranchers make a good living. Join Byck for a luncheon of short films and conversation about his team’s research & what scientists can learn from leading ranchers.

Tim Palmer will present a slide show based on his new book, Wild and Scenic Rivers: An American Legacy, presenting an illuminating portrait of America’s premier river protection program. He will reveal the history and consider the future of the Wild and Scenic system as he showcases spectacular photos from California and nationwide. Plenty of time will be allotted to discussion of this vital initiative and the challenges ahead. Tim is the author and photographer of 25 books about rivers and adventure travel. As a writer, citizen conservationist, and environmental planner he has been involved in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system since its founding. See www.timpalmer.org.

Join Hall Newbegin, Founder and Chief Wilderness Perfumer of Juniper Ridge, for a hike along Nevada City's Tribute Trail. You'll learn what it means to be a wilderness perfumer, how Juniper Ridge sustainably harvests fragrance ingredients, and why defending our wild places is so important. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, and clothes that can get dirty. Hall's Instagram isn't @crawlonwetdirt for nothing!

Participants will create a group art installation in nature. No experience needed! An outdoor land art workshop with Nevada County Arts Council Artist-in-Residence, Ruth Chase. Create an environmental group art installation outdoors to communicate a sense of belonging. No art experience needed! All materials are provided. Bring: water bottle, good walking shoes, hat/sunscreen, work gloves, notebook, camera optional.

Zach Collier and the guides from Northwest Rafting Company are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by exploring all 58 of Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Rivers. Since the beginning of 2017 they have visited 29 of them and Zach will share photos and videos from each one. This workshop will also discuss the nuts and bolts of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Spillway failures at Oroville Dam in February 2017 caused the largest mandatory evacuation in U.S. history, compelled interest in the maintenance and management of water infrastructure, and raised questions regarding the risks and benefits of large dams in a time of extreme climate. This workshop will feature a panel of experts from four environmental organizations who will dissect the Oroville incident and “point positive” with a list of recommendations for improved infrastructure, updated reservoir management, multi-benefits floodplain and river projects for a healthy local community.

Youth from around the country have filed a constitutional climate change lawsuit against the US federal government. Join youth plaintiffs from the lawsuit, Christi Cooper, the filmmaker documenting the case, and Meg Ward, Our Children’s Trust Communications and Youth Engagement Director, in an interactive workshop for youth of all ages. We will address the importance of storytelling in film, the power of sharing your story with your local representatives and in the courts, and how youth of all ages can assert their rights and use their voice. Learn about your constitutional rights, the importance of citizen democracy, and how to use your voice for the better good of your country. Geared toward youth (of all ages!).

Be the first to learn of the award-winning films! Limited seating. First come, first served. Enjoy Barefoot Bubbly from Barefoot Winery and cake. See pages 22 - 23 in our program for information on our award selection and jury. Sunday midday ticket or Festival Pass required.

The WorldBeat Music Ensemble is a group of artists performing original music based on traditional rhythms and instruments from around the world. Instruments include hand drums, cello, ethnic flutes, and marimba. Performances can include dancers and a multimedia presentation.

For far too long people of color have been fighting for the environment with very little mention of their contributions. The time has come to change that, but we need meaningful partnerships with outdoor retailers and major companies to be more inclusive of the narrative. Join Teresa Baker, Founder at African American Nature and Parks Experience, Scott Briscoe, Patagonia Environmental Grants Coordinator and Glenn Nelson, Founder of The Trail Posse, to discuss how to bring people of color into the discussion and work around the environment and how corporations can help by including faces of color in their marketing campaigns, on their boards and in decision making roles within their companies.

Local, statewide and national legislation is often the key to successful social change and environmental protection. In this workshop we will focus on how a solutions-oriented, consistently respectful, and non-partisan approach can create a broad, sustainable foundation for legislative action across all geographic regions and political inclinations. By building upon shared values rather than partisan divides, and empowering citizen lobbyists, we can make significant progress toward the adoption of fair, effective, and sustainable environmental policies and climate solutions. Join Elyce Klein, Jennifer Wood, and Jerry Hinkle all with Citizens Climate Lobby. Citizens Climate Lobby has used a methodology based on respect, appreciation, and gratitude to successfully help establish the House Climate Solutions Caucus where Republicans and Democrats are now working together to craft bipartisan climate legislation. Learn how you can use these same principles to harness grassroots efforts for change.

The San Juan Ridge Tapestry Project is a community art project to illustrate the history and landscape of the local San Juan Ridge. Community members will demonstrate the tapestry techniques and discuss the process and materials used in creating this unique community art treasure.

Community Drum Circles are an open and improvisational experience. Learn rhythms, while having the opportunity to freely express yourself!!! A great program for leadership development and team building. Applicable for corporate to tribal environments. Fun for all ages.

The Public String Band is anchored by David Carroll and James Pritchett. Both are regulars at the Ol Republic Bluegrass Jam, and the rest of the band is drawn from the red-hot jammers that rotate through the Bluegrass Jam. You never know who might pop up as a member for a show.

Meet artist, naturalist and author of the California Field Atlas, Obi Kaufmann. Obi has spent his life walking and painting the California backcountry. It has all recently paid off with the publication of his book, the California Field Atlas. The lavishly illustrated atlas reverentially describes the natural world of California with hundreds of handpainted maps and wildlife renderings. Full of character and color, a bit larger than life, The California Field Atlas s the ultimate road trip and love letter to a place.

Hear from front-line activists using direct action to intervene in the climate crisis. Catch the film Valve Turners (Saturday afternoon, GV Oddellows or Sunday morning, Vets Hall) and then join some of the activists for discussion on climate direct action and using criminal court cases for systemic change. Activists are currently facing felony trials for tar sands pipeline shutdowns.

Claire Fraser is a proud Nevada city native and is in her freshman year at Nevada Union high school. Claire plays piano and guitar, She is also a singer/songwriter who has performed at showcases, restaurants, fundraisers, festivals and the growers market. Claire is thrilled to support SYRCL as the Yuba River is dear to her.

The film Redefining Prosperity in this year’s festival shows how the fight to save the beautiful Yuba River helped unite the Nevada City community. Can it unite a polarized country? Doug Tompkins, founder of North Face and Esprit, once said that “If anything can save the world, I’d put my money on beauty.” The And Beauty for All campaign seeks to bring Americans together to create, protect and preserve beautiful places to live, work and play, by restoring our environment and revitalizing our communities. Join film producer John de Graaf and Nevada City councilmember Reinette Senum to learn about the campaign, what you can do in your community and why many communities and campuses will be celebrating And Beauty for All Day on October 2, 2018.

Did you know that the cities of the Sierra Nevada are working to transition to 100% renewable energy? Join Jenny Hatch, Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Alliance; Nick Exline with South Lake Tahoe 100% Renewables Committee; and Don Rivenes with the Nevada City 100% Renewables Committee to learn about these monumental transitions slated to be implemented across the region by 2050.

Meet filmmakers and activists in the Wild & Scenic Media Lounge hosted by Elisa Parker of See Jane Do, a social change multi-media organization. The Media Lounge is THE place for up-to-date information, photos on the green carpet, exclusive interviews with special guests, and meet and greets with some of your WSFF favorites. Enjoy free WiFi and a comfortable setting to meet, connect, and network. (And enjoy a glass of our local wine!) Plus, join us live on 89.5 FM starting with the opening reception. And we are streaming live on the WSFF FB page.

Scott's music is a unique style which was influenced by a wide range of musicians and styles. Through guitar, vocals, and handpan, he takes listeners on an eclectic journey of sound. Scott has traveled around the world gaining insight and sharing his light and music with all he encounters.

Take home a few bottles of wine as your fest souvenir or win a raft trip in Chile! The wine auction features selections from dozens of wineries. Can't wait until the end? No worries—you can “take it away” for a pre-set price. Pay for your winnings at the Miners Foundry Bar. Friday, 5pm through Saturday, 7pm, Miners Foundry. Wine generously provided by our partners at Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.

Those who attended the 2017 Late-Night Dance Party will tell you this event is NOT to be missed. In an effort to keep up with our growing number of party animals, this year’s event boasts a new venue with larger capacity, and an exclusive SUPERSIZE set by returning musical stylist and Nevada City favorite, YoHm. Yosef Stone, YoHm, has a knack for taking timeless classics infusing them and with his signature Nevada City style. This event SOLD OUT last year so be sure to grab your tickets well in advance! Ages 21 & over. Tickets $10/ $15 at the door.