VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust’s annual benefit, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, returns for its 13th year on Saturday, August 20th at Ventura County Credit Union headquarters. This signature event raises funds each year to support Ventura Land Trust’s mission to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Film Festival doors open at 5:00 pm, and films begin around 7:45 pm. A virtual ticket option is available for guests who prefer to enjoy the Film Festival from home.
One of the largest environmental film festivals in North America, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival shares an urgent call to action, encouraging festival-goers to learn more about what they can do to save our threatened planet. For Ventura Land Trust, the festival fosters a deeper understanding of the connection we share with the planet and our role as stewards to keep it healthy.
Ventura Land Trust Executive Director Melissa Baffa is looking forward to the return of the family-friendly event. “The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is a fun gathering of like-minded, community- and Earth-centered individuals. My favorite part of the event every year is getting together with friends in a beautiful outdoor setting and enjoying the creative and inspiring art presented in the form of film, music, and tasty food and drink.”
Baffa also shared that the event raises vital operating funds for the land trust. “General operating funds are the lifeblood of a nonprofit organization. Everything about this event, from corporate sponsorship to ticket and beverage sales, helps raise those important funds for Ventura Land Trust.” Ventura Land Trust owns and manages the 2,123-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve in Ventura, and recently announced the permanent conservation of Mariano Rancho Preserve, 1,645 acres of land in the hills north of Ventura.
The 2022 film festival will feature nearly two hours of films, and food from local food trucks. New to the festival this year is another feature bound to raise even more money: a silent auction in addition to the festival’s traditional raffle.
Beer from Topa Topa Brewing Company, Rincon Brewery, and Ventura Coast Brewing Company will be available for sale, as well as wine. Live music from bands Fish Fry and The Vonettes will kick off the festivities. In the Ventura Vibe VIP Lounge, small bites from Himalaya Cuisine, Aloha Steakhouse, and Olive Branch Provisions, and others will be complemented by wine, beer, and a cocktail by Model Citizen.
A general admission film festival ticket is $40, with $5 children’s tickets available and teen’s tickets (13-17) available for $10. VIP tickets, which include special gift items and admission to the Ventura Vibe VIP Lounge, are $125. Visit www.venturalandtrust.org/wsff2022 for tickets.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Development Director Chris Chaleunrath at chris.chaleunrath@venturalandtrust.org for more information.
2022 Wild & Scenic Film Program
Trees (Ventura Land Trust)
Maneuvers
Finding Salmon
I am Cheo
Protecting the Monarch Butterfly
If You Give a Beach a Bottle
Shaba
Life in the Slow Lane
You Can’t Beat This Place for FUN!
INTERMISSION
The Bird Nerds of Mono Lane
Ghost Ponds
Vet in the Wild
The Voice of the River
One Star Review
The Fog of Big Sur
For film descriptions, visit www.venturalandtrust.org/wsff2022
About the Wild & Scenic Film Festival — The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) in 2003. The festival’s namesake is in celebration of SYRCL’s landmark victory to receive “Wild & Scenic” status for 39 miles of the South Yuba River in 1999. The 5-day event features over 150 award-winning films and welcomes over 100 guest speakers, celebrities, and activists who bring a human face to the environmental movement. The home festival kicks-off the international tour to communities around the globe, allowing SYRCL to share their success as an environmental group with other organizations. The festival is building a network of grassroots organizations connected by a common goal of using film to inspire activism. With the support of National Partners: Peak Design, Hipcamp, EarthJustice, Miir and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the festival can reach an even larger audience.
About Ventura Land Trust — The mission of Ventura Land Trust is to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, Ventura Land Trust believes that preserving open space and providing public access enhances the economy, quality of life, and public well-being of Ventura and surrounding communities. The organization currently owns and manages land along the Ventura River and in the Ventura hillsides, including the 2,100-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve and the 1,645-acre Mariano Rancho Preserve. All preserves are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk for free. Ventura Land Trust is an accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance.