'Films featured at Wild & Scenic give people a sense of place,' said Tour Manager Lori Van Laanen. 'In our busy lives, it's easy to get disconnected from our role in the global ecosystem. When we realize that the change we need in this world begins with us we can start making a difference. Come watch and see!'
The watershed advocacy group South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) started Wild & Scenic Film Festival in 2003. The festival's namesake is in celebration of SYRCL's landmark victory to receive the 'Wild & Scenic' status for 39 miles of the South Yuba River in 1999. The national tour travels to over 100 communities nationwide and with the support of their national partners Patagonia, CLIF Bar, Sierra Nevada Brewing and Mother Jones the festival is reaching an even larger audience in tour venues coast to coast.
Approximately 12 award-winning films will be featured at COA and includes 'Chasing Water,' a 2011 film by Peter McBride, which takes an intimate look at the Colorado River watershed as he attempts to follow the irrigation water that sustains his family's ranch, down river to the sea. Following its path with an artistic aerial view this personal journey strives to bring understanding to one of the most loved and litigated rivers in the world. 'Dark Side of the Lens,' a 2010 film by Mikey Smith, documents one man's personal and heartfelt account of life as an ocean-based photographer. This short film takes you on an eerie, stunning and moving journey amongst the epic oceanic grandeur of Ireland's west coast. 'Second Nature: The Biomimicry Evolution' is set in South Africa and follows Time magazine "Hero of the Environment" Janine Benyus as she illustrates how emulating nature's best ideas can teach us to be more sustainable engineers, chemists, architects and business leaders.
The festival is a natural extension of COA's human ecological perspective, integrating knowledge from all academic disciplines and personal experiences to investigate and ultimately improve the relationships between human beings and their social and natural communities. Friends of Acadia's work to inspire people to act on behalf of their local environment through philanthropy, volunteerism, innovative leadership and advocacy make them an ideal partner for this event. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Friends of Acadia.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 per person for adults and $5 for children 18 and under. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
For more information contact Lauren Rupp at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (207) 801-5671; or Nick Jenei at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (207) 801-5672; or visit www.coa.edu or www.friendsofacadia.org.
