Nevada City, CA – The South Yuba River Citizens League recently concluded its 23rd annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, a prominent event dedicated to environmental and adventure cinema. The festival, which ran over five days in Nevada City and Grass Valley, drew an international crowd of attendees and showcased a wide range of films, including 14 world premieres and numerous U.S. and California premieres.
This year’s festival not only offered a robust lineup of films but also included interactive workshops, expert panels, art exhibitions, and virtual reality experiences, making it a vibrant hub for filmmakers and environmental activists alike. An EnviroFair, scavenger hunt, and a closing wrap party with live performances further enriched the attendee experience.
The festival’s film jury, comprised of distinguished personnel from various prestigious institutions such as the Crocker Art Museum, Banff Mountain Film Festival, and the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, deliberated over the entries to announce this year’s winners. The selection process, led by Festival Director Eric Dunn and Lead Programmer Lívia Campos de Menezes, culminated in awards across multiple categories including Best of Festival, Spirit of Activism, and Most Inspiring Adventure Film.
In a special segment of the festival, awards were also decided by specific groups: the Student Filmmaker Award and the John de Graaf Award for Environmental Filmmaking were selected by the festival director, while a Kid’s Jury, led by co-founder Janet Cohen, chose the Best Children’s Film. Additionally, festival attendees were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite film, resulting in the People’s Choice Award.
Among the notable winners were “The Memory of Darkness, Light, and Ice”, which took home the John de Graaf Environmental Filmmaking Award, and “Mollie’s Pack”, awarded Best of Festival. The issue-focused “Wild at Heart – Wild Hope: Mission Impossible” garnered the Best in Theme Award, while “A Radical Thread” was celebrated with the People’s Choice Award.
The festival also recognized films that excelled in short form, adventure, and activist themes. “Obibini” won Best Short Film, “About Damn Time” clinched the Most Inspiring Adventure Film Award, and “Valve Turners” was honored with the Spirit of Activism Award. The depth and diversity of the films presented underscored the festival’s commitment to both the art of filmmaking and the imperative of environmental awareness.
As the curtains closed on this year’s edition, SYRCL expressed its gratitude toward the volunteers, attendees, and filmmakers whose contributions were pivotal in the festival’s success. The organization is already looking forward to next year’s event, scheduled for February 19-23, 2026, promising another enriching experience for the global environmental and cinema community.
Films from this year’s lineup are available for streaming until February 23 on the Wild & Scenic Film Festival website, offering a chance for those who missed attending in person to experience the inspiring narratives and visuals.
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