Wild & Scenic Film Festival Highlights: Local’s Edition

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival has officially opened! We invite you to join us for our live virtual events, check out the films created by some of our community members, and explore our watershed during the rainy season.

Join us in the commencement of the 2022 Wild & Scenic Film Festival!

Art Reception and Awards Ceremony 

Every year, we receive submissions from artists far and wide. Determining the featured artists and art winners was a challenging feat, but we are proud to present a group of exceptional individuals who inspire activism through various artistic mediums. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet featured artists and art winners, chat with staff, curators, and learn more about the Art Exhibition and special art-related programs. Join us this Thursday, January 13th, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM PST via Zoom.

Virtual Welome Ceremony 

Support the opening ceremony of our 20th Anniversary and kick off the Wild & Scenic Film Festival with a bang! The Welcome Ceremony will feature opening remarks from Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribal Council member and spokesperson, Shelly Covert, Nevada County Executive Officer, Alison Lehman, and the SYRCL team. This is an opportunity to chat with filmmakers, staff, and WSFF friends about the most anticipated films and programs. You can join us this Friday, January 14th from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST via Zoom.

Film Awards Party 

Be the first to learn about filmmakers’ inspiration behind their films and the remarkable journey of translating that inspiration into an award-winning film. The Film Awards Party will be a fun hour of Q&A with filmmakers, film jury members, and other WSFF enthusiasts who, just like you, support our mission and believe in the power of film to inspire activism and create important change in the world. Join us on Friday, January 21st, from 6:00 to 700: PM PST via Zoom.

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Watch Films by Local Organizations

We are proud to feature films produced by local organizations, ‘Uba Seo, Sierra Harvest, and the Bear Yuba Land Trust whose work continues to inspire the community. You won’t want to miss these! 

‘Uba Seo

The ‘UBA SEO: Nisenan Arts and Culture gallery on 225 Broad Street, in Nevada City is hosting an in-person film screening from January 15th through the 16th.

Many River Cultures believe in Water Spirits who draw upon ancestral teachings of the rivers to guide their songs. This film provides a powerful visual and auditory experience in which Nisenan Culture Bearer, Shelly Covert, sings the story of Uba Seo and Rhyne River in her ancestral language. 

A donation of $5 per person is recommended and masks are required. There is a limited capacity of 5 people per screening, so reservations are required and can be booked here.

Sierra Harvest

Sierra Harvest’s Every Bite Counts tells the story of how Nevada County is at risk of losing the next generation of local farmers. With rising rates of childhood obesity and food insecurity, this film explores how the community comes together to create change for the good of all. A grassroots effort – through Sierra Harvest – supports beginning farmers, transforms school food, and keeps local produce out of the waste stream.

The Bear Yuba Land Trust

Open Spaces, Wild Places showcases the scenic beauty of the natural and working lands of California’s Yuba and Bear River watersheds, and highlights the essential conservation work currently underway by the Bear Yuba Land Trust to save these places forever. Facing constant threat of development and subdivision, the Land Trust is working to protect this unique and special place, from the blue oak woodlands, upstream to the pine forests in the Sierra high country. Using tools like conservation and trail easements, Bear Yuba Land Trust is partnering with landowners and leading the way on preservation and stewardship of lands, restoration in the face of climate change, supporting our local food systems, and connecting our community to nature on our trails and preserves. 

Explore Local Trails

Feel inspired to hit the trails in between film screenings? Use your intermission as an opportunity to stretch your legs and explore some of our favorite local hikes. 

The Cascade Canal Trail 

The Cascade Canal trail is a peaceful trail that runs parallel to a canal in a forest of Douglas firs and dogwoods. At 3,200’ elevation, this trail is a bit higher and cooler than most local trails (remnants of our most recent snowstorm can be found throughout the trail). Trail easements are held by the Bear Yuba Land Trust and its access points can be found here.

The Deer Creek Tribute Trail 

The Deer Creek Tribute trail travels alongside Deer Creek, a main tributary of the Yuba River, and is steeped in history and natural beauty. 

This trail features two bridges that commemorate the contributions of Chinese people during the gold rush and land acknowledgment of the Nisenan peoples. The two bridges cross Deer Creek in the rural area west of Nevada City: The Angkula Seo and Chinese Bridge. Discover the trail’s access points here.

Independence Trail East 

Managed by California State Parks, the Independence Trail East follows the gentle gradient of an old mining ditch and is wheelchair accessible for one mile. 

It offers occasional views of the South Yuba River Canyon and passes seasonal side streams and bogs. Along the trail are two picnic tables, several benches, and wooden bridges that have replaced historic flumes. Visit the South Yuba River State Park website for trail updates.