SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival unveils 2025 theme + announces call for film submissions

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival (WSFF), produced by the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), has announced its call for film submissions for its 23rd annual event, to take place Feb. 13-23, 2025, in Nevada City and Grass Valley, CA.  

Film submissions opened on May 9. The 23rd annual festival welcomes the submission of shorts and features about nature, community activism, conservation, intentional adventure, health, water, energy, climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, food, and farming. While all relevant film submissions are welcomed, WSFF always appreciates when there are ties to the annual theme, which, in 2025, will be “Wild at Heart.”   

“The 2025 theme of ‘Wild at Heart’ speaks to the power of wild places to spark inspiration, compassion, and understanding of the world around us. Wild is a natural state, particularly for this festival,” notes Festival Director, Eric Dunn.  

With a nod to the festival’s namesake, created in celebration of SYRCL’s landmark victory to earn “Wild & Scenic” status for 39 miles of the South Yuba River, the 2025 theme encourages us all to work to stay wild in ways that enrich us and our surroundings.  The theme also embraces a multitude of meanings of “heart”.  

“It champions ‘heart’ as courage or enthusiasm for the environment, and the work each one of us can do to help protect it. The theme is also an homage to heart being the center and the way in which the Wild is central to all wellbeing, from biodiversity around the globe to that feeling we get exploring special places, wherever we may find them,” Dunn continued.  

WSFF is excited for all the wild and heartfelt ways in which we will gather and celebrate the earth and its inhabitants in 2025! 

After the flagship festival in February, WSFF goes On Tour around the country to help others embrace the sense of “Wild at Heart” in over one hundred communities with its informative and inspirational programming.  

The “Early Bird” deadline for film submissions is July 14th, with a final deadline of September 20th. Submit early to take advantage of discounted pricing.  

Learn more and submit your film at www.WildAndScenicFilmFestival.org  

HEADER PHOTO BY KATHY TRIOLO