Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival: On Tour Now + Deadline for Entries 9/29
by George Spyros, New York City, USA on 09.22.07
The South Yuba River Citizen’s League (SYRCL, pronounced ‘circle’) started the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival as a fund-raiser in 2003. The festival’s namesake is in honor of SYRCL’s successful lobbying to gain for the Yuba River in 1999 "Wild & Scenic status" (the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2008. The Act, championed signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson protects the free-flowing waters of US rivers). Going into its sixth year, the home festival features over 110 films, 60 guest speakers and over 3000 attendees. You've still got until September 29th to enter your film. Also the the festival tour going on right now brings together the best of the home festival’s films in a three-hour program. Check for tour dates in your area here as there are currently almost 50 venues nationwide. Festival organizers are always looking for enviro groups to host venues as a way to outreach into their communities, so if you're interested contact the fest. More on the W&SFF and its namesake legislation below the fold.
Whether it is the struggle for environmental justice, information on renewable energy or an educational tale about an endangered species, the films expose people to forward-thinking ideas and global awareness. The organizers have chosen films that not only highlight the concerns but provide solutions, reaching people through beautiful imagery like the sweeping landscapes of the Tallgrass Prairie or the grandeur of the Himalayan Rivers. Watch trailers of the films and see for yourself. We'll be bringing you daily video clips throughout the coming week.
Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Congress declares that the established national policy of dams and other construction at appropriate sections of the rivers of the United States needs to be complemented by a policy that would preserve other selected rivers or sections thereof in their free-flowing condition to protect the water quality of such rivers and to fulfill other vital national conservation purposes.
The Act purposefully strives to balance river development with permanent protection for the country's most outstanding free-flowing rivers. To accomplish this, the Act prohibits federal support for actions, such as the construction of dams or other instream activities, that would diminish the river's free flow or outstanding resource values. Designation neither prohibits development nor gives the federal government control over private property. The Act specifically:
• Prohibits dams and other federally assisted water resources projects that would adversely affect river values;
• Protects outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational values;
• Ensures water quality is maintained; and
• Requires the creation of a comprehensive river management plan that addresses resource protection, development of lands and facilities, user capacities, and other management practices necessary to achieve purposes of the Act.
via :: Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, Rivers.gov
HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED! This is the best film festival I have ever been too! The 3 full days of films left me educated about environmental issues AND inspired to get involved, locally and beyond. It takes place in this really cute historic Gold Rush town boosting great gourmet restaurants, art galleries and shops. I enjoyed taking a break from the films and participating in the wine stroll hosted by the festival. Not only did I get a commemorative wine glass but I was able to tour the quaint downtown area while tasting exquisite wines and chatting with other festival goers about all the powerful films we had seen. There were so many great events planned by the Wild & Scenic organizers (in addition to the films), it was like a 3-day celebration of environmental action!
The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival is a "must see" event. Wonderful films, wonderful speakers, all sorts of great events. If you're interested in the environmenta, you will definitely be inspired to act. Regular people making a difference. See you there!
As they say, this is a film festival by activists for activists. Great films that span the spectrum of environmental issues, both international and nationwide. Now the largest of its kind in North America. A key message is that environmental acitivism is and must be a global endeavor. Films for and by kids is a great component of the festival. Nevada City and the Sierra foothills in winter make for a really cozy venue location. Numerous speaker sessions offer firsthand perspectives. This event should not be missed.
Would love to see more venues across the country. What a great outreach tool for environmental, grassroots organizations. Film is a powerful medium. It makes people comfortable so they can learn about the issues effecting our planet and decide how they can get involed!
WOW! This is the "Sundance" of environmental film festivals. The films are spectacular and they all leave you with the empowering feeling that we all can make a difference. And I love the festival staff - they love what they do and it shows!