How to Festival

What is a film session?

This is a grouping of films and venues during the weekend. Wild & Scenic Film Festival has four sessions: Friday Evening, Saturday Morning & Afternoon, Saturday Evening, and Sunday Morning & Afternoon. When you buy a session pass you have access to all the venues open during that session. During any given session, there are 7 venues of films. Please note that most of the Special Events (including Saturday Morning Cartoons) require a SEPARATE ticket. They are NOT included with any of the film session passes or the Weekend Pass.

I really want to see a certain film. How can I make sure I get a seat?

Experienced film festival goers know that if there is a film you really want to see, get to that theater EARLY! Even if that film is playing in the middle or the end of a session, get there before the beginning of the session and stay there to make sure you get a seat.

Why can’t the festival guarantee me a seat at the film I want to see?

We can guarantee you a seat at one of the venues, but not at the one you may want. If you arrive at a venue that is full, please check with the volunteers at the door for available seating at other venues.

There are films I want to see playing at the same time. What should I do?

This year 60 films are screening more than one time. The majority of Sunday’s films are repeats. And if you still don’t see everything you want, check the SYRCL office’s Festival Film Library at the end of February to rent 2012 films (and films from years past).

How can I meet and talk with some of the guest filmmakers and speakers?

One of the coolest things about Wild & Scenic is meeting the great people behind the films. You’ll probably bump into them in one of the venues or around town, (look for their special badges) or you can meet some of them after sessions and at our fabulous Gala Event.

What are the workshops all about?

On Saturday and Sunday at the City Hall Activist Center, you can learn more about the issues presented in the films and how you can get involved. And if you are a budding filmmaker, learn the secrets of industry professionals! And did we mention, that the workshops are FREE to the public? Plus, at both Activist Center there will be booths representing local and national organizations, as well as local farms and food producers.

What if I fall in love with a film and want to share it with all my friends at home?

First of all, be sure to vote for it for the People’s Choice Award! And then, keep your eye out for filmmakers selling their films throughout the festival. And don’t forget about SYRCL’s Film Fest Library mentioned above.

Is there anything else to do?

GOSH YES! We have music, awards, workshops, food, wine and beer! There’s something for everyone. Check out the plethora of special events. Please note that the Wine Stroll, Gala Event, and Saturday Morning Cartoons require a separate pass.

And finally, the festival is called “Wild & Scenic”, yet most of the films are not really nature or wildlife films … why?

The film festival was named in honor of SYRCL’s successful campaign to achieve state Wild & Scenic status for 39 miles of the South Yuba River. That victory took many years, thousands of volunteer hours and dollars and grassroots democracy on the river and at the Capitol. The film festival was born out of that spirit, and it continues to be an event that celebrates and inspires activism.

MORE FESTIVAL HINTS:

  • Traveling to Nevada County? Check out www.nevadacitychamber.com & www.grassvalleychamber for lodging. For more about Nevada County & Nevada City go to our getting here section.
  • Please carpool! Check out http://wildscenic.erideshare.com/ (password: filmfest) to find or share a ride.
  • Bring a chair pad.
  • Bring your own water bottle and coffee cup (the festival does not sell bottled water).
  • Bring extra cash to buy films, festival memorabilia, plus food & drinks.
  • While in Nevada County, be sure to try the many fabulous restaurants and visit the great shops!
  • Be sure to say thanks to the hundreds of volunteers working this weekend – they work long hours to make this event successful!