Contact
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
313 Railroad Ave. Suite 101
Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: (530) 265-5961
Fax: (530) 265-6232
Staff
Eric Dunn, Festival Director (530) 265-5961 ext. 223
Growing up in the Midwest, Eric’s love of nature and waterways was established early at a summer camp with a focus on extended wilderness tripping in the north woods. After crafting his own unique degree at The Ohio State University, Eric began his professional career with over a decade of experience managing and booking musicians at high-profile events around the globe. Following years of life in the Midwest he relocated to the Nevada City region in 2012. Prior to Wild & Scenic, Eric was the owner & manager of an award-winning essential oils and aromatherapy products company with his wife. Eric brings with him to Wild & Scenic a deep well of experience in operations and logistics, event production, marketing, and sales. Eric has been a member of the WSFF team since 2019, starting as an On Tour Coordinator and working a variety of roles over the past five years before moving into the Festival Director role in April 2024.
Today Eric continues to be an avid outdoorsman. He is an enthusiastic photographer, especially long exposure, astrophotography, and exploring the use of instant film. He enjoys sharing his vision and the natural beauty of our earth to help connect others in appreciation and gratitude for the natural world. In his spare time, Eric enjoys getting outside and exploring the region with his wife & dogs in a variety of ways including hiking, camping, canoeing, skiing, & soaking in hot springs.
Michael Huth, On Tour Manager (530) 265-5961 ext. 230
Michael grew up immersed in the marshes and woodlands of Southern Wisconsin, where a lifelong love for nature took root. He earned a BFA in Marketing and Business Administration in Milwaukee before heading to Southern California to work in the entertainment industry. Over the years, he held roles as a talent agent, business affairs manager, and producer, honing his talent for connecting people and driving growth across organizations.
Eventually, Michael’s path led him away from Hollywood and into the Sierra Nevada, where his passion for environmental impact work took hold. Witnessing rapid changes to the natural places he loved, he pivoted to focus on building bridges between industries, advancing sustainable initiatives, and community-driven solutions that foster environmental stewardship.
Michael is certified in Natural Building and Permaculture Design and is an active LIFT Economy alumnus. Outside of work, he’s often found working on his six-acre property in Nevada City, serving on the board of a local theater company, or exploring thrift shops for hidden gems.
Rebecca Walters, On Tour Coordinator & Programmer
Rebecca received her BFA in filmmaking from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. As a social impact filmmaker, coordinator, guest artist, and festival agent she has worked for the Sundance Institute, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and Stowe Story Labs. Her work has screened at universities across the country and has premiered at several film festivals including the Austin Film Festival, Sidewalk Film Festival, Cucalorus Film Festival, and Ivy Film Festival. When Rebecca isn’t writing, directing or advocating for change, you can find her hiking in the mountains, or dancing on a beach somewhere!
Valentín Mera, Operations Manager (530) 265-5961
Born in Quito, Ecuador to a Peruvian mother, Valentín was raised across Mexico, Peru, Switzerland, and the United States—an upbringing that shaped his global outlook and cultural adaptability. With over two decades of experience in operations, production, management and creative strategy, Valentín has held leadership roles within major media and entertainment networks, including Viacom, Netflix, and Telemundo. His segment La Transformación de Valentín Mera for NBC Telemundo was nominated for an Emmy, a recognition of both his storytelling vision and commitment to authentic representation.
After years of working and traveling internationally, Valentín has happily relocated to Nevada County to be closer to family and build a rooted life in this beautiful community. In his current role as Operations Manager, he brings a unique blend of logistical precision, creative insight, and organizational leadership to drive impactful work from concept to completion.
Valentín is also affiliated with Sony Music and The Orchard, contributing as a songwriter and producer for music placed in films and streaming series—an extension of his lifelong passion for music and media. On weekends, he enjoys composing, cooking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region alongside his four beloved dogs.
Chryssa McAnelly, Social Media and Marketing Assistant
Chryssa grew up in Nevada County and always admired the beauty around her. She enjoys going on hikes and exploring new places with her friends and family. Chryssa is currently working toward an AA in Business which sparked her interest in marketing. Since joining SYRCL, she has developed a better understanding and appreciation for what they do, and she is thrilled to learn more in her time here. In her free time, you can find her baking, painting, listening to music, or hanging out with her friends.
Aaron Zettler-Mann, SYRCL Executive Director
Aaron grew up swimming and playing in the creeks and rivers near his coastal home in a small town in Humboldt County. Predictably, he found his way to working as a raft guide. He was a raft guide on rivers throughout the Sierra Nevada for nearly ten years.
Predictably, he found his way to working as a raft guide. He was a raft guide on rivers throughout the Sierra Nevada for nearly ten years, and even met his wife (also a guide) while working on the South Fork of the American. In addition to guiding, Aaron worked ski patrol and construction. After many years playing and working seasonally, the future began to call.Aaron is a Geographer at heart. He has completed three degrees in Geography; a BA at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a MA at the University of Denver, and a PhD at the University of Oregon. His academic training and research are in fluvial geomorphology and remote sensing. Aaron has taught a variety of courses including remote sensing, geomorphology, climatology, and geographic information systems. In addition, he has been involved in river research projects across the western US, and internationally. Aaron’s drive to protect and improve the health of the West’s watersheds led him to SYRCL.
Initially Aaron was SYRCL’s Watershed Science Director. In 2023, he became SYRCL’s Executive Director. When not working, Aaron can almost certainly be found outdoors playing on the water with his wife. Whitewater kayaking and rafting, skiing, surfing, and mountain biking keep Aaron busy year-round. Aaron also enjoys cooking and baking.
