The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has announced the official screening of its 14th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival (WSFF). A production of the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), WSFF is a touring outreach event aimed at raising awareness of some of the biggest threats to human health and the health of the planet. These realities have come into sharp focus during the events of the recent past, giving the films even greater meaning in these uncertain times.
“This past year has been challenging. It has forced us to question our day-to-day lives and our reliance on the outside world,” says Allison Grazia, the Museum’s Manager of Public Engagement. “We hope these films can help further this important introspection and continue to illuminate the ways we’re all connected to each other and to the planet.”
The Museum will show 12 selections from the South Yuba River Citizens League’s 2021 films, including inspiring pieces about farmers and urban beekeepers, Great Lakes conservationists, and a new generation of brave women rangers and scientists.
In Celebration of Open Space will kick off the festival, asking viewers what the concept of “open spaces” means to them. Rounding out the first half of the event is the thought-provoking
The Fight for Flight, which follows the epic journey of migratory birds over the Great Lakes and the ways environmentalists are working to understand and protect them along the way. Later on, viewers will join a family—with toddler in tow—on their adventures through nature in
Wild Toddler Chronicles: Legacy. Wrapping up the event is
Paradise, which finds an unlikely environmentalist standing between Yellowstone National Park and an industrial-scale gold mine.
In-person showings will be held on Friday, October 1, at 6:30pm and Saturday, October 2, at 2:30pm. The Friday showing will include a raffle and cash bar. A ticket option for virtual viewing is also available. All registrants for the film festival (both in-person and virtual) will receive on-demand access for five days after the premiere on Friday, October 1. Information on how to access the films will be provided to registrants closer to the premiere date.
This event is brought to you by presenting sponsor Appalachian Outfitters and national sponsors Peak Design, Earthjustice, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Klean Kanteen, and Hipcamp.