(October 2008)

When you think of environmentalism, do you envision granola bars, tree huggers, and, more recently, owners of hybrid or electric vehicles? If so, you might be surprised to see the changing face of sustainability enthusiasts: ranchers protecting rare fish species, city dwellers participating in local sustainable agriculture, and even kids speaking out on the issues that are important to them. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour will share these groundbreaking stories and encourage our community’s participation in other regional and global conservation movements.

The 2nd Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, presented by Patagonia and hosted by Tuleyome and the Sierra Club Yolano Group, brings together award-winning environmental short films in a spirit of inspiration and education. The guest speaker for the evening event will be Jim Etters, the Director of Land Management for the Rumsey Tribe’s Property and Farm Management program. Mr. Etters will discuss the Tribe’s sustainable farming practices and their new livestock management program. This year there will also be a special one-hour children’s matinee featuring films just for kids.

The second annual film festival will be showing at the Veteran’s Memorial Theatre in Davis at 203 E. 14th Street. The one-hour kid’s matinee starts at 4 pm and the two-hour evening show begins at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale at Armadillo Music at 205 F Street in Davis or call (530) 350-2599. If available, tickets will also be for sale at the door the night of the festival. Additional information can be found at www.tuleyome.org or motherlode.sierraclub.org/Yolano.

Sample of Evening Show at 7 PM

Fish and Cow - Rick Smith

The Big Hole Valley in Montana is home to one of the last surviving populations of the fluvial Arctic grayling. This film is a story about a group of dedicated ranchers and biologists finding common ground, trying to save this fish and preserve the ecological health of the Big Hole Valley itself.

Meat Jim - Madison Sheffield, Katie Heineman

Two college vegetarians think they can transform the eating habits of a local cowboy because it’s better for the earth, or so they think. But the vibrant vaquero has his own thoughts.

Fridays at the Farm - Richard Power Hoffman

Honorable Mention - Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Feeling disconnected from their food, a photographer/filmmaker and his family decide to join a community-supported organic farm. The filmmaker photographs the natural processes of food cultivation.

Black Mesa Trust - Channel G

For 30 years Peabody Coal Company has been withdrawing water from Arizona’s aquifers for a coal slurry line to California, leading to devastating effects on the environment, cultures, and well-being of the Hopi and Diné (Navajo) living on Black Mesa. The centuries-old cultures of the Hopi and Diné that depend so heavily upon the pristine aquifer for religious, cultural and day-to-day uses, are suffering.

Story of Stuff - Annie Leonard and Free Range Studios

Film that takes viewers on a provocative and eye-opening tour of the real costs of our consumer driven culture—from resource extraction to iPod incineration.

Sample of Children’s Program at 4 PM

Feed the Worms - Philip Hassan

Local students at Scotten School answer the question, “how can you help the environment?”

Hawaii Reef Etiquette – Ziggy Livnat

With the spirit of Aloha, learn how to enjoy, respect, and preserve the Hawaiian reefs. This PSA encourages action and shows viewers that one can make a difference. Best PSA, International Wildlife Film Festival.