Fourth Annual Representation Matters Film Festival Commences September 27

Peninsula Open Space Trust and Wild & Scenic Film Festival Host the 4th Annual Representation Matters Film Festival 

The free outdoor festival showcases inspiring films on the outdoors highlighting diverse voices

PALO ALTO, Calif. — (September 03, 2025)  —

Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), the nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all, today announced the fourth annual Representation Matters Film Festival: Voices of Adventure. The event will be held outdoors on Saturday, September 27, at Devil’s Canyon Brewing Co. in San Carlos, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. PDT. The festival will also be available to stream online from September 27 – October 5 with free registration.

The festival features eight short films from the Wild & Scenic Film Festival library, highlighting diverse voices in the outdoors and exploring themes of recreation, activism and belonging. Attendees will enjoy free pizza and the opportunity to connect with local environmental groups. Drinks will be available for purchase.

“Every year, the Representation Matters Film Festival reminds us of how nature truly connects us all,” said Megan Nguyen, community events manager at POST and festival organizer. “As we enter our fourth year, we’re proud to continue creating space where people of all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the natural world, feel a sense of belonging, and be inspired to connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways.” 

The film festival is presented in partnership with Grassroots Ecology, Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance, Bay Area Ridge Trail, Canopy , Latino Outdoors, Things That Creep, Climate Resilient Communities and Saved by Nature.

 The complete list of short films included in the festival is available here. 

 Highlights include:

“Judy’s Creek – Discovering the Secret Life Of the Streambed” Discover the fascinating world of caddisflies—nature’s own aquatic architects—through the eyes of ecologist, educator, and author Dr. Judy Li. Inspired by a spark of childhood wonder, Judy built a career in freshwater science and now brings that same excitement to audiences of all ages, sharing the beauty and joy of exploring the natural world.

“Mother River” After reaching her professional goals in corporate America on the East Coast, Devin realized that path wasn’t where her heart belonged. Drawn back to her childhood connection with paddling and the natural world, she moved to Minnesota to pursue a bold dream: becoming the first Black woman to kayak the entire Mississippi River. Along the way, Devin has faced significant obstacles, from navigating the realities of being a minority in the paddling community to balancing the responsibilities of single motherhood. Yet, she continues to find strength and direction by listening to the river and letting it guide her journey.

“Between the Lines” This film offers a heartfelt meditation on connection—to water, to fish, and to one’s most authentic self. For Alex Obregon, rivers have been a constant presence throughout his life. His time as a raft guide opened the door to fly fishing through the rush of whitewater and deepened his reverence for everything a river sustains.

This is a free outdoor event. Advance registration is required. Register HERE. 

Children and well-behaved pets are welcome. Those who cannot attend in person can watch virtually from September 27 – October 5, accessible with registration.  

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About the Peninsula Open Space Trust
POST protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. As a private nonprofit land trust, POST has been responsible for saving more than 93,000 acres since its founding in 1977. POST works with private landowners and public agencies to create a network of protected lands so that present and future generations may benefit from the careful balance of rural and urban landscapes that makes our region extraordinary. Visit openspacetrust.org for more information.

About Wild & Scenic Film Festival

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival, produced by the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), is a festival by activists for activists, dedicated to inspiring environmental action and a love for nature through the power of film. Held annually in Nevada City, California, and Grass Valley, California, this five-day event showcases over 100 films, workshops, talks by visiting filmmakers and activists, family-friendly programs, art exhibitions, and more. As SYRCL’s largest annual fundraiser, the festival supports efforts to recover California’s wild salmon and protect the Yuba River watershed. Additionally, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival goes On Tour, reaching over 120 communities each year to generate funds and raise awareness for grassroots environmental causes around the world. Save the date for our 24th edition, February 19-23, 2026. Learn more at wildandscenicfilmfestival.org.