The 2025 Wild & Scenic Film Festival Begins May 17

Wild Hope: Cougar Crossing – Los Angeles is famous for its celebrities, but when the fearless cougar P-22 made his home in the heart of the city, he became a symbol for wildlife conservation. His story inspired the creation of the world’s largest wildlife crossing and helped ignite a national movement to support wildlife corridors across the country.

Aldo’s Bug Extravaganza – Join 5-year-old Aldo and his dad on a backyard adventure brimming with tiny wonders and plenty of laughter. Equipped with a camera and an endless sense of curiosity, Aldo embarks on a bug-hunting journey, narrating his discoveries with infectious charm and humor. As the journey unfolds, Aldo’s wide-eyed explorations capture the audience’s imagination while subtly echoing the timeless insights of naturalist philosopher Aldo Leopold, creating a heartwarming celebration of nature’s smallest marvels.

The Fire Poppy – Fire is an essential and natural element  of our ecosystem, yet it is often feared as a destructive force threatening landscapes and communities. “The Fire Poppy” follows female firefighter Sasha Berleman as she navigates her complex relationship with fire. The short film explores her transformation—from initially seeing fire as a threat to cultivating a profound understanding and appreciation of it and ultimately recognizing its potential as a powerful tool for healing and protection.

Flora, Fauna, Funga – This short film follows mycologist Giuliana Furci as she embarks on a quest to discover new mushrooms in the remote regions of southern Chile. Alongside biologist and author Merlin Sheldrake and mycologist Toby Kiers, the trio explores how fungi, through nutrient cycling and their vital relationships with plants, serve as the foundation of every ecosystem on Earth. Together, they present a compelling case for incorporating fungi into conservation policy for a more holistic approach to ecosystem protection.

One Inch From Flying – A young climber navigates the challenges of modern life, finding balance and clarity through the art of walking highlines. As Kaj Pandey rigs and walks an alpine highline in Washington’s North Cascades, he celebrates the unique sense of equilibrium it brings amidst the complexities of the world around him.

Unseen Peaks – Unseen Peaks follows Addie, a blind athlete, as she finds freedom and a sense of belonging within the outdoor community through skiing, ice climbing and rock climbing. Amidst stunning backdrops and personal challenges, Addie redefines our perceptions of disability and resilience. Directed, produced, filmed and edited by filmmaker Roo Smith, the film highlights the transformative power of adventure and advocates for inclusivity in the outdoors.

Here the Wild Things Are – The country of Aotearoa (Maori for New Zealand) joins a fun, global competition where ecologists and enthusiasts scour cities to uncover the weird and wonderful wild. But can they save the planet, one photo at a time?

Wingspan – Over the past six years, wildlife and conservation photographer Joshua Asel has climbed the peaks of Pinnacles National Park countless times to document the critically endangered California condor population that calls this stunning mountain range home. “Wingspan” follows Joshua on one of his expeditions and explores the vital role photography plays in creating awe and awareness for these incredible animals.

Don’t Doubt the Trout – Bernard and Rebecca of the band Par Avion are not your average surf rock musicians. They’re passionate fly-fishing anglers and conservationists who are advocating for the protection of California’s endangered Steelhead trout. As ambassadors for the conservation organization CalTrout, they’ve become observers on the ground, documenting the health of Southern California’s waterways. Thanks to the efforts of CalTrout and advocates like Bernard and Rebecca, Malibu’s 100-ft Rindge Dam, a major obstacle to wildlife, is due to be removed starting in 2028.