Calling all film lovers and nature enthusiasts! We have a great weekend in store. The Wild and Free Film Festival (WAFFF) is almost here! This weekend-long, first-time film festival is taking place in Goleta November 14th to 16th at the Camino Real Cinemas (7040 Market Place Drive).
The festival will showcase 30 films across three days, along with filmmaker Q&As, panels, receptions, and notable guests. All Festival Passes and Tickets are on sale now at wildandfreefilm.org/tickets.
What to know:
- All Access Pass Holders will receive priority entry.
- Tickets and passes can be picked up at the info booth in front of the theatre.
- Walk-up tickets are available for purchase, subject to availability and theatre capacity.
- Block times and films are subject to change.
- Community Sunday – All blocks free admission subject to theatre capacity.
There are many highlights to look forward to:
Opening Night, Friday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m., will feature the Central Coast Premiere of Checkpoint Zoo, directed by Joshua Zeman and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. The documentary follows a daring rescue led by a team of zookeepers and volunteers who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a Ukrainian zoo during the Russian invasion. Opening night is expected to sell out. An opening night reception will follow the film at the Santa Barbara Fish Market Goleta Courtyard, with music, light bites & drinks for all pass-holders and event ticket holders. 21+.
During the day on Saturday, November 15, there will be 19 films across six blocks. Block 1 starts at 10:00 a.m.
Saturday evening at 5:45 p.m. will feature the award-winning documentary How to Change the World — the story of the pioneers who founded Greenpeace and helped define the modern environmental movement. There will be a special event, marking the film’s 10-year anniversary and one of the film’s stars Rex Weyler, co-founder of Greenpeace International will be in attendance to receive the first Wild and Free Spirit Award. Weyler will also participate in a Q&A after the screening.
“We’re delighted to have Rex Weyler join us for this special anniversary screening,” said Gareth Kelly, Executive Director of the Wild and Free Film Festival. “The 1971 protest that led to the formation of Greenpeace was a pivotal moment in the environmental movement, and its legacy through this film, particularly in how these issues are presented by the media, continues today.”
This marquee Saturday night event will also include the WAFFF Awards honoring the best films of the festival.
Sunday is Community Day and includes free entry for all nine films across two blocks, including the World Premiere of Goleta’s own Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs film at 2:00 p.m.
For a full line up of all the films playing and more details go to www.wildandfreefilm.org.