Have you had a chance to watch the City’s short film Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs? We are incredibly fortunate to have more than 200 acres of open space along the coast right here in our backyard. This is the powerful story behind how this land was saved from development, preserved as open space, and is being stewarded for future generations to enjoy. It also addresses the declining monarch butterfly population at the Ellwood Mesa Butterfly Grove. You are encouraged to not only watch this film yourself but share the link with others: https://youtu.be/0Y0SgUBHC00.
The 23-minute-long film premiered on November 16, 2025, at Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta at the first Wild and Free Film Festival. Because the theatre reached capacity during the festival’s short film block and everyone who turned out was not able to see it, the City held an additional free screening last week on January 7, 2026, again at Camino Real Cinemas. Once again, the theatre was packed but thankfully there was enough room for everyone who came. Both screenings were followed by a Q and A panel.
City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “We appreciate everyone who showed up to see this inspiring film on the big screen and now we are pleased to make it available for all to enjoy! Prepare to be uplifted.”
The film was created as part of the Ellwood Mesa’s 20-year anniversary of when the land was saved from development and officially turned over to the City of Goleta to be preserved as open space.
The City was pleased to partner with Paradigm Pictures and Ellwood Friends to put together this short film. We recognize that there are so many more historical details, stories and people not included that are a part of Ellwood Mesa’s incredible story. For a more detailed account of Ellwood Mesa’s history and stories go to ellwoodfriends.org/stories.
Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover (left) and filmmaker Paul Westmacott of Paradigm Pictures (right) posing with “Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” movie poster at Camino Real Cinemas before the Wild and Free Film Festival premiere
Photo of theatre at full capacity at January 7 screening
Wild and Free Film Festival on Nov. 16, 2025: Pictured left-to-right: Kelly Hoover (City of Goleta Community Relations Manager), Councilmember Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Jennifer Smith (District 3), Paul Westmacott (filmmaker with Paradigm Pictures) and Gareth Kelly (Wild and Free Film Festival Founder and Executive Director)