Enjoy an array of award-winning short films. Photo by Dan Holmes
Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)
Ventura Land Trust’s 10th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival featuring an array of award-winning short films that educate, entertain and inspire, will take place Saturday, August 17, 2019, under the stars on the picturesque grounds of the Ventura County Credit Union, 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive for the second year in a row. Doors open at 5:00 pm for the popular event which sells out annually. Films begin screening at 8:00 pm.
The Ventura Festival, part of SYRCL’S Wild & Scenic Film Festival, which celebrates 18 years of inspiring activism through film and art in 2019, aligns with Ventura Land Trust’s mission, to protect and preserve Ventura County’s land, water, wildlife, and scenic beauty for current and future generations.
“We currently manage 90 acres, and we’re growing,” said Ventura Land Trust’s Executive Director Derek Poultney. “The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is a perfect event for us because it helps connect the Land Trust’s work to the greater global environment. The films are beautiful, educational, and just plain fun.”
“After the success of last year, we discovered that the Credit Union provides a fantastic backdrop for the Festival,” continued Poultney. “Last year attendees loved sitting on blankets and low-back chairs on the park-like lawn while enjoying great food and drink, as well as the terrific line-up of environmentally-minded shorts.”
This year, a new feature has been added into the mix — a VIP Experience Pass. When purchased for $125, VIP Pass holders will have exclusive access to the VIP Lounge and Courtyard where they will enjoy free beer, wine, appetizers, and desserts from 5 – 8 pm. Additionally, VIPS have access to indoor bathrooms throughout the evening. VIP tickets are limited to 80 and are being sold on a first come, first serve basis.
This year’s pre-show entertainment features family-friendly games and activities, booths staffed by a variety of environmentally-minded community partners, and a host of food trucks including It’s in the Sauce, Mr. Softee, and We Bee Poppin. Libations on board include Castoro Cellars, San Antonio Winery, Rincon Brewery, and Topa Topa Brewery. Raffle prizes will consist of Patagonia and REI clothing and gear, original artwork, gift certificates, and more.
Live music presenters include Ojai-based composer, singer/songwriter, and Grammy Award-winning film mixer and sound designer, Todd Hannigan, who along with his band, Sleeping Chief, will perform original folk music with sounds of the mountains and sea. Blues guitarist, Ventura born and raised Guy Martin will play SRV, Hendrix, and original tunes along with his band members longtime bass player Tony Trigueiro, and drummer Pete Galagher.
This year’s “Marquee Sponsor” is The Trade Desk, the “Celebrity Sponsors” are Lorraine Lim Catering, Rabobank and Slaughter, Reagan and Cole, LLP, and the “Venue Sponsor” is Ventura County Credit Union. A full list of sponsors is available at venturalandtrust.org (Wild and Scenic tab).
General admission to the festival is $25/per person (which increases to $35.00 on July 1) and $5.00/per person children ages 12 and under. VIP Experience Passes are $125/person. Purchase at https://www.venturalandtrust.org/2019_wsff and click the drop-down ticket tab.
Proceeds from this year’s event fund VLT’s ongoing open space preservation projects.
