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By Miriam Raftery
May 6, 2012 (Julian) – If you missed the many riveting films at yesterday’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Julian, you can still catch repeat showings today . I caught the afternoon movies yesterday—a delightful combination of powerful and emotional films along with breath-taking cinematography, inspirational stories and even some humor in the mix.
Kadoma weaves a spell-binding and tragic tale of adventurers kayaking in the Congo. Another film, Cold, ends in triumph atop a Pakistani mountain in winter. It’s not hard to see how both have won awards at other prominent film festivals.
Other highlights included Kings of Flint, profiling how a karate studio owner organized inner city youths in Flint, Michigan to create urban farming in a region stricken by poverty after the auto industry’s demise there. I also enjoyed Return Flight, showing how bald eagles have been restored to the Channel Islands, and One Plastic Bag, a humorous short film.
Among the most startling was Chasing Water, which traces the Colorado River to a surprising ending. Another, New Environmentalists-Troubled Water, takes us to El Salvador to show the impacts of gold mining—and how farmers are taking action to protect a river that is the lifeblood of their communities.
Other films highlighted success stories including Surfing for Change, created by a surfer who has mobilized the surfing community to take actions—including moving money out of banks that fund environmentally destructive projects. I was too late to see Marion Stoddart, Work of 1000, another award-winning film on the leader of clean water efforts, highly recommended by others.
A single day pass runs $15 and is well worth the money. Showings are held in two locations: Julian Town Hall and Julian Elementary School.
The films, a touring show from the Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City, California, aim to create appreciation for the natural environment and inspire people to take action. Locally, the Volcan Mountain Foundation is the primary sponsor. The association sponsors hikes and educational programs to build appreciation for Volcan Mountain, source of three rivers in our region.
"We are hoping to have the Festival return next year," Nancy Kramer, Festival Director, told ECM. The weekend also included live music and parties on Friday and Saturday nighit.
If you go today, also savor the sights of Julian in spring. Wildflowers are in bloom, from sprigs of lavender to California golden poppies.
You can take a carriage ride, visit with llamas, stroll through shops (such as Julian's newest, Taurus Moon) or visit the brand new Old Julian Photography Gallery at 2724 B Street. The photography gallery just opened this weekend and features a variety of nature imagery by several talented photographers. 
For more information on the festival, visit www.julianfilmfestival.com.
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