NatureTrack Film Festival – ““Igniting Passion for Nature Through Film” March 20 to 22

This 3-day festival will excite, energize, and deepen your connection to the outdoors through the power of film. There will also be opportunities to explore local trails and enjoy the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley on docent-led hikes. The quaint town of Los Olivos, located at the gateway to the Dick Smith Wilderness, is the perfect location to showcase this unforgettable event in the Santa Ynez Valley. Visitors can easily stroll around town between films, enjoying wine tasting, unique shopping, and world-class cuisine. Spring is a great time of year to experience and celebrate nature in this picturesque valley!

Many events are happening throughout the Festival

Friday, March 20
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Opening Reception/Introduction to Filmmakers
Location: Artisan Gallery, 2432 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos
Meet many of the festival filmmakers in a casual setting.
Appetizers from First & Oak, with wine from Coquelicot Estate Wines and beer from M. Special Brewing Company
$25/adult, $15/child (12 and under), free for All-Access Pass holders

Saturday, March 21
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Spotlight Event – Carbon Cowboys Panel Discussion
Location: St. Mark’s In-the-Valley, Stacy Hall, 2901 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos
Guest speakers: Steve Apfelbaum, Founder & Chairman of AES; Susan Lehnhardt, Three Waters Reserve; Larry Kopald, The Carbon Underground Organization and FaceTime/Skype with Peter Byck, Carbon Cowboys.

Screenings: Peter Byck’s “Herd Impact” and Chris Malloy’s “Unbroken Ground,” sponsored by Patagonia Provisions
Light lunch will be served with beer and wine
$20/adult, $15/child (12 and under), free for All-Access Pass holders

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Spotlight Event – Meet the Director, Composer and Cast of “By Hand”
Location: St. Mark’s In-the-Valley, Stacy Hall, 2901 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos
Guest speakers: “By Hand” co-director Kellen Keene, the documentary’s subjects twin brothers Casey and Ryan Higginbotham and the film’s composer, Todd Hannigan.

The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres including Full of Life flatbread, wine from Grimms Bluff Winery and beer from M. Special Brewing Company. A screening of “By Hand” is at 5:45 p.m. followed by a Q&A with the film’s creators.
$30/adult, $20/child (12 and under), free to All-Access Pass holders

Sunday, March 22
Meet the Maker.“Using Animation & Music to Convey Your Story”
10:15-10:45 am
Wildflower Women Boutique 2920 Grand Ave, Los Olivos
Wildflower Women Boutique is pleased to welcome NatureTrack Film Festival directors, pass holders, and guests to enjoy a special opportunity to meet with directors to discuss how they combine their illustrative skills with music to create powerful animated stories that convey so much meaning. Join owner Amber Lease, as she hosts Director Yeliz Motro along with Producer Catherine Nelson of “Escape” and Elizabeth Lewis of “Waters of March” for an interesting chat over mimosas and muffins. A special discount on merchandise will be available to all NatureTrack pass holders.

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony
Location: Los Olivos Community Organization Hall (The Grange), 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos Free

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closing Reception
Location: Sides Restaurant, 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos

Appetizers and wines from Hitching Post Wines and beer from M. Special Brewing Company.
$25/adult, $15/child, free to All Access Pass holders

HIKES SATURDAY AND SUNDAY – Free
NatureTrack docent-led hikes are scheduled for all three days. Film screenings begin Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.

For an entire film, event and hike schedule, go to www.naturetrackfilmfestival.org. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.