Scenic Film Festival Eyes Return Oct. 11

OCEAN CITY -- The public is invited to join the Assateague Coastkeeper and the Assateague Coastal Trust when they host the Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour at Seacrets in Ocean City on Thursday, Oct. 11.

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is a collection of films from the annual festival held in Nevada City, Calif. Now in its 10th year, the festival focuses on films that speak to the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet.

“Films featured at Wild & Scenic give people a sense of place,” said Lori Van Laanen, tour manager. “In our busy lives, it’s easy to get disconnected from our role in the global ecosystem. When we realize that the change we need in this world begins with us we can start making a difference. Come watch and see.”

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) in 2003. The festival’s namesake is in celebration of SYRCL’s landmark victory to receive “Wild & Scenic” status for 39 miles of the South Yuba River in 1999. SYRCL is building a network of grassroots organizations connected by a common goal of using film to inspire activism. With the support of their National partners Patagonia, CLIF Bar, Osprey Packs, Sierra Nevada Brewing and Mother Jones, the festival can reach an even larger audience in tour venues coast to coast.

The festival is also a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and the 10th anniversary of the Assateague Coastkeeper, which is an on-the-water advocate for the protection and health of the coastal bays west of Ocean City, Maryland and Assateague Island.

"We are thrilled to bring the Wild & Scenic Film Festival back to Seacrets in Ocean City," said Assateague Coastkeeper Kathy Phillips. "Everyone who attends will receive a free membership to the Assateague Coastal Trust. We hope the award-winning films will inspire people to act on behalf of swimmable, fishable and drinkable water."

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival will be held on Thursday, Oct. 11 in Morley Hall at Seacrets on 49th Street in Ocean City. There will be an afternoon showing from 1-4 p.m. and an evening showing from 5-9 p.m.

Door prizes and raffles will be awarded at intermission. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online now at www.ActForBays.org.