Movie goers are in store for a nature treat as SYRCL’s Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour comes to Wilton on Saturday, Mar. 29. The fundraising event at Wilton High School’s Little Theatre, includes a film program, a mix and mingle and an opportunity for residents of all ages to carry forward sustainable actions to protect the local community.
Since 2005, SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival has brought scenic films on the road with over 120 events and programming that reaches 30,000 people annually. Partnering with local land trusts, water keepers, schools and NGOs, the festival helps organizations raise funds to sustain and restore natural spaces within their communities.
The Wilton event features 10 thought-provoking, entertaining, and informative films that capture the beauty and fragility of nature and encourage residents to take on habits that protect and preserve resources in their own backyards. Film lengths vary from three minutes to 20 minutes.
The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with a mix-and-mingle with local organizations, raffles, food and refreshments. The film program (with a 15 minute intermission) runs from 7-9:30 p.m.
“The power of storytelling never ceases to amaze. The big screen can spotlight what natural wonders sit right outside our door. We often take nature for granted and this event is an important reminder for the entire family of the important role we can all embrace in giving back to this precious resource,” said Louise Washer, president of Norwalk River Watershed Association, one of the seven not for profits coordinating the film festival. “You come in to be entertained and leave inspired.”
Joining the NRWA are other local nonprofits Norwalk River Valley Trail, Pollinator Pathway, Mianus Chapter Trout Unlimited, Wilton Go Green, Wilton Land Trust and the Woodcock Nature Center to organize the evening’s festivities. Event underwriters are presenting sponsor AMSL and Gold sponsor Kim Burke/Berkshire Hathaway. Ticket sales from the film festival in Wilton will benefit all seven preservation organizations.
“This community partnership film festival is a first-of-its-kind event, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring our community together for an unforgettable experience” Wilton Land Trust Executive Director David McCarthy said. “These wonderful films will entertain, inspire and deepen our collective commitment to the environment.”
Visit the Wilton Land Trust website to purchase tickets and learn more about Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Wilton. Tickets will not be sold at the door.