The NatureTrack Film Festival returns with 80 movies, panel discussions, and special guests
GOLETA, Calif. - Some of the latest films on nature worldwide will be shown this weekend at the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta during the NatureTrack Film Festival.
"We have over 80 films this year. We have over 30 countries represented. We have 35 filmmakers attending the festival from all over the world. We have a bunch coming from Italy, a bunch coming from Austria. Last year we didn't have any premiere films. This year we have six world premieres, I think seven North American premiers and eight U.S. premieres, as well as Californian and Southern California premieres," said NatureTrack Film Festival Managing Director Gareth Kelly. 38 filmmakers will attend.There were 380 submissions from movie makers who wanted to be part of the event.
Sue Eisaguirre is the NatureTrack Founder. "What we look at is, it's human nature to protect something. If you understand it and you love it. So to connect people to the natural world, they'll they'll do the right thing. They will take care of it."
It is a much larger festival than last year. Both filmmakers and the general public have shown their support for the previous five festivals. This year the demand for tickets has gone up.
The movies will be shown at the Camino Real Cinemas. Three screens will be in use Friday and two screens all day Saturday and Sunday. The festival hub will be the former site of Pier 1 Imports in the mall. Special gift bags are available for pass holders and guests with a custom Hitching Post wine bottle, Taco Works chips, Global Gardens walnuts and gift coupons.
That is also the location for tickets, panel discussions, a VIP lounge and an art exhibit.
NatureTrack was founded in 2011 to help with the exploration and understanding of nature through field trips and film.
On Friday, hundreds of children will attend from the Goleta school district to view a special presentation.
The environment, access to nature and education are the organization's core values.
"We've got films for all the family. We've got films more for later at night. We've got animated films. We've got films that won't feel like a documentary. They'll feel like, 'wow, this is a Hollywood blockbuster,'" said Kelly.
The movies have been specially picked with a positive or solution oriented theme.
Eisaguirre said, "I want people to leave the film excited about nature, happy wanting to talk to people about it. And that's part of what film festivals are."
The festival will also be an economic boost for the marketplace and nearby businesses. "We're using the local hotels. We're using local businesses," said Kelly. "We said to the city of Goleta, 'let's use this as an economic engine for the city.' "
For more information go to: NatureTrack Film Festival
