This piece is co-contributed by Sara Ramirez at the San Antonio River Foundation (River Foundation), the San Antonio River Authority’s nonprofit partner. Established in 2003, the River Foundation supports scientific and educational activities that promote and encourage the conservation, stewardship, restoration, preservation and enjoyment of the land and water resources of the San Antonio River Basin.
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival returns this September—and this year, it’s bigger and better than ever! Presented by the River Foundation, in partnership with the San Antonio River Authority, the festival is completely FREE for the first time and coming to not one but TWO incredible locations: Confluence Park and Escondido Creek Parkway in Kenedy, TX. Mark your calendars and join us for unforgettable nights of inspiring films and community fun. Bring your own chair or picnic blanket; free popcorn while supplies last!
Before the films roll, immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere! Enjoy live music, art activations, and shop from local food and artisan vendors, including delicious bites from Last Chance Market. It’s more than a film festival; it’s a celebration of community and nature.
About the Festival
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires environmental activism and a love for nature through film. Wild & Scenic shares an urgent call to action, encouraging festival-goers to learn more about what they can do to save our threatened planet. Wild & Scenic Film Festival is the largest annual fundraiser for the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) to raise funds and awareness to recover California’s wild salmon and protect the Yuba River watershed. Wild & Scenic On Tour brings this urgent environmental message to the San Antonio River Basin. When you join us for the festival, you join a growing community dedicated to conservation and climate solutions!
Register for Your FREE Ticket!
Here is a sneak peek of some of the inspiring films you’ll see at this year’s festival:
River Cowboys: Keepin’ it Wild
Photo Credit: Mike Wilkinson
This short film showcases the stunning landscapes of the internationally recognized Red River Gorge, and Kentucky’s only Wild & Scenic Red River. It highlights an ongoing environmental challenge: the removal of scores of discarded tires and trash from the Red River (and dumping as a statewide and national issue) and our humble cleanup leader, the original River Cowboy, Russ Miller.
WILDHOPE: The Frog ARK
Photo Credit: Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Many of the world’s most beloved frogs and amphibians are headed for extinction, but inside “The Ark” in Panama, some of those threatened species are given a fighting chance. Using innovative technology and breakthrough genetics, researchers have ignited a cadre of solutions to save these rare and cherished species.
Mother River
Photo Credit: Wild & Scenic Film Festival
After pursuing and achieving corporate America career goals on the East Coast, Devin realized that life was not for her. Her childhood roots in paddling and connecting to nature brought her to Minnesota where she would pursue her dream to become the first black female to kayak the entire Mississippi river.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival in San Antonio. Reserve your FREE ticket today and invite your friends for an evening of nature, community, and storytelling.
Space is limited, secure your spot today!
Be Part of the Ripple Effect!
The San Antonio River Foundation invites you to this fall. Join our next clean-up, sign up for a Confluence Park tour, or explore one of our many public events happening year-round.
If you’re part of a school, workplace, or community group, reach out—we’d love to help arrange a meaningful experience tailored just for your group, no matter the age or background. There’s always a way to connect with the river.
Tell us what you’ve discovered or how the river has inspired you by filling out our feedback form!
And don’t forget—the best way to stay up to date is by joining our newsletter and following us on Instagram and Facebook @sariverfoundation. We’re always planning something new, and we’d love to see you there.
Come find your place in the current—discover your river.
