NatureTrack Film Festival Presents “Best of the Fest” – Award-Winning Films Return to Los Olivos
The NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) invites film lovers and nature enthusiasts to its annual “Best of the Fest” screening on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall (2374 Alamo Pintado Ave). This celebratory evening brings the festival’s most acclaimed films back to the big screen, each a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and cherish the natural world.
Featured Films
- Saving Our Ancestors- Reflections by Dr. Biruté Galdikas– Recipient of the Dan Conaway Award for Connecting to Nature and Special Mention for Best Short Film. Produced by Charles Annenberg Weingarten, this moving short offers rare insight from renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Galdikas on orangutan conservation and the fragile balance of their rainforest home. Filmmaker Charlie Annenberg Winegarten, Keegan Wilcox, and Adam Biddle will join for a live Q&A following the screening.
- Peaks to Prairie– Winner of Best Short Film. Director Chad Weber shows how wildfire wood waste is being transformed into a regenerative resource for prairie soils through the power of fungi, proof that nature’s own intelligence can help heal our planet.
- Nilgiris- A Shared Wilderness– Winner of Best Feature Film. From acclaimed National Geographic filmmaker Sandesh Kadur, this visually stunning documentary takes viewers to southern India’s Nilgiri Mountains, where people and wildlife coexist in a rare biodiversity hotspot.
- Phir Bhi (Even So)– Winner of Best Student Film. Directed by Meghna Nandy, this compelling short explores how humans and marsh crocodiles in India’s Charotar region live side by side in remarkable harmony — a story of community-driven conservation and hope.
Event Details
🕕 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
🎬 Film Program Begins: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos
🎟️ Tickets: $25 Adults | $15 Students (with ID) | $10 Children (10 & Under)
🎫 2025 NTFF Passholders: Complimentary Admission
A brief Q&A with filmmakers and special guests will follow the screenings. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited- advance purchase is recommended.
🔗 Tickets & Details: https://naturetrackfilmfestival.org/best-of-the-fest/
NatureTrack
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(805) 886-2047
Founder & Executive Director: Sue Eisaguirre
Mission
NatureTrack Foundation fosters a lifelong fascination with nature and inspires thoughtful stewardship of our natural resources. They are dedicated to making access to the outdoors equitable for ALL — providing cost-free field trips for K–12 students and unforgettable experiences in nature for wheelchair users of all ages. By eliminating financial barriers, they ensure every participant can explore, learn, and connect with the natural world. Through education, inspiration, and accessibility, NatureTrack cultivates curiosity, joy, and a deep commitment to caring for our environment.
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NatureTrack’s work is valuable, essential, and downright fun. Connecting people of all ages and abilities with nature is a truly joyful enterprise. We’re honored to be part of this amazing community of volunteers and donors.
Imagine a World Where Nature Has No Barriers
NatureTrack’s $3.4 million campaign is an investment in a future where every child can experience the wonder of nature, every person can access the outdoors regardless of physical ability, and every generation is inspired to become a steward of the natural world. Together, we can remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure that more lives are forever changed through meaningful connections with nature.
Key Supporters
Audacious Foundation
Deckers Outdoor Corporation
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Edison International
John S. Kiewit Memorial Foundation
Natalie Orfalea Fdn & Lou Buglioli
Raintree Foundation
SYV Foundation
SYV Youth Rec
Towbes Foundation
Yardi