A collection of shorts from our 2025 Festival featuring wildlife, wild places, and the people living wild lives alongside them.

Nestled amongst the oak tree-strewn foothills of Santa Rosa lie the headquarters of a Sonoma County institution—The Bird Rescue Center. It is here, in World War II-era Quonset huts, that a small army of dedicated volunteers and part-time staff assemble seven days a week, 365 days a year to fulfill a mission that has been ongoing for nearly 40 years—to rehabilitate and release injured or orphaned native wild birds. Over the course of a year, BRC will receive nearly 3,000 birds, the bulk of which arrive during the spring and early summer months, known in the halls of its hospital as “baby bird season.” Some, like a baby great-horned owl fallen from his nest, have been at the Center for only a few days, while others, like a robin with broken tail feathers, have had journeys lasting several months. But no moment inspires greater exultation and wonder than witnessing a bird returning home, to the sky.

The Bird Rescue Center

Dedicated volunteers and part-time staff assemble seven days a week, 365 days a year to fulfill a 40 year mission — to rehabilitate and release injured or orphaned native wild birds.

In "Aldo's Bug Extravaganza," join 5-year-old Aldo and his dad on a backyard safari filled with tiny wonders and big laughs. Armed with a camera and boundless curiosity, Aldo embarks on a bug-hunting escapade, narrating his discoveries with adorable wit and charm. As the week unfolds, Aldo's wide-eyed explorations not only capture the audience's imagination, but also subtly echo the timeless wisdom of Aldo Leopold, making for a delightful and endearing ode to the joy of nature's smallest marvels.

Aldo's Bug Extravaganza

In "Aldo's Bug Extravaganza," join 5-year-old Aldo and his dad on a backyard safari filled with tiny wonders and big laughs.

Amidst the roar of rapids and the serenity of the Grand Canyon, ABOUT DAMN TIME chronicles the journey of trailblazing boatwomen who, guided by legacy and determination, challenge a male-dominated world, protect sacred rivers, and pass the oars to the next
generation.

About Damn Time

Amidst the roar of rapids and the serenity of the Grand Canyon, ABOUT DAMN TIME chronicles the journey of trailblazing boatwomen who, guided by legacy and determination, challenge a male-dominated world, protect sacred rivers, and pass the oars to the next generation.

David Inouye has returned to the same high alpine meadows for the past fifty-two years to study wildflowers and hummingbirds. This film follows David, his son, and his granddaughter, through a season of summer research. An intimate look at the connection between place and identity, this film is a meditation on time and the intergenerational experience of change.

To Know A Place

David Inouye has returned to the same high alpine meadows for the past fifty-two years to study wildflowers and hummingbirds. This film follows David, his son, and his granddaughter, through a season of summer research. An intimate look at the connection between place and identity, this film is a meditation on time and the intergenerational experience of change.

In Svalbard, the fastest-warming place on Earth, two friends and their canine sidekick uncover how the world's smallest and fattest reindeer are unexpectedly thriving because of rising temperatures. For thousands of years, these reindeer have existed almost entirely beyond the influence of humankind, until now. Are our adventurers really seeing a positive side-effect of climate change in the Arctic, or witnessing the end of innocence for Svalbard reindeer?

Reindalen

In Svalbard, the fastest-warming place on Earth, two friends and their canine sidekick uncover how the world's smallest and fattest reindeer are unexpectedly thriving because of rising temperatures.

North America

Shorts: Wild Lives

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