This film block brings together stories of recovery, reintroduction, and resilience in the face of environmental and personal loss. Spanning ecosystems from Oregon’s coastline to Madagascar’s spiny forests, these films document efforts to restore balance where it has been disrupted. Through the return of sea otters to their historic range, the reintroduction of endangered tortoises, the protection of vulnerable owl populations, and individual journeys shaped by wildfire, addiction, and grief, the films explore what it takes to rebuild after rupture. Together, they consider restoration not as a single act, but as a long, uncertain process shaped by care, collaboration, and persistence.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/35c3755fc98d64d843e7cb9f4c6831d6.png" style="display: block; margin: auto;">

In a world grappling with climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity, photographer Gretchen Kay Stuart turns her lens toward hope. A member of the International League of Conservation Photographers, Stuart has built her career using visual storytelling, camera trapping, and collaboration with scientists to raise awareness for imperiled species. Her latest project follows the story of sea otters in Oregon, once abundant, but driven to local extinction by the 19th-century fur trade. Archaeological evidence reveals Oregon once served as a vital hybrid zone, connecting Washington’s northern and California’s southern subspecies. Their absence has left ecosystems fractured and biodiversity diminished. Now, led by the Elakha Alliance, a coalition of conservationists, Indigenous leaders, and local communities are working to return sea otters to their native waters. Through Stuart’s photography, writing, and intimate collaborations, The Oregon Otter Gap captures both the ecological urgency and the human dedication behind a movement to restore balance before climate change deepens the stakes.

The Oregon Otter Gap

On July 24, 2024, a wildfire tore through Jasper, Alberta, reducing aerialist Sasha Galitzki's home to ashes. Embers connects Sasha's loss in the wildfire and the glacial recession she has witnessed in her creative work to highlight their common cause: climate change. Set in the year following the fire, Embers follows Sasha as she rebuilds her life and confronts the realities of a warming world. Through interviews with wildfire and glacier experts, she seeks to understand the heartbreaking changes affecting the mountains she loves. Gradually returning to her aerial practice, she performs over the ashes of her home and amidst the whirling winds of melting glaciers—inviting us on an intimate journey to find hope out of darkness. Embers captures a profound shift within Sasha, who channels her grief and art into a powerful and visually impactful message of environmental activism.

Embers

In the otherworldly Spiny Forest of Madagascar, a historic release is about to take place. After 15 years of dedicated care and community teamwork, a trio of female herpetologists is reintroducing a “stampede” of 1,000 critically endangered radiated tortoises.

The Slowest Stampede on Earth: In Her Nature

A short documentary film about Justin’s recovery from drug addiction, rediscovering himself and becoming a huge inspiration to the community.

The Spirit

In the shadows of a Cold War Military depot, a colony of pint-sized predators faces an uncertain future as one owl biologist races to save it from extinction. As a young family of burrowing owls learns to grow up wild, will his scientific discoveries be enough to rescue this fragile population in the wake of a changing planet?

Burrowing Owls: A Love Story

Finding Ground

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Day Pass- Saturday 3/14/26

Experience the Wild Coast Film Festival from wherever you are in the world! You can reserve your passes now, and will get an email reminder when the films go live for viewing. If you plan to view all of the film blocks, click "Virtual Passes" at the top of this page to purchase an All-Access Virtual Pass. All profits from the Wild Coast Film Festival go to support the work of Wildlife Center of the North Coast, a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education center. 

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.