This film block centers on people who have chosen to take responsibility for vulnerable lives, often in the face of loss, risk, or uncertainty. Across fire circles, forests, wetlands, wildlife hospitals, and mountain landscapes, these films document acts of protection rooted in devotion rather than spectacle. Wildlife rehabilitators fight to continue their work after displacement, conservationists dedicate their lives to endangered species, scientists and community members advocate for overlooked animals, and cultural leaders preserve knowledge essential to coexistence with the natural world. Together, the films reveal protection not as a single act, but as an ongoing commitment shaped by belief and the willingness to act.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/b396d9d7b0e081e6c6c070c6f489fcc5.png" style="display: block; margin: auto;">

In an intimate fire gathering, on sacred land along the coast of California, our short film invites viewers to reconnect with Grandpa Fire as a source of wisdom, rebirth, and illumination. For as individual beings and as a global citizenry, we are literally and figuratively fighting for life on a burning planet. In the face of the pains of the world, we actively dull our senses with busy-ness; concurrently terrified of fire and also, yearning for the flame of life to burn more brightly within us. As Indigenous and ancient-ways leaders guide us through the journey of this film, we witness the dance of the flames as they call upon us to listen, and to rekindle the light within, together. So that with the fire all around us, rather than give in to fear, we can, as one common humanity, say yes, yes, yes, joyfully and collectively, to life. Fire reminds us to feel the full range of emotions and the power of the wisdom fire burning within. To feel in love with life — and the gift of being alive.

Listening with Fire

Meet Alabama’s salamanders like you’ve never seen them before and fall for their undeniable charm. We dive into the salamanders’ hidden world of wonder, crawling right under your feet and all around you, with the scientists and salamander superfans who can’t get enough of these quirky critters.

Salabama

Since 1970, North America has lost 3 billion birds. As grassland bird populations continue to decline, one conservationist's act of devotion represents hope in a world where natural habitats are disappearing every day.

A Home in the Grass

Witness the incredible story of the WRCNU (Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah) and their fight to continue saving Utah's wildlife after suddenly losing their building for the ironic expansion of Ogden's dinosaur park.

Wild Spirit

In Filipino, “ahon” means to rise, emerge, or break through a surface. “Ahon” recounts the rise of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/k8mountaineeringclubofalberta/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">K8 Mountaineering Club of Alberta</a>, a non-profit organization that breaks barriers and helps Filipino Canadians reach new heights in the Canadian Rockies by providing access to education, equipment, and community.&nbsp;Ahon&nbsp;follows K8 Founder Levi Ramos and current President Leonard Maglalang over the course of a season with the K8 Mountaineering Club. The film blends hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ice climbing, and social gatherings with stories of the club's humble beginnings and the struggles Filipino Canadian immigrants must overcome to reach a place of comfort and belonging in Canada's mountains. The film showcases Filipino food, culture, games, and even backcountry karaoke before culminating with K8's attempts to push their capabilities and summit Howse Peak, an iconic objective in Banff National Park. Using climbing as a metaphor for the hurdles immigrants must overcome, the film explores themes of identity, community, and Filipino representation in the outdoors.

Ahon

The tragic loss of her mother to a rhino attack hasn’t stopped Doma Paudel from her fearless conservation efforts. Instead, it inspired her to become Nepal's first female nature guide and to fight to save Nepalese rhinos from near extinction, double Nepal’s tiger population, and teach Nepalese communities how to compassionately coexist with wildlife.

The Rhino Whisperer: In Her Nature

As Jakarta sinks and sea levels rise, Indonesia is moving its capital to Borneo. It’s building a futuristic new city named Nusantara in the middle of a forest, on the traditional land of the indigenous Balik people. Abidin, a Balik elder, is documenting his forest’s soundscape with the help of scientists to preserve ancestral knowledge – before it’s too late.

Sound Guardians

What We Hold Close

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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.