This year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival, in Nevada City, California, will screen over 120 films covering a variety of environmental topics, from fracking to youth climate activism to conservation. Here are three films we’ve been looking forward to—and think Orion readers and festival attendees will especially enjoy.

Gasland II: Josh Fox’s sequel to his award-winning 2010 documentary, Gasland, continues to challenge the politics and myths around hydraulic fracturing. Pair with Sandra Steingraber’s essays over the years in Orion on the dangers of fracking.

Honor the Treaties: We’re longtime fans of photographer Aaron Huey’s work, and this film, by Eric Becker, beautifully captures Huey’s journey of becoming an activist for Native American rights. Pair with Luis Urrea’s Orion column “Manifest Destiny.”



Blackfish: This chilling film explores the appalling living conditions of orcas in captivity, and the resulting dangers to both their health and human lives. Pair with Orion’s essay anthology on our connection with all wild creatures, Animals & People.



Check back in a couple weeks for highlights from this year’s festival and hear more about our favorite films. To get tickets to this year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival, click here.