The Wild & Scenic Film Festival
at the Bellows Falls Opera House
Hosted by the Connecticut River Conservancy
on April 30th, 2026
Enjoy an evening of short films about environmental stewardship, adventure, and fellowship in the natural world at the Bellows Falls Opera House in Vermont on Thursday, April 30th.
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Festival-goers can expect family-friendly films handpicked by CRC and featuring people working around the globe to promote cleaner water, healthier habitats, and more resilient communities. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. ​
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There will also be refreshments, raffle prizes, and guest speakers!
Proceeds from the event will benefit CRC’s programs in VT & NH. ​​​​
Bellows Falls Opera House
7 Village Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101
Doors will open at 6pm and films will begin at 6:30pm
Here are some of the films you'll see!
Beyond Beliefs
Danielle earns a 4-day river trip through the Gates of Lodore Canyon. The catch: she can’t swim and is terrified of water. Join her on this wonderful journey, watch her account of what it took to go beyond her beliefs about water, and how that expanded her vision for the future.
Between Moon Tides
Follow a team of citizen scientists in Rhode Island trying to save the Saltmarsh Sparrow from extinction. As climate change causes rising tides to drown nests before hatchlings can fly, they deploy "arks" to raise nests above the water, offering a glimmer of hope.
HYPERSCALED
Resource demands from AI data centers are increasing threats to communities across the US. Proposed developments are projected to consume unprecedented amounts of water and energy. Unearth the real cost of AI as residents fight to get answers about the impacts of this industry.
Clean Up Sayu
This film promotes Sayulita's natural heritage with the goal of highlighting the individuals who are working to protect it.
Enter Chilly-Willy. His dedication to protecting Sayulita embodies the resilience and determination that defines this community.
Surf and Turf
A celebration of the connection between land and water. This tale weaves together the power of nature, hope, and an unexpected alliance. Discover how we can find a way to strive together for clean air, clean water, and a brighter future.
It's Time
Set in the spring thaw, "It's Time" weaves together maple sugaring, Indigenous wisdom, and environmental awareness.
This poetic film celebrates ancient traditions while awakening viewers to nature's delicate balance and our role in preserving it.
Native to the Klamath
This is a story told through the voices of the salmon people. The Klamath River is going through one of the largest transformations in history.
Hear the story of this river renewal through the words of the peoples who live by the sacred obligation of stewardship.
Accessible, Inclusive Travel on the Oregon Coast
With a range of accommodations and thoughtful design, Oregon ensures that people of all abilities can experience its beauty. Learn about the programs that are changing travel and recreation in this region.
River Herring in the Connecticut Rver
Dive into the lives of alewife and blueback herring—collectively known as river herring—whose once-massive populations in the Connecticut River have plummeted. These anadromous fish face challenges, from blocked migration routes and degraded habitats to deadly encounters with ocean fisheries.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors:
Watershed Sponsors:
River Sponsors:
West River Marina, Inc.
Stream Sponsors:
In-Kind & Raffle Sponsors:
Blake Hill Preserves; ByWay Books & More; Hook & Arrow Hot Sauce;
Moon Dog Cafe; Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Interested in sponsoring this event? We'd love to add your business to the above!
See our sponsorship opportunities and get in touch today.
Parking & Accessibility
The Bellows Falls Opera House is ADA accessible. The wheelchair ramp into the building is on the side, not through the main doors out front. Once in the theater, there is seating available that is wheelchair accessible. Aisles in the theater are long ramps. Bathrooms are gendered & have wheelchair accessible stalls.
There is some street parking directly outside of the Bellows Falls Opera House. You can also find plenty of free parking in nearby municipal lots. Here is an area map with parking options.