The Wild & Free Film Festival (WAFFF) is returning to Goleta THIS weekend, November 6 – 8! WAFFF celebrates adventurous, diverse, and environmentally conscious storytelling from around the world. From Friday – Sunday enjoy 40 nature-inspired films from 11 countries at Camino Real Cinemas with Opening Night at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.  

WAFFF’s Opening Night film on November 6 is the Central Coast premiere of The Siege of Paradise. The film focuses on the iconic Italian tourist destination, Cinque Terre, where fewer than 3,000 locals face over four million tourists each summer. Over one chaotic season, six lives unfold in this funny, tender portrait of paradise under pressure.The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a reception, opening remarks, and conversation with the director and star, followed by the film itself at 8:00 p.m.

The Film Festival continues Saturday, November 7 & Sunday, November 8 at Camino Real Cinemas. There are three film blocks per day starting at 10:00 a.m. The Saturday night film begins at 5:00 p.m. and is the Central Coast Premiere of Nuisance Bear – winner of the 2026 Sundance Grand Jury Prize for US Documentary. A polar bear is forced to navigate a human world of tourists, wildlife officers, and hunters as its ancient migration collides with modern life. A party will follow the screening.

View the full schedule of events and purchase tickets at www.wildandfreefilm.org.