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Wild and Free Film Festival

The Natural World Unleashed

Goleta, California | November 2026

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2026 Season Kick Off Event 

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Kendal Mountain Festival Movie Tour

Tuesday, April 14, 2026,  Camino Real Cinemas, Goleta 

Doors 6:30 PM • Films 7:00–9:00 PM

Click Here to Get Tickets

Tickets will also be available at the door - Cash or Card

Kendal Mountain Festival is a global leader in outdoor and adventure storytelling, delivering a year-round program of films, events, and digital experiences designed to inspire people to explore, respect, and engage with the natural world.

At its core, Kendal Mountain serves as a cultural platform for a passionate outdoor community, celebrating stories of adventure, environment, and human connection. 

Kendal is located in the North West of England in the UK's largest National Park, the Lake District. Kendal is also the birthplace of WAFFF founder and executive director, Gareth Kelly

Join us for a thrilling evening of adventure storytelling on the big screen. Featuring a curated selection of films, this special program celebrates exploration, endurance, and the spirit of the wild.

Click Here to Get Tickets

Tickets will also be available at the door - Cash or Card

Featured Films

Click on images to watch film trailers

Pink Poppy Flowers

Darkhorse

In today's social media-driven adventure scene, the question remains: if a snowboarder rides a steep backcountry line without an audience, did it really happen? Joe Lax, one of the most accomplished yet unknown riders, is ready to settle the debate.

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Granny Grommets

Every Friday morning, the Granny Grommets meet at Middleton Beach to catch a wave, turning the tide on what becomes expected of us as we age.

Pink Poppy Flowers

Winner Gets Cake

“Brakes off, brains off.” Journey to the upland, impossible-to-predict terrain of fell running and experience the chaos, culture, community, and cake that defines this very British pursuit.

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Skate Like a Lass

Female established inclusive grassroots Skateboarding communities based in the North, UK. From mountains in Lake District to Blackpool promenade. These skate collectives were created to provide a safe space & welcoming environment for female & LGBT+ skaters in the area.

Pink Poppy Flowers

Elladj

After facing rejection from competitive figure skating, Elladj embarks on a soul-searching quest to express himself artistically. Follow the remarkable journey of Elladj Balde, a Canadian figure skater who found his voice through wild ice skating.

Pink Poppy Flowers

Mr Cato

An elementary school teacher vying for the Olympics in BMX Flatland brings inspiration to his students through the art and perseverance of the sport he loves.

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Man of Arran

Man of Arran is a love letter to humanity from a wise man living in step with his times and in tune with his environment. It’s a homage to the craggy, rugged, wild Irish coastline and a gentle celebration of empathy and humility.

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Lumber Slumber

While trying to build a log cabin, a man accidentally starts a fight against the trees. (Animated)

Wild and Free Film Festival
2026 Program of events

October 2026
GIANT Outdoor Movie Night!

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November 2026
3 Day Flagship Festival Weekend

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Film Submissions Now Open
Submit Your Story to WAFFF 2026

Thank You!

For an incredible 1st festival.

You, the community, made it what it was, and we are sincerely grateful for your support.

Saturday 11/15

Join us Saturday for 19 films across 6 blocks. Block 1 starts at 10 am.

All blocks 90 mins.

Wild and Free Film Festival

Wild and Free Film Festival (WAFFF) is an independent film festival celebrating adventurous, diverse, and environmentally conscious storytelling from around the world. Rooted in community and grounded in bold curation, WAFFF is building a cultural destination event that sparks conversation and connection.

Each year, the festival presents more than 30 original films in Goleta, alongside filmmaker conversations, industry panels, special events, and an awards program honoring outstanding achievements in filmmaking.

Presenting Sponsor

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