We are Wild and Free
A festival by filmmakers for filmmakers
Wild and Free Film Festival (WAFFF) is a bold, independent film festival celebrating
adventurous, diverse, and environmentally conscious storytelling from around the world.
The festival aims to become a cultural destination event, inspiring audiences through
thought-provoking films and community experiences.
Wild & Free Film Festival was born out of a desire to celebrate the wonder and beauty of
our natural world, and to deepen our understanding of all the species within it. To this
end, we are committed to showcasing the most diverse adventure and environmentally
focused films from around the world—films that defy genres, challenge the status quo,
and ignite conversations.
05
Micheal Love
Filmmaker
Michael Love is CEO of Sage Hill Films and Writer, Director, and Producer of many prizewinning films about the natural world, the arts, and social issues. As a screenwriter, his films have been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globes, and won the Alma and Movie Guide awards. Michael was also a faculty board member of the American Film Institute (AFI) where he taught screenwriting for seven years.
05
Shelley LaMon
Anthropologist
Shelley LaMon (M.A.) is a college instructor and doctoral candidate in sociocultural anthropology at UC, Santa Barbara. In addition to her background in teaching and social science research, she has worked with non-profits serving Indigenous language-speaking communities in California, Florida, and Mexico. She is an avid believer in the capacity of visual media and storytelling to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful dialogue and connection.
The Team
Gareth Kelly
Gareth Kelly is a veteran award award-winning filmmaker and experienced nature film festival executive. Originally from a small village in rural England, Kelly is passionate about the natural world and storytelling. When he's not glued to a screen, Kelly can be found out and about on local trails, riding his bike, playing soccer, or enjoying the local food and drink scene. Kelly looks forward to welcoming you to the Wild and Free Film Festival.
Franciso Lopez
Francisco Lopez is a dynamic independent filmmaker with experience across both documentary and narrative storytelling. An experienced film festival director, Lopez brings a deep understanding of cinematic curation and creative vision to every project. He currently works as a Post Production Coordinator at Echobend Pictures in Los Angeles, where he helps bring compelling stories to life from the editing suite.
Bryce Thompson
Bryce Thompson is a film researcher and educator who attended the University of Oregon for his undergraduate degrees in History, Humanities, and Cinema Studies before moving to Los Angeles to work in film production and education. He went on to attain his master’s degree in Film and Media Studies at Chapman University. Growing up in Southern Oregon hiking, rafting, biking, and camping, Bryce has always had deep passions for the outdoors and nature.
Steve Allison
Steve is the founder and principal of TIL Events in Los Angeles, which produces the successful Street Food Cinema outdoor movie screenings series. Originally from Texas, Allison has also worked as a screenwriter and producer with numerous credits to his name.
Advisory Council
Nicole Noren
Emmy & Peabody Award Winning Filmmaker
Nicole Noren is a Santa Barbara-based journalist and documentary filmmaker who has made over 50 investigative reports and short documentaries for ESPN and now heads her own production company. A recipient of six Emmys, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, and a Peabody, Noren has reported extensively on education, health, and social issues.
Lauren Trujillo
Foundation Director - Santa Barbara Public Library
Lauren Trujillo, MLIS, CFRE, is the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation. She first came to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB, where she received a B.A. in History. She received her Master's in Library and Information Science from UCLA and has worked with several nonprofits and organizations in Santa Barbara, CA, including the Isla Vista Memorial Project, the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. She sits on the board for the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, United for Libraries, Women’s Literary Voices, Association for Fundraising Professionals, Environmental Defense Center, and is a member of the Junior League of Santa Barbara. Lauren was recently named a 2024 Local Hero by the Santa Barbara Independent.
Jill Seltzer
Non Profit Executive
Jill spent her high school years in Lompoc, living at Vandenberg Air Force Base. So when, in 2016, she accepted the newly created position of Managing Director of Ensemble Theatre Company following three years as the Executive Director of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, it felt like coming home. After 5 years at ETC, Jill became VP of Advancement at The Granada Theatre just in time to help design and implement their 2024 Centennial Year Celebration. As a resident of Goleta, Jill is delighted to be part of the inaugural year of the Wild and Free Film Festival.
Jill Seltzer
Non Profit Executive
Jill spent her high school years in Lompoc, living at Vandenberg Air Force Base. So when, in 2016, she accepted the newly created position of Managing Director of Ensemble Theatre Company following three years as the Executive Director of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, it felt like coming home. After 5 years at ETC, Jill became VP of Advancement at The Granada Theatre just in time to help design and implement their 2024 Centennial Year Celebration. As a resident of Goleta, Jill is delighted to be part of the inaugural year of the Wild and Free Film Festival.
Shelley LaMon
Anthropologist
Shelley LaMon (M.A.) is a college instructor and doctoral candidate in sociocultural anthropology at UC, Santa Barbara. In addition to her background in teaching and social science research, she has worked with non-profits serving Indigenous language-speaking communities in California, Florida, and Mexico. She is an avid believer in the capacity of visual media and storytelling to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful dialogue and connection.
Michael Love
Filmmaker
Michael Love is CEO of Sage Hill Films and Writer, Director, Producer of many prizewinning films about the natural world, the arts and social issues. As a screenwriter, his films have been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globes and won the Alma and Movie Guide awards. Michael also was a faculty board member of the American Film Institute (AFI) where he taught screenwriting for seven years.