Presented by
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.
The Team
Gareth Kelly
Gareth Kelly is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder and Executive Director of the Wild and Free Film Festival. Originally from a small village in rural England, he developed an early love for the natural world and storytelling that continues to shape his work today.
When he’s not behind a screen producing films or building the festival, Gareth can usually be found out on local trails, riding his bike, playing soccer, or exploring Santa Barbara’s food and drink scene. He looks forward to welcoming filmmakers and audiences from around the world 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.
Leonor Reyes
Leonor Reyes is the Production Coordinator for the Wild and Free Film Festival, bringing years of experience supporting mission-driven events and projects. Known for her heart for community and her eye for detail, she thrives at the intersection of creativity and coordination. Outside of festival season, you’ll likely find her on a trail, dipping in the sea or chasing the kind of sunsets that remind her why stories and nature matter.
Board of Directors
Jill Seltzer - Chair
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.
Lauren Trujillo - Treasurer
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.
Scott Seltzer - Secretary
Advertising & Marketing Executive.
Scott Seltzer has a broad-based background in developing advertising, branding, and marketing strategies. He has created and produced award-winning TV, radio, interactive, and digital media campaigns for an extensive variety of products, goods, and services.
Scott has worked with large international advertising agencies on global “mega” brands like Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, and McDonalds; with small regional and local creative service agencies focused on emerging brands and new products; and directly with advertisers and marketers on brand development and promotion.
A passionate participant and supporter of the arts and particularly film and theater, Scott has helped with marketing and promotion for the Granada Theatre’s Centennial, the Ensemble Theatre Co., and the inaugural Wild and Free Film Festival.
Diego Taccioli - Board Member
Director of Innovation - Deckers Brands
Diego Taccioli is the Director of Innovation at Deckers Brands in Goleta, California, where he leads the incubation and development process of next-generation products through computational design, additive manufacturing, and emerging technologies. With a background in architecture and product design, he spent a decade in academia and has co-led his design studio, Slicelab, for over 15 years, building a practice rooted in experimentation, digital craft, and hands-on making. Central to his work is a strong creative storytelling lens, capturing and communicating the narrative behind innovation, from concept through fabrication, often through documentary-style exploration. As a board member, he brings a perspective that bridges technology and storytelling, emphasizing how innovation itself can serve as a powerful medium for creative expression.
Gareth Kelly - Board Member, Founder
Filmmaker.
Gareth Kelly is a filmmaker and the founder and Executive Director of the Wild and Free Film Festival. His work focuses on story-driven documentary and narrative films while building platforms that support independent filmmakers.
In 2025, he launched the Wild and Free Film Festival, an independent event centered on adventurous and environmentally conscious storytelling. The festival is being developed as a regionally recognized cultural destination that connects filmmakers, audiences, sponsors, and community partners.
Gareth brings a background in production, development, journalism, communications, and nonprofit leadership. He is focused on producing high-level feature projects while continuing to grow the festival as a meaningful platform for filmmakers.