Wild and Free Film Festival 2026

The Wild & Free Film Festival (WAFFF) returns for its second year, bringing 40 short and feature-length films from 11 countries to Goleta, November 6–8. The program celebrates outdoor, adventure and environmental storytelling, with world, U.S. and local premieres.

The festival opens Friday, Nov. 6 at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara with the Central Coast premiere of The Siege of Paradise, from Irish director Gar O’Rourke. The film received a Special Jury Mention for cinematography at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. O’Rourke will attend in person. The evening begins with a Mediterranean-inspired reception at 6:30 p.m., and the film starts at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, Camino Real Cinemas hosts the Central Coast premiere of Nuisance Bear, winner of the 2026 Sundance Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary (doors 5 p.m., film 5:30 p.m.). The screening is followed by the festival awards and a rooftop after-party at Hilton Garden Inn Goleta.

Ten film blocks run Saturday and Sunday at Camino Real Cinemas, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The weekend also includes filmmaker Q&As and panels. Sunday’s community film block is free for everyone.

Wild & Free is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit festival presented by Santa Barbara Honda and Toyota of Santa Barbara.

Tickets: All In Festival Pass $185 · Opening Night $125 · Nuisance Bear $15 · Film blocks $12 adult, $5 child (6–14), free for kids 5 and under · 4-pack $40 · Sunday community block free.