Wild & Scenic film fest comes to Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — The Wild and Scenic Film Festival will be returning to Sandpoint this month to feature nine films showcasing wild places and the people working to protect them.

The 22nd annual festival is put on by Friends of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, which is an organization that works to preserve the wild character of the Scotchman Peaks, 88,000 roadless acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service and situated along the Idaho-Montana border.

A few of the films that will be featured include "Brave Girl," "Renaissance," and "Light Beams for Helena." "Brave Girl" is about a 6-year-old girl with “unwavering ambition to climb the world’s highest mountains” the Friends of Scotchman Peaks website said. With the help of her grandpa, the young explorer takes on the peaks of Wyoming. 

In "Renaissance," a ballet dancer discovered new forms of expression through her passion for movement in the mountains.

"Light Beams for Helena" tells the story of Helena Bourdillon, who has pushed her limits in the freediving world, using a single breath to dive to seemingly impossible depths. 

“But her path to discovering her diving potential started 20 years ago when she was on the verge of suicide," the website said. “Light Beams for Helena explores her journey with depression, her ongoing mental health efforts, and what diving into the darkness of deep water has taught her about life and light.”

Tickets are now on sale for the festival. During the event raffle, prizes will be available.

Doors to the Panida Theater will open at 6 p.m. Friday, March 22. General admission will cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. “Superstar supporters” can purchase $100 tickets which include entry with reserved seating (front and center) and a hosted VIP party at Eichardt's Pub before the show.