Schedule:

Morning Meditation: 9:00 - 9:45 AM

Join PALMA Colectiva and Meredith Markworth-Pollack for a guided meditation and sound bath to start the day grounded and deeply connected to self, spirit, and community. This 45 min journey will begin with gentle breath and meditation to drop us into our unique presence, followed by a soothing sound bath, opening us to receive the ancient wisdom from these alchemized instruments.

Art & Soul, 1323 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Fools' Paradise (lost?) & Panel Discussion: 12:00 - 2:15 PM

How do we heal ourselves through reconnection to the natural world? Immersed in the experiences recounted by writers, artists, environmentalists, adventurers, therapists, and activists, we delve into scientific inquiry around topics such as personal action, sustainable business and life practices, nature therapies, and how we need and use nature to regenerate ourselves and our planet.

Followed by: Returning to the Heart of Nature panel discussion with director Alexandra Lexton, Art Cisneros, Mariko Pitts and moderated by Kimberley Pinkson

Runtime: 98 minutes
Director: Alexandra Lexton

The New Vic Theatre, 33 W Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA

ENCHANTED MATTER: The Art of Robert Powell & Panel Discussion: 3:00 - 5:00 PM

A genre-bending exploration of the Himalayas, Tantric Asia and the Nature of Art itself. An idealistic young architect’s improbable journey of self-discovery manifests a life of true love and enchantment. Magician of pen and brush, Powell‘s insatiable curiosity for shamanism, Tibet, and ancient artisan cultures transforms his jaw-dropping paintings into matter that may forever change the way you view inanimate objects.

Followed by: Re-enchanting Our Modern World panel with director Tom Piozet, Sarah Drew, Jess Hundley and moderated by Pacifica Faculty

Runtime: 61 minutes
Director: Tom Piozet, Andrei Jewell

The New Vic Theatre, 33 W Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Rescued Hearts & Panel Discussion: 6:30 - 9:15 PM

Personal stories and scientific study illuminates the profound and often miraculous connection between humans and horses. Inspired by a life-changing moment—when a nonverbal boy diagnosed with autism spoke his first words while interacting with a horse—filmmakers Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton seek to uncover the deeper meaning behind this extraordinary bond. Through moving stories and expert insights, Rescued Hearts reveals how horses help us heal and reconnect—with ourselves, each other, and all of nature.

Followed by: Rescuing the Heart panel with director Krisanna Sexton, producer Dana Croschere, Sheva Carr, Joell Dunlap and moderated by Mark Laisure

Runtime: 118 minutes
Director: Krisanna Sexton

The New Vic Theatre, 33 W Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Turtle Walker: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India's coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries surrounding these enigmatic ocean creatures – and sets out to save them from extinction. After a devastating tsunami strikes in 2004, Bhaskar grapples with a pressing question: What happens to sea turtles when their nesting beaches disappear?

Introduction by director Taira Malaney

Runtime: 75 minutes
Director: Taira Malaney

The CEC Atrium, 1219 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Heart & Harmony Song Circle with Donna De Lory: 8:00 - 10:00 PM

Cap off a fun day of film-going with heart-opening community singing led by Donna De Lory.

IFF Hub (28 Vic), 28 W Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA

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