NatureTrack Film Festival wrapped up its third annual film series on Sunday evening, marking the first time the event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
From Oct. 9 to 18, viewers could log in and access more than 70 films originating from 20 countries in categories of adventure, animation, conservation and kids connecting with nature.
Though missing the in-person element, the organization still came through, delivering the names of this year's film award winners.
Best in Festival — Feature (a tie):
- Oliver Goetzel, "Lost Kings of Bioko"
- Moritz Katz and Braydon Moloney, "Realm of the Robber"
Best in Festival — Short:
- "Blue Ventures," Garth Cripps and Paul Antion Kokoly
Kids Connecting with Nature — The Dan Conaway Award
- Sébastien Pins, "Traces"
Igniting Passion for (and with) Nature Award
Best in categories — Feature
- Asgeir Helgestad, "Queen Without Land" — Adventure
- Matthias Mayr, "83° Ski the North" — Outdoors and Out of Bounds
- Oliver Goetzel, "Lost Kings of Bioko" — Conservation
- Josh and Rebecca Tickell, "The Earthing Movie: The Remarkable Science of Grounding" — Biographies
- Moritz Katz and Braydon Moloney, "Realm of the Robber" — Scenic
Best in categories — Short
- Sophie Ballagh and Ewan Blyth "ICEolation" — Adventure
- Guillaume Néry, "One Breath Around the World" — Outdoors and Out of Bounds
- Virginia Moore, "Ferret Town" — Conservation
- "Blue Ventures," Garth Cripps and Paul Antion Kokoly — Biographies
- Jeff McLoughlin, "Carrizo Plain" — A Sense of Place — Scenic
- Carol Chambers, "Six Mile Stretch" — Animation
- Gabriela Clar YikásdáhÃ, "Awaits the Dawn" — Student
- Sébastien Pins, "Traces" — Kids Connecting with Nature
The People’s Choice Award and the raffle winner, according to a festival spokesperson, will soon be announced.
The virtual week-long festival will screen dozens of documentaries and short films from 21 countries, in both live and animated form, that span categories of adventure, animation, conservation and kids connecting with nature.Â
Lisa André covers local news and lifestyles for Santa Ynez Valley News.Â