Wild & Scenic Film Festival — environmental films

Reno’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival returned April 17 as an environmental film night and fundraiser for Friends of Black Rock-High Rock at Whitney Peak Hotel. (blackrockdesert.org) The Reno event ran Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with partner booths and a silent auction opening at 5 p.m. and films starting at 6:30 p.m. at the hotel. (blackrockdesert.org) Friends of Black Rock-High Rock said the evening included films, beverages, a Burning Man ticket raffle and auction items, while This Is Reno listed the venue as Cargo at the Whitney Peak Hotel. (blackrockdesert.org) (thisisreno.com) The festival is part of the Wild & Scenic On Tour program, which brings selections from the larger Wild & Scenic Film Festival to local host groups around the country. The Reno stop was presented by Friends of Black Rock-High Rock. (wildandscenicfilmfestival.org 1) (wildandscenicfilmfestival.org 2) The parent festival is organized by the South Yuba River Citizens League, which says Wild & Scenic uses film and art to promote environmental activism and a connection to nature. The touring model lets local conservation groups pair those films with their own campaigns and fundraising. (wildandscenicfilmfestival.org) (truckee.com) In Reno, proceeds support the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area through Friends of Black Rock-High Rock’s stewardship, education and outdoor programs. The group says it works with the Bureau of Land Management and was founded in 1999. (blackrockdesert.org 1) (blackrockdesert.org 2) Friends of Black Rock-High Rock calls the film festival one of its flagship events, alongside campouts and other public-land programs. The organization says its annual festival also promotes awareness of ecological issues affecting the Black Rock region. (blackrockdesert.org) (blackrockdesert.org) Wild & Scenic’s national festival has been running for more than two decades, and the organization says its 24th annual flagship event took place in February 2026, with the 25th annual festival scheduled for February 18-22, 2027. (wildandscenicfilmfestival.org) (yubariver.org) For Reno attendees, the local event doubled as a membership drive and a social gathering for people interested in public lands, wildlife and conservation in northern Nevada. Ticket and lineup details were directed through the host group and This Is Reno’s event coverage. (blackrockdesert.org) (thisisreno.com)