The Wild and Scenic Film Festival and Twilight Market were held at Confluence Park on the south side of the river, near downtown San Antonio. To the left of the park entrance, an unmissable edifice known as the BH Pavilion, modeled to resemble illuminating petals as twilight descended, glows in the distance. As people passed through the park and approached the structure, a concrete path with light posts and green foliage led the way to a handful of curated vendors permeated with goods. The Twilight Market shops offered everything from potted plants and homemade soaps to crocheted keychains, custom jewelry, hats and fun snacks. Behind these shops were small business owners who engaged in friendly conversation about the park, its initiatives and other community gems of San Antonio.
After chatting and shopping, patrons could observe that the once-distant structure from the entrance is now right before them, beaming with an eclipsing, golden sunset to match. At the entrance, a sign welcomes the park-goers to the screening, along with a note mentioning complimentary popcorn and beverages. The pavilion is filled with people and pets sprawled out on blankets and lawn chairs — all captured by the big screen where the film festival has begun rolling.
The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is a touring event showing a variety of films that focus on the stewardship of waterways and the beings who research, educate and rely on those ecosystems to live. Some notable films entailed native communities gathering and disposing of pollution in their waterways and providing testimonials on their relationships with the river and its ecosystems. Another short film presented a child celebrating his love for the outdoors while educating viewers on the importance of certain bugs and environmental functions to waterways. There was even a documentary that described a disease called chytrid attacking amphibians and driving them into extinction. The film showed how the researchers were dedicated to restoring frog populations, especially certain cornerstone species.
During intermission, the San Antonio River Foundation came out to share information on upcoming community-based events. Director of Nature, Equity and Engagement Sara Ramirez and other associates announced future partnerships, consisting of libraries distributing hiking materials and BCycle, a San Antonio partner that lends bicycles for free throughout the city.
The SARF oversees a multitude of cultural, ecological, educational and recreational aspects of public outreach. This entails organizing and hosting many of the events seen at Confluence Park and promoting its conservation advocacy and public art. The park is riddled with must-sees like abstract and interactive pieces, mosaics and occasional art shows dedicated to the river, the park and San Antonio history.
The SARF is dedicated to its outreach through the means of the environment and in all mediums of art.
Just when the assumption was that third spaces were dwindling in the world, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival and Twilight Market decided to provide a space where the purchasing of goods is optional and the pursuit of outdoor leisure is mandatory — as is advocating for the natural havens that still exist and should be protected.
