‘The Long Kiss’ and “Fishpeople’ to be screened Aug. 1 at Grange Hall

Staff Report

On Friday, Aug. 1, NatureTrack Foundation, in partnership with the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, invites the community to a special summer screening of two remarkable films celebrating nature and the power of connection.

The evening opens with “The Long Kiss,” a charming 2.5-minute animated short by Russian student filmmaker Ivan Khanzhi that follows two river snails in a heartwarming attempt to overcome their natural sluggishness for a chance at love.

The feature film, “Fishpeople” (48 mins), is a stunning documentary presented by Patagonia and directed by local filmmaker Keith Malloy. Winner of Best Feature at the 2018 NatureTrack Film Festival, the film shares the transformative stories of surfers, swimmers, spearfishers, and others whose lives have been changed by their connection to the sea.

This free community event offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class, nature-focused cinema right here in the Santa Ynez Valley. The screening will take place at the Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, located at 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave., in Los Olivos. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the screening begins promptly at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.

About NatureTrack

NatureTrack Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2011 with the mission of connecting people to nature through cost-free, curriculum-aligned outdoor field trips for K–12 students. Based in Santa Barbara County, NatureTrack has since expanded its impact with the Freedom Trax program, which enables wheelchair users to explore beaches and trails with independence and dignity. NatureTrack also produces the NatureTrack Film Festival, celebrating nature through film and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Learn more at www.naturetrack.org

About Santa Ynez Valley Grange

The Santa Ynez Valley Grange  No. 644 has served as a cornerstone of community life in the Santa Ynez Valley since its founding in 1937.  As part of the national and State Grange organizations the SYV Grange is dedicated to promoting agriculture, education, and community enrichment.  The historic hall hosts a variety of public and private events, bringing people together in the spirit of cooperation, learning, and local culture.

Learn more at www.syvgrange.org