A Festival with a Purpose
Chattanooga is well known for our breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. However, one event has brought together the best of both worlds—nature, and filmmaking—indoors during this chilly January. Last weekend, the Lookout Wild Film Festival offered the ideal escape for nature enthusiasts looking to get inspired.
The Lookout Wild Film Festival (LWFF) was created not only to inspire people to get outside but also to educate people about the natural world through the power of storytelling. The event’s mission is simple yet profound: to showcase films that inspire environmental stewardship, outdoor adventure, and the beauty of the wild places on our planet. It fosters an excellent mindset to start your year, to be in awe of both the human spirit and the beauty of our plant.
The films featured at LWFF span a variety of global scenes, with shorts and a few extended feature films. Every showing was incredibly creative and visually stunning, and a common thread between them all was a deep appreciation for nature, wildlife, and outdoor adventure. Whether it’s a daring exploration of remote mountain ranges, an in-depth look at a keystone species, or a story of community, the festival offers a diverse lineup of films that spark conversation.
As an event dedicated to education, nature, fun, and getting outside- it’s clear how close the mission aligns with WaterWays. One of my favorite films was “Saving Seagrass,” a deep dive into the underwater plant that maintains the marine health of Mobile Bay. This film not only discussed the importance of Seagrass, but also its direct impact on human life in the form of erosion control, food supply, and water quality. Like us at WaterWays, the stakeholders in “Saving Seagrass” know that restoring our aquatic ecosystems allows us to flourish.
The festival attracts an eclectic crowd. Seasoned climbers, white water rafters, students, or families looking for an entertaining yet thought-provoking way to engage with the world around them all found something suited to their interests- and something new. Additionally, the festival’s relationship with local organizations and environmental groups adds a layer of activism to the event. In between films, attendees could be found wandering the Expo- where local activist groups and non-profits like Waterways set up information booths. I could tell that the chance to network in between being inspired by stories of environmental heroism made attendees more receptive to environmental efforts they could be a part of.
Local vendors also brought the adventure inside with a great selection of camping, skiing, and hiking gear to make your dream outdoor experience a reality. The friendly and helpful workers were a great reminder that the daring feats shown in the films are not so out of reach. Given the accessibility of Chattanooga’s recreational opportunities, viewers looking to combine a film festival experience with outdoor exploration- even if for the first time- were encouraged and supported.
With the festival partnering with local environmental groups to promote the sustainability described in many of the films, there’s a tangible pathway for attendees to get involved in preserving the natural beauty of Chattanooga. It’s not just about watching films—it’s about taking action. Whether it’s a personal goal to climb a mountain or a shared mission to clean a creek, the festival urges us to take that first step.
The Lookout Wild Film Festival is a tribute to the wonders of nature, the importance of environmental advocacy, and the thrill of outdoor adventure- and it’s growing every year! As it becomes more of a cherished tradition, I hope the festival continues to be a cornerstone event for both Chattanooga and the global community of nature lovers.
