2025 Film Guide

Explore our curated selection of conscious films for the 2025 ILLUMINATE Film Festival. From award-winning documentaries to inspiring narratives, our film guide showcases stories that elevate consciousness and inspire positive change. Discover transformative cinema from around the world, screening in-person in Santa Barbara (May 1-4) and online (May 5-11).

Wisdom of Happiness Poster

Wisdom of Happiness

IN-PERSON

Perfectly attuned to our times, this intimate heart-to-heart with the world's greatest ambassador of compassion is an unforgettable, meditative experience for the 21st Century. In what is likely to be his last film appearance...

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Perfectly attuned to our times, this intimate heart-to-heart with the world's greatest ambassador of compassion is an unforgettable, meditative experience for the 21st Century. In what is likely to be his last film appearance, The Dalai Lama unlocks a door to genuine, lasting happiness and reveals that every one of us holds our very own key to it in the palm of our hand.

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Rescued Hearts Poster

Rescued Hearts

IN-PERSON

Personal stories and scientific study illuminates the profound and often miraculous connection between humans and horses. Inspired by a life-changing moment—when a nonverbal boy diagnosed with autism spoke his first words while interacting with a horse...

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Personal stories and scientific study illuminates the profound and often miraculous connection between humans and horses. Inspired by a life-changing moment—when a nonverbal boy diagnosed with autism spoke his first words while interacting with a horse—filmmakers Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton seek to uncover the deeper meaning behind this extraordinary bond. Through moving stories and expert insights, Rescued Hearts reveals how horses help us heal and reconnect—with ourselves, each other, and all of nature.

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Wolf's Message Poster

Wolf's Message

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

Wolf's Message is the powerful true story of Michael "Wolf" Pasakarnis, who was struck and killed by lightning and left profound evidence that he knew how, when, and where it would happen. With the help of evidence-based medium...

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Wolf's Message is the powerful true story of Michael "Wolf" Pasakarnis, who was struck and killed by lightning and left profound evidence that he knew how, when, and where it would happen. With the help of evidence-based medium Suzanne Giesemann, the film offers undeniable proof of consciousness beyond the physical body and challenges our understanding of life, love, and the soul's eternal journey.

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Between The Mountain And The Sky Poster

Between The Mountain And The Sky

IN-PERSON

Maggie Doyne, an American woman in her 20s, joins forces with a once-orphaned Nepalese man to open a children's home, a women's empowerment program, and a school for orphaned youth in Nepal...

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Maggie Doyne, an American woman in her 20s, joins forces with a once-orphaned Nepalese man to open a children's home, a women's empowerment program, and a school for orphaned youth in Nepal. Shortly after being named a CNN HERO, she faces a devastating loss, forcing her and her family of over fifty Nepalese children to find resilience in the face of loss and seek hope in even the darkest moments.

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The Dalai Lama's Gift Poster

The Dalai Lama's Gift

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

In 1981, the Dalai Lama performed a historic Kalachakra Tantra initiation in Wisconsin, marking Tibetan Buddhism's arrival in America. Thousands gathered, a temple rose in weeks...

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In 1981, the Dalai Lama performed a historic Kalachakra Tantra initiation in Wisconsin, marking Tibetan Buddhism's arrival in America. Thousands gathered, a temple rose in weeks, and a new spiritual foundation was laid in the West—captured on film, then locked away in the Smithsonian. Now, this never-before-seen footage is revealed, immersing viewers in a forgotten chapter of spiritual history that shaped a generation and still resonates today.

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Feeding Tomorrow Poster

Feeding Tomorrow

IN-PERSON

Up against a broken food system suffering from ecosystem destruction, climate change, health epidemics, and inequality, a brave group of visionary leaders in agriculture, healthcare, and education work to build a more just...

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Up against a broken food system suffering from ecosystem destruction, climate change, health epidemics, and inequality, a brave group of visionary leaders in agriculture, healthcare, and education work to build a more just and regenerative food system in their communities - giving rise to a new global vision of Feeding Tomorrow.

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Finding Happy Poster

Finding Happy

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

In the spring of 2020, Maria, whose life had been crashing down around her, was looking for a beacon of hope. Then, one day while she was out for a run, she spotted an injured one-day-old sparrow lying on the ground...

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In the spring of 2020, Maria, whose life had been crashing down around her, was looking for a beacon of hope. Then, one day while she was out for a run, she spotted an injured one-day-old sparrow lying on the ground. She picked him up, intending to help him, not realizing how much he would help her and that he would become that sliver of hope she, and so many others, needed.

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Fools' Paradise (Lost?) Poster

Fools' Paradise (Lost?)

IN-PERSON

How do we heal ourselves through reconnection to the natural world? Immersed in the experiences recounted by writers, artists, environmentalists, adventurers, therapists, and activists, we delve into scientific inquiry...

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How do we heal ourselves through reconnection to the natural world? Immersed in the experiences recounted by writers, artists, environmentalists, adventurers, therapists, and activists, we delve into scientific inquiry around topics such as personal action, sustainable business and life practices, nature therapies, and how we need and use nature to regenerate ourselves and our planet.

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The Heart Revolution Poster

The Heart Revolution

VIRTUAL

A journey through life, from before our first heartbeat to beyond the last, playfully exploring what our heart is all about. In every chapter of life, from pregnancy to birth, learning to walk and talk, going to school...

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A journey through life, from before our first heartbeat to beyond the last, playfully exploring what our heart is all about. In every chapter of life, from pregnancy to birth, learning to walk and talk, going to school and using our brains, falling in love, becoming parents, growing old, and dying, our heart plays an overlooked yet existential role. If you think your heart is only a pump, you're in for a big surprise.

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The Journey Poster

The Journey

IN-PERSON

Musical brothers Isaac and Thorald Koren guide brave participants struggling with personal hardships to break free from emotional barriers through an immersive, music-driven experience. Each guest embarks on a profound voyage of self-discovery...

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Musical brothers Isaac and Thorald Koren guide brave participants struggling with personal hardships to break free from emotional barriers through an immersive, music-driven experience. Each guest embarks on a profound voyage of self-discovery, shedding old narratives and finding healing through song, rhythm, and raw creativity, proving that transformation isn't about changing appearances—it's about embracing the music within. From Executive Producer, SIA.

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Seen Poster

Seen

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

The transformative power of personal healing for parents and the impact it can have on our children's brain development is explored with authenticity and rigor. Through the unfiltered narratives of real parents and experts in the field...

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The transformative power of personal healing for parents and the impact it can have on our children's brain development is explored with authenticity and rigor. Through the unfiltered narratives of real parents and experts in the field, Seen promises not just compelling storytelling but the potential for profound societal impact. Together, we are illuminating the path toward emotional liberation and healthier connections—with both ourselves and our children.

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Turtle Walker Poster

Turtle Walker

IN-PERSON

In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India's coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest...

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In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India's coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries surrounding these enigmatic ocean creatures – and sets out to save them from extinction. After a devastating tsunami strikes in 2004, Bhaskar grapples with a pressing question: What happens to sea turtles when their nesting beaches disappear?

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Arema Poster

Arema

VIRTUAL

"If you listen to nature, it will lead the way…" Elder Gagaj Taimanav. Steeped in symbolism and no larger than a child's hand, the diminutive bird known as the Armea is found in only one place on Earth: the Pacific island of Rotuma...

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"If you listen to nature, it will lead the way…" Elder Gagaj Taimanav. Steeped in symbolism and no larger than a child's hand, the diminutive bird known as the Armea is found in only one place on Earth: the Pacific island of Rotuma. After years away, Rako Pasefika returns to Rotuma with elders and community to revitalize ancient stories and connect with the land and ocean.

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Cham Poster

Cham

VIRTUAL

Every winter, monks across India travel to the Thiksey Monastery to participate in a ceremonial dance called Cham, a sacred ritual transporting viewers into the divine realm.

From God To Man Poster

From God To Man

VIRTUAL

On the day that Lansana Mansaray was born, a tree was planted in his name in his father's Limba village. Now an Emmy and Peabody nominated filmmaker, Mansaray returns to the same village to better understand...

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On the day that Lansana Mansaray was born, a tree was planted in his name in his father's Limba village. Now an Emmy and Peabody nominated filmmaker, Mansaray returns to the same village to better understand the essential relationship that Limbas share with the trees that define every aspect of community life.

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Gath & K'iyh: Listen to Heal Poster

Gath & K'iyh: Listen to Heal

VIRTUAL

Gath and K'iyh: Listen to Heal is a poetic exploration of a community-led creative arts project aimed at understanding and restoring our relationship with gath (king salmon) and k'iyh (birch) relatives as we navigate our feelings around climate change in Alaska...

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Gath and K'iyh: Listen to Heal is a poetic exploration of a community-led creative arts project aimed at understanding and restoring our relationship with gath (king salmon) and k'iyh (birch) relatives as we navigate our feelings around climate change in Alaska. Guided by the wisdom of Ahtna Elder Fred John, it invites viewers to pause, listen, sing and dream together and ask how we might be in better relationship to the natural world around us.

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Ink Fish Poster

Ink Fish

VIRTUAL

A young composer, struggling to create a melody, finds unexpected inspiration from a silent squid, awakening her to the hidden vibrations of the world. The film unfolds like a song, building through discord and discovery toward a powerful crescendo, revealing how unseen rhythms shape the music of existence.

Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace Poster

Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace

VIRTUAL

Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace shares the inspiring journey of chef/restaurateur Lisa Dahl, who turned personal tragedy into a thriving culinary career in Sedona, Arizona. After the devastating loss of her son Justin, who was murdered in the 1990s...

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Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace shares the inspiring journey of chef/restaurateur Lisa Dahl, who turned personal tragedy into a thriving culinary career in Sedona, Arizona. After the devastating loss of her son Justin, who was murdered in the 1990s, Lisa found healing through cooking. In 1995, she moved to Sedona and opened Dahl & DiLuca as a tribute to Justin. Over 30 years, she expanded to six acclaimed restaurants, each dedicated to preserving Justin's memory.

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Mother Father Blood Poster

Mother Father Blood

VIRTUAL

A young Dayak Iban girl growing up in the forests of central Borneo follows ancient connections to earn the gift of a story – how her community united to stop logging companies and government officials from taking their lands amid rampant deforestation.

Sunyata Poster

Sunyata

VIRTUAL

A sound engineer is looking for the meaning of silence.

Tahnaanooku' Poster

Tahnaanooku'

VIRTUAL

A grandmother. A source of existence. A portal to other worlds. For thousands of years, the Indigenous Peoples of what is now known as North and South Dakota co-existed reciprocally with the Missouri River, its waters offering life while also inspiring legends...

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A grandmother. A source of existence. A portal to other worlds. For thousands of years, the Indigenous Peoples of what is now known as North and South Dakota co-existed reciprocally with the Missouri River, its waters offering life while also inspiring legends and languages. In Tahnaanooku', filmmaker Justin Deegan takes an experimental approach to the severing of this relationship between his community — the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara — and the river, the result of over 80 years of US government efforts to control the Missouri, including via the Garrison Dam.

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We Going Home Now Poster

We Going Home Now

VIRTUAL

Ngarridurndeng Kured (We Going Home Now) follows Dean Yibarbuk, his family and community as they return to their traditional homeland in Kuwarddewardde – the rock country – to help protect their territory from devastating wildfires...

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Ngarridurndeng Kured (We Going Home Now) follows Dean Yibarbuk, his family and community as they return to their traditional homeland in Kuwarddewardde – the rock country – to help protect their territory from devastating wildfires and reestablish their communities and support their families' and way of life.

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Enchanted Matter: The Art of Robert Powell Poster

Enchanted Matter: The Art of Robert Powell

IN-PERSON

A genre-bending exploration of the Himalayas, Tantric Asia and the Nature of Art itself. An idealistic young architect's improbable journey of self-discovery manifests a life of true love and enchantment...

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A genre-bending exploration of the Himalayas, Tantric Asia and the Nature of Art itself. An idealistic young architect's improbable journey of self-discovery manifests a life of true love and enchantment. Magician of pen and brush, Powell's insatiable curiosity for shamanism, Tibet, and ancient artisan cultures transforms his jaw-dropping paintings into matter that may forever change the way you view inanimate objects.

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Suffering Into Gold Poster

Suffering Into Gold

IN-PERSON & ONLINE

When Paul Gralen is diagnosed with ALS he makes the brave decision to use legally available methods to end his own life. At first, his wife Beth is scared to lose him, but together they go on a guided psilocybin journey...

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When Paul Gralen is diagnosed with ALS he makes the brave decision to use legally available methods to end his own life. At first, his wife Beth is scared to lose him, but together they go on a guided psilocybin journey and ultimately lose their fear of death. Beth reaches out to William Peters, the world's leading expert on the Shared Death Experience (SDE), to begin the process of SDE training in order to have a conscious and loving end-of-life experience.

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Circle of Grace Poster

Circle of Grace

IN-PERSON & ONLINE

During her 17th birthday party, Grace Fisher is struck with a polio like virus that left her fully paralyzed from the neck down. Circle of Grace takes a journey into her imagination as she paints a stunning image...

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During her 17th birthday party, Grace Fisher is struck with a polio like virus that left her fully paralyzed from the neck down. Circle of Grace takes a journey into her imagination as she paints a stunning image merely with a paintbrush attached to an apparatus in her mouth. Grace also composed the score for the film using that same technique, one note at a time.

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My Father - The Healer Poster

My Father - The Healer

VIRTUAL

A docudrama about a Chinese QiGong Master who grew up in brutal conditions during the Cultural Revolution in Maoist China, where he had to keep his gifts a secret. He eventually fled to the West and developed a significant following...

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A docudrama about a Chinese QiGong Master who grew up in brutal conditions during the Cultural Revolution in Maoist China, where he had to keep his gifts a secret. He eventually fled to the West and developed a significant following but also experienced a crushing fall from Grace. While he'd helped thousands to heal themselves from terminal diseases, he'd neglected to heal himself––from his own ancestral trauma.

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