The Pinnacles Film Festival began with one film and a simple idea: give it a fitting screening. It grew because filmmakers, community partners and volunteers saw what was possible and helped bring it to life.
Sol Treasures had become involved in “The Trees Whisper at Night,” a film by Greenfield filmmaker Miguel Garcia Mendoza. We provided financial support and agreed to screen it. At first, I pictured a gathering in our backyard or the gallery.
Then Miguel invited me to visit the set.
What I found was unexpected and thrilling. Camera operators, lighting and sound crews, actors and makeup artists were working behind the scenes. Even parents were serving food to the crews. At one point, I think I counted 32 people.
The level of skill and professionalism on that set would ordinarily require a much larger budget. Here, the passion to tell stories was its own kind of currency. And that kind of passion is intoxicating.
Miguel directed shot after shot with saintly patience. The crew stood in the Valley winds on cold nights, doing another take, making another adjustment. It was tedious and exciting at the same time.
Their dedication deserved a bigger screen. Chris Davis at King City Cinemas said yes, and suddenly we had an actual theater.
The plan was still to screen just one film. But connections with local filmmakers kept growing, and so did the possibilities.
Jacquie Atchinson at the Arts Council for Monterey County helped open the next door. When I contacted her for guidance, she arranged a meeting with Consuelo Alba, cofounder and executive director of the Watsonville Film Festival.
Consuelo generously shared her experience as we explored how to start a small festival. During that meeting, Jacquie offered a partnership between the Arts Council and Sol Treasures. From there, Jacquie and I began building the festival together with our teams and a cohort of volunteers.
When we started envisioning a name, we landed almost simultaneously on “The Pinnacles Film Festival.” But to be honest, Jacquie said it first.
Here’s the kicker: All of this began with the hope of creating a fitting screening for “The Trees Whisper at Night,” and we won’t be showing that film this year.
It isn’t ready yet. Sometimes filmmaking requires the sun, the moon and the stars to align. The film has been delayed, with a screening planned for early 2027. It’s a film made right here in the Salinas Valley, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But look at what it started.
This past summer, Sol Treasures offered a filmmaking class with the goal of making a film in one month. No surprise, Miguel taught it.
The students ranged from seventh grade through college seniors, all from our beautiful Salinas Valley. Together, they made “Loving Melody.” On Oct. 10, their film will play on the big screen at The Pinnacles Film Festival.
And there’s more ahead: plans for filmmaking classes with Hartnell College and growing connections with film students and instructors at CSUMB. Local schools are asking how their students can learn to make films. Others already teaching those skills are preparing to bring their students’ work to the festival next year.
Turns out, the passion for telling stories through film was already here. Together, we’re giving it somewhere to go, and a screen to land on.
That passion runs through the stories audiences will see at the festival.
One comes from Greenfield’s Cristian Jesus Vega, who holds a BA in cinematic arts and technology from CSU Monterey Bay and wrote “¿Qué es un niño?”. Through surreal imagery, the film explores the pressure to fit society’s expectations and the freedom of accepting yourself.
Filmmaker Julia Ruiz is drawn to the beautiful, messy truth of people’s lives. In her film “The Prodigy,” a rising boxer’s first major loss shakes his belief in his future. A close friend helps him confront his self-doubt and rediscover the passion that brought him into the ring.
The festival’s 37 films range from work featured at the Sundance Film Festival to first efforts by people just discovering filmmaking. Each brings a perspective and a story someone felt compelled to share. Come ready to discover what these filmmakers see, imagine and want us to understand.
You can come for a film block or spend the day. Each block groups films into one screening session, and with three theaters, you’ll have choices throughout the day. You will also have opportunities to hear filmmakers discuss their work and ask questions. Watch the trailers on our Instagram page, @thepinnaclesfilmfestival, to get a taste of what’s coming to the screen.
We’ve also had support from King City Mayor Mike LeBarre, City Manager José Arreolla, Monterey County Film Commissioner Chris Carpenter, Hartnell College Dean Ana Gonzalez and County Supervisor Chris Lopez.
The Pinnacles Film Festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 10, at King City Cinemas, 200 Broadway. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:15 a.m., with 37 films in nine blocks screening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Day passes are $25 per person, $10 for students or $30 for a family of two adults and two children. Admission includes the after-party from 4 to 6 p.m., with music, food and a chance to meet filmmakers.
Tickets are limited, so please buy early at soltreasures.com or visit Sol Treasures, 519 Broadway, Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.
What began as a search for a place to show one film became a community effort to make room for many more. Now we’re inviting you to come see them.
