In the zone. Locked in. In your element.

Flow State is that indescribable moment when everything clicks - when you're so immersed in what you're doing that time dissolves, self-doubt fades, and you're simply present. The activity that inspires flow state looks different to everyone. It might be the feeling of a perfect cast, the rhythm of paddling downstream, or the meditative focus of watching water move over stones.

This year's second annual Fish Water People Film Festival explores the Flow State, and the powerful connection between Californians and our waterways. Through a curated collection of short films, we will discover how flowing water draws us in, grounds us, challenges us, and reminds us what we're fighting to protect.

These films will capture the full spectrum of flow – from high-energy narratives of adventure and risk to intimate portrayals of connection along the waterfront, from generations-old traditions to brand-new discoveries. We’re excited to share your stories about getting lost in the beauty, adventure, and sacredness of California’s waters.

Screenings will take place at breweries and theaters across California. Join us for films, filmmaker Q&As, raffle prizes, and the chance to connect with others who understand why California's rivers and coast matter.


Call for Film Submissions

We're seeking short films that explore Flow State and California's waterways - however you interpret that.

Maybe it's the rush of whitewater. The wonder of discovering a new swimming hole. The commitment of restoration work. The cultural traditions tied to a specific watershed.

We want films that capture what happens when people and water connect - the joy, the play, the deep engagement that makes conservation personal. Show us your Flow State.

We’re looking for:

-Short films (5-20 minutes long) set in California
-Stories centered on rivers, streams, lakes, the ocean, or any natural bodies of water
-Any interpretation of "Flow State" - adventure, meditation, work, play, tradition, discovery
-Films that celebrate the human connection to water

Although we love a good fish story, we’re not just looking for films that are about fish. We want to see the ways you connect with the waterways you’ve been near all your life or the ones that are brand new to you but have sparked something you just can’t ignore. We’re looking for stories of wonder rooted in the natural spaces that inspire awe.