The Santa Cruz Film Festival is kicking off its 10th season Thursday with a screening of "Prairie Love."
The festival, which continues through May 14, will feature 167 films from 33 countries.
"Prairie Love," described by festival organizers as "wonderfully bizarre," is a film directed by Dusty Bias about a vagrant who rescues a nearly frozen man from the snow-covered plains of North Dakota and the adventure that ensues, according to organizers.
This year's festival includes nine feature films directed or produced by filmmakers from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.
Organizers have added a new award to this year's event. The Spirit of Action prize will go to the film that jurors feel best advocates for change related to social, political, and cultural issues, according to the site.
The festival will also feature workshops, events, and educational panels, organizers said.
For a full schedule of films and events, visit www.santacruzfilmfestival.org.
