. >> reporter: this year's festival features a local filmmaker, ron patel. >> i've been here for about two years. is>> reporter: he took interest in the world's dwindling elephant population all t way to myanmar to do a three-part film on saving them from poaching and eventual iextinction. e thought about it for years, and every year i'm like, that's really scary. >> reporter: it's called free solo. the winner of the 2019 oscar for best documentary. it's also an entry in this festival. >> it focuses on alex honnell, who is a rock climber. he free climbed the 3,000 rock face of el captain in yosemite national park. >> it's the opening night film, but it's bound to keep wanting people to come back for more. >> even though you know the ending to the film, it is absolutely thrilling. >> barbara harrison, news 4, washington.. >> the d environmental film festival runs through march 24th. there e 25 different locations where you can see the films. many of the events are free. so if you check out the f schedule, you'd it in -- if you open up the nbc washington app and search "fil festival." >>