 Away from his family for up to 3 years at a time, Peruvian shepherd, Christian Aliaga works the hillsides of northern California with a massive herd of goats and two exceptional Border Collies. Together they roam the land conducting wildfire mitigation with their old-world, natural approach to vegetation management. Christian shares his affinity for nature, the animals he works with, and a glimpse at his timeless trade in the modern age.  Director Matthew Boyd https://www.wayoftheshepherdfilm.com Matthew Boyd is an award-winning cinematographer and director based in Oakland, CA. working in feature film, short film, documentary, and television spaces. His work has been featured on Netflix, HBO Documentary Films, Showtime, theatrically, and in film festivals worldwide. Boyd's recent feature work as cinematographer includes "ZONA", a feature-length documentary about Zona Roberts, the 103 yr old disability rights activist and mother of Ed Roberts. "Mine 9", (Netflix, Showtime) And "Hazard", a new feature starring Sosie Bacon, Alex Roe, and Steven Ogg based on the Appalachian opioid epidemic.
Director Statement I first met Christian Aliaga on a foggy hike in the hills of Berkeley, California. He was setting up an electric perimeter fence, surrounded by a massive herd of goats with two trusty Border Collies at his side. I learned that these goats were the descendants of a herd brought by Spanish missionaries to Catalina Island in the 1800's. The ranch Christian works for collected hundreds of these goats in the mid-90's when ranchers and animals rights groups offered to remove the goats from the island before a planned mass culling of the population. I was fascinated by this novel approach to wildfire mitigation through vegetation management, and the story behind his time working alongside these animals, alone, in these varied settings. Every visit revealed something more interesting than the last, and two years later, I had gained a friend and finished a film.  A young man wakes up in a dense forest, tied to a tree, with no memory of who he is or how he got there. The only thing he remembers is the name "Diana." Confused and scared, he finds two campers nearby who discover him. As he tries to remember his past and the importance of Diana, he faces many challenges to uncover the truth.  Director Samy Chaffaï Samy Chaffai, a 28-year-old Arab/Tunisian filmmaker from Bizerte, Tunisia, graduated from ISAMM in editing and is pursuing a PhD in cinema and audiovisual science in ESAC. He won Best Director awards in 2020(Jordan) and 2022 (Tunisia). Founder & producer at Teleported Production. http://samychaffai.com
Director Statement "Where is Diana" is a deeply personal film that explores the themes of identity, memory, and the search for truth. Inspired by someone who took everything from me, this story reflects my wish for them to experience the same trauma and understand the pain they caused. It's not about vengeance; rather, it's about empathy and transformation, hoping that through understanding, they might become a better person. I can't say more without spoiling the movie, but I believe this journey speaks to anyone who seeks understanding and emotional growth.  Suhail, a young boy with Autism, flees to live in the mountains after his father shuns him, not understanding his determination. Pinned with the confusing sadness that his mother died in childbirth with him, Suhail makes the epic journey, with his new friend Barakah, an Arabian Saluki, to find acceptance, family, and redemption.  Director Zainab Sheheen Mountain Boy is the feature film directorial debut of Emirati director Zainab Shaheen. Born in Fujairah, she is committed to empowering Emirati through uniquely Emirati stories. Zainab's previous short films include Journey of Hope, Dates to Mars, Fujairah Vlog, and UAE 2071. Zainab has also worked with The British Council on an international collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, spotlighting her game development, social media, and digital filmmaking experience. https://www.mountainboymovie.com
Director Statement When I read the book THE BOY WHO KNEW THE MOUNTAINS and met with writer/producer Nancy Paton, I was inspired by the idea of portraying the journey of an autistic boy. It was an opportunity to weave a narrative that not only entertains but also fosters understanding and empathy. The story is also a big step for the UAE's film industry, as well as the autistic community. My initial vision for MOUNTAIN BOY was to create a film that seamlessly blends a heartwarming family story with the breathtaking landscapes of the UAE, especially the enchanting beauty of Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. I wanted the visual elements to complement and enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, providing audiences with a unique cinematic experience. While adapting MOUNTAIN BOY for the screen, I engaged in insightful conversations with the book’s author, Michele Ziolkowski. She pointed out cultural concerns from the book that we, as locals, normalize. For me, this was a moment of realization that our culture carries a lot of special meanings. I would like MOUNTAIN BOY viewers to take away the power of understanding, empathy and unconditional love and acceptance of others. The story fosters a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experiences, especially those individuals with autism.  Interweaving the rhythms of daily life on the ranch and wild horses on the range, "Beyond the Herd" tells the story of Mexican-American equestrians Amber and Isidro. Their kinship with mustangs echoes their own experiences with discrimination and 'otherness.' As resources dwindle for wild horses, their bond becomes a symbol of resilience, transforming once-wild mustangs into lifelong companions.  Director Michelle Fenn Michelle Fenn, a filmmaker based in Los Angeles with New England roots, is making her documentary directorial debut with "Beyond the Herd". Her background spans editing and producing scripted content, and producing and directing commercial and docu-style branded projects. Michelle's storytelling is characterized by its authenticity, focusing on character-driven narratives that resonate with audiences. She has a passion for exploring female-driven stories and championing underdog narratives, aiming to create cinematic experiences that deeply connect with viewers seeking connection and self-discovery.
Director Statement There is nothing quite as painful as finding your 'why' and then discovering you're not welcome in that space. It's a universal experience; the heavy burden of feeling like you don't belong. Amber's experiences of "otherness" resonated deeply with me, as I know they will with our audience. Whether it's feeling excluded for how you look, who you love, the color of your skin, or being neurodivergent, the world can often be a lonely and isolating place designed to divide us. But Amber and Isidro have chosen to tackle their adversity head-on, creating space for themselves and other underserved communities to flourish and be accepted, both two-legged and four-legged alike. Through "Beyond the Herd," I aim not only to raise awareness about the challenges faced by wild mustangs and help rewrite their future, but also to inspire audiences to pursue their passions, even if they don't fit the traditional mold. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong.  When a fox demon spares the life of a young monk, the two form an unlikely bond that ends in the ultimate sacrifice.  Director Kylene Wong Harrington Kylene Wong Harrington is an Asian American filmmaker with a great love for animation, storyboarding, and screenwriting, as well as a strong passion for eastern and western cultural arts. She has a B.A in English literature from the University of South Florida, and in 2020, received her MFA in film production from Loyola Marymount University. Her passion project, The Shadow of Snow, is adapted from a short story she wrote in university, and takes great inspiration from Chinese folklore and literary imagery.
Director StatementIn the spring of 2016, I was an undergraduate student majoring in English literature so I did consistent work on the western literary canon. At the same time, I started to more deeply explore my own cultural background and its artistic traditions. While reconnecting with my Asian heritage, I fell in love with Chinese poetry and literary conventions. Due to a combination of Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian beliefs, these stories tended to follow a circular nature. Everything connects to everything else, and this style has influenced East Asian storytelling to this day. I then thought to myself, “How could I have taken these beautiful stories—this combination of folklore, mythos, spirituality, and history--for granted?” I became fascinated with these traditions and searched through a plethora of classical literature, folktales, opera recordings, and more. Then I came up with my own concept, drawing heavy inspiration from the ancient Chinese folklore and artistic tradition that I was so influenced by. I turned my idea into a short prose story titled “One Winter’s Dawn,” the tale of a tragic friendship between a wild fox spirit and a young Buddhist monk. It was my love letter to the aesthetic of Chinese art and storytelling. Ever since, the idea remained a passion project in the back of my head...  From the jungles of the Congo to the university laboratory, ROUGH & TUMBLE: TAKING PLAY SERIOUSLY features the essential role of play for gorillas, dogs, dolphins and rats, and reveals how necessary it is for the healthy development of children. Through play, we learn the rules of social behavior and how to bond with others. We develop our imaginations as we improve our physical and emotional well-being. ROUGH & TUMBLE reminds us of the joy and connection we experience playing, both as kids and as adults, and encourages us to get out and have fun!  Director Yuri Makino Yuri Makino’s award-winning films have screened nationally and internationally, on public television and in museums. Her previous fiction and documentary films examine cultural borders and the experiences of women living in these liminal spaces. Her current work explores the importance of human play from the perspective of scientists studying animal play. She is co-directing a feature documentary about communities restoring healthcare to its noble mission by taking control away from entities designed to profit from our sickness. https://www.takingplayseriously.com
She is an Associate Professor in the School of Theatre, Film & Television and an Interim Associate Dean in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Arizona. For her films she has been awarded an AIR Resilience Grant, a RII Research Production Grant, a Confluence Center Innovation & Collaboration Grant, and two Hanson FilmTV production grants from the University of Arizona; an Emerging Artist Grant from the Contemporary Forum at the Phoenix Museum; the Roy W. Dean Grant; and an Arizona Commission on the Arts Visual Fellowship. She is also a 2023-24 Udall Center Fellow. Yuri received a M.F.A. from New York University in Filmmaking and a B.A. with Highest Honors in Film Studies and in German Studies at UC Santa Barbara.
 The Nature Girl is a story of a brave and courageous young Girl, abandoned by her parents at an early age, who ends up living on the streets in urban chaos. Her spirit is tested as she saves lost and injured animals with acts of heartfelt kindness to brazen rescues. She risks it all to save those that may be harmed. The Nature Girl is a story of purpose, compassion and a deep connection to the sacredness of Nature and its fragile animal life during a time of climate crisis.
This film was created in collaboration with passionate industry filmmakers in Northern California and in the UK. One of the Co-directors, Paul Charisse, has created Visual Effects on a variety of films over the past 10 years including the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Stardust and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Co-writer Donna Laemmlen is an award-winning screenwriter, whose most recent collaboration, Tabula Rasa, won Best Dramatic Feature at the Big Apple Film Festival in NYC and the Audience Award at the Cinequest Film Festival in Silicon Valley. The film also features the impactful song from Kate Bush, ‘A Woman’s Work’. https://www.abluerain.com  When life gives you Lemon, sometimes that's all you need. Beatrice and Raff are lost - one in grief and the other in questioning his worth. Lemon has the least to live for and perhaps the most to give.  Director James Freemantle James Freemantle’s known for his exuberant TV presenting circa 1998 - 2007 when he wrote, produced and presented over 300 stories for Australian television - on Coxy's Big Break, Postcards, Talk to the Animals and Bread. Based in Moscow during 2007/08 James was an international anchor for controversial TV News channel RT, broadcasting globally. He presented Medifacts for Buchanan Group for 8 years, wrote and presented stories about Australian agriculture for MLA’s Feedback TV and has worked as an actor on Stingers, Secret Life of Us, Wog Boy, Neighbours and numerous short films and TVCs. https://www.jamesfreemantle.com
Director Statement We hand-reared a lamb who was born ‘not quite right’ – a second twin whose Mum rejected him - a bit of a lemon, and that’s what we called him. Eastern Australia had been inundated with floods two years in a row, bringing hardship and loss. Tony Dean and I were producing training films for a client and wanted to make a short to exercise our creative instincts. Russ - an English actor and Tony’s brother - was in town and we were intrigued by the work of Sarajevo-born Milijana Cancar, who came to Australia as a refugee during the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1994. Mili, Russ and I created the characters Raff and Beatrice, and co-developed the script, with the little farm on Dja Dja Wurrung country in central Victoria I share with my family as our location. We filmed in two and a half days with two actors, a lamb and a less-than-skeleton crew of three, then took a year to put it together in our spare time. It’s entered into festivals world-wide, accepted into 4 so far (in Montreal, Cambridge, Gympie and San Antonio!) and we’re looking forward to our premiere screening at the Heart of Gold festival in Qld, Australia. So far we can only offer you the teaser, but hope you love it as much as we loved the work of this talented lamb!  The German Daniel Weigend has been living with his wolf packs in the mountains of Andalusia for over 25 years. His research not only provides new insights into the behavior of dogs and wolves, but also reveals surprising findings about our current social situation.  Director Biography Tilo Wondollek, born 1964 in Stuttgart, studied graphic design in Munich and developed international marketing and design strategies for over 20 years. At the same time, he organized congresses on the topic of awareness development in business. In addition to his commercial work for companies, he has been devoting himself increasingly to documentary film production in the areas of camera, editing, directing and production since 2014. His first release "Egg-volution", which he produced exclusively in-house, took part at several international film festivals successfully.
Director Statement When I heard about a German who lives in seclusion with his wolves on a huge estate in Andalusia, my curiosity was piqued. In my encounter with Daniel and his wolves, “Wolfman” is less about the animals and more about the unusual world view of a man who critically scrutinizes the development of our society based on his intensive research and observations. The result is a short film that raises important questions and makes us think.  Filmmaker Asgeir Helgestad documents the state of nature at his home country Norway, where he has photographed all his life. From the lives of bees at his farm, to wild reindeer on the high mountains, and puffins at the ocean’s edge, he shows the beauty of threatened nature and tracks down human actions responsible for its decline. This is a personal story on our connection with the non-human world, the relations between the small and the big, and a reminder of nature’s strength and vulnerability.  Director Asgeir Helgestad Asgeir Helgestad is an award-winning director, cinematographer, writer and producer from Norway. He has over thirty years of experience with documentary and photo. Nature has always been his greatest love and inspiration and his work reflects deep passion and empathy for his subjects. His recent documentary, Queen without Land (2018), has been shown in more than fifty festivals, received over thirty international awards, and reached audiences worldwide. His stills photography has been awarded at the biggest wildlife photo competitions such as Wildlife Photographer of the Year. The first book he authored and photographed, Dyr i skogen / Animals in the Forest (2001), received the Norwegian Ministry of Culture debutante prize. Asgeir established the independent film production company Artic Light in 2006 with focus on giving a voice to nature and those creatures that otherwise are not as visible in the public space. He is member of The Norwegian Society of Cinematographers and Norske Naturfografer. https://www.articlight.com
Director Statement his film is my tribute to nature in Norway and a cry for its loss. Through an emotional and gripping exploration of nature’s diversity and interconnectedness, my vision is to elicit respect and love. I want to awaken us to what we are about to lose. My camera moves from the invisible microlevel to the majestic, open landscapes with a rhythm that is both mesmerizing and meditative. I know how to capture a perfect image, but it feels insincere when my heart is filled with sorrow for nature´s decline. My aim is to take the viewers on an experiential journey of joy, loss, pain, and hope that can be felt with our body and mind. The film’s music and soundscapes embrace these emotional contrasts. To achieve this aim, I focus on three main actors – puffins, wild reindeer, and bees – in their respective ecosystems, and follow closely their lives and challenges. Their intimate portraits encourage empathy and compassion and are imperceptibly connected with my own perspective. What I communicate is passion and curiosity together with indignation, and urgency. As the sixth mass extinction of species on earth marches on at an accelerating rate, we need to regain our deep connection to nature. With this film I want to communicate one of the most important issues of our times for us humans and for all those we share this planet with. |
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