Films

Since around 2012, I have had the great honor and privilege of being in conversation with Indigenous People. Through these conversations I have learned about social injustice, racism, the power of storytelling, and the potential of partnerships to change the world. I have also learned a lot about my place in the society and the responsibility I feel I have to do something with the privileges I have (earned and unearned).

With the goal of engaging more people in the conversation, I produced three films about partnerships between Indigenous Tribes and land conservation organizations. My filmmaking partner is Plus M Productions.

Umunhum sweeps you off your feet and places you on top of a mountain that was not accessible to the public for over 60 years. The mountain is Mt Umunhum which stands 3,486 feet tall between San Jose, California and the Pacific Ocean. To restore the top of Mt Umunhum and open it to the public, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District collaborated with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band with an open mind and open arms. The results of this collaboration are deeply meaningful for those involved, and they are visually stunning for anyone who visits the peak of Mt Umunhum. This film will inspire you to think about the land under you and how you can contribute to its restoration and healing.

Film Festivals that included Umunhum include:

I produced two films while at the Bay Area Open Space Council about partnerships between Native American tribes and land conservation organizations.

In 2015, a group of 8 organizations worked together to return 688 acres to the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians. This film tells the story of how the Kashia Coastal Reserve came to be, and what it means for the Kashia. Weaving together conservation and culture, this story inspires us to be a part of the healing of land and people.

The film is made possible with support from The Christensen Fund.

Here and Now is a short film that tells the story of four innovative partnerships between Native Americans and land conservation organizations. This stirring film weaves together social justice, land conservation, human history, and scientific knowledge into a cohesive and moving story about what’s possible by working together.

Here and Now has been watched by over 25,000 people including at:

The film was produced by the Bay Area Open Space Council with support from The Christensen Fund, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, and The Trust for Public Land.