IWFF Shorts Block 1: Conservation Stories

The Blackfeet Nation sts off on an unprecedented path towards the cultural and spiritual renewal of their people by returning free-roaming buffalo to the reservation after decades of absence (“Where We Once Roamed”). The longtime visitors of an untamed stretch of beach in Texas have their right to beach access curtailed when SpaceX takes flight (“Boca Chica”). Members of the band Par Avion are passionate fly-fishers advocating for the protection of California’s endangered Steelhead trout (“Don’t Doubt the Trout”). These are just a few of the inspiring, pressing stories in the “Conservation Stories” shorts block.



Tule
Director: Jocelyn Estrella Garcia
Producer: Rie Peredo


Tule is a poetic 2D animated mixed media short film championing awareness and hope. A young Pomo girl's contemplations ring true with convictions shared by her community at Clear Lake, California. She revels in the local nature’s glory, but dread strikes when she faces today’s careless pollution damage that impedes cultural practices.


Where We Once Roamed
Directors: Madee Sabatier and Ruthie Weeks
Producer: Madee Sabatier

After re-releasing free-roaming buffalo to their native lands after centuries of absence, the Blackfeet Nation has set off on an unprecedented path towards cultural and spiritual renewal of their people, the land, and the buffalo species. Through Ethan Running Crane and Ervin Carlson’s eyes, we understand the hard work that each generation is undertaking to restore this sacred animal.


Boca Chica
Directors: Ai Vuong and Samuel Diaz Fernandez

Unrestricted access to beaches is a public right in Texas. But for the little known, magical, and untamed stretch of beach called Boca Chica, that right is curtailed when SpaceX takes flight. Boca Chica uncovers the mesmerizing beauty of this fragile coastline and the fight for free access for its longtime visitors.


Usugilix Awakun
Directors: Matt Mikkelsen and Palmer Morse
Producers: Kanesia Price and Shayla Shaishnikoff

In the waters off the remote island of Iluulux^ or so called Unalaska, Alaska, toxic algal blooms are increasingly infecting shellfish. After a community member dies from eating blue mussels, a staple cultural food, Unangax^ scientist Shayla is working to understand these deadly blooms to protect both current generations and those to come.


Balancing the Scales
Director and Producer: Nina Constable

A look at the intricate relationship between beavers and migratory fish, and the impact global beaver re-introductions might be having on fish populations.


Wet Meadow Restoration - The Nature Conservancy in Montana
Director: Jeremy Roberts
Producers: Jennifer Shoemaker and Sean Claffey

As part of the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership, the Nature Conservancy is using simple hacks to restore critical wet meadows out in the sagebrush sea.


Don't Doubt the Trout
Director: Isabela Zawistowska

Bernard and Rebecca of the band Par Avion are not your average surf rock musicians. They’re passionate fly fishing anglers and conservationists who are advocating for the protection of California’s endangered Steelhead trout.


Includes a live Q&A session with the filmmakers!