JOHN PAULSON is a veteran producer and executive producer of PBS documentaries and music specials.
In the sweltering heat of North Carolina’s summers, Sarah spent her childhood days rescuing injured wildlife found in her quaint wooded backyard, volunteering at local farms, and camping amongst twinkling fireflies. Once she discovered the power of filmmaking, she went on to earn her BFA in Filmmaking with a concentration in cinematography from UNCSA, an introductory certification in wildlife rehabilitation and recently interned as a Visual Information Specialist at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in northern Maine. Currently pursuing an MFA in Film and Media Production at American University, Sarah aims to continue her cinematography journey by camera operating for environmental documentaries about wildlife and conservation.
Lily is a science communicator and visual storyteller passionate about combining compelling visuals with powerful stories to promote conservation and sustainability. Lily started her career in science communication after receiving an MEM in Coastal Environmental Management, but is currently following her passion for documentary storytelling by pursuing an MA in Film and Media Production at American University. Through her combination of education and passion, she hopes to bring a unique voice to the conservation storytelling sphere to promote community-based action.
A small-town Tennessee native now based in DC, Torie has nearly a decade of experience in communicating on public policy issues. She is currently pursuing an MA in Film and Media Production at American University. As a filmmaker, she hopes to develop storytelling projects that can educate others on critical social issues and inspire tolerance towards people that deviate from the “norm.”
Charles Connell, born and raised in Michigan, began his current journey with a film studies academic minor at Michigan State University, and committed to his passion by enrolling at American University as a Film & Media Arts MFA candidate with a concentration in Environmental and Wildlife Filmmaking. Combining his love of the outdoors, fascination with the animal kingdom, knack for post-production, and an ever-present positive attitude, Charles looks to create fresh and unique documentary films that can educate, entertain, and bring about impactful change.
Lee Green is an award winning filmmaker with over 5 years of experience on features and shorts alike, she currently is an MFA candidate at American University with a concentration in Environmental Documentary Filmmaking. Originally from Enfield, Connecticut she grew up on her family’s blueberry farm and now works to center sustainable agriculture and environmental justice in her work.
Adam was originally born in Los Anglese California, but grew up and spent most of his life in SIlver Spring Maryland. He received his bachelor’s degree in Film studies at the University of Maryland College Park. He is continuing his education in Film and Media Production at American University (’24). He is passionate about documentary storytelling and providing a platform to showcase the diversity of human experiences.
McKenzie is an aspiring editor/documentary filmmaker seeking a graduate degree from American University in Film and Media Production. She hopes to create work in the realm of mental health and social impact with overarching themes of compassion, empathy, and unity.
Maxim was born in Shanghai, China, a media creator passionate about storytelling through music, film, and photography with a Bachelor’s in Film and Media Arts and currently pursuing a Master’s in Film and Media Production at American University.
Andrew is an aspiring editor from Sonoma, California currently seeking his bachelor’s degree from American University in Film & Media Arts and Literature. Growing up in an area that is frequently devastated by wildfires, Andrew came to DC in hopes to learn skills and strategies to positively impact conversation and legislation surrounding environmental and infrastructure issues.
