Stories of TRUST: Calling for Climate Recovery
Stories of TRUST: Calling for Climate Recovery
Stories of TRUST is an award-winning 10-part series about a perfect trifecta. The Public Trust Doctrine is a legal doctrine that traces back to Roman times and holds governments accountable to protect the resources we all share in common and depend upon for our very survival. The principle of inter-generational justice is enshrined in international human rights law and simply put, it means that the adults can't have a party on the planet and leave it a mess for our kids. Combine the Public Trust Doctrine with the principles of inter-generational justice and passionate youth who are fighting for their future in both the courts and on the streets, and we have the perfect trifecta. Why? Because youth across the country are bringing legal actions - based on trust - against the federal and state governments so we will all open our eyes and protect our atmosphere and our futures with smart strategies rooted in science
TRUST 350
Co-Director, Editor, Graphics
Stories of TRUST: Calling for Climate Recovery is a 10-part, award-winning, documentary series that tells the stories of 9 brave youth, who are currently adversely affected by climate change. This compilation piece - TRUST 350 - features the 9 youth profiled in the TRUST film series, who represent thousands of youth from across the country. These youth have come together to file legal actions against the federal and 50 state governments to compel our leaders to design and implement real climate-recovery plans. The personal stories of struggle and hope enlighten us to the real and present dangers of climate change, as well inspire us to join these daring youth on their quest to compel our governments to protect our atmosphere by holding it in trust for us and for future generations.
Stories of TRUST: Calling for Climate Recovery
Co-Director, Graphics, Editor
Climate change is one of the most pressing human rights issue of our times. Our youngest generations understand that their futures are at stake. Across the U.S., youth are taking legal action against all 50 states and the federal government for our leader's collective failure to protect the atmosphere for current and future generations. Their legal actions are based on our government's obligation to protect the resources we all share and depend upon for life -- our air and water. From the fires in the Rocky Mountains, to the droughts that ravaged the Midwest, to Hurricane Sandy, the effects of climate change are evident and urgent. We are inspired daily in our work with these youth activists. We hope you will be equally inspired and share these stories of TRUST with your communities. ourchildrenstrust.org
TRUST Alaska
Co-Director, Camera, Co-Editor
Meet Nelson Kanuk, a 17-year old who learned how climate change was affecting his community and felt he could best help by sharing his story. In this 8-minute film, Nelson explains that the main problem facing the northern parts of the world is that winter is coming later and later. This results in increased erosion due to permafrost melt, increased flooding due to warmer temperatures, and intensified storms because the sea ice forms later in the season and is unable to provide a natural barrier for our coastal communities. This, in turn, leads in the loss of homes, communities, cultures, and a way of life.
TRUST Oregon
Co-Director, Camera, Editor
TRUST Oregon features Kelsey Cascadia Rose Juliana, a 16-year-old from Eugene, who is passionate about preserving this beautiful Earth. Kelsey's identity is directly tied to the various elements of Oregon's biodiversity. She was born in a 1-room cabin in Fall Creek amidst the old-growth trees of the Cascades. She was named after Kelsey Creek - a crystal-clear river that flows out of an ancient forest grove, and Rose signifies the wild rose that grew abundantly near the cabin where she was born. Kelsey knows that she is not old enough to vote, but she has also learned that she can raise her voice by speaking out. Although it shouldn't be the responsibility of her generation to take on the burden of learning how to adapt in the face of global climate change, Kelsey knows that Mother Earth does not have the time to wait for politicians to debate about whether climate change will affect our future.
TRUST Colorado
Co-Director, Camera, Editor
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is an 11-year-old boy from Boulder, Colorado. In this next film from the TRUST series, Xiuhtezcatl shares his story about why he joined youth from across the country to ask the courts to hear their lawsuit, Alec L., et al., v. Lisa P. Jackson, et al., which is based on one of the most fundamental principles of civilized society: TRUST. Xiuhtezcatl is asking that our atmosphere be protected, because he loves playing in Colorado’s mountains, forests, lakes, and streams and fears that the resources he most enjoys will not be there for his generation if we continue emitting carbon at current rates. Xiuhtezcatl shares, “The proof of climate change is everywhere I look. In my lifetime, the amount of forest killed by pine beetles has expanded. The number of acres burned has intensified. My generation is losing our forests. We are losing our homes. It’s not too late to ensure my generation has a livable future. But we need to listen to the science and act now.” Over a century ago, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized that our federal government has an absolute legal duty to protect our essential common natural resources – such as our air and our water - for present and future generations of Americans. Our youth are simply asking our third branch of government to compel our legislative and executive branches to do their jobs.
TRUST Arizona
Co-Editor
Jaime Lynn Butler is an 11-year old Navajo Artist from Northern Arizona. Follow her story as she tells about the ways climate change is affecting her and her family, and her fight to be heard. Watch and share Jaime's story, help us spread the word!
TRUST Montana
Co-Director, Editor, Additional Camera
Meet John Thiebes, a 23-year old beginning farmer has set out to change the agricultural practices on a worn-out patch of prairie in the agricultural heart of Montana.
A Climate of TRUST
Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor
In May 2011, a hatch of unprecedented legal actions took place across the United States - youth from around the country were taking their governments to court for failure to protect their atmosphere for future generations. The basis of their legal actions was the Public Trust Doctrine. "A Climate of TRUST" is a story about the scientists who developed the scientific prescriptions needed for a climate recovery plan, the attorney who figured out how to apply the Public Trust Doctrine to the atmosphere, and one of the attorneys who is supporting these youth in court.
In order to preserve and restore our atmosphere, we need to return atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to 350 ppm, and in order to do that, we need massive reforestation and climate recovery plans. We need it NOW!
TRUST: The Climate Kids
Producer, Director, Co-Cinematographer, Editor
In 2014, a group of kids from Eugene, Oregon decided that they wanted to be the first city in the country to pass a Climate Recovery Ordinance that would commit their city to carbon neutrality. Through hard work and dedication, these kids were successful. Hopefully their work can inspire communities across the country to take similar action.
Non-Profit Organizations
Barrelmaker Productions is proud to support the incredible work that many conservation and environmental groups are engaged in. Our goals are similar, and through the use of storytelling and visuals, we are able to help them engage an audience in supporting their work and their cause.
Non-Profit Organizations
Barrelmaker Productions is proud to support the incredible work that many conservation and environmental groups are engaged in. Our goals are similar, and through the use of storytelling and visuals, we are able to help them engage an audience in supporting their work and their cause.
Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center
Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor
Harlequin Ducks are an iconic species in Glacier National Park. Because they live on small glacier-fed rivers and streams within the park, and because they are quite shy and elusive, few people ever see them. Increased traffic to the park and subsequent road construction disturbs these typically quiet creatures; however, the impacts of climate change are an even greater threat. Get to know some of the scientists and the research that is being done on behalf of these gentle Lords and Ladies.
Center for American Progress
Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor
For years, Melissa Nootz lived in Anaconda, Montana, a Superfund site. During that time she had two miscarriages and a daughter who tested with high levels of lead in her blood. She has always wondered - were they connected to the legacy of industrial pollution near her town? We need a strong Environmental Protection Agency to ensure millions of Americans have clean air, water and health.
Western Environmental Law Center
Producer, Director, Graphics (together with Andy Adkins, Distill Productions)
A video commemorating WELC's 20 years (1993-2013) of utilizing the power of law to protect the American West's clean water, breathable air, verdant forests, majestic landscapes, iconic wildlife, and to promote a clean energy future in the West. What started as a law clinic at the University of Oregon School of Law is now a thriving non-profit law firm with offices across the West. We look forward to the next 20 years of taking on powerful interests to safeguard our climate and to preserve the natural heritage of the American West.
Adventurers & Scientists for Conservation
Producer, Director, Camera, Editor
Grizzly bears have been under serious pressure in the last few years. Changes in climate and habitat have reduced important food sources and the bears have begun to look for new locations with enough resources to survive long winters. Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation (ASC) has brought nearly 50 military veterans and community members from as far as California and New York to Montana's Tobacco Root Mountains on a search for grizzly bears, successfully collecting more than two dozen samples that have been sent to the lab for DNA testing. ASC outings expose participants to a new side of wilderness exploration, which will give their future outdoor endeavors a greater purpose. For more information, please visit: www.adventureandscience.org www.sierraclub.org/missionoutdoors
The Trust for Public Land
Producer, Director, Camera, Editor
The iconic Story Mill, a former flour production site with a towering grain elevator, is a Bozeman landmark just two miles from downtown. Developers once planned to turn the 60 acres surrounding the century-old mill complex into a neighborhood and business area, but financial problems sidelined the project. Since then the site—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—has been neglected and vandalized. The Trust for Public Land and our partners are bringing together neighbors, designers, park planners, and community groups to propose ways to transform this historic landmark into a unique city park for hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring local history. A park would also be a sanctuary for local wildlife, providing a unique opportunity for viewing native and migratory birds-including Rocky Mountain sandhill cranes-in the largest restored wetland within the city limits. Other ideas include an affordable housing option as part of a mixed-income neighborhood connected to the new park. We engaged neighbors, designers, park planners, and local groups with an online opinion poll and invited them to public design workshops to create a shared vision for this unique green space. In February 2013, over 140 people came to the Emerson Cultural Center to share their ideas and discuss the future of the Story Mill site. Read more at: http://www.tpl.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/montana/story-mill.html
The Trust for Public Land
Producer, Director, Camera, Editor
In Montana's spectacular Madison Valley, The Trust for Public Land and partners have worked hard to protect and restore critical wetland habitat. The effort is paying off: this summer saw the release of five rare trumpeter swans at O'Dell Creek. Wildlife experts, neighbors, and friends all gathered to share the special moment—and you can, too! Watch these beautiful birds make their first forays into the wild in this short film Special thanks to the Laszlo family and Tom Hinz, Wetlands Restoration expert, for inviting The Trust for Public Land to be a part of this special and monumental day for the O'Dell Creek restoration.
The Trust for Public Land
Producer, Director, Camera, Editor
This 120-acre property within the boundaries of Glacier National Park has a colorful history. It was originally homesteaded by Dan Doody in the late 1800s. Doody was a prospector, outfitter, and one of Glacier National Park's first rangers, but was later fired for excessive poaching of the park's wildlife. His wife Josephine purportedly killed a man, became a dance hall girl, got addicted to opium, and was kidnapped and brought to this remote property by a love-struck Dan trying to dry her out. Josephine would become a successful moonshiner whose product was so well-known that passing trains on the Great Northern Railroad would stop and blow their whistles to signal the number of quarts the engineers wanted delivered. Their homestead is a popular stop with rafters along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River due to its unique history and the recreational access it provides. The land is home to many wildlife species including mountain lion, grizzly and black bear, moose, deer, and bald eagle. The Trust for Public Land purchased the land and transferred it to the National Park Service in July 2012, permanently protecting this colorful chapter in Glacier National Park’s history. Funding and support for the project came from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the National Park Trust.
Producer, Director, Camera
American Renewable Energy Day, or AREDAY, celebrated it's 2010 event this summer in Aspen, CO bringing together leaders from around the world to discuss our transition to a green economy in the face of global climate change. ColorBURN Productions and New Eye Media were at the event and interviewed nearly 40 of these world leaders. This short piece shows just a glimpse of the many hours of captivating discussions with people like James Cameron, Ted Turner, Lester Brown, and Sylvia Earle
American Rivers
Camera
Mary Ellen Mangus is fighting to preserve the wild and scenic aspects of the East Rosebud Creek. She grew up in this valley with a grandfather who made his beginnings here. She intends to pass it on to her children and grandchildren.
American Rivers
Camera
Clint Branger is a 5th generation rancher from East Rosebud Creek. He wants his son to have the same opportunities that he had growing up, which means protecting the river from development and protecting it as a wild and scenic place.
Broadcast
Broadcast
Finding Traction (a film by Jaime Jacobsen)
Cinematographer
Finding Traction presents the inspirational story of ultra runner Nikki Kimball's quest to become the fastest person in history to run America's oldest hiking trail, Vermont's 273-mile Long Trail. Through Nikki’s incredible journey, racing towards a dream and against time, we gain a new perspective on what we all share in terms of endurance and the human spirit.
The hope and determination of modern-day American Indian life is revealed in this film about what it takes to win one of the most exciting and perilous forms of horseracing practiced anywhere in the world today. Featuring remarkable high-speed cinematography, INDIAN RELAY follows three teams from different American Indian communities as they prepare for and compete in a grueling Indian Relay season -- all hearts set on the glory and honor of winning an Indian Relay National Championship.
Executive Producer
Aaron Pruitt
Producer & Director
Charles Dye
Co-Producer
Darren Kipp
Cinematographers
Christi Cooper-Kuhn, Danny Schmidt, Dawson Dunning, Rick Smith, Russell Hawkins, Ian Johnson, Scott Sterling & Randy Wimberg
Advisory Board Chair
John Murray
Humanities Advisor
Dr. Walter Fleming
Field Producers/Sound
Jaime Jelenchick & Mike Suarez
Sound Recordists
Parker Brown, Devon Ritter
PA
Derrick Littlelight
Editors/Post-Production Management
Distill Productions
Katie Gilbertson, Andy Adkins
Writer
M.L. Smoker
POV Cams
Loren Croff
Anskii Deroche
Kalen Hammond
JonMarc Skunkcap
Additional Cameras
Marty Hall
Shaw Momberg
Sam Pannoni
Devon Riter
Sarah Smith
Associate Producer
Wayne Smith Jr.
Broadcast-hour commissioned through the NASA Astrobiology Institute. Distributed by PBS International 2013.
Co-directed by Danny Schmidt and Devon Riter
Produced by Danny Schmidt and Devon Riter
Executive Producers: John Peters, Jamie Cornish
Sound Recording/Mixing: Michael Suarez
Original Score: Logan Stahley
Cinematography: Danny Schmidt, Devon Riter, Christi Cooper-Kuhn
Original Title: Résurrection
Duration: 52΄
Producer: Thibaut Martin
Director: Thibaut Martin
Camera: Christi Cooper-Kuhn (Montana sequences)
Company: Gedeon Programmes
Year: 2012
Country: France
Imagine a living, breathing dinosaur, mammoth, or Neanderthal. This is the story of science's latest frontier. “Resurrection Science” is a global scientific investigation into DNA sequencing and bio-molecular cloning, to understand how scientists around the world are competing to be the first to rewrite the history of our planet and resurrect creatures from the past. Far from science fiction, three scientists have made it their mission to turn this dream into reality. From the labs of MIT to those of Kyoto, capabilities are here: it is no longer a matter of “if” but only a matter of “when”.
Gulf Stories
Gulf Stories
Produced by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Directed by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Camera: Christi Cooper
Sound: Devon Riter
Editing: Christi Cooper, Devon Riter, Danny Schmidt
The Sunrise People is about the subsistent lifestyle and the importance of shrimping in the Attakapa-Ishak culture. The Attakapa-Ishak are one of the oldest Native American tribes in the Gulf Region. Their home today is in Grand Bayou Village in Plaquemines Parish, LA. The BP Oil Disaster has greatly affected their lives – not only is shrimping their major source of income, but it is a major part of their culture, their heritage, and their food source. Join us for a small glimpse into the lives of the Philippe family, directly before the oil hit their shores. This story is far from over...
Produced by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Directed by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Camera: Christi Cooper
Sound: Devon Riter
Editing: Devon Riter
Rosina Philippe, a community leader and a member of the Atakapa-Ishak tribe, calls for honesty and reform from the government with regard to the BP drilling disaster. She insists that the local people and communities need to know the truth and should be involved in the solutions.
Produced by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Directed by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Camera: Christi Cooper
Sound: Devon Riter
Editing: Devon Riter
Danny Phillips, a shrimp fisherman from Grand Bayou Village, shares his concerns about the future of fishermen in the Gulf Coast region.
Produced by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Directed by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Camera: Christi Cooper
Sound: Devon Riter
Editing: Christi Cooper
Dr. Gina Solomon is a senior scientific advisor for the Natural Resources Defense Council. She and other scientists have volunteered their time to help with sampling oil-affected regions and educating local fishermen about the dangers of exposure to the oil.
Produced by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Directed by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Camera: Christi Cooper
Sound: Devon Riter
Editing: Christi Cooper
Dr. Earthea Nance is a scientist from the University of New Orleans, who has been involved in community outreach for local fishing communities. Together with Dr. Gina Solomon (NRDC), she has been measuring air and water quality in the Gulf Coast areas that have been affected by the BP oil drilling disaster.
Produced by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Directed by Christi Cooper, Devon Riter
Camera: Christi Cooper
Sound: Devon Riter
Editing: Devon Riter
Afterjust beginning to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Byron Encalad, an oyster fisherman from the bayou, shares his concerns about the effects of the BP drilling disaster on the local communities and fishing industry.
School Projects
School Projects
A Gift from the Creator
Produced and Directed by Christi Cooper
Camera: Christi Cooper, Ian Maddaus, Kate Webbink
Sound: Seth Ring, Megan Selheim
Editing: Christi Cooper
I Will Always Be With You - This short is based on freaky dreams of a friend; we attempted to relay the eeriness of the dreams into visuals.
Produced and Directed by: Christi Cooper and Jessica Hahn
Camera: Christi Cooper
Sound: Jessica Hahn
Editing: Christi Cooper and Jessica Hahn
Misc.
Misc.
Concert for a New Earth - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - June 23, 2012 Xiuhtezcatl & Itzcuauhtli Martinez perform "Live as if our Future Matters"
Camera: Christi Cooper, Malcom Carter, Eduardo Santella, Cassidy Rast, Zack Embree
Editing: Christi Cooper
Michelle Branch Live Million Dollar Cowboy Bar 2012 Video From:http://www.theboot.com/2012/04/02/michelle-branch-live-from-the-million-dollar-cowboy-bar/
Produced and Directed by Devon Riter
Camera: Christi Cooper, Jeff Reed, Roshan Patel, Devon Riter
Editing: Devon Riter